Draft:Jamie Cooper (prison escape)
Jamie Cooper | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1991 (age 33–34) Blackpool, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Known for | Escaping from a prison van on the M55 motorway in Lancashire |
| Criminal status | In custody |
| Criminal charge | Assaulting a police officer, criminal damage, escape from lawful custody |
Date apprehended | 22 March 2025 |
Jamie Cooper is a British man who gained national attention in March 2025 after escaping from a prisoner transport van on the M55 motorway in Lancashire, United Kingdom. His escape prompted a four-day manhunt and led to widespread media coverage. He was recaptured on 22 March 2025 in Blackburn.
Background
[edit]At the time of the incident, Cooper, 33, was in custody facing charges of assaulting a police officer and criminal damage. He was being transported to Lancaster Magistrates' Court by GEOAmey, a private company contracted to provide prisoner escort services in England and Wales.[1]
Escape
[edit]On 19 March 2025, the GEOAmey prison van transporting Cooper pulled over on the M55 motorway near junction 2, following reports of a medical emergency involving another prisoner. Cooper reportedly faked a medical issue of his own, then overpowered the security officers and fled across nearby fields.[2]
Manhunt
[edit]Lancashire Constabulary launched a public appeal, urging people not to approach Cooper and describing him as wearing a blue coat and jeans. CCTV footage was later released, showing Cooper walking in Preston and running across fields shortly after the escape.[3] Police focused their search on areas linked to Cooper, including Blackpool and Bolton.
Recapture
[edit]On 22 March 2025, Cooper was located in a vehicle that had traveled from Bolton and was stopped in Blackburn. He was arrested on suspicion of escape from lawful custody.[4]
Legal proceedings
[edit]Cooper appeared before Blackburn Magistrates' Court on 24 March 2025 in relation to the escape.[5] GEOAmey announced that it had launched a full internal investigation into the circumstances of the escape.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Blackpool prisoner who escaped from GEOAmey prison van on M55 near Preston faked medical emergency". Lancashire Evening Post. 19 March 2025. Retrieved 11 April 2025.
- ^ "Man escapes from prison van on M55 motorway in Lancashire". The Guardian. 19 March 2025. Retrieved 11 April 2025.
- ^ "Shocking moment escaped inmate runs across fields after faking emergency & fleeing prison van by 'overpowering' officers". The Sun. 20 March 2025. Retrieved 11 April 2025.
- ^ "Jamie Cooper: Missing prisoner who faked medical emergency, 'overpowered' van guards & escaped onto motorway is captured". The Sun. 22 March 2025. Retrieved 11 April 2025.
- ^ "Jamie Cooper to appear in court after four days on the run from M55 prison van escape". Blog Preston. 23 March 2025. Retrieved 11 April 2025.