Have you seen missing prisoner? (From Bournemouth Echo)

Have you seen missing prisoner?

5:19pm Monday 14th January 2013 in News

POLICE are warning the public not to approach a “dangerous” Poole man who was released from prison on Friday and has breached his licence conditions.

Lee Hogben was jailed for three years in February last year for stealing a refuse lorry and smashing into police cars during a 70-mile chase across Dorset.

The 29-year-old was sentenced to 12 months for aggravated vehicle taking, 21 months for dangerous driving and three months for driving while disqualified.

Dorchester Crown Court heard how, just days earlier while being questioned in connection with another matter, Hogben, of Egmont Road, Poole, had threatened to ram the next police car he saw.

After being taken from Poundbury Industrial Estate on December 11, 2011, the hook loader skip recycling vehicle was driven through Sherborne and Blandford before finally stopping on the way to Poole.

On several occasions the lorry rammed police cars, attempted to drive into them, straddled the road and went the wrong way around roundabouts during the hour-long pursuit.

Hogben is white, around 6ft tall, with a broad build and short cropped brown hair which is gelled in a side parting.

When last seen he was wearing a dark blue sports-type jacket, dark trousers and carrying a black sport bag.

Police believe he is in the Poole area and have urged the public to call 999 if they spot him.

Detective Inspector Neil Phillips said: “Officers are continuing to search for Lee Hogben and following positive lines of enquiry.

“We need to trace him urgently and I would encourage any member of the public to contact us immediately if they see him.”

One of Hogben’s licensing conditions was to reside in Somerset.

DI Phillips added: “He failed to attend this address and has subsequently been recalled to prison. Hogben should not be approached, under any circumstances, as he is considered dangerous.”

Anyone who sees Lee Hogben should dial 999 and anyone with information should phone 101.