Evil killer John Bowden, 51, who in 1980, with two accomplices, lured park keeper Donald Ryan, aged 49, to a flat to rob him. While he was still alive they mutilated Mr Ryan using a handsaw, an electric carving knife and a machete. He was then beheaded. During the trial the judge, Mr Justice Mars-Jones, said: ‘There was never a more terrible case of murder than this one.’ Bowden was ordered to serve a minimum of 25 years in prison for the murder.
In 1992 he went on the run from Maidstone prison during a compassionate visit to his sick father. He also held a prison boss hostage for 29-hours in Parkhurst jail on the Isle of Wight.
When recaptured he was transferred to Scotland, where he was held at a number of jails before being transferred to Noranside an open prison in Angus in 2007.
Police said that Bowden was being tested in ‘open condition’ (WHY) when he failed to return to the prison on Thursday. He was last seen in Castle Street in the nearby town of Forfar.
This man was clearly dangerous and evil with no respect for human life. Why was he being tested in open conditions.

I would like to thank Mr Grant for bringing this to our notice and ITN and Orange News reports for providing greater detail.

By Paul Ross.