A CONVICTED killer is still missing 10 days after leaving a Gwent open prison.

Enquiries are ongoing to locate Christopher Woodward, who was described as a ‘danger to society’ when he was given a life sentence for killing his partner in Lincoln almost 15 years ago.

Gwent Police are appealing for information to help find the 44-year-old who absconded from HMP Prescoed near Usk shortly before 9am on Friday, January 17. Specialist search officers and the air support unit have been involved in the search for him.

Woodward was initially convicted of the murder of partner Jo-Ann Noble, 21, at Lincoln Crown Court in July 2000. In December 2001 he had the conviction reduced to manslaughter and was given a new life sentence by the Court of Appeal. At that time, Lord Justice Kennedy said Woodward was “a danger to society, especially women”.

A Gwent Police spokesman said: “There may be a potential risk to the public due to the fact that he is no longer in the custody of the prison service.”

Woodward is described as being white, 5ft 10 inches tall and of medium build. He was clean shaven but may now have stubble growth, short cropped brown hair and blue eyes. He was wearing blue jeans, blue shoes and a black bomber jacket.

If anyone sees him they are advised not to approach, but to call police on 101, quoting log 68 17/01/14.