A "DEPRAVED" criminal is on the run after fleeing prison.

Southampton-born Darren Hodgkinson absconded from open prison HMP Leyhill, in Tortworth, Gloucestershire, and police are concerned he may be trying to make a return to the city.

The 25 year old was last known to be serving time after he and two others subjected a young woman with learning difficulties to three days of sadistic physical and sexual torture.

On Saturday night, Hodgkinson did not return to his cell at the prison and now Avon and Somerset Constabulary are appealing for help from the public to locate him.

Hodgkinson, formerly of Macarthur Crescent, Harefield, was 18 year old when he was found guilty of two charges of causing the woman to engage in sex activity against her consent and one each of causing actual bodily harm and one of false imprisonment.

Following the three day trial in 2010, Hodgkinson was sentenced to a stretch behind bars along with his co-defendants.

Described as the “depraved” ringleader at the trial seven years ago, Hodgkinson was said to have had a string of previous offences, including holding a disabled young man against his will overnight, taunting and beating him so badly he was hospitalised with fractured ribs.

Judge Peter Ralls said at the time, Hodgkinson would have to serve at least four years before he was considered for parole.

The Daily Echo contacted the Ministry of Justice to confirm details about why he was behind bars and when he was due to return back to Leyhill, but a spokesperson said it did not comment on individual cases.

HMP Leyhill is a prison for adult male prisoners from the South West area who are deemed “low risk”.

The category D prison is for inmates that are reasonably trusted not to escape.

A spokesperson from Avon and Somerset Constabulary said: “Hodgkinson is from the Southampton area and we believe he may be trying to make his way back.

“The last known sighting of him was in Thornbury sometime after 7.30pm [on Saturday].

“It’s possible that he caught a bus into Bristol.”

If you see Hodgkinson call 999 immediately. If you have any information on his whereabouts, please call 101 and quote reference number 5217287248.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.