by Helen Fairley

An MP is calling on the Home Secretary for an explanation after murderer Jane Andrews absconded from an open prison.

Jane Andrews, 42, disappeared from East Sutton Park Prison near Maidstone on Sunday night - just four days after being moved to the jail.

The murderer was captured by police in the early hours of Wednesday morning at The Premier Inn at The Maidstone Services on junction 8 of the M20.

A spokesman for Premier Inn said: “Premier Inn can confirm that the matter is now in the hands of the police and we are co-operating fully with their investigation.”

After extensive police searches and inquiries, officers found her at the hotel with three people who are known to her.

A spokesman for Kent police said: “We can confirm officers attended the Premier Inn at the M20, junction 8, motorway services shortly after 3am today.

“Jane Andrews was found in a room at the hotel and was in the company of three people who are known to her.

“Miss Andrews was arrested for absconding from East Sutton prison and taken into custody. The three people she was were not arrested but have all been spoken to by police officers.”

The spokesman added: “Kent police are now continuing their investigation which will include working with the Crown Prosecution Service to determine if criminal charges will be brought.”

Ass Chief Constable Andy Adams said police believe that Andrews had been sleeping rough since her escape from jail and had only checked into the hotel a few hours before she was caught.

He added: "She has been medically checked and her care and future detention has now been handed back to the prison service

"We realise many people would have had concerns about the case especially while Miss Andrews was missing and we wish to acknowledge people’s patience and assistance while we carried out the search. Once again we would like to thanks those who worked with us including the staff at the hotel where she was found.”

Mid Kent MP Hugh Robertson challenged the Home Secretary to explain why Jane Andrews was placed in HMP East Sutton, an open prison, so soon after her conviction for murder.

He said: “I want to congratulate Kent Police on catching Jane Andrews so quickly. However, many of my constituents are asking why a convicted murderer was placed in an open prison so early in her sentence – and I want The Home Secretary to provide an explanation.”

Did you see police arrest Andrews? Ring our newsdesk on 01622 695666 or email messengernews@thekmgroup.co.uk