GWENT Police is appealing for information to locate 37 year old Damon Maynard who absconded from Prescoed Prison, Usk at approximately 11.30pm Monday night (22nd June).

Maynard (pictured) is described as being approximately five feet seven inches tall, of slim build with short dark hair.

He was last seen wearing dark trousers and a dark top and he was also wearing a dark baseball cap.

He pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and violent disorder at Merthyr Crown Court in May 2004 and was sentenced to life in prison. He is not a registered sex offender.

He has connections in the Pontypridd area and Gwent Police has activated its operational plan with the aim of locating him. The prison is co-operating fully with the force.

Around the time of Maynard absconding a black Vauxhall Astra and a red Ford Fiesta were seen in the area of the prison and officers are keen to speak to the drivers as they made hold vital information.

If anyone has seen Maynard or has information about his whereabouts they asked not to approach him but to ring 999 quoting log 605 22/06/15.