Members of the public are being warned not to approach Albert Edward Stanley who was given a life sentence in 1980 for the murder of Worthing 22-year-old Johanna Harriman.

The 63-year-old failed to return to HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire following a period of home leave in Guildford, Surrey.

It is believed the former Worthing labourer may be in the county where he still has links.

He is described as white, 5ft 9ins tall and weighs around 12 stone 5lb. He has a scar to his left eye and left cheek and a tattoo of a scroll on his right upper arm.

A police spokesman said: “He was last seen yesterday morning wearing blue jeans and a navy jacket with tan lace-up shoes, however, he may have since changed into different clothing.

"He is known to have links with Surrey and Sussex.

"Anyone spotting Albert Stanley should not approach him but call the police on 999."

He was transferred to Leyhill, which is an open prison, in 2013.

Back in October 1980, Stanley was jailed at Lewes Crown Court for the murder of audio typist Johanna Harriman.

He had met the 22-year-old in Worthing’s North Star pub only hours before her death.

They had drinks together and kissed before the pair were seen walking towards St Andrews churchyard in West Tarring.

His murder trial heard that shortly after they had gone off together neighbours heard screams coming from the graveyard.

Miss Harriman’s body, naked from the waist down, was found five days later, hidden under leaves The jury was told she had been mercilessly beaten to death and that her injuries were consistent with numerous violent blows.

Her under clothing was found scattered over a large area.

Stanley, who denied the murder at trial, later sold a watch, ring and lighter belonging to his victim