Violent thug on the run after escaping mental health unit for SECOND time
A PARANOID schizophrenic jailed for savagely attacking a 92-year-old is on the run after escaping a mental health unit for the second time.
Police say “dangerous” Sanchez Edwards, 33, was on escorted leave on Sunday in East London when he was reported missing.
The escapee was wearing a navy puffer jacket, grey tracksuit trousers and white trainers when he disappeared in Hackney.
Police are pleading with the public not to approach Edwards and instead call 999 “immediately”.
The thug – who has a history of drug abuse – was sentenced to five years and eight months in March 2018 for attacking frail pensioner Gladys Scriven.
Shocking CCTV showed Edwards stalking recently-widowed Glady’s shortly after escaping his mental health unit in 2017.
She was out posting a letter on June 27 when Edwards pounced in an alleyway, dragging her along the pavement by her handbag before making off from the scene.
The 2.40pm attack, near her home in Hoxton, left Glady’s with “appalling” injuries, including several cracked ribs and bruising all over her body.
She never got her handbag or belongings back and was left too afraid to leave her house following the harrowing ordeal.
After his sentence, the judge imposed an order under the Mental Health Act that Edwards would remain in a hospital under the supervision of hospital staff.
A Met Police spokesman said: “Officers are appealing for information about the whereabouts of a man who absconded from a mental health facility in Hackney.
“Sanchez Edwards was on escorted leave on Sunday July 23 when he was reported missing.
“The 33-year-old was last seen at the junction of Wick Lane and Barnabas Road at approximately 12 noon.
“He has links to Hackney, Camden and Newham and is known to travel using public transport, particularly buses.
“Sanchez requires medical support and officers are concerned for his welfare.”