Safety fears for disturbed arsonist on the run for three nights
A serial Derby arsonist who targeted schools and churches has spent his third night on the run after he absconded from a secure mental hospital on New Year’s Eve. Johnny Brady, who is mentally ill and should not be approached, was living in St Andrew’s Healthcare facility, in Northampton, where he was serving a hospital order following convictions for serious arson offences. Derbyshire Live understands that Brady managed to escape through a broken gate at the secure unit and that an investigation is under way into how he and, a few hours later, a convicted sex criminal, could escape the psychiatric treatment centre.
These questions have been put to St Andrew’s Healthcare facility. In response, a spokesperson said: “We are supporting the police with their investigation into finding Johnny Brady. We are urging him to return to us as soon as possible so he can continue his treatment.
Due to patient confidentiality we are unable to provide any further details at this stage.” READ MORE: Arson attacks reported after disturbed teen escapes from hospital Convicted sex criminal Nicholas Courtney was recaptured within 24 hours of his escape while Brady has managed to evade Northamptionshire police who are leading the investigation into his disappearance.
Since his escape, there have been reports of three arson attacks near the hospital which officers believe may be linked to Brady, with bags of rubbish being set alight overnight on December 31. Northamptonshire police have since confirmed that there have been no further reports of arson, and there have still been no confirmed sightings of Brady since he left St Andrew’s. Brady was reported missing from the Billing Road facility grounds at about 3.30pm on December 31.
The escapee was last seen wearing black Adidas tracksuit bottoms, a black hoodie, and black coloured trainers. He is described as white, about five feet and nine inches and of a slim build. Members of the public are urged not to approach Brady, but instead call 999 as a matter of urgency.
He is considered dangerous. On New Year’s Day, a Northamptonshire police spokesperson said: “We would like to appeal directly to Johnny to reassure him that he is not in trouble but to please return to St Andrew’s or make yourself known to the police. We need to make sure you are safe and receive the care that you need.”
At the time of his escape, Brady had been sent to St Andrew’s Healthcare facility indefinitely due to the high risk he poses to the public. He was put in the secure mental health unit despite shouting several times during his sentencing that he wished to be sent to jail. Brady destroyed a number of buildings between October and December 2020. His first crime was a burglary at Murray Park School in Mickleover on October 1, 2020.
Following this, the 19-year-old then burned down St Mary’s Catholic School, in Darley Abbey, on October 3, and Ravensdale Infant and Nursery School, in Mickleover, on October 4. Brady, of no fixed abode when he was sentenced on September 2, then set fire to the Orangery Cafe, in Markeaton Park, on October 6, and St Matthew’s Church, in Darley Abbey, on October 15. Following this, another arson attack took place atSt Paul’s Church, in Quarndon, between October 14 and 16, before All Saint’s Church in Mackworth was destroyed by a blaze on December 3, committed while Brady was on police bail.
Anyone with information on Brady’s whereabouts is urged to contact Northamptonshire police on 999, quoting incident number 275 of 31/12/22 . Members of the public are urged not to approach him. Want to get our biggest crime stories sent to your inbox?
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