Chopper Jail Break-out Foiled As Killer's Secret Message Codes Are Broken

Secret, encrypted messages that would have done justice to secret agent 007 have been uncovered in a murderer's foiled jail break.

Brian Lawrence, who was convicted of killing a friend of his ex-lover and hiring a hitman to kill two others, hoped to use the Isle of Wight Festival as cover after from Parkhurst prison on the island.

In letters to accomplices he drew maps and gave encrypted instructions for his plan to bring a helicopter into a part of the prison grounds not protected by nets.

The 67-year-old communicated with his accomplices using lemon juice as invisible ink and codes hidden in sudoku puzzles.

His aim was to reach Spain and go into hiding there, but the 'game was up' when prison officers spotted the phrase "more heat, less light" in one of his letters.

They then found the invisible messages, which can be seen when the paper is heated from underneath.

He intended to fund the escape plan using the sale of a quarry in Newbury, Berkshire, worth £500,000.

The Ministry of Justice has revealed how Lawrence - who is serving life - was rumbled.

Barry Greenberry, Governor of HMP Isle of Wight, said: "I am delighted at the way our security team and Hampshire Constabulary have foiled a possible escape attempt.

"I am very proud of the operations team at HMP Isle of Wight who diligently pieced together intelligence to stop a security breach.

"This is exactly the sort of excellent public service that the police and prison service provide to protect the public and reduce reoffending."

(BMcC/GK)