By Steven Bell, Jenna Cairney and Graham Brown

PRESSURE CONTINUED to mount on the Scottish Prison Service last night as it emerged another man had absconded from an open prison in Tayside, bringing this week’s total to three.

Tayside Police are hunting for violent criminal John Cartledge and “despicable” bogus caller Dennis Smyth, who went on the run from under-fire open prison Castle Huntly, near Dundee.

It was announced yesterday that 28-year-old Simon Lister has also absconded from Noranside, near Forfar.

The Scottish Prison Service is already facing political scrutiny over its selection criteria and regime at Tayside’s two open prisons following the case of absconder rapist Robert Foye.

Earlier this year ministers told the prison service that it would no longer be acceptable for prison chiefs to send criminals to open prisons if they have gone on the run in the past.

However, it emerged yesterday that one of the men on the run, John Cartledge, had previously admitted absconding from Castle Huntly in the summer of 2006.

Cartledge appeared at Edinburgh High Court in 2004 charged with assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement and to the danger of life.

He pled guilty and was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment. After serving time in closed conditions at Barlinnie he was transferred to open conditions at Castle Huntly.

A Tayside Police spokes- person said yesterday, “He was granted a short period of home leave but failed to return to the prison on Wednesday.”

Cartledge is described as around 5ft 8in, with blue eyes and short, fair hair. He has two scars on his left arm, a blemish on his left hand and right side of his face, and a large scar on the left side of his nose.

The 41-year-old has friends and family in the Glasgow area.

Police are also seeking 39-year-old Smyth, who similarly failed to return on Wednesday after being granted a period of home leave.

Smyth appeared at Glasgow High Court in February 2006 on a string of charges and was sentenced to six years and eight months.

The serial offender, described by police at the time as a “despicable individual,” posed as a plumber and ransacked pensioners’ homes while they ran taps. His oldest victim was 94.

He initially served time at Barlinnie before being transferred to Castle Huntly in March.

Smyth is described as being 5ft 7in, with short, brown hair, blue eyes and has his left ear pierced.

He has a number of tattoos—an ace of spades on his right arm, dots on the knuckles of his right hand, the lettering CFC on his left arm, a Celtic logo design on his right arm, an ace of hearts design on his left arm, and the name Kerri on his left arm.

Simon Lister had been due to return to Noranside from a week-long period of home leave which ended on Wednesday.

Lister was jailed for seven years at Edinburgh High Court in August 2004 on charges including assaults and robberies.

He was sent to Shotts Prison before being transferred to Noranside in March last year.

“On July 9 he was granted a period of home leave but failed to return to the prison on July 16,” said a police spokesperson yesterday.

Lister, who hails from Penicuik, south of Edinburgh, is described as being 5ft 8in, of slim build with blue eyes and fair hair.

A Scottish Prison Service spokesperson said, “The Scottish Prison Service places great importance on prisoners being afforded opportunities to prepare for release.

“Following risk assessments, it is regrettable that some prisoners do not take full advantage of the opportunities afforded to them.”

“However, we remain committed to the value of the open estate.”

Anyone who has seen any of the absconders, or who knows their whereabouts, should get in touch with police immediately on 0845 600 5705 or speak to any police officer.

Information can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.