Two prisoners escape Townsville Correctional Centre farm on Christmas Day

Police are continuing their search for two prisoners who broke out of a Townsville jail on Christmas Day, with Corrective Services staying quiet on their investigation. UPDATED.

Police are continuing their search for two prisoners who broke out of a Townsville jail on Christmas Day, with Corrective Services unable to comment on their investigation.
Officers have been searching for the two women, Kristy Lisa Barnes and Pearl Elizabeth May O’Neill, after the pair absconded from the Townsville Correctional Centre on December 25.

It is understood the pair cut a fence with an implement before making their escape – and that an investigation into how the prisoners were able to obtain the instrument was to be conducted.

O’Neill is understood to be pregnant and on remand, while Barnes is reportedly serving a year and four month sentence for assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

When asked for comment as to the progress of the investigation into how the pair were able to abscond, a Queensland Corrective Services spokeswoman said she was unable to comment.

“As it will be subject to police investigation and potential criminal charges, we wouldn’t comment on progress,” the spokeswoman said.

Kristy Lisa Barnes

The community is warned not to approach the pair and, if sighted, are encouraged to contact police immediately on Triple-0.

Barnes

Height (cm) – 160

Weight (kg) – 50

Build – Light

Complexion – Dark

Eyes (Colour) – Brown

Hair (Colour) – Brown

Markings: Multiple tattoos on face, arms and hands.

Pearl Elizabeth May O’Neill

O’Neill

Height (cm) – 167

Weight (kg) – 83

Build – Medium

Complexion – Dark

Eyes (Colour) – Brown

Hair (Colour) – Magenta

Body markings: Multiple tattoos on arms, back and chest.

There have been multiple breakouts from the prison this year, including three who escaped with the help of someone on the outside.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24 hours per day at police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, via crimestoppersqld.gov.au 24 hours per day or by calling 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Two prisoners escape Townsville Correctional Centre farm on Christmas Day