AN ARMED robber jailed for 10 years for a post office raid is on the run from an open prison.
Sacha Markovic failed to return to Sudbury Prison, near Uttoxeter, on Saturday after being granted temporary leave.
Police today urged the public not to approach Markovic as a nationwide manhunt was launched to catch him.
Markovic, of Plough Street, Northwood, was handed his 10-year sentence in 2005 after threatening staff and customers at Fenton Post Office with a shotgun before escaping with £500.
Now the postmistress whose branch was raided has spoken of her horror that Markovic is no longer in prison.
Kym Ledgar, aged 54, said: "I'm shocked and hugely concerned that Markovic is out there. He was a dangerous man then and I don't think prison will have softened him.
"I'm amazed Markovic was at an open prison at all. I hope he's caught immediately and put back behind bars where he belongs.
"He has never shown any remorse for what he did so hopefully he will be forced to serve the remainder of his sentence with no early release."
Mother-of-four Mrs Ledgar was working with husband, Barry, when Markovic burst into the post office with a shotgun, grabbed a customer and put the gun to his head shouting "give me the money".
Former soldier Mr Ledgar, aged 63, grabbed the barrel of the gun with one hand and Markovic's collar with the other, but was told his head would be "blown off" if he did not let go.
Despite the threats Mr Ledgar kept hold of the gun and was kicked in the chest. He suffered a broken rib before Markovic fled with £500.
Mr Ledgar was later presented with a national police bravery award by the Association of Chief Police Officers after challenging Markovic.
Mrs Ledgar said: "The robbery took two minutes, but it's left a lifetime of scars. Three months after the robbery my husband had to have major heart surgery and the surgeon said what happened could be to blame.
"Only last month someone rushed into the post office in a hurry, and the noise of them bursting in brought it all back.
"And a few months ago someone came in dressed all in black wearing a crash helmet. I asked them to take it off and told them about the robbery and I burst into tears."
Markovic, who is also known as Sacha Waring, is black, 5ft 10in tall and of medium build. He has short black hair, brown eyes and several scars and tattoos. He has previously lived in Burslem.
Sudbury Prison, on the Staffordshire-Derbyshire border, has 581 inmates.
Latest figures show 18 inmates absconded between April and September 2010.
A Derbyshire Police spokesman said: "We urge the public to call police immediately if they see Markovic."
