A convict who went on the run after being sprung from a prison van in an armed ambush has been sentenced in his absence.

Ryan MacDonald, 20, and Stevie McMullen, 31, were being taken to court when they were freed in Salford on Tuesday by three masked men, two armed with guns, who attacked the prison transport vehicle.

Police have offered a £10,000 reward for any information leading to the capture of both men.

MacDonald was due to be sentenced for conspiracy to commit robbery and aggravated vehicle taking when he escaped. His delayed hearing was held yesterday at Manchester Crown Court as he was given seven years and 10 months.

The defendant, from Salford, had pleaded guilty to the offences at an earlier hearing.

McMullen was on trial having been charged with conspiracy to kidnap, conspiracy to rob, and conspiracy to commit arson.