The Christmas escape from the Cocke County Jail Annex in Newport, Tennessee was short-lived as the sixth inmate was recaptured on 28 December.

The local sheriff’s office said the escape was made possible by a water leak behind the toilet, which led to the bolts rusting. The concrete behind the toilet was damaged due to plumbing repairs.

In a statement, the sheriff said: “I hope our court system makes an example out of these six individuals who all have criminal records with hopes that it will deter others from committing the act of escape.

“The Cocke County Sheriff’s Office has criminally charged four other individuals who assisted these escapees in various ways while on the run. We will continue to seek out any person who assisted these escapees in any way and will criminally prosecute them.”