A double killer who escaped from open prison for the second time has been arrested in Bolton. Darren Pilkington had been on the run since Wednesday after absconding from HMP Kirkham in Lancashire.
The 39-year-old was jailed for manslaughter in 2006 after he pushed his girlfriend Carly Fairhurst, 19, down the stairs during a late-night row at a house in Higher Ince, Wigan. He left her with critical injuries for 12 hours before calling an ambulance.
Carly never regained consciousness and died a week later. Pilkington was also jailed in 2001 aged 15 for beating to death Paul Akister, 30, outside a pub in Hindley. After his latest escape attempt police say he has now been arrested in Horwich. A man and a woman have also been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
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Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "We're pleased to report Darren Pilkington (39)'s been located and arrested in H orwich after escaping from open prison. A man and a woman have also been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. Thank you for sharing our appeal!"
Over the past decade Pilkington has been released four times but recalled on each occasion after breaking rules and going on drink and drug binges. The last time he was moved to an open prison he went on the run, but was caught after five days as a fugitive.
Carly's mum Sheila Fairhurst has previously called for Pilkington to be locked up for life. Speaking in January this year she said: "He’s a danger to the public.
"We've been told the only way he’ll never be released is if he kills a third person. How ridiculous is that?"
