A manhunt has been launched after a double-killer absconded from open prison for the second time. Darren Pilkington, 39, 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.
The Prison Service said officers are working to 'urgently' recapture Pilkington following his escape from HMP Kirkham in Lancashire. Pilkington was also jailed in 2001 aged 15 for beating to death Paul Akister, 30, outside a pub in Hindley.
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Over the past decade he 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.
On another occasion, he was recalled because he hid a secret girlfriend from the authorities. Carly Fairhurst's dad Trevor has told of his family's anguish following Pilkington's latest escape.
Mr Fairhurst told Wigan Today : "Apparently he had applied to the governor to go on escorted day release and it would then be up to the governor as to whether he would be granted a temporary licence. But then he did a runner before he got an answer.
“We don’t know where he is in the country. He could be heading this way – he has before. But ultimately it’s the pain of knowing that that cycle of release and recapture is going to continue."
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?"
A Prison Service spokesperson said: "The prison and police are working together urgently to recapture the offender. While absconds have halved since 2010, the deputy prime minister has introduced greater scrutiny of Parole Board recommendations on open prison moves.
"Those who abscond face tough consequences, including being returned to closed prison conditions and serving additional time behind bars."
A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "Darren Pilkington, aged 39, was last seen at HMP Kirkham on 25 May 2022. He is currently serving a life license for manslaughter.
"If you see him contact police on 999. If you have any further information on Pilkington's whereabouts, call 101."
