Update: Paul Gerrard has now been caught. Read more for for full details.
A murderer who took part in the brutal killing of a vulnerable man with learning difficulties is on the run after absconding from open prison.
Paul Gerrard, formerly of Lodge Road, Manchester, was sentenced to life in prison aged 27 in July 2009 following the death of David Argent, 29, of Deansway, Widnes, in Runcorn in February 2009. Gerrard is now at large, having absconded from HMP Kirkham, an open prison in Lancashire.
HM Prison Service said he will face longer behind bars once caught. Gerrard was convicted of murder at trial in July 2009 alongside Gerrard Harper, then 39 and of Shepherds Row, Runcorn, after they lured Mr Argent to a flat in Castlefields in July 2008 and beat him unconscious. Friends had warned Mr Argent not to go but once there he was brutally attacked as Gerrard and Harper punched him to the ground and stamped on his head.
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Mr Argent, who had endured a campaign of intimidation in the time leading up to the vicious attack and who grew up in Netherley, Liverpool, lost consciousness and was rushed to hospital where he remained in a coma for eight months until his death.
Gerrard and Harper were convicted of murder after trial at Chester Crown Court and jailed for a minimum of 14 years each in prison.
The ECHO reported at the time how both men had denied being at the scene until confronted with Mr Argent’s blood on their clothes.
Initially charged with GBH, their charges were changed to murder when Mr Harper died.
In a statement issued on Tuesday following an inquiry regarding Gerrard’s absconsion, an HM Prison Service spokesperson told the ECHO: “HMP Kirkham is urgently working with police to recapture the offender.
“Those who abscond from open prison will be moved back to closed conditions and face extra time in jail.”
Anyone with information regarding Gerrard’s whereabouts can call the police on 101.
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