A CONVICT walked out of an open prison and was at large for three days because he was missing his partner and children, a court was told.

Brian Riley left Kirkham within days of receiving a two-year sentence. He now faces more term behind bars after a judge added nine months on to his jail term. The 28 year old, formerly of Redearth Road, Darwen, pleaded guilty to an offence of escape.

Preston Crown Court heard he was given two years on April 4 at Burnley Crown Court for damage, affray and witness intimidation. His earliest release date would have been October 17 2003.

Mr Arthur Stuttard, prosecuting, said the defendant had served 18 days of his sentence when he left Kirkham open prison. He was at large for three days before he was recaptured on April 25 after a chase.

Mr Steven Wild, defending, said Riley had received a number of custodial sentences in the past. Before being given the two year sentence he had been on remand for six months. Things had looked rosy earlier in the defendant's life but during that period his business went bankrupt and his home was repossessed.

Mr Wild told the court: "He found it extremely difficult at Kirkham, despite the fact that it is an open prison. He says he was bullied into holding drugs for other people.

"Drink was freely available and he was drinking on the night he left. He says he consumed part of a bottle of brandy."