A MAN who could not face spending another festive period behind bars went on the run - only to be caught on Christmas Day.

Lee Holden, serving two-and-a-half years for burglary, walked out of Kirkham Open Prison and was at large for 26 days.

A judge has now added on a two-month prison term to the sentence. Holden, 26, of no fixed address, but from the Blackburn area, pleaded guilty to escaping custody.

In June last year he was given 30 months for burgling a home in Kingfisher Close, Blackburn. On that occasion the court heard how the victim had managed to restrain the defendent until police arrived.

At the latest hearing, Judge Stuart Baker was told that the defendant still had 250 days to serve of his sentence. The prison authorities had given him back the 26 days he should have done.

Defence barrister Mark Stuart said Holden knew the court would add on custody to his term.

"It had been too tempting for him, never having been to Kirkham before. He had spent the last three Christmases in custody. The gates were open and he walked out. He says that come the New Year he would have handed himself in."

The judge said there needed to be a consecutive sentence, to deter others tempted to go missing for a few days or weeks.

"They must know they will get the time added on and some additional punishment."