A CONVICTED killer strolled out through the main gates of Kirkham prison and worked as a Blackpool window cleaner for more than a month, an 'outraged' judge has heard.

Neil Morrison, 27, of Marhill Road, Blackpool, Lancs, admitted a charge of escape.

After hearing the details, Judge Pamela Badley said: "Members of the public would be outraged that someone unlawfully at large was working as a window cleaner."

Morrison was jailed for four months, which will follow the manslaughter sentence he is already serving.

Preston Crown Court was told he was due to be released from that sentence in mid-April.

The judge told him: "Escapes strike fear into the heart of the community who wish to know that those the courts have sentenced are kept safely in custody."

Morrison, serving a three-and-a-half year sentence for manslaughter, strolled out of Kirkham open prison through the main gates on January 21.

Over the next 42 days, he was at large and took on work as a window cleaner. He was eventually arrest in Blackpool on March 5.

Morrison was convicted in December 2001 for the manslaughter charge and given a 42-month sentence.

He assaulted Andrew Lucas in Clarendon Road, Morecambe, who later died of his injuries.

Morrison's barrister, Chris Hudson, told the court that his client had previously spent time at Lancaster Castle and Preston prisons, where life was made more difficult because many inmates knew the deceased.

He was transferred out of the Lancashire area to Haverigg, before being sent to Kirkham.

"Normally, prisoners are delighted to go there but, in this case, he wanted to stay in Haverigg. He knew he would face the same problems," said Mr Hudson.

Morrison spoke to the governor about his fears but, according to Mr Hudson: "Foolishly, he walked out of the prison gates."

Morrison contacted his partner and 15 month old child during his time on the run.

He was not arrested for any offences while on the run, added Mr Hudson.