Inmate who absconded from Kirklevington prison in court

Sean Harding went missing from HMP Kirklevington last month before being arrested a short time later.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the 39-year-old was now serving his time in Stockton’s HMP Holme House.

Harding pleaded guilty to a charge of escaping lawful custody during a short hearing at the court.

Christopher Morrison, representing Harding, urged the judge to adjourn sentencing to allow time for a psychiatric report to be carried out after he was immediately returned to custody.

He said: “This is a pretty straightforward offence, but there is one matter which is not at this stage ready for the court to consider.

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“The defendant has been finding it difficult in custody to the extent that a psychiatric report has been commissioned and the interview was conducted yesterday (Tuesday, December 9).”

Judge Amanda Rippon adjourned the case until January 8 and remanded the defendant into custody.

She said: “You will undoubtedly be receiving a prison sentence, probably consecutive to the one you are currently serving, otherwise there would be no punishment at all for escaping.

“The judge on the next occasion will decide these things in January.”