Police have launched a search for a double killer who is at large after fleeing from open prison for the second time.
Darren Pilkington, 39, was jailed for manslaughter in 2006 after knocking 19-year-old Carly Fairhurst down the stairs and leaving her to die for hours before calling 999.
The prison service said officers were working to “urgently” capture Pilkington after his escape.
Pilkington has been released four times in the last decade, but each time he was released after breaking the rules and drinking and drugs. He was jailed for the sixth time a year ago after escaping from a hostel on bail and was found in Wigan, where he was barred from visiting.
Pilkington was 15 when he was first jailed for beating 30-year-old Paul Akister to death during a fight in front of a Wigan pub.
Carly Fairhurst’s parents call Pilkington a “danger to society”
(Carly Foundation)
The father of Darren Pilkington’s second victim, Carly Fairhurst, spoke of his grief, saying the 39-year-old was unable to fix his path and was still given more chances for freedom.
Speaking to Wigan today after the news of Pilkington’s absconding, Trevor Fairhurst said:
“But then he ran before he got an answer.
“We do not know where he is in the country. You can go this way – before.
“But in the end, the pain is knowing that this cycle of release and recapture will continue.” Mr Fairhurst called for Pilkington to be sent to a harsher prison, calling it a “danger to society”.
Carly and Pilkington became friends while he was in prison for the unintentional murder of Mr. Akister. After their release, they began dating, which was a great concern for Fairhurst. After her death, they discovered that Pilkington had attacked Carly several times, but she kept him away.
In late January 2006, the couple were contemplating a friend’s house in Ince as they quarreled at the top of the stairs and Pilkington pushed Carly down the stairs.
A spokesman for the prison service said: “The prison and the police are working together urgently to catch the offender.
“While the number of fugitives has halved since 2010, the deputy prime minister has paid more attention to the Parole Board’s recommendations on prison moves.
“Those who are fleeing face serious consequences, including returning to prison in closed conditions and spending extra time behind bars.
More to come …
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