AN inmate who was allowed out on day release in order to work a shift at Screwfix failed to return to prison after squatting for too long.

Patrick Symes was serving part of his nine-year sentence at HMP Thorn Cross in Appleton Thorn after being jailed in 2020 for burglary.

But Liverpool Crown Court heard he missed his curfew as he needed 'headspace' following a 'disagreement'.

He was wanted for three days, having developed an infection in his legs and been taken to hospital.

Symes, from Kirkby, was allowed leave from the category D open prison on April 2 this year in order to attend work at a branch of Screwfix, but did not return to the jail that evening.

Paul Blasbery, prosecuting, described how he was subsequently circulated as being wanted. Then, on April 5, his sister called police and stated that her brother had visited her home and was intending to hand himself in "but had injured his legs as a result of squatting for a couple of hours while hiding from police officers who were looking for him'.

Symes was taken to hospital before being visited by police on April 6 and arrested. He has a total of 19 previous convictions for 20 offences.

Paul Lewis, defending, told the court: "He made a mistake when he was out at work. There was a small disagreement with somebody.

"By the time he got what he describes as some headspace, his curfew had passed. He regretted it."

Symes admitted being a temporarily released prisoner unlawfully at large. Appearing via video link to he was handed an additional two months behind bars.

Sentencing, Judge Anil Murray said: "You were serving a long sentence. You had a disagreement with someone, so you did not return.

"You know this has to be an immediate and consecutive sentence. There has to be a deterrent in this kind of case so that it does not happen in the future."

*Following publication, Screwfix contacted the Guardian to state Symes did not work at a branch of Screwfix, as the court was told, but was temporarily employed by the company's logistics partner.