Drug dealer caught eight months after escaping from HMP Kirkham

A convicted drug dealer who escaped HMP Kirkham by climbing over a security fence has been caught after eight months on the run.
By Sean Gleaves
Published 17th Jun 2020, 15:35 BST
Updated 17th Jun 2020, 15:36 BST
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Kearon Tyrone Hunte was serving a six-year sentence for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs at HMP Kirkham before he escaped on October 5, 2019.

Hunte, 31, and fellow inmate Christoper Kerrigan went on the run after scrambling over a perimeter fence at the Category D prison at around 7.30pm.

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Kerrigan, who was jailed in January 2018 for seven years for wounding offences, was detained on January 13, 2020, but Hunte remained on the run.

Police have now confirmed Hunte was arrested in Leeds today (June 17) - over eight months after escaping from the prison.

A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: "Kearon Tyrone Hunte, 31, made off from HMP Kirkham in October.

"He had been serving a six-year sentence for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

"Hunte was arrested in Leeds and is currently in custody."