A prisoner spent more than three years on the run

A prisoner spent more than three years on the run from jail while he sorted out his family problems, the Old Bailey heard today.

(Mon)

Convicted thief Anthony Philp, (corr) 41, disappeared while on day release from Ford Open prison in October 1997, where he had just over two months of his sentence to serve.

But police did not catch up with the elusive Philp until February this year when they tracked him down to a house in Poplar, east London.

And Philp told officers: ‘I had just six weeks to go.

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Graeme Ford, prosecuting, said Philp, was serving 18 months for theft when he absconded from the open jail in Sussex.

The prison which has housed some of the most notorious fraudsters over the years has something of a holiday camp reputation.

At the time he had 69 days of the term left to serve, the court heard.

Today (Mon) Philp admitted escape.

Grant Vanstone, defending, said Philp decided to abscond because of difficulties at home.

His wife was suffering from drink and depression while one son had run up large debts due to his alcohol and drug problems.

Also Philp’s youngest son had been diagnosed with a serious medical condition, said Mr Vanstone.

During his time on the run Philp worked as a painter and decorator while he sorted out the domestic problems.

Since his arrest the family man had been a ‘model prisoner’, the court heard.

Philp was due for release later this month after serving the remaining term of his original conviction.

But Judge Paul Focke, QC, said he must now serve a consecutive six month jail term.

The judge took into account the reasons why the dad had absconded but added: ‘Nevertheless it is in the public interest that I must deal with you by way of a custodial imposition because of the seriousness of the offence.

Philp, of Ida St, Poplar, politely thanked the judge as he was led away to the cells.

ends