Blackpool man Tommy Lee Smith was armed with a knife whilst on the run from HMP Kirkham

By Matthew Calderbank
Published 30th Nov 2022, 14:52 BST
Updated 30th Nov 2022, 14:59 BST
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A man has admitted being armed with a knife whilst on the run from Kirkham Prison.

Police launched a search for Tommy Lee Smith, 41, after he failed to return to the open prison, off Kirkham bypass, following a spell of temporary leave.

Blackpool Magistrates heard how Smith was caught in the resort when police halted the van he was driving because it was uninsured.

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Smith, of Highbank Avenue, Blackpool, gave a false name to officers before running away, dropping a knife as he fled.

Police launched a search for Tommy Lee Smith, 41, after he failed to return to HMP Kirkham where he was serving a prison sentence for drugs offencesPolice launched a search for Tommy Lee Smith, 41, after he failed to return to HMP Kirkham where he was serving a prison sentence for drugs offences
Police launched a search for Tommy Lee Smith, 41, after he failed to return to HMP Kirkham where he was serving a prison sentence for drugs offences

He was later caught in a pub where Smith spat at one of the arresting officers.

He admitted assault, possessing the knife, driving without insurance and being at large from prison.

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Magistrates were told that Smith had been granted leave from prison so he could spend time with his son.

He was serving a jail term for illegal drug supply before he absconded from prison.

Smith was sent back to prison with six months added to his sentence.