An inmate who absconded from prison will have to wait until the New Year to learn how much longer he will have to serve in custody.

Sean Harding went missing from HMP Kirklevington last month before being arrested a short time later.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the 39-year-old was now serving his time in Stockton’s HMP Holme House.

Harding pleaded guilty to a charge of escaping lawful custody during a short hearing at the court.

Christopher Morrison, representing Harding, urged the judge to adjourn sentencing to allow time for a psychiatric report to be carried out after he was immediately returned to custody.

He said: “This is a pretty straightforward offence, but there is one matter which is not at this stage ready for the court to consider.

“The defendant has been finding it di

See Full Page