A fugitive who 'looks like Jesus' spent seven months on the run and told police 'I won't hand myself in'.
Joseph McCarthy refused to surrender to police after breaching licence conditions having been released from prison.
The 26-year-old was originally jailed in June 2018 for two-and-a-half years after he was found in possession of bullets.
Derek Jones, prosecuting today at Liverpool Crown Court, explained he was recalled back to prison once in 2019 and then re-released in June of the same year.
Mr Jones said: "There appears to be a breakdown in communication with the probation service because he was recalled on February 26 last year."
Merseyside Police issued a public appeal to track down McCarthy, prompting hundreds to comment on his appearance with many likening him to Jesus Christ and others suggesting he resembles an ABBA member.
After police tried to track him down through family members McCarthy spoke to the probation service and told them "he was working outside Merseyside and wasn't going to hand himself in".
Mr Jones explained he was arrested on October 18 last year in Kirkby and said he was at large for just over seven months.
As a result Mr Jones said his supervision and licence is extended for seven months.
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The court heard McCarthy, of Alnwick Drive, Ellesmere Port, has four previous convictions including burglaries and aggravated vehicle taking.
Brendan Carville, defending, said: "He was arrested on the day of his mother's funeral.
"The only reason he didn't hand himself in was she was dying of cancer."
Mr Carville explained after being arrested he was taken to HMP Altcourse to carry out the rest of his sentence and after being released was sent a letter, known as a postal requisition, explaining he would be charged for being unlawfully at large.
Mr Carville said this seemed "a little harsh given he could have been charged back in October".
He said McCarthy has the promise of a job and pleaded guilty to the offence at the earliest opportunity.
Judge Gary Woodhall adjourned the case to allow for an administrative amendment in how the case had been sent from the magistrates court to the crown court.
McCarthy will be sentenced next Thursday.
