Police have launched a manhunt for a double killer who is on the loose after absconding from an open prison for a second time.
Darren Pilkington, 39, was jailed for manslaughter in 2006 after knocking 19-year-old Carly Fairhurst down the stairs and leaving her for hours before calling 999.
It was his second manslaughter conviction – having killed a friend in a pub brawl in 2001.
Over the past decade he has been released four times but recalled on each occasion after breaking rules and going on drink and drug binges.
Pilkington was jailed for a sixth time a year ago after fleeing a bail hostel and being found in Wigan, where he is banned from visiting.
The father of his second victim, Carly, said he has absconded again after going missing from a category D institution on Wednesday, reports Wigan Today.
Trevor Fairhurst said: "Apparently he had applied to the governor to go on escorted day release and it would then be up to the governor as to whether he would be granted a temporary licence.
"But then he did a runner before he got an answer.
"We don’t know where he is in the country. He could be heading this way – he has before."
Parents Trevor and Sheila have previously branded Pilkington a “danger to society”, telling the Sunday People : "We’ve been told the only way he’ll never be released is if he kills a third person. How ridiculous is that?”
A Prison Service spokesperson told the Mirror today: “The prison and police are working together urgently to recapture the offender.
“While absconds have halved since 2010, the Deputy Prime Minister has introduced greater scrutiny of Parole Board recommendations on open prison moves.
“Those who abscond face tough consequences, including being returned to closed prison conditions and serving additional time behind bars.”
Pilkington was 15 when he was locked up for beating to death 30-year-old Paul Akister during a fight outside a pub in Wigan.
Carly was his second victim. She started writing to him in prison and hid the friendship from her parents.
When the killer was freed after serving half of a four-year sentence, she moved into a flat with him.
Carly suffered brutal beatings but lied to worried Sheila and her father, Trevor, when they asked about her bruises.
One night in 2006 the lovers had a row and drunken Pilkington lashed out, knocking Carly downstairs.
He covered himself and unconscious Carly with a duvet and fell asleep. Pilkington left it until the next morning before dialling 999 – but by then it was too late.
Carly suffered a fractured skull and brain damage and died six days later after her life support was switched off.
Pilkington was given an indefinite sentence for manslaughter, with a minimum three years.
