A convicted killer serving a life sentence for knifing a falsely accused paedophile to death in Oldham is at large after escaping for the FOURTH time.
Arnold Pickering, 44, from Chadderton, Greater Manchester, did not return to HMP Kennett in Merseyside after leaving the open prison at 9.30 on Saturday morning.
In 1991 Arnold stabbed a partially blind and deaf man on his doorstep in Oldham.
The victim was falsely rumored to be a paedophile.
Pickering was jailed for life and was ordered to serve a minimum of 18 years on jail.
Although Pickering was supposed to be back in the open prison by 4.30pm, it was not reported to police that he was missing until 7.30 that evening.
A spokesperson for Merseyside police said: “Pickering had been risk assessed as suitable for temporary release on license by the Ministry of Justice, although any member of the public who sees him is advised not to approach him but to call the police.”
This is the fourth time the convicted murderer has escaped from prison; he originally fled custody in 1991 but was recaptured six hours later.
In 2006 he walked out of another open prison in Sussex.
He was eventually captured nine days later in a flat in Bournemouth.
The last time Pickering escaped was in 2009 while on day release as part of a controversial scheme which saw prisoners work the bins in Manchester city centre.
He handed himself in four days later in Motherwell, Scotland.
Pickering is about 5ft 11in, of medium build and with blue eyes. He has tattoos on his arms and chest and is thought to be around the Southport area.
If you have information on Pickering’s whereabouts, call Merseyside Police on either 0151 777 3803 or 0151 777 3891, or via 101.
