A convicted murderer handed a life sentence for his role in a killing has appeared at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court accused of escaping from prison.
Paul Michael Gerrard, 40, previously of Lodge Road, Manchester, was handed a life jail term for his role in the killing of David Argent, a 29-year-old with learning difficulties.
Gerrard was convicted alongside a second man, Gerrard Harper, after they lured Mr Argent to a flat in Castlefields, Runcorn, and beat him unconscious. The two men punched their victim — who had endured a campaign of intimidation leading up to the vicious attack — to the ground and stamped on his head.
Mr Argent lost consciousness, was rushed to hospital and remained in a coma for eight months until his death. Gerrard and Harper were convicted of murder after a Chester Crown Court trial. They were handed life prison sentences and each was ordered to serve a minimum of 14 years behind bars.
Cheshire police confirmed yesterday that Gerrard had been arrested by officers from the force’s serious and organised crime unit.
And this morning Gerrard, of no fixed address, spoke to confirm his name and date of birth when he appeared at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court.
He faces one charge which can only be dealt with on a crown court. This alleges that having been in lawful custody at HMP Kirkham in Lancashire, he escaped on December 5.
The court heard Gerrard had been arrested while living at a hotel in Irvine, Scotland.
“He is a serving prisoner,” prosecutor Andy Travis told the court. “He has been recalled to prison.”
No plea to the allegation was entered by Gerrard, who was represented by defence solicitor Chris Toms.
Magistrates sent his case to Carlisle Crown Court, where he is due to appear in front of a judge for a plea and trial preparation hearing on February 16.
In the meantime he has been “technically” remanded into custody.
Confirming yesterday that Gerrard had been captured, Detective Chief Inspector Ian Murray said: “Gerrard is a dangerous individual and I welcome the fact that he is now back behind bars where he belongs.
“I’d like to thank all of the officers involved in this manhunt for their dedication, going well beyond the boundaries of Cheshire to keep our communities safe.”
