A violent criminal who escaped from a courthouse last month is back behind bars.

Daniel Paul Murray, also known as Daniel McAvoy, caused Maidstone Magistrates' Court to go into lockdown after he disappeared by 'sheepishly' strolling out of the front door.

The 42 year-old, who is supposed to be serving a four-and-a-half sentence for burglary and fraud, was arrested in Dartford yesterday afternoon.

He had been missing for almost four weeks and police launched a manhunt after he absconded on September 22.

Murray was yesterday charged with escaping from lawful custody and was remanded in custody.

He appeared at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on Saturday and will next appear at the crown court on November 6.