A drug addict jailed for life for the brutal murder of a university graduate may not be released when his 14-year tariff expires, a court heard.

Paranoid schizophrenic Deke Partridge is likely to continue to be detained in a secure psychiatric hospital because of his mental state.

His bleak future was revealed when he appeared in court for twice escaping while on a visit to a dentist in Paddock Wood and assaulting a nurse.

He was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment to run concurrent with the life sentence.

Simon Wickens, defending, told a judge: “It is unlikely the keys will unlock the door come 14 years, from what his doctor told me.”

Partridge, now 30, was convicted in January 2010 of the apparently motiveless murder of Timothy Hutcheon at his bungalow in Dale Street, Chatham.

The 34-year-old former pupil of King’s School, Rochester, who had drug-induced mental problems having used cannabis at Humberside University, was stabbed 10 times by Partridge.

He denied murder, claiming he was visiting friends at the time.

Partridge, formerly of Mannette House, Maidstone Road, Chatham, was sent to Elmley Prison, Sheppey, but his mental health deteriorated and he was then detained at the Trevor Gibbens Unit at Maidstone Hospital.

It was while he was being escorted by three care workers for dental treatment on February 23 that he managed to run off.

Prosecutor John Keal said Partridge ran down a road that led down a bank. One of the care workers was fast enough to catch him.

“He was left alone and he ran away for a second time,” said Mr Keal. “He jumped over some railings and was walking towards the train station.”

A police van happened to be in the area and he was caught “within minutes”.

Mr Wickens said Partridge, who pleaded guilty, did not know where he was when he fled. “He thought he was in Gillingham,” he added.

Judge Martin Joy said there was a risk involved when a criminal such as Partridge was at large.

“It is a situation which can cause fear and apprehension,” he said. “It was short-lived and you were quickly restrained. The fact remains it is a serious offence.”