A prison absconder caught on a helicopter at Rochester Airport claimed he was on his way up north to hand himself in.

Drug dealer Jonathan Nicholls, 36, of Hargate Walk, Liverpool, was arrested on Tuesday after police were informed of a suspicious chopper and attended the scene with border force officers.

The father-of-three pleaded guilty to escaping lawful custody at Medway Magistrates' Court today.

Prosecutor Debbie Jones revealed there were two people on the helicopter - a pilot and Mr Nicholls.

Police identified the pair before Nicholls "made off", but was quickly stopped.

The 36-year-old, who was granted weekend release during his sentence, had failed to return to Lancashire's Kirkham prison on Sunday, July 8, where he was serving a nine-year sentence for intent to supply heroin.

Defending, Wayne Crowhurst, claimed Nicholls was moved to a new prison before he absconded and was facing a lot of pressure from inmates.

He said: "When moved to another prison he had to prove himself.

"He had a lot of pressure on him to bring artefacts in to the prison for other prisoners."

Mr Crowhurst said Nicholls was heading back to Liverpool to hand himself in, as it was closer to home.

Chief magistrate Steven Blackhurst did not believe they had the powers to sentence Nicholls.

He remains in custody and will appear at Maidstone Crown Court at a date to be set.