THE man arrested by armed police in a busy North-East street was a convicted killer who had been on the run for four months.

Brian Lancaster, 39, was arrested in Gladstone Street, Darlington, on Wednesday when armed police surrounded his van.

Lancaster, now back behind bars, was jailed in 2002 for 11 years for killing a homeless drifter Robert Parkin in Stockton.

Earlier this year, Lancaster was released on licence from Moorland open prison, in Doncaster, but failed to return when required to do so on January 17.

A Prison Service spokesman said: "Prisoner Brian Lancaster, who was released on temporary licence from Moorland open prison, failed to return to his approved accommodation on January 17, 2009.

He was arrested on April 22 and has now been returned to closed conditions.

"Prisoners may be released on temporary license providing they meet strict criteria and pass a rigorous risk assessment.

"Release on temporary licence is used to prepare prisoners for their eventual release from custody. It helps to reduce the chance or re-offending by setting up appropriate employment and rehabilitation work in the community, and maintaining family contact.

This is essential for successful resettlement and an important factor in protecting the public.

Following his trial, Lancaster was found not guilty of Mr Parkin's murder, but found guilty on manslaughter and grevious bodily harm charges.

His sentence was compounded by a previous sentence for firearms offences.