A KILLER driver who went on the run from prison may have returned to the area.

The family of his victim, Betty Cooper, have been told that balding Dominic Gavin Huggett has been seen on Teesside using a wig as a disguise.

Huggett has been on the run since September 2004, when he absconded from Wealstun Prison, near Wetherby, West Yorkshire.

He was sent to jail for seven years in January 2004 by Teesside Crown Court after he admitted causing the death of Mrs Cooper, an 86-year-old great-grandmother, by dangerous driving.

Huggett, 36, a steel erector and part-time car-dealer, was speeding in his BMW car when he hit Mrs Cooper as she returned from a wedding anniversary party in Thornaby.

The crash, on June 8, 2003, seriously injured her son, Barry, and his wife, Patricia, who were left disabled.

Police are unable to substantiate reports that he is back in the area, and he could be being shielded by someone.

Huggett, whose last known address was Dishforth Close, Thornaby, was said to have been seen in Spain at one time after he disappeared, and was being tracked by Interpol.

Mr Cooper said: "We have heard he could be round here; apparently he is walking about wearing a wig.

"We are just hoping he slips up or somebody who sees him comes forward to the police."

Anyone with information has been asked to call police on (01642) 302226.