Escaped prisoner held knife to woman - court told

A prisoner has appeared in court charged with escaping from custody and then holding a knife to a young woman when he tried to enter her home.

Neil Trennan, 60, left HMP North Sea Camp on day release "to get some shopping", but did not return, the prosecution alleged.

Outlining the charges at Sheffield Magistrates' Court earlier, the prosecution barrister alleged Trennan had absconded from the category D prison in Lincolnshire and made his way to Sheffield.

He was charged with escaping lawful custody, aggravated burglary and possession of a blade.

A manhunt was launched by police after they said Trennan did not return from day release on Thursday.

He was arrested on Sunday in York, where he is alleged to have had a blade, the prosecution added.

South Yorkshire Police said the woman was not injured during the alleged burglary at the house on Vincent Road in Nether Edge, Sheffield, on Saturday 10 July.

The judge told Trennan the case would be sent to Sheffield Crown Court for a plea hearing on 12 August.

He was remanded into custody.

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