A FORMER Darwen man who went on the run when he realised magistrates were going to send him to prison returned to face the music 18 months later.

Blackburn magistrates heard that John Taylor was asking to be sent to prison because he wanted to put everything behind him and make a fresh start, Taylor, 23, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to theft of property worth £29 from Debenhams and failing to surrender to bail. He was jailed for 90 days.

Clare Fanning, prosecuting, said Taylor had gone to Scotland before sentence was imposed.

"At the time time he committed the offence in October 2004 he had only recently been released from prison," said Miss Fanning.

Rachel Adamson, defending, said at the time he absconded and returned to Scotland Taylor's sister had committed suicide while in Sterling prison.

"That increased his desire to keep out of prison at the time," said Miss Adamson.

"He took himself to Scotland to be with his family at what was a difficult time.

"He now says he wants to go into custody to get this all behind him so he can re-settle in this area."