An inmate on the run from an open prison in Kent is a convicted killer, it has emerged today.

Malcolm Parker disappeared from Blantyre House, in Goudhurst, after being released on temporary licence for a home visit last week.

The 55-year-old was jailed for 18 years in 1990 for the manslaughter of a female cashier during an armed robbery at a bookmaker's.

But while on licence, he carried out a string of armed robberies at bookies using an imitation firearm to terrify staff.

Parker was jailed for life - to serve a minimum of 20 years - in August 2005 after pleading guilty to eight counts of armed robbery.

The offences were all committed at branches of Ladbrokes across south London between September 2003 and June 2004.

Parker, from Croydon, was due to return by 5.30pm after being released for the day on Monday, January 6. He failed to do so and remains at large.

Issuing an appeal to find him, police said Parker should not be approached and anyone who sees him should immediately phone 999.

He is described as black, 6ft 1ins, of medium build and balding. He has a distinctive scar on his left elbow between one and two inches-long.

Parker is known to have associates in the Croydon and Hendon areas.

The Metropolitan Police said he is not considered to be a direct threat to the public, but advised he is not approached.

Anyone with information is asked to phone police on 020 8358 1752 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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