A SOUTHAMPTON murderer who went on the run from prison again has been caught by police.

Officers say serial absconder Samuel McKinley, 57, went on the run in the Greater Belfast region on Thursday, during a period of unescorted day release.

It is understood this is the fifth time McKinley has gone missing from prison having been unlawfully at large for a long period in 2014 before being recaptured in 2015.

He also previously went missing in February this year, but was later rearrested.

McKinley was jailed for life in 1996 after a stabbed a friend to death in Southampton.

Then aged 35 and unemployed, he stabbed a man, Robin Stoddart, better known as Johnny Rivers, 40, at a flat in Onslow Road, St Mary's.

Outside the murder scene in Onslow Road in 1996. Photo: Paul WattsOutside the murder scene in Onslow Road in 1996. Photo: Paul Watts

He also is the father of Jonathan and Samuel McKinley who were both jailed for life for the murder of Choudhry Zishan, 35, in March 2014.

The newsagent was going to work in Eastleigh when he was killed in "a savage drunken beating" in the street.

The McKinleys stole money from him and spent it on more alcohol.

Both men, now aged 26 and 28, were jailed at Winchester Crown Court in December 2014 and told they would serve a minimum of 28 years in prison.

On Thursday, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) released a statement saying McKinley senior was unlawfully at large from Maghaberry Prison after he failed to return from a period of temporary release.

But today (Sunday, November 18), police confirmed McKinley has been found a rearrested.

A spokesperson from the Northern Ireland Prison Service said: "Mr McKinley had been returned to custody in February of this year following the revocation of his licence.

"Since his return to custody Mr McKinley has been granted four previous periods of temporary release, in response to recommendations from the Parole Commissioners.

"The Northern Ireland Prison Service are working with the Police Service of Northern Ireland to return this prisoner to lawful custody.

"The Prison Service cannot hold people indefinitely and pre-release testing is a vital component in preparing prisoners for release back into society."