A PRISONER with drink problems absconded from an open prison because he couldn't handle its "drinking culture", a court was told.

Paul Meek, 21, from Cwmbran, pleaded guilty at Newport crown court to walking out of HMP Prescoed, near Usk, on February 23 and failing to return.

Gwent police officers picked up Meek on March 11 while he was walking to a friend's house.

Meek had been sentenced to three years in jail last July for his part in a burglary gang who pleaded guilty to stealing more than £12,000 worth of cigarettes in night raids on stores in Newport, Caerleon and Cwmbran in January and February 2004.

Before Meek was sentenced yesterday, Andrew Morse, defending, told Judge David Morris that Meek had asked to be moved to a more secure prison prior to absconding.

Mr Morse said: "Prior to his transfer to Prescoed, Mr Meek was regarded as a trusted prisoner who engaged with as many jobs and courses as possible.

"But because of previous drink problems - indeed many of his previous convictions he blamed on heavy consumption of alcohol - Mr Meek was concerned when he noted that the culture at Prescoed was one where alcohol was freely available to all within the open prison.

"Mr Meek told prison officers this would present him with a problem and he asked to be moved back to a more secure prison.

"He eventually succumbed to temptation and drank a bottle of vodka and when breathalysed, he told officers he had obtained the alcohol from other prisoners.

"He was later threatened by other prisoners because he had told prison officers about the alcohol and under all those pressures he walked out, even though his release was due this September.

"Staying with various friends in Cwmbran, he was considering turning himself in."

Mr Morse said Meek is now in Cardiff prison and wishes to remain there for the remainder of his sentence.

Judge David Morris told Meek: "You walked out of open prison conditions with no lawful authority or excuse.

"I accept the pressure described as reason for your leaving. Indeed your situation paints an extraordinary picture as you actually requested a return to more secure prison conditions.

"You were threatened by two other inmates when they feared you would disclose their unlawful activity, namely the distribution of alcohol.

"You pleaded guilty and unusually did not commit any other offence while free, so I will sentence you to a further two months in prison on top of your existing sentence, of which one will be served."