AN ESCAPED convict from the Verne prison has become the world's most successful fugitive.

Irishman John Patrick Hannan has been on the run for 45 years, 11 months and four days - a world record.

He has beaten the previous record held by Leonard Frisco from the United States. The American enjoyed 45 years and 11 months of freedom before being turned in by his son.

Hannan was sentenced to 21 months in prison for car theft and assault on two police officers. He escaped from the Portland jail on December 22, 1955 having served just four weeks. Hannan was 22 at the time - if he is still alive he passed retirement age three years ago and would now be 68.

Fellow prisoner Gwynant Thomas broke out from the island jail with Hannan, but was arrested within 24 hours of his escape.

Police launched a major manhunt for Hannan using tracker dogs and roadblocks, but he gave them the slip and has never been found.

Dorset Police made a fresh bid to trace Hannan three years ago. An appeal in the force newspaper, Blueprint, asked: "Have you seen Hannan? He is described as five feet seven inches with brown hair, blue eyes and proportionate build."

Portland police Inspector Tony Rudd said: "Prisoners on the run remain on the police national computer and every day run the risk of being captured and disrupting their family lives.

"If anyone has any information or knows what has happened to him we would ask them to contact us on (01305) 220820."

Hannan's 'achievement' means he has been on the run for longer than more notorious fugitives including Lord Lucan and Ronnie Biggs. The Great Train Robber was returned to prison in the UK earlier this year after more than 30 years in Brazil.