A serving prisoner escaped from Armley Jail in Leeds when he was trusted to work outside in the staff canteen, a court heard.
Thomas Parkin was doing 21 months for two offences of attempted robbery but had become classified as a Category D prisoner for his good behaviour.As a result he was temporarily allowed to leave the prison between 9am and 2pm while he worked in the staff canteen to assist him in obtaining a catering qualification, Patrick Gallagher prosecuting told Leeds Crown Court.
But on January 24 when he should have returned to the main prison he failed to do so.
He was arrested after 10 days and told officers he had been staying with friends while he tried to sort some problems out.
Tim Jacobs representing Parkin said he suffered from a depressive condition and personality disorder which needed daily medication but had difficulty getting it sometimes including that day and believed that affected him.
Since his return to custody that had been sorted out but he was also now back on a stricter regime.
Parkin, 23, of Devonshire Gardens, Leeds, admitted escape.
He was sentenced to six months consecutive to his current sentence.