A TOP-SECURITY prisoner has blown his chances of early parole by threatening to kill a guard and his family.

Keith Pringle, 33, was jailed for 15 years in 1992 after holding his ex-girlfriend, Leanne Rees, at gunpoint in her Darlington home for 48 hours.

Pringle had already shot his best friend and his girlfriend's mother before the siege began.

Dozens of families were evacuated during the stand-off which took place over Easter.

The siege was brought to an end when a police marksman shot Pringle in the face.

After serving more than ten years of the sentence Pringle, of Thirlmere Road, Darlington, could have been back on the streets later this year.

But flanked by eight prison officers in the top-security dock of Newcastle Crown Court yesterday, Pringle pleaded guilty to making threats to kill Frankland Prison guard Paul Sirrell and his wife and children.

Mr Sirrell had been one of five officers who entered Pringle's cell during a dirty protest last September when the threat was made.

Pringle could face a further period of imprisonment.

Sentence was adjourned for the preparation of a pre-sentence report, and Pringle will be back before the court in three weeks.

Judge Guy Whitburn said he complimented Pringle for entering his guilty plea, meaning the six-week trial date booked for later this year could be scrapped.

The judge told him: "What you did was extremely serious. It may well be we will have to impose an additional prison sentence. On the other hand, you have had the good sense to listen to good advice and that will stand you in some good stead."

Defence barrister Jamie Adams told the court: "He is looking to get out as quickly as he can."