A WANTED man caught by police after a month-long search across Essex has now been released again on bail.

Essex Police put out an appeal for information to the public as they searched for Lee Patmore, who was wanted on recall to prison.

He had been released early after being sentenced to 18 months in prison for a brutal assault in Colchester.

He served nine months of his sentence and was due to serve the rest on licence.

Patmore was accused of breaking the terms of his licence.

He was expected to be returned to jail once he was found. However, when he was tracked down, he was released on bail instead.

Patmore was sent to prison initially after he attacked a man in Little Foxborrows, Colchester, and knocked him unconscious.

While the man lay unconscious, Patmore continued to punch and kick him in the head.

The victim suffered brain damage, multiple fractures leading to part of his face collapsing, and several other injuries.

At court, Patmore, then 18, denied causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

However, he admitted causing grievous bodily harm, a lesser charge, which was accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service.

He was jailed for 18 months, but was released after serving half his sentence to serve the rest of the sentence in the community under certain conditions.

Patmore is accused of breaking those conditions, which would normally result in a return to prison to complete the sentence.

He is also wanted on suspicion of criminal damage and breaching a non-molestation order.

In December, Essex Police issued a public appeal to try to find Patmore.

A spokesman for Essex Police confirmed Patmore had now been re-arrested, but had then been released again on bail to attend a police station on Sunday, February 12.