Escaped kidney donor dad arrested

Perkins faces 25 years in prison for drugs and weapons convictions

A father who was released from prison in the US to donate a kidney to his ailing son, but instead fled to Mexico, has been arrested in Puerto Vallarta.

Byron Keith Perkins, 38, failed to return to custody after being released in January 2006 for tests to see if he was a suitable donor for the teenager.

Perkins is considered a violent career criminal and was awaiting sentencing for drugs and weapons convictions.

He is being flown from Mexico to Los Angeles for a court hearing.

He was arrested on Wednesday in the Mexican resort town with his girlfriend Lea Ann Howard who was also wanted in the US on robbery and drugs charges.

'Armed and dangerous'

"I've dealt with many unsavoury characters during my career, but this one is particularly vile," said US Marshal Ronald McCubbin after Perkins' escape.

"His own son's life is at stake here."

After the hearing in Los Angeles, the couple will be returned to Louisville in Kentucky - the state where Perkins was originally being held - to face charges.

Perkins could serve up to 25 years in prison for armed drug trafficking.

After his escape, the US Department of Justice considered Perkins armed and dangerous and posted a $25,000 (£12,480) reward for information leading to his arrest.

Perkins' son, Destin, eventually received a kidney from a deceased donor in August 2006 and is now reported to be in good health.