A HUNT has been launched for one of Lancashire’s most wanted men after he went on the run.

Patrick Felloni was released from prison in May after being jailed for burgling a priest in Accrington to fund a trip to his native Dublin.

The 31-year-old, who had been living in the Accrington area, has been missing since June when he breached the terms of his prison licence and left the area.

It is thought that he has fled to Ireland, which is where his partner and young son live.

He was sent to prison for 40 weeks in September for a calamitous raid on St James’ Church presbytery in Blackburn Road.

Insp John Clucas said: “He was convicted of burglary in September 2009 and was released from prison in May.

“He has now been recalled by Lancashire Probation Trust because he has breached the terms of his prison licence.

“He may have left England and could now be in Ireland, but we need information from the public that may confirm or disprove that as we need to know his current whereabouts.”

Last September Blackburn magistrates heard that Felloni carried out the burglary to fund a trip to Ireland for his son’s first Holy Communion.

He ended up breaking into the presbytery looking for cash to steal. He left empty-handed, but left behind a letter giving details of the event in Dublin which he had taken to convince the priest of the validity of his need for charity.

His solicitor Andrew Church-Taylor said that the letter made it easy for the police to trace him.

He was also sentenced for a breach of a 52- week suspended sentence, imposed by Burnley Crown Court for arson and criminal damage.

That incident saw him start three fires at the Accrington property he shared with his partner in St James Close after a row.

Felloni is described as 5’9’’ tall, with blue eyes and an Irish accent.

Anyone with information can call police on 0845 1 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.