A health worker accused of helping a convicted killer escape from the secure mental health unit in Hackney where he worked has denied the charges.

Dean Ablakwa, 29, allegedly helped Lerone Boye abscond from the John Howard Centre in Kenworthy Road, Homerton, on October 16.

Boye, 27, was sentenced to 28 years in jail at the Old Bailey last December for the murder of 17-year-old Kelvin Chibueze in August 2011.

The teenager was attacked in a mass brawl involving knives and bar stools at a private party in Ilford, and managed to flee – but after he tripped outside four rival gang members, including Boye, sat on his legs to stop him running away, before stabbing him repeatedly with a foot-long blade.

Boye at large for over three months before he was captured on Tuesday afternoon in a planned operation in Elderberry Close, Chigwell.

Ablakwa denied conspiracy to assist in the escape of a prisoner when he appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court today via videolink, and will stand trial on April 23.

Boye was charged with being unlawfully at large when he appeared at Hendon Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Wednesday), and could face trial alongside Ablakwa.

Police offered a reward of up to £15,000 for any information leading to his arrest.