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Fugitive back in prison after 14 years on the run

Jan 17 2010 by Vicky Robson, Sunday Sun

A FUGITIVE on the run for more than 14 years was finally back behind bars last night after a bizarre series of events.

The 41-year-old was cornered by police in Newcastle’s West End after escaping from prison in 1996.

He was caught after a 999 call was made from a guest room at a top hotel in Northumberland, in the early hours of yesterday.

The caller, a woman in her 30s, also believed to have been staying at the hotel, was arrested on suspicion of harbouring an offender.

Police attended the Otterburn Tower Hotel, an 18-bed hotel and restaurant, in Otterburn, following the emergency call made at around 1.20am from one of the guest rooms.

When officers arrived they found a man, who had checked in to stay at the hotel overnight, was missing.

Further investigations revealed he was a wanted fugitive who had been on the run since a prison-break - 14 years ago.

Police then swamped the hotel - which has won numerous awards for its restaurant and food - and launched a full-scale search operation along with mountain rescue teams, as more heavy snowfall set in across the county.

Fears had initially grown for the man’s safety after he left the hotel without warm clothing.

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