A WANTED man has been flown back to Britain to face justice after being on the run for six years for crimes in Bridlington.
An international arrest warrant was issued for Conrad Sanderson, 50, of Beverley Road, Driffield, in December 2006 after fled the UK - first to Greece and then to Bulgaria.
He was wanted to be sentenced for a case of dangerous driving around the streets of Bridlington on February 5 2006. He had pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, dangerous driving, failing to stop after an accident and assault with intent to resist arrest on Pc James Gray.
Sanderson caused mayhem at the wheel of a Citroen Xantia around St Mary’s Walk, Queensgate and St Thomas’ Road, Bridlington, in a police chase. He crashed into a fence and when Pc Gray went to arrest him, Sanderson struck out.
He was convicted by magistrates and given bail to be sentenced at Hull Crown Court. Sanderson just did not turn up on December 19 2006 and began his quest to stay away from the police.
Sanderson initially lived in Bulgaria free from detection, but has sent Christmas cards home to East Yorkshire each year for six years celebrating his liberty. It is believed Bulgaria’s recent change in EU membership has led to the tightening up of the implementation of international arrest warrants.
Police officers and barristers crowded into the public gallery at Hull Crown Court, where Sanderson made his first appearance after stepping off a plane on Friday (May 10). They wanted to take a look at Sanderson – the longest escapee known to the Hull Courts in 10 years.
Crown barrister Philip Evans said there was little court paperwork for the case and time was needed to assemble records because of the passage of time and his unexpected arrival. The original judge who signed his arrest warrant Michael Mettyear is still in post. The circumstances of Sanderson’s arrest in Bulgaria were not explained to the courts – but it was not a result of Humberside officers going over to meet him.
Judge David Tremberg agreed to adjourn for a sentencing hearing at Hull Crown Court on May 24. Sanderson was remanded in custody at Hull Prison.