UK man arrested for immigration offences in northern Cyprus

John Anslow was being transported to Stafford Crown Court when he escaped from a van near HMP Hewell on January 23 last year.

Following a 13-month search for his whereabouts the 33-year-old was brought back to the UK after being arrested for immigration offences in Cyprus in February this year.

He was deported by the Turkish Cypriot authorities and was today due to stand trial for conspiracy to escape at Woolwich Crown Court.

However the 33-year-old pleaded guilty and will now be sentenced at a later date.

The trial of six others accused of conspiring in the escape will begin tomorrow.

Anslow’s murder trial is expected to take place in March next year.