Wanted drug dealer arrested in Papplewick after four years on the run

Richard Brown was driving a Vauxhall Astra when he was stopped by officers on Main Street, Papplewick, due to the vehicle being insured only to a woman.

At the time, officers did not know they had pulled over a man who had been wanted since 2018.

Desperate to avoid capture, the 30-year-old gave false details, but officers were not fooled, as the photo of the person whose details he gave was clearly not him.

He went on to give his real name and date of birth when he realised he was not getting anywhere by lying.

Checks then revealed Brown had been on the run for four years, after he failed to give himself up when his prison parole licence was rescinded.

He had previously been jailed for three years for possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs.

Recalled

Brown, of no fixed address, was released from jail on parole in 2017, but failed to keep appointments with his supervisor and a letter was sent in March 2018 telling him he was being recalled to prison.

However, he did not surrender himself or get in touch with his supervisor and when checks were made at his last known address it was discovered he had moved away.

Despite extensive enquiries, he was not located and Brown remained at large – at least until April 23, when he was finally caught.

Chief Inspector Paul Hennessy, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Criminals often tell lies in an effort to avoid arrest, but our officers are not easily fooled.

“In this case, Brown was stopped by officers alert to the fact he was driving a vehicle insured only to a female.

“This demonstrated their vigilance and attentiveness, yet Brown still naively believed he could trick them by providing false details.

“He was wrong. Thanks to the competency of the officers concerned, Brown’s time on the run was up.”

Under the terms of a standard recall, Brown will remain in prison until the end of his original sentence or until a parole board deems him suitable for release.