Fugitive back in prison after 22yrs at large
A PRISONER who spent 22 years on the run was captured as he tried to sneak back into Britain.
Michael Ashworth, 57, who was serving five years for drug offences, was arrested as he boarded a Eurotunnel shuttle in France on Sunday.
He still had 18 months to serve when he failed to return to Sudbury open prison in Derbyshire in 1995 after temporary leave.
Ashworth, who fled to Holland, appeared before magistrates in Chatham, Kent, accused of escaping from lawful custody.
But the case was thrown out as he had been on temporary licence and should not have been charged with the offence.
Ashworth, from Colne, Lancs, must now serve the remainder of his stretch.