Fugitive caught in Spain a year after fleeing country
A MAN who fled to Spain days before he was due to be sentenced has been arrested.
Aaron Stephenson left the North East in August last year, just two days before he was due to be sentenced for conspiring to supply Class A drugs and possessing criminal property.
The 27-year-old was living in Widdrington at the time he was arrested alongside his cousins Wesley and McKenzie Stephenson and grandparents Dianne Wright and Philip Stephenson in a series of Valentine’s Day raids aimed at disrupting their illicit drugs operation.
In March last year, the family members were convicted for their roles in the conspiracy, however, days before they were due to be sentenced, Aaron Stephenson packed a bag and headed to Marbella.
While in hiding, Stephenson would often taunt police by responding to appeals issued by the force and Crimestoppers, however unbeknown to him an international operation to find him was under way.
With the help of Spanish authorities, officers from Northumbria Police and the National Crime Agency (NCA) were tasked with bringing him back.
Stephenson was arrested last Friday, February 19, in Alicante. He currently remains in police custody and a process has begun for his return.
Chief Inspector Amanda Dumighan, of Northumbria Police, said: “I am really pleased to confirm that Aaron Stephenson has been arrested and will be brought back to the UK in due course.
“Stephenson caused misery across our communities here in the North East and what’s worse, when he was found guilty of his crime and about to be brought to justice, he took off to Spain.
“After fleeing the UK, Stephenson had plenty of opportunities to do the right thing and hand himself in, but instead, he chose to evade capture and live another life in Spain, despite the serious offences hanging over him.
“This has since been brought to an abrupt end thanks to the continued efforts of all those involved in this international operation. I would like to thank all those involved, including our colleagues from the National Crime Agency, whose vital assistance will help us bring
Stephenson back and put him before the courts.”
Dave Hucker, from National Crime Agency’s International Liaison Network, said: “We are pleased to have been able to support our policing partners in the UK and in Spain with this investigation. We remain ready to work closely with partners across the world in the fight against organised crime and make sure criminals have nowhere to hide.”
Stephenson and the other family members involved in the crime are all due to be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court in April.