Fugitive drugs gang leader who fled UK jailed

A drug dealer who fled the UK seven years ago on the day he was due to be sentenced has been jailed after he was extradited from the Caribbean.

Nicholas Knowles, 32, was convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin at Bolton Crown Court in 2018 but claimed he could not attend his sentencing due to illness and then fled the country.

He was sentenced to 13-and-half years in his absence at the time by Judge Graeme Smith, who imposed an additional 32-week sentence at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court in May after Knowles's return.

Knowles, who was described as the leader of a drugs line gang founded in 2013, was tracked down to the Caribbean and captured on 9 October 2024.

Greater Manchester Police said following a four-week trial it took a jury "just hours" to convict Knowles, formerly of Ashton-Under-Lyne, Tameside, of running the drugs operation in Bury.

Det Insp Ian Toole said: "We are pleased to report that Knowles has been in court to face justice at last after attempting to run away from the justice system.

"His actions and the actions of the crime group blighted our local community and exploited vulnerable people further afield.

"On the day of his sentencing in 2018 he pretended to be ill and used this as an opportunity to flee the country, which started an international manhunt to locate him.

"If you are a criminal that has fled the UK to live in another country and thinks they can enjoy a life of luxury, you can't, we will find you and bring you back to face justice. It is only a matter of time before there will be a knock at your door."

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