A cannabis grower fled the country and lived a new life in France - before being arrested at Bristol Airport after flying back to visit his family for Christmas 14 years later.
Alexander Cornish was a 31-year-old man when he initially pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to supply, and cultivation of the drug, back in 2005.
He was released on bail by the court after a judge decided the case needed a Newton hearing to establish the facts, before he could be sentenced.
But Cornish, from Plymouth, never turned up, and instead sneaked out of the country and went to live in France.
There he remained for 14 years, settling down with a wife and family, and setting up his own business.
But in December 2019, and now 46 years old, he decided to visit his family back in England, and flew in to Bristol Airport, where he was promptly arrested.
A new judge re-opened the case against him, and this time remanded him in custody.
Proceedings will start where they left off 14 years ago, with a Newton hearing in February, ahead of Cornish being sentenced for what he did all those years ago.
His barrister Ali Rafati said that Cornish was living in France, had a wife, a young child and had started a business, Plymouth Live reported.
The defendant’s father George Cornish offered the court a £20,00 surety to guarantee his attendance at the next hearing.
Mr Cornish, who said his son would live with him, said: “In my opinion, he is a reformed character”.
But Judge Townsend, refusing the bail application, said: “He faces a real prospect of a prison sentence. He has an address in France. He has been on the run for 14 years and has proved his willingness to avoid justice.”
He added that Cornish had two previous offences for importing cannabis into the country.
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