A MURDER suspect who escaped from a prison van which had just left HMP Hewell in Tardebigge more than a year ago has been arrested in northern Cyprus.
John Anslow, aged 32, was being transported to Stafford Crown Court when he was sprung from the van near HMP Hewell on 23 January 23, 2012.
Staffordshire police spokeswoman said Anslow was arrested for immigration offences in Alancak, northern Cyprus on Wednesday before being deported by the Turkish Cypriot authorities.
He was arrested when he arrives at Heathrow airport earlier today and was transferred to a high-security prison.
Anslow is due to appear via video link at Stafford crown court on Monday for failing to appear at court.
Anslow, from Tipton, West Midlands, was one of five men charged with the murder of businessman Richard Deakin in Chasetown, Staffordshire, in July 2010.
In the last month, nine men have been arrested and charged by West Mercia police in connection with Anslow's escape, the spokeswoman added.
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