Man arrested over Thai deportation

A fugitive wanted by UK police investigating a number of fraud offences has been arrested after being deported from Thailand.

Police made public appeals to trace 57-year-old Paul Ridden earlier this year after he skipped bail in April, only to resurface in south-east Asia.

Authorities in Thailand arrested him on suspicion of visa offences last month and last night he was flown to Heathrow Airport where he was detained.

Sussex Police said Ridden, of Mallard Close, Eastbourne, East Sussex, was charged with six counts of fraud by false representation.

He was also charged with four counts of theft, one count of obtaining property by deception and failing to surrender to police bail.

The alleged offences are said to have taken place in Eastbourne on various dates last year, a police spokesman said.

Ridden will appear in custody at Eastbourne Magistrates' Court later today.

PA