Wanted fraudster arrested abroad

A conman found guilty of fraud although he did not turn up for his trial has been arrested in France.

David Oakley was jailed in his absence to three years and nine months at Shrewsbury Crown Court in September.

He had said he was too ill to leave his Spanish home to attend the trial, which heard he netted about £100,000 through his illegal activities.

West Mercia Police said Oakley was arrested in Melle on Friday.

He is due to appear in a French court on Wednesday for an initial extradition hearing.

Oakley was found guilty of 12 offences, including fraudulent trading and using forged cheques.

A woman has also been arrested under a separate European arrest warrant on suspicion of fraud offences and she will also appear in court on Wednesday.