Paedophile who fled trial arrested at airport

Hassan Mahmood was found guilty of four charges relating to the girl

A "cowardly" man who fled the UK while on trial for child sex offences has been arrested at Manchester Airport and is set to begin his prison sentence

Hassan Mahmood, 23, was found guilty in his absence at Manchester Crown Court of sexual offences against a girl under the age of 13 after he fled on 16 July. He was later sentenced to five and a half years in jail.

Greater Manchester Police said Mahmood, from Bury, was arrested on Monday night at Manchester Airport after returning on a flight following an "extensive investigation" into his whereabouts.

He is set to appear in court later to "begin the formalities" of starting his prison sentence, the force said.

Mahmood had been released on court bail at the time that he left the country and was not in police custody.

Det Con Shaheen Saleh said: "Mahmood cowardly left the country to evade punishment for his vile crimes, and I am glad he will now be behind bars where he belongs."

He said police were in touch with the victim and had been supporting her throughout the process.