Police catch bail busters

Three people who were named in February by the Bolton Evening News after failing to attend court have now been arrested.

They were tracked down by a special team of officers that has been hunting offenders who have skipped bail and failed to attend court.

Marie Gillard, aged 33, from Tonge Moor, was wanted for alleged offences of theft and breaching a court order, and was arrested on Wednesday.

Michael Holt, aged 25, from Great Lever, who was wanted for a string of alleged offences including grievous bodily harm, violent disorder and assault, was arrested on June 6.

Anthony Nuttall, aged 36, of The Haulgh, was wanted for alleged offences of theft, burglary and breaching a court order. Police arrested him in Manchester on May 23.

The arrests follow the success of "Operation Turn Up" in February, which targeted those not attending court.

Sgt Ian Coop, of Bolton police, said: "There are a number of people wanted on warrants in the Bolton area who think that we are not looking for them anymore. That is not the case.

"We will continue to work proactively to trace those who are still wanted.

"Operation Turn Up was a big success and we will continue to allocate resources to catch these people."

Some of those warrants still outstanding in Bolton are for offences that date back as far back as 2000.

The problem of bail dodgers was highlighted nationally this week with figures published by the Commons public accounts committee.

MPs have spoken out about the 150,000 defendants who ignore summonses to court and are never caught.

This week, police in Bolton conducted a mini Operation Turn Up to root out outstanding warrants.

Officers have obtained warrants to lock up 20 people who failed to appear at court.

They will target eastern areas of Bolton such as Halliwell, Tonge Moor and Great Lever.

Enforcement officers have also been granted around 100 warrants with bail, so they can hand out new court dates to offenders on their doorsteps.