Tony Downes Arrested in Amsterdam after 8 Months on the Run following his Escape

A man who was sprung from a prison van eight months ago as he stood trial for firearms offences has been arrested in Amsterdam.

Merseyside Police confirmed that Anthony Downes, who was wanted for absconding from custody, has been seized.

Downes, 26, of no fixed address, had been wanted since last July after escaping from a prison van on his way to Liverpool Crown Court.

He was facing trial for conspiracy to possess firearms with intent to endanger life and conspiracy to cause damage with intent to endanger life.

His co-defendant Kirk Bradley, 26, from Formby, also escaped from the prison van and remains wanted by Merseyside Police.

Both men were convicted in their absence last week at Woolwich Crown Court in London.

Downes is due to be sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on Thursday.

He was said to be at the top of gang which carried out attacks for others in the Liverpool underworld.

Last month, the court heard that the home of a wealthy businessman living in the same street as Liverpool football manager Kenny Dalglish was the target of two shootings. Read More