Fugitive Dean Garforth Gets 19 Years Behind Bars After Two-Year Manhunt
On the Run
Dean Garforth, 31, was finally jailed for 19 years and six months at Chester Crown Court today (Thursday 25 January). The criminal had been on the run for two years after failing to stop for police on Bradley Way, Widnes.
Encrypted Messages Didn’t Save Him
Garforth used the now-defunct encrypted comms platform, EncroChat, to evade arrest. He sent numerous coded messages trying to stay one step ahead of officers during his time on the run.
Massive Police Effort Pays Off
- Police spent hundreds of hours tracking Garforth, working closely with Spanish law enforcement.
- A public appeal was launched in January 2022 after Garforth clashed violently with officers, riding a bike into them while wearing sunglasses and a cap to hide his identity.
Cheshire Police Praise Detective Work
Detective Chief Inspector Nick Henderson said: “Garforth, like many criminals, believed EncroChat was a safe haven for free messaging without detection. Unbeknown to him, our detectives were watching – gathering solid evidence of his organised crime activities. Thanks to intensive investigations and international cooperation, Garforth’s behind bars where he belongs.”
