Dodgy Driver Flees UK, Nabbed on Return Flight from Saudi Arabia
Anas Bahbaishi, 33, tried to dodge justice by jetting off to Saudi Arabia after being charged with driving while disqualified. The Nottingham businessman was due in court on May 10, but he skipped town early, flying out from London Heathrow on May 6.
Warrant Issued as Police Track Fugitive to Jeddah
Nottinghamshire Police quickly issued a warrant for his arrest. Their inquiries revealed Bahbaishi had landed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Officers alerted Border Force and asked to be notified if he tried to return to the UK.
Border Force Tip-Off Leads to Airport Arrest
On Sunday, July 16, police at Manchester Airport got the call from Border Force. Bahbaishi, previously of Cranmer Street, Mapperley Park, Nottingham, had checked in for a flight back from Jeddah. Nottinghamshire officers were waiting when he touched down.
He was arrested on the plane and taken back to Nottingham for questioning.
Court Appearance and Police Praise
Bahbaishi appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court the very next day, July 17. He admitted driving while disqualified and uninsured. The court heard he was caught driving in Wollaton last October, fined £200, disqualified for 12 months, and ordered to pay £85 court costs plus an £80 surcharge.
PC Adam Smith, who helped with the arrest, said: “When he skipped the country, we put a marker on his passport to be alerted if he returned. Once we got the call from Border Force, myself and PC Darren White rushed to Manchester Airport to detain him. He was speechless when we escorted him off the plane.”
“On the way back to Nottingham, he claimed to be returning for his wife’s graduation ceremony. But instead of celebrations, he faced the consequences of his crimes.”
“Thanks to the quick action and teamwork between Greater Manchester Police, Border Force, and Nottinghamshire Police, justice caught up with him.”
