Man wanted for 10 years jailed as Croydon cops target others on the run

Lawrence Corcoran, of Ballinsloe, County Galway, was due to stand trial for attempted arson in 2001 but never attended.

He has been wanted ever since and despite the victim of the arson withdrawing the allegation, police have been tracking the 45–year-old since.

Croydon's Wanted Offender Unit located Corcoran after 10 years following detailed financial checks.

Officers from Croydon contacted their colleagues at the Garda in Ireland, who visited Mr Corcoran on their behalf.

Corcoran agreed to fly back to the UK and hand himself in to police, where he was then charged with failing to attend a trial.

At Croydon Crown Court on Thursday, November 17, he was jailed for six days.

Detective Sergeant Jason Grafham, from Croydon's Wanted Offenders Unit, said: "Corcoran thought he could simply not turn up to a trial and get away with it. However, we will continue to pursue all outstanding offenders in order to bring them to justice, no matter how long has passed since their offence."

Buoyed by their success, Croydon police have released images of another five people who have not attended trial or for recall to prison for various offences:

Trina Schofield, 28, is wanted since October 21, 2011, for failing to appear at Croydon Crown Court in connection with handling stolen goods offence.

Her last known address is London Road, Broad Green.

Sardam Fatah, 34, is wanted since October 26, 2011, for failing to appear at Croydon Crown Court in connection with a fraud offence His last known address is Harrington Road, South Norwood.

Darren Bond, 40, is wanted on recall to prison for burglary offences. His last known address is YMCA, Landsdowne Road, Croydon.

Errol Guthrie, 38, is wanted on recall to prison in relation to burglary offences.

His last known address is Kitchener Road, Croydon.

Anyone with information should call Croydon’s Wanted Offender Unit on 020 8649 0119 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.