A FRAUDSTER who evaded justice for more than four years is now behind bars.

Marius Lucian Anton was originally due to stand trial for possession of articles for use in fraud and possession of criminal property in May 2012 after using skimming devices on cash machines in Crewe but he failed to attend court.

Following his disappearance an arrest warrant was issued and he was caught on July 20 at the port of Dover as he attempted to leave the UK.

Anton’s arrest came just 48 hours after his image was circulated to national and international media as part of a widespread appeal to identify ten suspected fraudsters wanted for committing fraud worth £20 million.

He was sentenced to 14 months in prison on Monday after he pleaded guilty to possession of articles for use in fraud, possession of criminal property and breach of court bail.

The 31-year-old, from Kettering, was also ordered to pay £1092 under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Detective Constable Paul Myatt, from the Cheshire Police Economic Crime Unit, said: “Over the last four years both Cheshire and Northants Police have made significant attempts to locate Anton and bring him before the court all without success.

“However, following the national media appeal by the Joint Fraud Task Force on July 19, 2016 we were able to flush him out and arrest as he tried to leave the UK in a further bid to evade justice.

“It is now pleasing to see that justice has been served and Anton is now serving a custodial sentence after pleading guilty to placing skimming devices on ATMs across the UK, targeting innocent members of the public.

“This is an excellent result and I would like to thank the public for the support that they have provided which helped to lead to Anton’s arrest.”