A FORMER prisoner who had been called back to jail flew off to Spain for ‘a fresh start’ rather than hand himself in.

Charlie Brown was sentenced to 34 months behind bars in 2014 for burglary and robbery.

After serving half of his sentence, Brown was released on licence in April 2016.

One month later, he was recalled for breaching that licence and told to hand himself back into custody.

But he flew off to Spain for more than a year instead.

Southampton Crown Court heard that the 24-year-old, who is currently in custody, finally returned into the UK last July, where police were waiting to detain him.

Prosecuting, barrister Ceri Harrison told the court how he evaded authorities for more than a year.

She said: “On top of the initial recall, a letter was posted to his mum’s address telling him that he had to return within five days to custody.

“It was discovered that he was in Spain, though I don’t know where, for a fresh start, where he met his current girlfriend.

“He finally returned on July 19 last year, where he knew police would be waiting for him upon his return.”

Brown was also sentenced to 20 weeks in prison last year for illegally selling a watch. The court heard how Brown was fearful as a group of Albanians were threatening him over the sale, and so when released, he left the country.

Presiding, Recorder Rose said: “I expect when that letter came through to your mother’s address, you were already in Spain, miles away.

“It was not a sensible thing to do, but I hope, as you seem to have made progress in prison, taking courses and learning, that you carry on using your time.

“I have no choice but to sentence you to 20 weeks in prison for what you have done.

“It would have been 30 weeks had you not pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.”