On-the-run pub thug is found in Hungary

A THUG responsible for a violent attack outside a Royton pub in 2008 has been arrested in Hungary after years on the run.

Thomas Tooth (32) of Middleton, was detained in Badacsonytoma on February 15. The victim of the attack at The Angel was left with permanent eye damage.

Tooth, who absconded, was convicted in his absence of unlawful wounding. He later featured in the Operation Return fugitive campaign as he spent time in the Netherlands while on the run.

Extradition proceedings are underway. Tooth will be sentenced on his return to the UK.

Tooth is the 10th fugitive to be arrested as part of Operation Return. Four people are currently outstanding.

Founder and chair of Crimestoppers, Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC, said: “Tooth featured in our campaign two years ago and was, in fact, convicted in his absence. I am delighted that he has eventually been caught and that he can now serve his sentence.