A fugitive wanted in connection with an armed robbery telephoned the Warrington Guardian to protest his innocence – and to complain that his name had been misspelled in a court report.

Guardian crime reporter Paul Keaveny was taken aback when he got a call from the man, who claimed he had been “stitched up” by police.

The Warrington Guardian’s Midweek edition had splashed on the original court case, which saw three men jailed for their part in an armed robbery at Biffa Waste Services in Risley, Warrington.

The court heard that a fourth suspect in the case had absconded and a warrant had been issued for his arrest.

The judge in the case had said this man was the ringleader in the crime – but the fugitive rang Guardian reporter Paul Keaveny to say this was untrue.

During the call he also complained that the spelling of his name given in court was incorrect.

Reporter Paul informed the police about the unexpected phone call and wrote up his exclusive interview with the fugitive as the splash for the Guardian’s sister paper, the Warrington Mercury.

The phone call was also traced by the paper and details were handed over to police who are still hunting the wanted man.

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