Lib Dem fugitive

Lib Dem fugitive ‘may be overseas’

Lib Dem fugitive ‘may be overseas’

The fugitive Liberal Democrat donor on the run from police since breaking his bail conditions earlier this week is thought to be overseas.

The party’s biggest donor was set to face 18 money laundering offences along with charges of theft and perverting the course of justice.

His bail conditions said he had to attend his local police station three times a week and reside in his property in Hampstead, north London. But Michael Brown, 42, has failed to show up to the police station for three visits in a row and has not been seen in his property.

A judge has issued an arrest warrant, but police say Mr Brown may have already fled the country.

The news will irritate prosecution lawyers, who stringently opposed Mr Brown’s bail.

Mr Brown gave the Liberal Democrats £2.4 million in 2005 when Charles Kennedy was still party leader.