West Yorks Police help in South America arrest

Friday, 22 June 2018 07:00

A man wanted by Dutch Police has been arrested in South America – after help from West Yorkshire Police and the National Crime Agency.

Alistair Weekes, 36, previously of the Armley area of Leeds, is still to serve a 20-year-sentence for the murder of 12-year-old Danny Gubbels in the Dutch city of Breda in 2010.

He was sentenced on appeal to 20 years in prison in 2015 but was not present for the verdict. A three-year man hunt then started culminating in his arrest on the 15 June 2018.

The Dutch authorities will be asking their counterparts in Colombia for his extradition.

As Weekes was originally from Leeds, West Yorkshire Police, in partnership with the National Crime Agency (NCA), helped their Dutch and South American colleagues to bring Weekes to justice.

DCI Carl Galvin of West Yorkshire Police, said: “This arrest is the result of a detailed investigation and proves that justice knows no boundaries. There may be many thousands of miles between West Yorkshire and Colombia but by working together with partners we have shared resources, information and intelligence to bring Weekes back where he belongs”

“Weekes is well known by those in organised crime groups in West Yorkshire and beyond. This was a horrific crime in which a young child was murdered. Weekes belongs in prison and West Yorkshire Police is committed to ensuring justice is served regardless of where the offenders believe they are safe.”

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