Cocaine plotter on the run is given 10-year jail term

A jury at Leeds Crown Court found Nassar Mahroof, 35, of Penny Hill Drive, Bradford, guilty by an 11-1 majority of conspiracy to supply cocaine.

His was said to be suffering from ill health including diabetes and his case was adjourned for reports but the court heard yesterday that within days he left the country and was now a wanted man.

Judge Geoffrey Marson QC said Mahroof was effectively a "go between" involved in the conspiracy for the main man involved, James Fletcher, who admitted two conspiracies and has already been jailed for nine years.

His activities were under surveillance including meetings with Mahroof.

Judge Marson jailed Mahroof for 10 years and ordered that when a bench warrant for his arrest is executed he appears before him to decide what additional sentence is appropriate for his failure to attend.