Known as 'the running man' this man was in hiding for the past 13 years and police had been searching for him for years. He was to serve his 8 years in jail after an attempt at failed robbery and also threatening to murder. However, after so many years police got an inside tip and were finally able to arrest him. Now he is set to complete his 8 year jail time and is expected to receive an extension in his prison time.
UK's notorious criminal dubbed as 'The Running Man' has been caught by police after being on run for 13 years.
Ambrose Nicolas O'Neill, 42, ran from the police in 2008 after he attacked a 67-year-old antique dealer and threatening to kill him in a robbery in 2007.
Ambrose pretended to be a pizza delivery man and knocked on the man's front door before punching him on the ground and forcing him to open his safe. He left the robbery place empty handed.
He never showed up for his trial and in December court announced hi 8 years jail term.
Different departments of the police force launched a manhunt together to search for the man but to no avail. After all efforts were exhausted finally a breakthrough came after all these years when a report came following a Crimestoppers tip that alerted police to the fact O'Neill could be living with a woman in Boston, Lincolnshire.
The man was immediately arrested from his hiding place and arrested by PC James Gill of Nottinghamshire Police.
He is now expected to complete his 8 years jail term but will also be presented before Leicester Crown Court where his prison time may be extended.
PC Gill said: "He was laughing at the police so we were determined to do everything to find him.
"It has taken an incredible amount of work to find him. It's making these people know their time on the run is over.
"It is because I have been surrounded by good, experienced and motivated officers we have achieved what we have. It is not a solo achievement."
Reportedly a 41-year old woman was also arrested for helping the criminal.
Gill added: "We are delighted with this arrest and it's taken a lot of hard work to finally reach this point.
"O'Neill had been wanted for a long time and was particularly difficult to find once we received this fresh piece of intelligence we didn't hesitate to act on it.
"I'm delighted that it paid off and that we've now been able to get justice for the victims of this horrific crime."
Chief Superintendent Rob Griffin, of Nottinghamshire Police, added: "I'd like to commend the excellent work and dogged determination of our officers who went above and beyond in hunting for O'Neill and getting him arrested.
"It's a shining example of the commitment shown by our officers to ensure criminals are brought to account and justice is delivered to victims of crime.
"Once our officers sank their teeth into this operation they wouldn't let go. Without their tenacity, this fantastic result wouldn't have been possible.
"They left no stone unturned and as a result, O'Neill now, at last, must face the consequences of his actions.
"I'd also like to thank our colleagues at Leicestershire and Lincolnshire for their support during this investigation."
