County Durham, UK – A convicted cocaine dealer who fled justice before his sentencing in 2023 has been arrested in Belgium, Durham Crown Court heard this week.
Peter Hudson, 29, formerly of Birch Road, West Cornforth, was convicted in absentia in 2023 for being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison, but failed to appear at trial and remained at large for nearly two years.
The charges against Hudson stem from drug-dealing activities during the Covid-19 pandemic, between April and June 2020. He was arrested later that year when authorities seized £14,000 in cash from his home and vehicle, leading to a wider investigation.
A jury found him guilty on the fourth day of the trial, after which a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. Despite repeated efforts, authorities had been unable to locate him—until now.
On Thursday, August 21, it was revealed in court that Hudson had been arrested in Brussels, and his extradition to the UK was approved in June. However, the court was told no one from Durham Police or the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) was present to confirm his current place of detention.
The case was listed for the execution of the bench warrant, but due to Hudson’s absence and lack of representation, Judge Jo Kidd adjourned the hearing until Friday, August 29, to allow authorities to confirm his status and location.
It was mentioned in court that the lead investigating officer is currently on holiday.
💰 Proceeds of Crime Hearing Pending
Earlier this year, a Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) hearing addressed Hudson’s criminal profits, with prosecutors estimating he benefited by more than £400,000 from his drug operations.
A claim has also been submitted by Hudson’s father, Francis Hudson, for £5,000 of the £14,000 seized, asserting it was proceeds from a car sale in April 2021. The final POCA ruling will be made once Hudson is physically produced in court.
