Police have warned people to stay away from a mixed martial arts champion who is on the run for a number of serious offences.
Darren Towler was found guilty of several counts of conspiracy to supply drugs in his absence at Teesside Crown Court.
Durham Police launched a manhunt after the former cage fighter failed to attend his trial on 22 March.
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They are now urging people not to approach him if they see him, warning that he is a large man who is a skilled fighter.
Towler lifted the UCMMA title back in 2011 but quickly became involved in drug dealing, and was caught transporting ecstasy tablets in a Newcastle pub car park.
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He was also once found in possession of cocaine and cash when officers pulled over his Citroën Berlingo after officers saw him meeting up with a man in a Toby Carvery pub in Kingston Park.
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In 2016, he was sentenced to three years and three months after he was found guilty for possession of 12g of cocaine, as well as 2,000 ecstasy pills and £2,300 in cash.
He was let out on licence that same year, however.
A spokesperson for Durham Police said it's important people stay away from him.
The statement read: "Towler is described as 6ft 3ins tall and of large build.
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"He is well-known in the local community having had a career as a professional MMA fighter.
"If you see him or know of his whereabouts, please do not approach him, instead call the police on 101."
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Towler was also part of group that was charged in 2016 for trafficking heroin destined for the streets of Teesside.
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However, during a four-week trial in November that year, he was found not guilty of conspiracy to supply heroin.
His latest trial saw Towler convicted on three counts of conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs.
His co-accused – John McNaughton, 34 of Bethune Road, Middlesbrough; Anthony Thurlow, 28, of Hollyrood Court, Middlesbrough; Terrance Duffield, 42, of Clairmont Court, Thornaby; and Sean Hornsby, 48, of no fixed abode – were all found guilty of the offence.
A sentencing hearing for Towler and his co-defendants is set to take place at Teesside Crown Court on 12 and 13 May.
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Anyone who may have any information about his whereabouts, is urged to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Words by Dominic Smithers
Topics: MMA
The SPORTbible Team