Clarke, from Radcliffe-on-Trent, went on the run during his trial for child sex offences.

A man who went on the run during a trial for child sex offences has been arrested and has now been jailed for 20 years.

Andrew Clarke, 42, of Talbot Court, Radcliffe-on-Trent, was convicted in his absence after failing to appear on the last day of his trial on June 20, and was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court yesterday (Friday) while he was still wanted by police.

He was arrested by Nottinghamshire Police today (Saturday).

Clarke was found guilty of a total of 16 offences against two girls - including two offences of attempted rape of a child under the age of 13, and 14 offences of sexual assault of a child under the age of 13.

Clarke's mother Betty Clarke, 72, of Phoenix Avenue, Gedling, and his former partner Sarah Clare, 40, of Brinklow Road, Birmingham, were each charged with two offences of child neglect as part of the investigation and were both jailed for two years.

Detective Sergeant Parminder Dhillon, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "This was an extremely sad and shocking case of abuse and the seriousness of the offences has been reflected in the 20-year sentence.

"No sentence can ever make up for what the victims have been through but I hope in time it will help them deal with the emotional impact.

"Clarke not only committed these horrific crimes on vulnerable victims but was then even more cowardly by trying to evade justice when he realised he was facing a lengthy prison sentence. Fortunately Nottinghamshire Police tracked him down and he is now behind bars."

Anyone affected by sexual abuse is urged to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. All reports will be treated with discretion and compassion.