A KNIFEMAN who went on the run after a vicious gangland-style attack has been captured.
Peter James Hannah, 40, of Chester Road, Flint, was apprehended by police after an appeal on the BBC programme Crimewatch on Tuesday night
A warrant was issued for his arrest after he failed to appear at Liverpool Crown Court in January charged with assault following an incident in February last year.
He was convicted in his absence of attacking Stephen Tully by slashing both sides of his face with a craft knife in Woodchurch, Wirral.
Jurors heard Hannah launched the attack after accusing Mr Tully, 32, of stealing £10,000 in drugs cash.
Merseyside police confirmed Hannah was apprehended by traffic officers on a motorway in York on Tuesday night.
Det Insp Dave McCaughrean said: “Firstly I’d like to thank the viewers of Crimewatch and the readers of local newspapers.
“It is as a direct result of their assistance that Peter Hannah will now be brought to justice.
“Hannah was convicted of a vicious assault, which has had a major effect on all aspects of his victim’s life.
“Knowing that Hannah has now been captured and will serve his rightful sentence should offer his victim some closure.”
Hannah will appear before a judge in due course for sentencing for a Section 18 assault.
Hannah featured in the ‘Wanted’ section of the Crimewatch programme during which his picture was shown and presenter Rav Wilding detailed his crime.
Following his capture, his picture was removed from the Crimewatch website and a caption said: “No longer wanted”.
The public were advised not to approach Hannah, who was also thought to have links with the Cheshire and Wirral areas.
A BBC spokesman said: “The BBC’s Crimewatch programme works very closely with the police and has a great track record of successful outcomes to its appeals.
“It is particularly gratifying for producers when viewer calls lead to police action being taken on the very same night the programme is transmitted.”