Back from dead canoeist hid out in Silloth claim

Last updated 10:32, Friday, 18 July 2008

A NORTH EAST canoeist who faked his own death was in Silloth for a time, it has been reported.

John Darwin's wife, Anne, 56, is on trial, charged with 15 counts of fraud and money laundering.

Mr Darwin faked his own death and Anne Darwin has denied the charges, claiming she was coerced into participating in the lie.

He disappeared after his canoe was found in sea close to his home in Seaton Carew, near Hartlepool, in 2002.

It is claimed the pair fraudulently claimed £250,000 insurance for his death.

The jury was told on the day of her husband's disappearance, Anne Darwin took him to Durham railway station so he could hide out in Cumbria.

Today, national newspapers say that she met him later in Silloth. He was wearing clothes from a charity shop and looked like an old man.

It has also been reported that he was living rough in a tent in the area.

He was exposed after a picture of the couple in Panama was published, after his disappearance and apparent death.

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