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'Dead' Canoeist Reappears Again—in Court

Seeking help, police release photo from fraudulent passport

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 10, 2007 3:20 PM CST

(Newser) – The British man who faked his own death in a canoeing accident only to resurface 5 years later appeared in court today to face formal charges of fraudulently obtaining a life insurance policy and lying to procure a passport, the Telegraph reports. A hearing date of February 4 was set for John Darwin, who spoke only to confirm his identity.

In an open call for information about his activities since he supposedly disappeared, police released a photo of Darwin as he appeared while living under the alias “John Jones.” As Jones, Darwin is said to have traveled widely, even passing into and out of Britain. "We've got calls coming in from across the globe," said one police officer. "God only knows where he's been."

The right hand house is where missing man John Darwin lived and which his wife sold, also the left hand house is alleged to have been owned by John and his wife in Seaton Carew northern England. Friday Dec. 7, 2007, John Darwin was reported missing more than five years...
The right hand house is where missing man John Darwin lived and which his wife sold, also the left hand house is alleged to have been owned by John and his wife in Seaton Carew northern England. Friday...   (Associated Press)
Cleveland Police Detective Superintendent Tony Hutchinson holds the photograph used by John Darwin on his fake passport, during a press conference in Middlesbrough, England, Monday Dec. 10, 2007. Darwin, 57, who turned up alive five years after being declared dead in a kayak accident off Britain's northeast coast, was appearing...
Cleveland Police Detective Superintendent Tony Hutchinson holds the photograph used by John Darwin on his fake passport, during a press conference in Middlesbrough, England, Monday Dec. 10, 2007. Darwin,...   (Associated Press)
This image made available by Cleveland Police in Hartlepool, England, Monday Dec. 10, 2007, shows the photograph used by John Darwin on his fake passport. Darwin, 57, who turned up alive five years after being declared dead in a kayak accident, was appearing court on fraud charges for allegedly faking...
This image made available by Cleveland Police in Hartlepool, England, Monday Dec. 10, 2007, shows the photograph used by John Darwin on his fake passport. Darwin, 57, who turned up alive five years after...   (Associated Press)
Cleveland Police Detective Superintendent Tony Hutchinson holds the photograph used by John Darwin on his fake passport, during a press conference in Middlesbrough, England, Monday Dec. 10, 2007. Darwin, 57, who turned up alive five years after being declared dead in a kayak accident off Britain's northeast coast, was appearing...
Cleveland Police Detective Superintendent Tony Hutchinson holds the photograph used by John Darwin on his fake passport, during a press conference in Middlesbrough, England, Monday Dec. 10, 2007. Darwin,...   (Associated Press)
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New photo issued of canoeist's alter ego
Times (UK)

Canoeist's wife terrified by possible prison time
Daily Mail (UK)

Police find secret hiding place in Darwin residence
ABC News

 
fraud • accident • missing boater • John Darwin • Anne Darwin • court appearance

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