A Romanian man who stole dozens of bottles of vodka has been caught - almost two years after his arrest was ordered.

Alexander Constantine was arrested by airport police as he arrived back in the UK. He was wanted after stealing over £700 worth of goods from a branch of Tesco in Batley.

The theft - which included 42 one-litre bottles of Vodka - took place on December 15, 2012.

The 33-year-old appeared before Kirklees magistrates in custody following his arrest at Luton Airport. He had been due to appear at the Huddersfield court on December 28, 2012.

Earlier that month he had entered Tesco in Bradford Road and filled a trolley full of £764 worth of goods.

Andy Wills, prosecuting, said: “He was charged with the matter and was expected to appear before this court on December 28, 2012.

“He didn’t and a warrant was executed for his arrest. On his return to this country he was arrested at Luton Airport.”

Roger Clapham, mitigating, described his client’s situation as “unsatisfactory”.

He said that when Constantine was due in court he received a message that one of his children was sick.

Mr Clapham said: “He put family first and went home. The warrant was executed and he was arrested yesterday when he arrived back in the UK.”

Magistrates ordered a report from probation staff before sentencing Constantine, of no fixed address.