THE National Crime Squad is seeking the public's help to trace Mark Lilley -- a major North West drugs dealer who went on the run prior to him being convicted and sentenced to 23 years in jail.

Lilley, aged 29, absconded from Bolton Crown Court after he finished giving evidence at his trial in April last year.

Despite extensive enquiries by the National Crime Squad and Interpol he has so far not been traced and brought back to serve his lengthy jail term. Lilley, of Bank Street, Earlstown, St Helens, has been described as 'one of the worst types of drugs dealers' who would use violence against people who crossed him.

He had denied six drugs conspiracy charges and a firearms offence but was found guilty in his absence on all counts.

He has now been missing for over a year and is thought to have been in Spain, around the coastal holiday destinations, and is also believed to have been seen in the Netherlands.

However, officers believe Lilley may have visited the UK since he absconded and is probably travelling on a false passport as his original was surrendered as a bail condition.

Lilley is a keen bodybuilder, white, 6ft tall and could weigh up to 20 stone.

Anyone with any information about his whereabouts can call, in confidence and free of charge on 0800 0855939.