A DANGEROUS drugs baron who skipped bail during a trial six years ago has been placed on a Crimestoppers list of the Most Wanted Spanish-based fugitives.

Mark Lilley escaped custody just days after finishing giving evidence at Bolton Crown Court in 2000.

Detectives believe the ex-gas fitter, formerly of Bank Street, Earlestown, fled to Spain after being granted bail on a technicality.

The powerfully built bodybuilder was convicted in his absence to a 23-year jail term, but has he has never been captured after leaving the country.

The last reported sighting of Lilley is believed to have been in Playa de las Americas, Tenerife, during 2003, where a holidaying policeman - a former schoolfriend of the fugitive - spotted him behind the wheel of a Mercedes.

Officers from the National Crime Squad travelled to the Canary Islands but could not track Lilley down.

Now police are hoping members of the ex-pat community in southern Spain and nearby islands may recognise Lilley and tip-off the authorities.

The Crimestoppers website lists a number of aliases used by Lilley such as Coney, TJ, Fatboy, Big Vern and Mandy.

He stands around 6ft tall, possibly weighs in at 20-stone and has two small scars between the little finger and ring fingers of his right hand.

The National Crime Squad has previously described Lilley "as one of the worst types of drug dealers who would use violence against people who crossed him".

Lilley was convicted in April 2000 of conspiracy to supply cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, amphetamines and cannabis resin, along with a firearms offence. He denied the charges.

His conviction followed an investigation which was carried out by the NCS. Fellow gang members were also given lengthy jail terms.

Drugs totalling £1.2 million were seized from homes as part of police raids and detectives bugged Lilley's home in a bid to obtain evidence.

In 2002, Lilley failed in an audacious appeal bid to get his sentence quashed. He gave instructions to his barrister via a mobile phone but never attended court.

Anyone with information about Lilley's whereabouts can contact Crimestoppers from Spain on 0900 555 111 or from the UK 0800 555 111.

Mark Lilley: Crimestoppers profile

Mark Alan Lilley was convicted at Bolton Crown Court in April 2000 to 23 years imprisonment for conspiracy to supply controlled drugs (cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, amphetamine, cannabis and cannabis resin) and for possession of a firearm. Lilley skipped bail during the trial and was convicted in his absence.

Suspect description

Forename: Mark Alan

Surname: Lilley

Street Name: CONEY (spelling unknown), TJ, Fatboy, Big Vern, Mandy

Sex: Male

Age Range: 30 - 35

Height: 180 - 185 cm (approx 6' 0")

Build: Heavy

Hair Colour: Dark

Hair type: Receding

Ethnic appearance: White European

Distinguishing marks: Two 2.5cm scars between little and ring fingers on right hand

Distinguishing Features: Brown eyes

Additional Info: Occasionally has ponytail, usually wears a baseball cap