A CONVICTED rapist from Urmston who went on the run in 2006 is in the Philippines, it has been claimed.

Gary Lee Johnson, 38, was sentenced to seven years in his absence, after he failed to attend his trial at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court in 2006 where he was found guilty of raping a woman.

In March 2004, he met his victim at a club and then raped her at a house in Urmston.

Johnson had been remanded in custody during the first rape trial, but was granted bail after the jury failed to reach a verdict. He then failed to appear in court and was jailed in his absence.

Police have been searching for Johnson since he disappeared and in February this year released a photo of Johnson, who was named as one of Trafford’s most wanted fugitives.

Messenger can reveal that police in the Philippines have been tracking Johnson, who is believed to be using a false passport and different surname.

Police in the Philippines provided a photograph and video of the man they believe is the Urmston fugitive.

This week Greater Manchester Police confirmed that they had established that Johnson was in the Philippines and said inquiries were ongoing to locate him.

A British ex-pat, who said he lives near Johnson in the Philippines, contacted Messenger and said he believes Johnson is living on Leyte Island in the Philippines on a false passport.

The ex-pat, who didn't want to be named, said the man he believes in Johnson is ‘infamous’ in Leyte and is currently living with a Filipino woman and her two children.

The UK has an extradition treaty with the Philippines which allows extradition to be requested for any offence which attracts a maximum penalty of at least 12 months’ imprisonment.