[karajorma]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/tees/7127236.stm

A missing man who resurfaced after five years is unable to remember anything from that time, his sons say. John Darwin was presumed dead after the remains of his canoe were found washed up on a beach in Seaton Carew, near Hartlepool, Teesside, in March 2002.

The 57-year-old walked into a London police station at the weekend, saying he did not remember where he had been. He has now been reunited with his sons, Anthony and Mark, who say he cannot remember anything since June 2000. His wife, Anne, is believed to be living abroad after recently selling the couple's home. In the statement issued through Cleveland Police, Anthony, 29, and Mark, 31, said that the news of his appearance had come as a huge shock to the whole family, but they were extremely happy. His wife had been informed and was delighted at the news.

They added: "We have spoken with John and he appears to be in good health, however he currently has no memory of events since June 2000. "We appreciate that there is huge media interest in this story however due to John's memory loss there is little more we can add. "Since Saturday evening we have been through a traumatic and emotional time and this continues to be a stressful time for John and the family."

Officers will be speaking to Mr Darwin at some point, but it has not been determined when. Anyone who has seen or had dealings with him over the past five years is asked to contact Cleveland Police.

[MP-Ryan]

Probably an extreme case of Dissociative Identity Disorder, with travelling.

[redsniper]

* redsniper is trying to think of what fancy proper name GB would give their Treadstone project.

[Mika]

That must have been one hell of a party, and one hell of a hangover!

Five years suddenly disappeared from life? Interesting.

Mika

[Rictor]

/cue X-Files music

[Hellstryker]

 

[karajorma]

The plot thickens.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/tees/7128196.stm

A man who reappeared five years after it was thought he had drowned at sea while canoeing has been arrested. John Darwin was presumed dead after the remains of his canoe were found washed up on a beach in Seaton Carew, near Hartlepool, Teesside, in March 2002. The 57-year-old walked into a London police station at the weekend, saying he did not remember where he had been.

The arrest came as the Daily Mirror published a photograph alleging it showed the couple in Panama. Mr Darwin's wife, Anne, who has moved to Panama, told the Daily Mail newspaper she claimed his life insurance payouts in good faith.

Cleveland Police said a man had been arrested by Hampshire officers at their request but made no further comment. The Daily Mirror newspaper reported that a photo of the Darwins was apparently taken in Panama last year when they stayed in an apartment, rented through the firm Move to Panama. There has been no independent verification of the photo.

Mr Darwin was reunited with his sons, Anthony and Mark earlier this week, who said he could not remember anything since June 2000. His wife, Anne, recently sold the couple's home and moved to Panama. Mr Darwin was declared dead by a coroner in 2003. Mrs Darwin told newspapers that the money she claimed after that decision may now have to be repaid.

[Colonol Dekker]

Bah, i believe the pictures are real. This man is are con-artiste.

[NGTM-1R]

Depends on whether the life-insurance gets repaid, IMO.

[Rictor]

How much did his life insurance pay off? Are we talking chump-change or serious cash? If its a few thousand, I doubt that's enough to induce someone to leave their family and entire life for 5 years.

[jr2]

I heard he got arrested on BBC radio about 12 hours ago... true?

[Colonol Dekker]

Yessum'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/tees/7130046.stm

[fix please]

[nvsblmnc]

Apparently, someone googled his name, the wife's name and Panama and founr the picture, complete with date, on a 'move to Panama' website. 

[karajorma]

If true that's going to go down as an all time classic criminal blunder.