Overview
- Witchell, 61, was sentenced in March 2026 at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court to 10 years after he admitted theft, money laundering, and prescription and controlled drug offences.
- He fled the UK in 2011 and spent 14 years in Brazil before officers detained him at Holyhead Port on Anglesey in August 2025.
- Investigators said he masterminded five luxury car thefts between 2003 and 2006 worth nearly £290,000 by abusing hire-purchase deals and using front companies, with three cars sent to Spain.
- From August 2013 to December 2015 he ran a web-based supply of codeine, diazepam, tramadol, and zopiclone that sold more than three million units worldwide and caused real harm to people who bought addictive medicines without proper oversight.
- Prosecutors traced profits through a Mauritius company called Next Day Pharmacy Solutions into Witchell’s accounts using evidence secured with local authorities, and he now faces a 14-year director ban plus planned court orders to restrict future offending and recover the £3.7m proceeds.