THE hunt to find convicted multi-million pound drugs boss John Barber continues today, amid claims of recent sightings of him in Bolton.

Barber, of Twisse Road, Breightmet, was sentenced to 22 years in jail at Liverpool Crown Court for his part in conspiring to supply heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine along with a Bolton-based gang.

He disappeared halfway through his trial earlier this year with pregnant 22-year-old Victoria Dudson, from Salford, who used to work at the defence firm which represented him.

Police recovered a number of items from Barber's bail address which suggested he may have attempted to leave the country.

But detectives say they cannot rule out claims that he is in Bolton, although there have been no confirmed sightings. An international manhunt is also continuing. Det Insp Gerry Donnellan from GMP's Drug Unit said today: "He has exceptionally strong links to the Bolton area and we believe this may cause him to not travel too far.

"Although we do not believe that Barber poses a threat to the public, he was one of the main directors of a large drug dealing operation and deserves to be punished for his involvement.

"I would like to appeal to people in the Bolton area, that should they see either Barber or Victoria Dudson if they return to the area to contact us on the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111 or call 999."

Lee Bonney, aged 34, of Nantwich Walk, Alan Bentley, aged 34, of Dunoon Drive and Carl Entwistle, aged 21, of Cromford Close, Bromley Cross, were also found guilty by the jury. Bonney, Bentley and Barber were sentenced to a total of 53 years.

Brian Roper, aged 25, and 38-year-old Martin Wright, of Deane, pleaded guilty before the start of the trial. They were both sentenced to jail terms. Raymond Hargreaves, from Warrington, was cleared.

Entwistle is due to be sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court tomorrow.

Click HERE for background reports on the trial