AN ARTHOG pensioner who went on the run to China for 13 years after being arrested for child pornography offences has finally been jailed.

Michael Murray, 76, left his home after it had been searched by police in 2004. He had been arrested the day before he was due to go to Asia.

Elen Owen, defending at Caernarfon Crown Court, said: “He took the decision to leave the jurisdiction and stayed in the post in the university in China until he had to retire.

“He was a lecturer including in journalism. In 2014 he retired and moved to Australia.”

However, counsel said in 2016 prostate cancer was found.

Murray (pictured) couldn’t get health insurance and because of the cost of treatment abroad he had decided to fly back to Britain.

The pensioner, who had done a PhD, was arrested at Heathrow airport on 10 March.

He was jailed for six months at a previous hearing after he admitted breaching his bail.

But on Tuesday Murray had eight weeks’ imprisonment added to that sentence for seven offences of having pornographic images of children.

The prosecution said 53 indecent images had been discovered.

Prosecutor Sion ap Mihangel said he had pleaded guilty in May 2005 at the old Dolgellau Magistrates’ Court before fleeing. Murray had claimed to police that he accessed internet sites for research purposes.

He was a mature student at Liverpool John Moores University.

Judge Huw Rees told Murray he was highly educated but had committed serious offences between March 2003 and September 2004.

The judge said showing an interest in child pornography caused further abuse and images to be created to satisfy the “unhealthy, degenerate and lustful” demand.

“You should be thoroughly ashamed of yourself,” Judge Rees told Murray.

He must register as a sex offender for seven years.

Speaking after the court case, DCI Brian Kearney at Caernarfon CID said: “I welcome the sentence and hope it will reinforce our commitment to eradicate all forms of child abuse.

“Each and every time an image is taken, uploaded or viewed a child is abused and those who commit such vile acts must learn there are victims behind each and every image.

“His sentence also reflects the seriousness in which offences of this sickening nature, no matter when they were committed, are investigated and justice is served.”