Briton flees in passport bungle

A British man facing £1.1 million fraud and theft charges fled South Africa on a new UK passport supplied by consular officials.

Sean Smith, from Epping, was on bail and due to face trial in Port Elizabeth. His original passport had been confiscated by police.

He emailed his lawyer to say he had fled the country and was en route to Australia. In the message Smith, 39, who describes himself as a financial adviser, said he was "refuelling in Oz before starting a new job in the British Virgin Islands in two weeks".

Smith was released on bail from St Alban's prison, Port Elizabeth, eight months ago after magistrates heard he had contracted HIV in jail, apparently from an infected needle in hospital. He had been held in the prison on remand for a year and a half.

Smith faces 13 counts of fraud and theft. He and his British boyfriend Darren Brunning, who is now thought to be in Australia, are accused of issuing false credit statements and guarantees to banks to secure lending to buy three properties. South African police have issued a warrant for his arrest.