A convicted sex offender who used a fake passport to flee the country before being sentenced has returned to New Zealand after being held in custody in Botswana.
Christopher Crause, 48, from Hamilton was found guilty in March last year on four counts of sexual connection with a minor, four of indecent acts with a minor and two charges of supplying cannabis to a person under 18.
Following his conviction in Hamilton District Court he was granted bail but left this country before sentencing.
Police say they believe he first went to Australia before heading to South Africa.
A notice was circulated by Interpol and his presence in Botswana was picked up bu local police in July.
Botswanan authorities established Crause had contravened immigration laws because he illegally entered the country so he was then deported to New Zealand.
He arrived in Auckland on Thursday morning accompanied by Botswanan police officers.
In March, his wife, Bridget Crause was sentenced to 10 months home detention for her part in helping him flee the country.
