HAMPSHIRE police have failed to extradite the boss of eight local firms who has fled to Southern Ireland.

Anthony Hilton, 53, disappeared before he was due to face trial in late 2002 in Southampton on charges relating to an allegedly unpaid sum of around £2 million

It was initially feared that Hilton had fled to the Mediterranean but Customs & Excise officers traced him a few months later to Southern Ireland.

He was arrested and brought before a court in Dublin in early 2003 when, despite objections from Customs & Excise, he was granted bail.

In January this year The High Court in Dublin granted an extradition warrant, but Hilton then took his fight to oppose the proceedings to the Irish Supreme Court.

On appeal, it was ruled that there was no equivalent in the Republic of Ireland to the charge he was facing in England of cheating the public revenue, and he was released.

Now lawyers in England are considering their next move.

It was believed to be the first time that the government has tried to extradite a fugitive from Southern Ireland for alleged revenue offences since a change in Irish law a few years ago.

Hilton, who had been living at an address in Norm Lane, Salisbury, first appeared at Southampton Crown Court on a preliminary hearing in October 2001. His case was then adjourned for two plea and directions hearings in January and February the following year.

He was accused of cheating the public revenue, contrary to common law.

It was alleged that between January 1, 1991 and June 1, 2001, in his capacity as director of eight companies, with intent to defraud, he failed to pay sums of VAT, PAYE contributions and National Insurance Contributions.

In the allegations, he is named as director of Hilton Transport Services, Tony Hilton Plant Hire, Southampton Bulk Terminals, Southampton Bulk Transport, Tarhaven, Marchwood Wharfage and Coastal Aggregates, as well sole owner of Tony Hilton Marine Contracting.

He also faced seven other charges of taking steps with a view to the fraudulent evasion of VAT.

Hilton denied the charges and was bailed pending a trial which was expected to last about two months. Then he disappeared. A bench warrant was issued for his arrest.