A GYPSY traveller wanted by police in connection with the high profile disappearance of his 14-year-old cousin arrived back in England yesterday.

James Patrick O'Brien, 23, was met by Cleveland Police at Durham Tees Valley Airport after arriving on a flight from Dublin, Ireland.

After handing himself over voluntarily at around 10.30am, the 23-year-old was questioned by officers in connection with the disappearance of Margaret O'Brien from Thornaby.

He was then charged and appeared before a judge at Teesside Magistrates yesterday afternoon, facing charges of child abduction, deception and driving offences.

Mr O'Brien and his cousin, Margaret, who are both members of the travelling community, disappeared together and were traced in Ireland together.

A massive combined British and Irish police hunt resulted in the teenager being reunited with her family on Thursday, March 31. She had been missing with her cousin since Good Friday, March 25.

Mr O'Brien, of St Paul's Road, Thornaby, Teesside, is due to make his first appearance at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday, April 14.