Three years after he admitted faking his own death as part of a life insurance scam, John Darwin has returned to Seaton Carew after being released from prison. Dani Webb reports.

THE words “John woz ere” can plainly be seen in the whitewash slapped across a front window of the Darwins’ former seafront home. Perhaps the 60-year-old left the not-sosubtle message scrawled across the glass as a way of publicly announcing his long-awaited return.

It’s a nice thought – but would a former prison officer and teacher put his name to such a misapplication of language? Perhaps not.

More likely it’s yet another fantastic example of Seaton Carew humour – who could ever forget the mock road sign “Welcome to Seaton Canoe, Twinned With Panama”.

Absolute classic. As was the incredible caper that John embarked on with his wife, Anne.

A simple plan, which involved faking his death in a mystery canoe/kayak-related incident at sea, cashing in life insurance policies and pensions before jetting off to Panama to begin a new life together.

Until, that is, John Darwin inexplicably walked into a London police station five years later, faking amnesia and telling officers: “I think I’m a missing person.”

It was at that point that the small town of Seaton Carew, nestling between Hartlepool and the mouth of the Tees, became inextricably part of an astonishing tale that held a world enthralled.

The media spotlight lit up Seaton Carew as the real-life soap opera – more unbelievable than even EastEnders – was retold at the Darwins’ trials and continued long after their imprisonment.

Panama reported the so-called “Darwin effect” had boosted tourism revenues, and one holiday company was offering a tailored Darwin tour. There was even talk of doing something similar in Seaton Carew.

Yesterday, as news broke that John Darwin had been released early from his sentence of six years and three months, the media spotlight was switched back on.

The fascination may remain for the media, but perhaps it is now wearing a little thin for the good folk of Seaton Carew – where John Darwin was photographed a few days ago.

It was a grand day yesterday.

Plenty of people enjoying the unexpected January sunshine, mainly strolling along the seafront or exercising their dogs on the beach.

Their overwhelming reaction? Indifference.

THE woman in the chip shop – who has spoken to a number of reporters in recent days – said wearily: “I had heard he was back at the weekend.

“But to be honest, if he came in here I don’t think I would recognise him.”

Although many recall the name, few appear to care less that the man who put them on the map may be back.

A TV news crew – the latest of many – wanders around, mingling with the elderly couples and young mums with pushchairs in the vain hope they may suddenly spy him.

“I remember when it all happened,” said a woman in the ice cream van.

“I heard he was back, but I have not seen him.

I am not sure if people are interested anymore.”

Another man, taking in the sea view, said: “I don’t think I would recognise him even if he did walk past, although I do remember all the drama at the time. People seem to know about it, but don’t really care.”

A former neighbour said John Darwin had been seen on the very stretch of beach where he set out in his kayak in March 2002, not to die at sea.

Anne picked him up shortly afterwards from near the North Gare and drove him to Durham railway station to make his escape.

The former doctor’s receptionist then began the process of declaring her husband dead and conning insurers and pension funds out of £250,000.

John then returned home and secretly lived in a bedsit that the couple owned next door.

Under an assumed identity, he continued to run the couple’s finances and travelled around the world planning a new life for them.

In October 2007, Mrs Darwin settled her affairs in the UK, having sold off the family’s property portfolio, and emigrated to Panama to join him.

After John Darwin handed himself in, his wife, still in Panama, was tracked down by a journalist and pretended to be shocked at the back-from-the-dead miracle.

But her story collapsed when a photograph was found on the internet showing the smiling couple posing in a Panama estate agency – and she returned home to face criminal charges.

THE good folk of Seaton Carew may not be interested at the moment, but there are still plenty of twists to come.

Mrs Darwin, 59, is expected to be released from prison to join her husband in a matter of weeks.

She had claimed he forced her into the scheme and later admitted she wished he had really drowned.

So whether she will join him and whether they are still speaking is another matter.

Then there are the couple’s sons, Mark and Anthony, who believed their father was dead for five years. John Darwin is said to be desperate to try to rebuild his shattered relationship with them.

The owner of the Ocean View guesthouse, who did not wish to be named, said: “He’s been up and down the beach already, walking a dog.

It was early morning. He must be staying nearby.”

It is reported that he is staying in Easington, County Durham, and remains determined to remain in the North-East.

A couple of fishermen on the beach opposite the Darwins’ former home jokingly suggest he might be in there.

One said: “Are you sure he is not back hiding in his old house? He’s probably in the spare room again.”

With a wink and a smile, one woman said: “I will have to keep an eye out for kayaks floating in the sea.”