A German lorry driver who tried to smuggle 8.5 million cigarettes through Dover Docks then absconded before trial has been jailed for five years.

Customs officers found the haul in plain cardboard boxes in an HGV trailer unit on September 29, 2005.

After pleading not guilty, Frank Schaper of Wenings in Gerden absconded while awaiting trial. Maidstone Crown Court then issued a warrant for the 44-year-old’s arrest.

He was found in Germany on the August 16 this year and he was deported back to the UK.

Once he was back he changed his plea to guilty for being knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of duty.

Malcolm Bragg, assistant director criminal investigation for HMRC said: "We are determined to fight this type of crime.

"Smugglers are only out to make a profit; they undercut honest retailers who have to compete with these illegal imports."