A MAN found guilty in his absence of assault and theft is being sought by officers in Calderdale.

Michael Lloyd Long, 29, was tried, found guilty and sentenced in his absence at Bradford Crown Court for his part in a robbery in Sowerby Bridge in 2015.

Long and Lewis Marsden, 24, assaulted a 52-year-old man on Tuel Lane around midnight on Thursday March 12 2015.

The victim was left with facial injuries following the incident where Marsden and Long kicked and punched him to the floor, before stealing his wallet and mobile phone.

Long did not attend court during any part of the trial.

The pair were found guilty by a jury on Wednesday, August 9 and Marsden sentenced the same day to five years in prison. Long was sentenced in his absence to six years.

PC Kelly James of Calderdale CID said: “Long is believed to have contacts across West Yorkshire and has been convicted and sentenced in his absence for a violent offence. I would appeal to anyone who knows his whereabouts to get in contact so justice can be served.”

Anyone with any information as to the whereabouts of Michael Long is asked to contact police via 101 quoting 13150101217. Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.