Downing Street expresses concern over case of fugitive speedboat killer Jack Shepherd

Jack Shepherd contacted his lawyers to mount an appeal against his conviction while on the run. Credit: PA

UPDATE: Jack Shepherd arrested in Georgia.

Downing Street has expressed concern over the case of fugitive Jack Shepherd who disappeared during his Old Bailey trial over the death of his date Charlotte Brown in a speedboat crash.

Shepherd has been accused by Ms Brown’s parents of making a mockery of justice by appealing against his conviction for manslaughter by gross negligence while on the run.

According to reports, he has received nearly £100,000 in legal aid, despite refusing to give himself up to the authorities.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said the case raised “significant public concerns” and urged Shepherd to hand himself in.

“The Prime Minister’s strongest sympathies are with the family of Charlotte Brown, and Jack Shepherd should give himself up right away to face justice,” the spokesman said.

“The Metropolitan Police are rightly doing all they can to track down Shepherd to bring him to face justice.

“The Prime Minister understands and sympathises with the significant public concerns around this case.

“That is why the Ministry of Justice is looking into the case and the issues that it raises.”

Jack Shepherd bought a speed boat to 'pull women'. Credit: Met Police

Shepherd was convicted in his absence and sentenced to six years imprisonment in July last year after disappearing part way through the trial.

In December, he was given permission to challenge his conviction by a judge at the Court of Appeal.

The Metropolitan Police has said there was “no tangible trace” of Shepherd since he last appeared in court, despite him subsequently contacting his lawyers to mount an appeal.

Ms Brown, 24, died after Shepherd handed her the controls of his speed boat and it struck a submerged log which tipped them into the icy waters of the Thames in December 2015.

The court heard how Shepherd had bought the 14ft Fletcher Arrowflyte GTO from Gumtree to “pull women”.

The capsized boat in the Thames. Credit: Met Police

In the months before Ms Brown’s death, he had entertained up to 10 women on the 1980s model, having invited them back to his houseboat.

During that time, he had been caught speeding by marine police more than once and advised on the importance of wearing a life jacket.