Midland man stranded in Philippines wanted on harassment charges

Ainsley Cresswell said he was unable to leave the Philippines after his bumbag containing passport, driving licence, cash and debit card was snatched

A Brit who alleges he's been stranded in the Philippines after his passport and wallet were stolen while on holiday is actually wanted by UK police, it has been revealed. Ainsley Cresswell, a convicted fraudster, failed to appear in court on harassment charges, claiming he's been stuck on the Asian island for over a year.

The 55 year old travelled to Boracay in May 2023 for a solo mental health break and spiritual retreat amid a family crisis. In July, he shared how his spiritual retreat quickly turned into a nightmare when his bumbag was snatched by a man wearing a bandana on a bike.

However, it has now come to light that a warrant for his arrest was issued in the same month after he failed to show up at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court.

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West Midlands Police have confirmed that Cresswell is wanted for "not complying with a community protection notice for harrassment". Back in 2017, Cresswell, from Wolverhampton, was found guilty of fraudulently claiming nearly £12,000 in benefits at Walsall Magistrates Court.

The court heard how he illegally received Job Seeker's Allowance and Housing Benefit, leading to him becoming homeless and having to move in with his parents along with his son.

After splitting up with his ex-wife of 23 years, with whom he has three children, he later travelled to the Philippines and claimed to have 'met the woman of his dreams'.

However, he says he was unable to leave the country after his passport, driving licence, cash and debit card were stolen in Cebu City. Cresswell recounted his series of misfortunes, including being laid low with malaria for four months, which left him without the means to obtain a replacement passport.

However, he shared that he managed to get a new passport thanks to the assistance of friends made while on holiday and is now hoping to come back to the UK.

Cresswell remarked, "This could happen to anybody. I went to the British Embassy in Manila but they turned me away."

He also found a silver lining during his ordeal, stating, "Every cloud has a silver lining. I met the woman of my dreams here - she is the love of my life."

Impressed by the local hospitality, he added, "Filipinos are amazing people, their hearts are so, so big. I want to die in paradise."

Meanwhile, a West Midlands Police spokesperson confirmed that a warrant was issued last July for his failure to show up at Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court after he did not comply with a community protection notice linked to harassment allegations.