Kyle Nelson, a drug dealer who escaped prison nearly two years ago to live a life of luxury in Thailand, has been caught and sentenced to 11 years in prison for running a drug line in York.
Escape and luxury life
Nelson, 38, was originally from Manchester but lived in Acomb. He was sentenced to nine years in 2022 for conspiracy to supply cocaine after being found to be a major player in a County Lines network that sold heroin and crack cocaine in York.
While serving time in an open prison, he escaped during day release in 2024. He travelled to Scotland, Ireland, and then Thailand using criminal associates and forged passports under the names Carl Green and James Tetley. In Thailand, he enjoyed a lavish lifestyle, playing on jet skis and buying expensive items including a Rolex watch.
Return and arrest
Nelson returned to the UK in 2025 and immediately began running class-A drugs in an organised crime network he codenamed the 'Banksy line'. North Yorkshire Police worked with intelligence analysts to track him down, and evidence showed he was the principal controller of the line.
He tried to evade detection by moving between addresses, but police linked him to a vehicle travelling from Wetherby to York in April 2025. They stopped and searched the vehicle, finding a mobile phone with Banksy line information on it. He was arrested and charged with being concerned in the supply of class-A drugs and unlawful escape from prison.
Conviction and sentence
Nelson was found guilty by a unanimous decision at York Crown Court on August 12 and immediately sentenced to 11 years in prison.
After the hearing, PC Wayne Sharrocks said: “Kyle Nelson used his extensive criminal network to escape from a nine-year prison sentence for drug supply offences, flee the country, and live a life of luxury abroad. When he finally returned to the UK, he immediately continued selling crack cocaine and heroin on the streets of York using his own brand name ‘Banksy’.”
PC Sharrocks added: “Operation Sentry works closely with intelligence analysts and other operational support units within North Yorkshire Police to tackle county drug lines operating. In this instance we were able to gather evidence, attribute it to Nelson and arrest him within weeks of becoming aware of the Banksy drugs line and put Nelson back behind bars, where he belongs. The 11-year sentence reflects the seriousness of the offence. We continue to work hard to stop county lines operating in North Yorkshire.”
