In a shocking case that spans continents, a British fugitive wanted for the abduction of his own children has been discovered living a double life with a secret family in New Zealand, while the mother of his three missing children endures a living nightmare back in the UK.
Tom Phillips, 47, vanished from his hometown of Tunbridge Wells, Kent, in December 2021 with his three children: Jayden, then 9, and 7-year-old twins Skylar and Frankie. An international manhunt was launched, but for nearly two years, their whereabouts remained a mystery.
Now, a Daily Mail investigation can reveal that Phillips has been living under the radar in the quiet town of Waitara, New Zealand. He has reportedly started a new family with a local woman and is believed to have fathered a new baby, all while remaining on the run from authorities.
A Mother's Agony
The children's mother, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has spoken of her utter devastation. "It's like a nightmare I can't wake up from," she told the Daily Mail. "Every day is a struggle, not knowing if they are safe, if they are well, if they are even alive."
She described the emotional whiplash of discovering her ex-partner's new life. "To find out he's just carrying on, starting another family, while ours is shattered... it's beyond cruel."
Life on the Run in Waitara
In New Zealand, Phillips has allegedly crafted a new identity, integrating into the small community. Neighbours knew him as a quiet man who kept to himself. He is reported to have been working in construction and living with his new partner.
The discovery was made by a former friend of Phillips from the UK, who, while browsing social media, stumbled upon photos of the wanted man proudly posing with his new child. This crucial tip-off was immediately passed to the authorities.
International Investigation Intensifies
New Zealand police, working in collaboration with Interpol and UK authorities, have confirmed they are actively investigating Phillips's whereabouts. A spokesperson stated, "We are following positive lines of enquiry and are working to bring this matter to a resolution."
However, the complexities of international law and extradition treaties mean the process is fraught with challenges. The primary focus for all agencies remains the safe recovery of the three children.
The case serves as a chilling reminder of the lengths some will go to to evade justice and the profound, lasting trauma inflicted upon the families left behind.
