A British woman accused of serious child neglect has reportedly fled to Tenerife, leading the UK authorities to begin extradition proceedings for her to return and face the charges against her.
As previously reported, 29-year-old Raychel Hardingham is wanted by Norfolk Police after she and her one-year-old child allegedly fell from a moving vehicle in April 2023.
Hardingham was charged with assault, ill-treatment, neglect, and abandonment of a child in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury. She appeared before Norwich Magistrates’ Court in July 2023 but failed to attend a scheduled hearing at Norwich Crown Court in September of the same year. As a result, a warrant was issued for her arrest.
According to reports, Hardingham had travelled to Tenerife shortly before her court date. On 23rd August 2023, she posted a photo on social media appearing to sunbathe in Costa Adeje, a popular tourist destination in the south of Tenerife.
In comments to the Eastern Daily Press, Hardingham claimed she would not return to the UK, stating: “I fear for my safety back home”, citing threats she had allegedly received.
Norfolk Police have since made contact with Hardingham, who is now facing extradition proceedings as UK authorities seek her return to face the charges in court.
The case has drawn public attention in both the UK and the Canary Islands, with questions being raised about the processes for monitoring individuals involved in ongoing criminal proceedings and international cooperation in extradition cases.
