DUBAI // Fugitive businessman Christopher Reynolds has been deported to Dubai from Oman, where he was arrested in connection with claims that he absconded with funds from the special needs school he owned.
Australian Dr Reynolds was arrested with his partner, Anne Geddes, an occupational therapist from Brisbane who moved to Dubai earlier this year.
Parents and students were shocked last month when they turned up at the school, St Andrews in Al Safa, on the first day of term to find the gates locked.
A notice said the school would not be reopening, alleging “the owner, Christopher Reynolds, has left the country and absconded with all the funds”. It was subsequently taken over by Dubai Education and is now operating normally. Dr Reynolds denies any wrongdoing.
“We can confirm the arrest in Oman of an Australian man, 60, and his female travelling companion, 62,” said a spokesman for Australia’s department of foreign affairs.“Consular officials have been providing assistance.
"We understand the pair have been deported by Omani authorities to the country from which they arrived." Dr Reynolds travelled to Oman illegally as his passport had been seized in Sharjah that was hearing a child custody case involving him and his ex-wife.
csimpson@thenational.ae
