Santa Claus lookalike arrested after failing to turn up to court
Charlotte Adams
Published Aug 25, 2026
A SANTA Claus lookalike was arrested after a no-show in court.
Police issued a mugshot of Jamie Tarling, 45.
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They said he was not to be approached despite bearing an uncanny resemblance to Father Christmas.
Officers revealed Starling, who was “6ft 4in, with grey collar-length hair and a thick grey beard” failed to attend court in Gloucestershire.
He was said to be in the Staple Hill area of Bristol.
Avon and Somerset Police later posted: “We’re very grateful to the person who saw our appeal and called in with information enabling officers to make a swift arrest.”
Read more on the police
One online user added: “Christmas came early for the cops.”
Father Christmas is a man of many names.
He also known as Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas and Kris Kringle.
