Mike Flint, known in Bathurst, Eastern Cape, as a charismatic restaurateur/entrepreneur, was in fact Gary Pyatt—a British fugitive who had evaded justice for over two decades. Pyatt was convicted in the UK in 1998 for fraudulently marketing “Eric Cantona” wine and brandy without authorization from the footballer or Manchester United. Sentenced to six years in prison, he fled to South Africa before serving his term.
In South Africa, Pyatt assumed various identities and engaged in multiple ventures. He was arrested in 2009 for cultivating 425 marijuana seedlings in Port Edward but skipped bail. In 2012, he was convicted for possessing an unlicensed firearm in Howick but managed to escape custody again. By 2014, under the alias Michael Flint, he settled in Bathurst and became a subcontractor managing the Wright Place restaurant at 43 Air School. His culinary skills and engaging personality made the establishment popular among locals. Yumpu
Flint’s true identity was uncovered when a photograph from his UK conviction matched one from his South African arrest. He was apprehended in Pretoria while attempting to obtain travel visas. Further investigations linked him to theft in Durban and the disappearance of a Jeep Cherokee belonging to a business partner, which was later found abandoned in Makhanda. He is currently in custody, facing charges in South Africa and potential extradition to the UK to serve his original sentence.
Over the years as a fugitive, he has used many aliases, including Brandon Hinchcliffe, Gary Pyatt, Brian Moriarty, Gary Hinchcliffe and Robert Kershaw. The Star
One of my personal funny stories about “Mike”, was when the news broke I was at the local pub and the landlord was recounting how many local residents had been conned by him for thousands of Rands. He looked at me and in a thick Dutch accent said: ” Amashing, I only lost R1000 to a conman on the run from Interpol for 20 years”, with a big grin on his face. I personally never enjoyed Mikes company, but that is just my opinion, but Mike did give me several cannabis plants before he left for Pretoria, and I thank him for that.
Sadly “Mike” passed away while in custody due to complications of terminal cancer. He was fairly well liked in Bathurst by several residents he got involved with and also assisted with community upliftment. He was a local in the pubs and attended many events. He was well known for wearing waist coats, that kind of looked like the best from “Biggy Best”.
“Mikes” Diner was launched several years ago on the high street of Bathurst, within the vintage car museum, after much heated debate on the whatsapp forum, it went ahead and like his failed run from authorities, the diner closed after several months due to the COVID pandemic.
RIP Mike/William/Gary and thanks for being a good guy in Bathurst and assisting with the community.
Written by: Chris Jay
Time for me to move along, if Bathurst is no longer safe to hide out in.
Love the closing of this … RIP…..
It’s always the stories of the villain that make life/movies more interesting.
Dont forget he was caught in Pretoria, not in Bathurst.