Who Is Jack Benjamin Hulme? Why a Global Manhunt Has Been Launched for the 31-Year-Old Briton

A British man accused of a hit-and-run in Magaluf is now the subject of an international arrest order after vanishing while on bail. A court in Palma has issued a global search-and-capture order for Jack Benjamin Hulme, 31, who is accused of injuring two tourists during a late-night incident in March 2023. Judges confirmed on Saturday, 16 August, that Hulme had failed to comply with bail conditions, triggering a manhunt across Europe and beyond. Proceedings in the case have been frozen until he is caught.

Who Is Jack Benjamin Hulme?

Hulme, a 31-year-old Briton, has been identified in UK reports as the suspect at the centre of a Spanish court case that has now escalated into a worldwide manhunt. He was first arrested in Mallorca last year after a serious road incident in Magaluf but was later released on bail while the investigation continued.

His name resurfaced this week when a Palma examining court confirmed that repeated attempts to contact him had failed. Judges responded by declaring him in contempt of court and issuing an order for his immediate capture.

The Magaluf Hit-and-Run Incident

The case dates back to the early hours of 30 March 2023, when a car mounted the pavement outside a fast-food outlet on Carrer Pineda in Magaluf, Calvià. The vehicle struck two tourists: a 20-year-old Polish woman and a 19-year-old British man. Both sustained injuries but survived the collision.

Spanish police launched a search for the driver and arrested Hulme later that morning near Son Matias beach. Video from the scene showed pedestrians scrambling to safety as the car sped along the pavement.

When he first appeared before investigators, Hulme reportedly claimed his vision had been impaired after being sprayed with an aerosol shortly before the incident. Police later clarified that the two victims had no connection to any dispute and had simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions

After his arrest, Hulme was presented before a judge in Palma within 36 hours. He was released on bail with restrictions while prosecutors built their case. Spanish authorities charged him with offences linked to reckless and dangerous driving that resulted in injury.

According to The Sun, Hulme faced five separate counts, including reckless driving and two counts of wounding. Prosecutors in Spain are seeking a prison sentence of more than four years if he is convicted.

The Global Manhunt for the Briton

The Palma court confirmed over the weekend that several attempts to reach Hulme had failed. Judges formally declared him 'en rebeldía', meaning in contempt of court, and authorised a search-and-capture order.

The ruling halts legal proceedings until Hulme is detained. Spanish legal sources said that once he is located, either domestically or abroad, extradition procedures can begin so the trial can move forward.

UK press outlets have described the search as an international manhunt, pointing to the cross-border nature of the case. While Spanish reports have not confirmed whether Interpol is involved, the order allows Hulme to be detained outside Spain and transferred back to Palma to face trial.

Charges and Potential Sentence

Court filings outline several charges relating to reckless or intentional driving that caused injury. Spanish prosecutors are pushing for a custodial sentence of more than four years.

UK outlets have reported that Hulme faces five distinct charges, although Spanish sources have continued to use broader legal terminology. The trial will resume once he is arrested.

For now, the proceedings remain suspended, and Hulme is the target of a Europe-wide and international arrest effort, with authorities urging cooperation to ensure he is returned to Palma to face justice for the Magaluf hit-and-run.