Dramatic update after the body of a father was uncovered on a rural property sparking a major manhunt

A man wanted in relation to the discovery of a body found wrapped in a plastic tarp and dumped in a paddock has been arrested.

James French, 24, evaded police since they discovered his alleged associate John Birch, 39, at a property in Glenorie, northwest Sydney, on March 14. 

French was seen allegedly jumping a fence on Old Northern Road on the same day and was wanted for questioning.

About 2pm on Sunday, tactical officers arrested French while he slept in a car at a home in Glenorie.

The Hills Police Area Commander Superintendent Naomi Moore said they found French at a home they previously searched. 

‘It’s an address that’s known to us and known to him,’ she said.

‘Today it was part of our follow-up, we went there and located him in a vehicle sleeping on the property.

Superintendent Moore said French was tired and that police even fed him before they began questioning. 

The body of John Birch was discovered half-buried on a Sydney property

John Birch, 39, is pictured 

‘When he’s ready, we will offer him an opportunity to be spoken to,’ Superintendent Moore said. 

Birch was reported missing by family the night before his body was found.

A family member then directed police to the location of his body on March 14.

At the time, two men, aged 24 and 34, and a woman, 35, were arrested and taken to Castle Hill Police Station but later released. 

A post-mortem examination of Birch’s body suggested he had died from a blunt force injury. 

Superintendent Moore thanked the local community for their patience after police combed the sleepy suburb.

‘There’s been reports of this person camping in backyards,’ she said.

‘The community were no doubt in fear.’