Jack Shepherd
30, originally from Exeter, had denied manslaughter by gross negligence but was found guilty in his absence at the Old Bailey.
Shepherd's defence team said they did not know his whereabouts even though his solicitor had maintained telephone contact.
It later emerged he had been receiving daily updates from the trial from his legal team.
But they successfully argued that the reason for his absence should be kept from jurors.
"Jurors were told the defendant denied manslaughter on the basis he had no "duty of care" towards Ms Brown."
Police are also seeking Shepherd about another unrelated matter.
