A nationwide manhunt came to a dramatic end when specialist officers swooped on a property in Gloucester where an on-the-run rapist was hiding.
Richard Pentreath was arrested by the Metropolitan Police's fugitive unit, working with Gloucestershire police, in a dawn raid.
Pentreath, aka Hilary Clifford Thomas, is now en route to North Wales where he will be questioned by detectives investigating an arson attack in Prestatyn a fortnight ago.
He had been at large since October 3.
Detective Chief Inspector Jason Devonport said: "He has been arrested overnight at an address in Gloucester.
"The Metropolitan Police fugitive unit have been assisting us with our enquiries.
"He is now on his way to North Wales and I expect he will be questioned this afternoon (in relation to the arson incident in Prestatyn)."
Pentreath sparked a nationwide manhunt after he failed to attend Woolwich Crown Court on Monday October 3 for historical rape offences.
He was found guilty in his absence and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
A statement released by the Metropolitan Police said: "Pentreath was arrested this morning in Gloucester by local officers working with detectives from the Met’s sexual offences, exploitation and child abuse command.
"Police had appealed to trace Pentreath as he was wanted after being convicted in his absence of 13 counts of rape and indecent assault.
"Officers would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance."
It is believed that he was travelling the country by public transport after changing his appearance.
Officers released images of the bespectacled 63-year-old when he was caught on CCTV at Crewe train station following the Prestatyn arson attack
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/rapist-linked-prestatyn-arson-arrested-12057882
No comments:
Post a Comment