Police are appealing for the public’s help to locate Paul Ashworth, a 71-year-old man from the Lowestoft area, who is wanted after failing to appear at Ipswich Crown Court earlier this month.
Ashworth, who may be using the alias Edward John Oliver, was last seen at the court in Ipswich on Friday, 7 February, where he was standing trial for three sexual offences. As the jury retired to consider its verdicts, Ashworth—who was not on remand during the trial—left the court and failed to return. He was convicted of the offences in his absence and is due to be sentenced on 4 April.
Manhunt Underway
Suffolk Police have been conducting extensive enquiries to track Ashworth down. The latest intelligence suggests that he withdrew cash from an ATM in Portsmouth on Monday, 24 February, leading authorities to believe he may still be in the Hampshire area.
The force is working closely with UK Border Force and Hampshire Constabulary in an effort to locate and apprehend Ashworth before his sentencing date.
Public Urged to Help
Police are now urging anyone who sees Ashworth or has information on his whereabouts to come forward immediately.
How to Report Sightings:
- Call: 101, quoting reference 37/8971/25
- Live Chat: Use the chat function on the Suffolk Police website: Home | Suffolk Constabulary
- Online: Submit information via Tell Us | Suffolk Police
Alternatively, anonymous reports can be made to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via their online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
Police Warning
Authorities have reminded the public that in the event of an emergency or an immediate sighting of Ashworth, they should call 999 immediately.
The search for Ashworth remains ongoing, and police are urging vigilance as they attempt to bring him to justice.
