Ninth Most Wanted Sex Offender Fugitive is arrested

[2nd October 2007]

A West Mercia man, featured on the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre's Most Wanted website, has been arrested in the Republic of Ireland.

39-year old John Richard Murrell, a registered sex offender, had been missing for over seven years after failing to comply with his notification requirements on the Sex Offenders Register. He was traced to the Republic of Ireland and arrested on Friday 28th September by police officers of the Garda Siochana, assisting officers from the West Mercia Constabulary. The force is now seeking to bring him back to the UK to appear before the courts in Worcester.

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre joined forces with independent charity Crimestoppers to develop Most Wanted. It was launched last November as the UK's first national website dedicated to locating convicted offenders who have failed to comply with notification requirements.

Jim Gamble, CEO of the CEOP centre said: "This result is a credit to everyone who reported sightings and came forward with information. Offenders who believe they can evade punishment by traveling abroad underestimate our determination to bring them to justice. Alongside our partners, we will take every step within our power to track them down.

"We are delighted with the success of the Most Wanted website so far. By working alongside Crimestoppers, local police forces and most importantly the public, we have managed to locate nine offenders in eleven months.

Members of the public continue to adopt an incredibly supportive and responsible approach to this initiative. No one has taken action themselves, instead reporting information directly to the police, or to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre continues to appeal for information about outstanding offenders: Joshua Karney and Peter Wheatherley. They are sought for failing to comply with notification requirements under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

To read the full press release visit http://www.ceop.gov.uk/wanted