Police have urged citizens to be alert after a rapist escaped from his open prison a week ago. Sean Phipps was released in Bristol on Wednesday, June 1, but did not return to HMP Leyhill as required.
The 51-year-old man is ‘capable of committing dangerous crimes’, detectives have now warned. Officers say he could steal clothes, food or bicycles and use “sob stories” to gain the trust of members of the public. Police are urging anyone with information to call 999, BristolLive reports.
Phipps was convicted of kidnapping in 2002 and rape in 1989 and 1993. He has previously used several different surnames, including Cawthray, Goldthorpe and Perry. He is known to have links to the Leicester, Leeds and Nottingham areas and police are working with other forces nationwide to find him.
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Sean Phipps (Image: Avon and Somerset Police)
Detective Inspector Keith Smith said: “Sean Phipps will know that he is a wanted man and he is certainly doing his best to avoid being detected. We would like to reassure the public that we are doing our best to track his movements and arrest him.
“We ask people to keep an eye on him to help us locate him. Although he has access to some money, we believe he is more likely to try to avoid being detected by staying in quiet areas, whether walking or walking. or may take refuge away from public view, such as forests or in an outbuilding.
“He will steal items such as clothes and food to survive, walk long distances or steal bicycles to get around. We also know that he tends to use fake sob stories to gain the sympathy and help of unsuspecting members of the public.”
DI Smith added: “Phipps is about 6 feet 2 inches tall. When she last saw him in downtown Bristol on Wednesday, June 1, he was wearing a black coat over a blue top, blue jeans and Timberland shoes. He also wore a black, blue Casio watch, glasses, and a pen.
“Given the amount of work that has to be done to find him and the media attention he has now on him, he may be trying to change his appearance. Our primary message to anyone who knows where is, or has gone, contacted the police or called Crimestoppers anonymously.
“Phipps’ record shows that he is capable of committing dangerous crimes, so we urge the public to help us in any way we can so that we can return him to prison as soon as possible. Any information, however insignificant it could make a difference. ”
If you see Phipps, the police have told you not to approach and call 999, giving the reference number 5222130002. Alternatively, call 101 if you know where you may be or call the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymous on 0800 555111 with any other information. .
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