A convicted rapist has been on the run for more than six weeks. Sean Phipps was due to return to HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire on June 1 after being released on temporary licence but he absconded.
Phipps, 51, was convicted of kidnap in 2002 and rape in 1989 and 1993. He is understood to have spent time in Bristol during his licence period but Avon and Somerset police have issued a new appeal warning he is known to hitch-hike long distances.
A force spokeswoman said: "A dedicated team has been following up all reported sightings and co-ordinating with other police forces across the country following Avon and Somerset Police's series of appeals since June 1. Phipps may still be in the greater Bristol area, including North Somerset or South Gloucestershire, but he's known to walk or hitch-hike over long distances and to steal bicycles for transport.
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"Phipps does camp out in rural areas. He may approach people to ask for water or casual labouring work. Alternatively he may return to Bristol or urban centres to sleep in disused buildings or to search bins for food."
Originally from Leicestershire, Phipps is a slim white man and about 6ft 2ins tall. Detective Inspector Keith Smith said last month: "Although he has access to some money, we believe it’s more likely he is trying to avoid being spotted by staying in quiet areas, whether it be hiking along back roads or potentially sheltering away from the public eye, such as woodland or in an outbuilding. He will steal items such as clothing and food to survive and will walk long distances or steal bicycles to move around on. We also know he has a tendency to use false sob stories to earn sympathy and help from unsuspecting members of the public.”
Police are urging anyone who sees Phipps not to approach him but to call 999 straight away. He has previously used fake surnames including Cawthray, Goldthorpe and Perry. The force revealed he has also handed himself in to police when wanted in the past. His appearance may have changed since the pictures in this appeal were taken.
A force spokeswoman said: "If you have any information about where he could be – however small – or to report a past sighting (since June 1) please call 101 or use the dedicated online form to send a message straight to detectives."
If you speak to a call handler you should give the reference number 5222130002. Read more crime stories here.
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