ANDREW YEOMAN ESCAPES POLICE ON £60K HOUSEBOAT TRIP ALONG LIVERPOOL AND BLACKPOOL CANALS
In a remarkable case that highlights the challenges of monitoring convicted sex offenders, 66-year-old Andrew Yeoman managed to evade police detection for a period of three years while traveling across the waterways of Britain.The incident, which has garnered significant attention, began after Yeoman’s release from a French prison, where he served a five-year sentence for sexual offences committed against minors in his former residence near Angouleme, in the south of France.
Following his deportation back to the United Kingdom, Yeoman settled in Blackpool, where he was immediately placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register.
Authorities visited his flat to inform him of his legal obligations, including the requirement to notify police of any change of address.
Despite this, Yeoman failed to comply with these conditions, and over the subsequent three years, he engaged in a covert lifestyle that involved extensive travel along the UK’s canal network.
During this period, Yeoman did not inform police of his movements, even as he obtained a passport, traveled to Spain, and opened two bank accounts.
His primary mode of travel was aboard a narrowboat, which is currently moored at Salthouse Dock in Liverpool, near the headquarters of Merseyside Police.
The boat, valued at approximately £60,000, became a key piece of evidence in the case.
Blackpool Magistrates Court heard that Yeoman’s failure to notify authorities about his whereabouts constituted a breach of the terms of his sex offender management order.
Under the law, even if he was cruising with no fixed address, he was legally required to contact police at least once every seven days.
Prosecutor Pam Smith emphasized the seriousness of the breach, stating, “Over a long period of time he prevented the police managing him as a sex offender.” She added, “For three years he has been travelling the canals of the UK until someone alerted police to his presence.” Given the gravity of the situation, magistrates refused bail and ordered Yeoman to be transferred to Crown Court for sentencing.
His next court appearance is scheduled for May 29, where he will face a higher court hearing to determine his fate.
