ANTHONY HORWOOD REARRESTED IN CHARMINSTER AFTER EARLY RELEASE FROM BOURNEMOUTH PRISON

In a development that has shocked the local community, Anthony Horwood, a known sex offender, has been returned to custody in Bournemouth after his early release from prison. The 57-year-old, who was previously incarcerated at Albany Prison on the Isle of Wight, was re-arrested on Friday, just hours after the Daily Echo published details of his intentions to contact his former victim.

Horwood’s re-imprisonment was a direct result of breaching the conditions of his parole license. Authorities confirmed that he was taken into custody for this violation, which now potentially extends his time behind bars to complete the remaining portion of his original eight-year sentence, handed down nearly five years ago. The circumstances surrounding his early release and subsequent re-arrest have sparked widespread concern among local officials and residents alike.

David Atkinson, the Member of Parliament representing Bournemouth East, expressed his disapproval of the situation. He announced plans to write to Jane Stitchbury, the Chief Constable of Dorset, to voice his concerns. “I’m sure she will be concerned that somebody with a record of this kind can be allowed early release. It’s a disturbing issue,” Atkinson stated. He also emphasized the trauma experienced by Horwood’s victim, stating, “His victim must be going through hell. It must be very traumatic for him. My sympathy and concern must be with him.”

Furthermore, Atkinson criticized the parole system, noting, “My party has been complaining that there are far too many early releases of criminals who have satisfied parole boards, but then go on to commit further crimes once back in the community. Clearly misjudgments are being made at the expense of victims.”

Horwood had been released from Albany Prison just three days before Christmas and returned to his familiar first-floor flat in Charminster, Bournemouth. This was the same residence where he had previously committed sexual assaults on a schoolboy victim. The community’s alarm was raised when concerned parents spotted Horwood in the street, particularly in an area frequented by children. It is also believed that the victim, now likely living nearby, is still residing in the same neighborhood.

When approached by the Daily Echo, Horwood insisted he posed no threat to the public. In a surprising statement, he told our reporter, “I still plan to clear my name. The only way I can do that is to approach (the victim). I’ll be talking to my probation officer about it, saying I want contact.”

However, shortly after the publication of this story on Friday, Horwood was taken back into custody. Dorset Police issued a statement reassuring the public, saying, “Dorset Police now wish to allay any fears the public may have and can confirm that he is now in custody.”

Detective Inspector Simon Letch of Bournemouth CID clarified that Horwood had not committed any new offences but had been recalled to prison under the terms of his license. “He has been recalled to prison under the conditions of his licence. He will have to go back for the rest of his term unless he is considered for parole again,” Letch explained.

Horwood’s case is part of a broader investigation known as Operation Meridian, one of Dorset’s most extensive paedophile investigations. During this operation, police uncovered that up to 30 children, including some vulnerable runaways, had been lured to men’s homes for abuse, often in exchange for food, money, or shelter. The investigation led to Horwood’s conviction at Winchester Crown Court in February 1996, where he was found guilty of three counts of indecent assault and one of gross indecency involving a boy aged between 13 and 15 at the time.