DARWEN AND PRESTON SEX OFFENDER BYROM CROSS ON THE RUN AFTER BREACHING CONDITIONS
| Red Rose Database
Preston Darwen Child Sexual Abuser
In September 2014, authorities in Lancashire faced a challenging situation involving Byrom Cross, a convicted sex offender with ties to Darwen and Preston. Cross, aged 25 at the time, had previously been convicted of sexual activity with a minor under the age of 16 and sentenced to 32 months in prison in July 2010. Following his release, he was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for a period of ten years and was subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which mandated regular police checks to ensure compliance with his conditions.
Despite these measures, Cross’s case took a troubling turn when he failed to adhere to the strict notification requirements. Authorities discovered that he had moved from his previous address on Gordon Street in Darwen, where he was last known to reside. Police investigations revealed that Cross had left his Darwen home just a few days after their last visit, which was conducted on August 26. The police then issued a public appeal through the Lancashire Telegraph, seeking assistance in locating him. The appeal included a photograph of Cross, which was published in the newspaper in an effort to generate public awareness and aid in his apprehension.
However, the situation escalated when, on August 29, Cross personally contacted the police to complain about the publication of his photograph. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the media coverage, specifically regarding the image that was circulated. Following this, police continued their inquiries and received information indicating that Cross had traveled to Preston. On August 29, officers located him there, attempting to evade arrest by fleeing the scene. Cross was subsequently detained and taken into custody.
During police interviews, Cross claimed that he had left his Darwen residence because he was being threatened. However, there was no record of any formal complaints or reports of threats made to the police, raising questions about the validity of his claims. His defense attorney, Gareth Price, stated that Cross had been released earlier that year and had cooperated fully with all legal requirements. The lawyer also explained that Cross’s departure from Darwen was motivated by concerns for his safety and that he had informed relevant agencies about the threats he faced. Importantly, there was no evidence suggesting that Cross had committed any further offenses since his release.
In addition to the breach of his notification obligations, police were actively seeking to locate Cross because he had failed to update his address as required by law. His connections to Preston complicated the case, as he was known to have moved there after leaving Darwen. Lancashire Constabulary’s Detective Chief Inspector Claire McEnery emphasized the seriousness of such breaches, urging anyone with information about Cross’s whereabouts to come forward. She also appealed directly to Cross, encouraging him to surrender himself to the authorities voluntarily.
Anyone with relevant information was advised to contact police on 101. The case highlighted ongoing concerns about the monitoring and management of high-risk sex offenders and underscored the importance of community cooperation in ensuring public safety.
Despite these measures, Cross’s case took a troubling turn when he failed to adhere to the strict notification requirements. Authorities discovered that he had moved from his previous address on Gordon Street in Darwen, where he was last known to reside. Police investigations revealed that Cross had left his Darwen home just a few days after their last visit, which was conducted on August 26. The police then issued a public appeal through the Lancashire Telegraph, seeking assistance in locating him. The appeal included a photograph of Cross, which was published in the newspaper in an effort to generate public awareness and aid in his apprehension.
However, the situation escalated when, on August 29, Cross personally contacted the police to complain about the publication of his photograph. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the media coverage, specifically regarding the image that was circulated. Following this, police continued their inquiries and received information indicating that Cross had traveled to Preston. On August 29, officers located him there, attempting to evade arrest by fleeing the scene. Cross was subsequently detained and taken into custody.
During police interviews, Cross claimed that he had left his Darwen residence because he was being threatened. However, there was no record of any formal complaints or reports of threats made to the police, raising questions about the validity of his claims. His defense attorney, Gareth Price, stated that Cross had been released earlier that year and had cooperated fully with all legal requirements. The lawyer also explained that Cross’s departure from Darwen was motivated by concerns for his safety and that he had informed relevant agencies about the threats he faced. Importantly, there was no evidence suggesting that Cross had committed any further offenses since his release.
In addition to the breach of his notification obligations, police were actively seeking to locate Cross because he had failed to update his address as required by law. His connections to Preston complicated the case, as he was known to have moved there after leaving Darwen. Lancashire Constabulary’s Detective Chief Inspector Claire McEnery emphasized the seriousness of such breaches, urging anyone with information about Cross’s whereabouts to come forward. She also appealed directly to Cross, encouraging him to surrender himself to the authorities voluntarily.
Anyone with relevant information was advised to contact police on 101. The case highlighted ongoing concerns about the monitoring and management of high-risk sex offenders and underscored the importance of community cooperation in ensuring public safety.