DENNIS BULL'S ESCAPE ATTEMPT FROM WALES TO IRELAND FOILED AT PORT IN CWMBRAN AND ABERYSTWYTH

In a significant development in ongoing efforts to monitor and apprehend sex offenders, Dennis Bull, a known sex offender with a lengthy criminal history, was caught attempting to flee Wales in January 2019. His destination was Ireland, where he hoped to start anew, free from the restrictions imposed by UK authorities. The incident unfolded at Fishguard Harbour, a key port connecting Wales to Ireland, and involved a series of events that highlighted both his intent to evade law enforcement and the measures in place to prevent such escapes.

According to court proceedings, police were alerted to a Ford Mondeo vehicle loaded with household items that was being prepared for freight transfer onto a ferry. This vehicle was parked at Fishguard Harbour, and authorities suspected it was linked to Dennis Bull, who was then 67 years old. As police examined the vehicle, Bull arrived at the port in a separate LDV van filled with additional personal belongings. He completed an embarkation card, indicating his intention to travel to Ireland, and proceeded to wait for the ferry. However, his plans were abruptly interrupted when police detained him before he could board the vessel.

Prosecutor Dyfed Thomas explained that Bull’s attempt to leave Wales was illegal because, as a registered sex offender, he was required to notify authorities in advance of any international travel. This regulation is part of the conditions imposed on individuals on the sex offenders’ register to prevent them from fleeing or reoffending. Bull had failed to comply with this requirement, raising suspicion and leading to his arrest.

Further investigation revealed that Bull had recently ended his tenancy at a property near Aberystwyth and had secured casual farm work in Ireland through an employment agency. During police interviews, Bull expressed his desire to relocate to Ireland, citing dissatisfaction with the conditions imposed on him in the UK following his conviction for possessing indecent images of children. He stated that he wanted to move to a place where he would not be under constant surveillance by authorities.

Dennis Bull, originally from Cwmbran, had a history of sexual offences dating back to his time in New Zealand, where he accumulated an extensive criminal record. His offences included indecent exposure, outraging public decency, gross indecency with a child, child cruelty, assault, and various motoring offences. After returning to Wales, he was convicted in 2016 at Caernarfon Crown Court for possessing indecent images of children and extreme pornography. As a result, he was placed on the sex offenders’ register and subjected to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order. Despite these measures, Bull had breached the order on two occasions by failing to inform police about new mobile phones and devices he had acquired.

During the court hearing, Bull pleaded guilty to breaching the sexual harm prevention order. Judge Geraint Walters described his attempt to move to Ireland as a “determined attempt to avoid detection” by law enforcement authorities. The judge commended the port authorities for their vigilance, which ultimately thwarted Bull’s escape plan. He emphasized the importance of respecting court orders designed to protect the public and warned Bull that breaching such orders would lead to strict consequences. The judge remarked on the disturbing nature of Bull’s continued efforts to evade justice.

As a result of his actions, Dennis Bull was sentenced to 16 months in prison, a sentence intended to serve both as punishment and a deterrent to others who might consider similar attempts to evade legal restrictions. The case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in monitoring and managing convicted sex offenders, especially those intent on fleeing the country to avoid supervision and accountability.