SEX OFFENDER GARY WOLSTENHOLME BACK IN JAIL AFTER BEING FOUND AT AN ADDRESS WITH A VULNERABLE WOMAN
In March 2011, Gary Wolstenholme, a known sex offender with a troubling criminal history, voluntarily surrendered himself to police authorities in Blackpool after breaching the conditions of his licence.The incident unfolded when Wolstenholme, aged 30, left his registered address in Accrington on Tuesday, March 15, which was a violation of the terms set forth in his parole conditions.
His failure to adhere to the strict licensing requirements made him a wanted individual, prompting a police recall to prison.
On Wednesday, March 23, Wolstenholme approached law enforcement officials in Blackpool and handed himself over, effectively accepting the consequences of his breach.
This act of surrender means he will now be returned to incarceration to serve out the remainder of his sentence.
His criminal background is particularly notorious, as he was originally sentenced to eight years in prison in 2003 after being convicted of raping a woman he encountered outside a nightclub in St Annes, a seaside town near Blackpool.
Wolstenholme was released on licence in 2010, having served seven years of his original sentence.
His extended licence was scheduled to expire in 2015, but his recent breach has led to his re-arrest and imminent return to prison.
The case underscores ongoing concerns about the management and monitoring of sex offenders once they are released into the community, especially those with a history of violent crimes.
Historically, Wolstenholme's criminal record is extensive, with reports indicating he has accumulated approximately 75 previous convictions, primarily related to offences committed in the South Shore area of Blackpool, particularly around Stanmore Avenue.
His criminal activities have spanned over many years, marking him as a habitual offender with a pattern of violent and anti-social behavior.
In May 2003, Wolstenholme was involved in a particularly brutal attack on Blackpool beach, which resulted in him being sentenced to an eight-year prison term.
The victim, a 33-year-old married mother of five, was left deeply traumatized by her ordeal, to the extent that she has since moved away from the resort.
The trauma was so severe that even the sight of sand now triggers panic attacks for her.
During his trial at Preston Crown Court, Wolstenholme, then 22, changed his plea to guilty.
The court heard how he had befriended his victim at Rumours nightclub by returning her stolen handbag.
When she refused his offer to take her home, Wolstenholme drove her to a secluded part of the beach at Starr Gate.
There, he forcibly dragged her from his car by her hair, threatened her with a brick, and proceeded to rape her.
After the assault, he forced her to wash herself in the sea to remove evidence of the attack.
Judge Stuart Baker sentenced Wolstenholme to eight years in prison for the rape, along with an additional 18 months for car theft.
The judge also ordered that Wolstenholme be placed on the sex offenders' register for life, emphasizing the danger he poses to the public.
Judge Baker described Wolstenholme as a person with a character inclined toward violence, theft, and anti-social conduct, highlighting the risk he continues to represent to society.
His behavior exemplifies a pattern of uncontrollable and dangerous actions, reinforcing the need for strict supervision and monitoring of offenders like him in the community.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - November 2025: A convicted rapist fled his approved accommodation and was found hiding out at a derelict building in Blackpool.
When officers visited the squat, Wolstenholme refused to give his identity.
There was also a vulnerable woman at the address, who has not been identified.
Wolstenholme, 42, was released from prison in July 2024 after serving a sentence for ABH.
In 2003, he was convicted of rape and placed on the sex offenders register for life.
He was at large for around six weeks before being found at a derelict property in Central Drive.
He was arrested and pleaded guilty to breaching his notification requirements.
Wolstenholme was returned to prison where he is working and receiving treatment for mental health and substance misuse.
He was jailed for 10 months after the court, with Recorder John Jones KC, stated: "You were sleeping rough for around six weeks.
That is a long period of non compliance.
Sadly the only sentence I can impose is immediate custody although I have endeavoured to keep it as short as possible commensurate with my duty to protect the public."
