SEX OFFENDER KEITH WAITES CAUGHT IN PETERLEE AFTER ESCAPING PRISON IN DURHAM

In a significant development in the ongoing efforts to monitor convicted sex offenders, Keith Anthony Waites, originally from the Durham area, was apprehended by police in Peterlee early this morning. The arrest took place at approximately 1:30 am, when officers located and detained him in the town, bringing relief to local authorities and residents concerned about his whereabouts.

Waites, aged 20, has a troubling criminal history that dates back to 2013, when he was convicted of two serious sexual offences involving a child under the age of 13. His criminal record and the nature of his offences have made him a high-profile case within the community and among law enforcement agencies. After serving part of his sentence, he was released from prison in March of this year, but his freedom was short-lived as he was subsequently recalled to custody for breaching the conditions of his license.

His last known location was in the Middlesbrough area, where he was seen on Tuesday, prompting authorities to issue a recall and intensify their search efforts. The police spokeswoman for Cleveland Police confirmed, “Keith Waites was convicted in 2013 for two offences of inciting a child under 13 to commit a sexual offence. He was released from prison in March this year and is wanted for recall to prison for breach of licence conditions.”

Further back in his criminal history, Waites was involved in a disturbing incident in August 2013, when he exchanged cigarettes for sexual acts with two young girls on their mother’s doorstep. This case was brought to court, where he was sentenced to 14 months in prison after admitting to charges of inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity. The court heard that the exchange was initiated via a text message received around 9 pm, leading Waites to visit one of the girls’ homes later that evening. The sexual activity reportedly took place on the doorstep before being interrupted by the girl’s mother, who shouted from inside the house. The police became involved after another girl, who had heard about the incident, informed her mother.

During the court proceedings, Lorraine Mustard, representing Waites, explained that one of the girls had contacted him, not the other way around, emphasizing that there was no grooming involved. She also highlighted that Waites, who resides at Fairclough Court in Peterlee, has learning difficulties but understood that his actions were wrong and expressed remorse. Despite this, the judge, Mr. Neil Davey QC, sentenced him to 14 months in prison, emphasizing the seriousness of his misconduct and the danger he posed to other young girls. The court also imposed strict restrictions on Waites, including a ban from working with children, unsupervised contact with any girl under 16, and a requirement to register as a sex offender for ten years.

Today’s arrest in Peterlee marks a significant step in ensuring that Waites remains under supervision and that the community is protected from potential harm. Authorities continue to monitor his movements and enforce the conditions of his release, underscoring their commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations from repeat offenders.