PAUL HOPE, SEX OFFENDER FROM BLACKBURN AND PRESTON, ON THE RUN IN LANCASHIRE

In June 2016, authorities issued an urgent appeal to locate Paul Hope, a registered sex offender with connections to Accrington, Blackburn, and Preston. Hope, aged 31 at the time, was last known to reside in Blackburn. His criminal history dates back to 2010 when he was convicted of engaging in sexual activity with a minor under the age of 16. Following his conviction, he was placed under a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which mandated strict compliance with notification requirements to law enforcement agencies.

However, Hope failed to adhere to these legal obligations. He did not notify police of his current address, which constitutes a breach of his notification duties. Additionally, he was recalled to prison after violating the terms of his licence, further complicating his legal situation. Law enforcement described him as a white male, approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, with a muscular build, freckles, and short red hair. Authorities believed he was in the Preston or South Ribble areas but also maintained links to Lytham, making his whereabouts uncertain.

Earlier, in January 2015, Lancashire Police successfully located Hope after he was reported missing. At that time, he was believed to have breached the conditions of his release from prison. Hope, who was then residing on Porter Street in Deepdale, Preston, had been sentenced to 32 months in prison in 2010 for his sexual offences involving a minor. His criminal record also included allegations of theft and three separate attempts to access funds from his mother’s bank account, which occurred following an incident at a residence in Blackpool.

Hope’s case was among the first to be investigated by Operation Aquamarine, a specialized police unit established in September 2008 to address sexual offences more effectively. Despite ongoing monitoring and regular checks, Hope allegedly failed to return to an agreed-upon location in Blackburn, Lancashire, on a Thursday, raising concerns about his compliance and safety.

At the time of the 2015 incident, Hope was 30 years old and was actively wanted on a recall to prison. Law enforcement agencies continue to seek information about his current whereabouts, emphasizing the importance of public assistance in ensuring he is brought into custody and held accountable for his breaches of legal obligations.