PAUL TURNER FROM DORSET ARRESTED IN FRANCE AFTER BEING ON MOST WANTED LIST
In a significant development in the ongoing efforts to track down convicted sex offenders, Paul Turner, a 57-year-old man originally from Dorset, has been apprehended by authorities in France.This arrest comes just three weeks after his details were publicly listed on a 'most wanted' website dedicated to child exploitation cases.
Paul Turner, who is also known by aliases such as Paul Geddes and Paul Francis, has a troubling criminal history.
In 2002, he was sentenced to six months in prison for offences related to child pornography.
His criminal record and the nature of his offences have made him a high-priority target for law enforcement agencies working to protect children from sexual exploitation.
Following his release from prison, Turner was placed under supervision, which typically involves regular reporting to police and probation officers.
However, he failed to adhere to these conditions, disappearing and failing to report as required.
This breach of supervision prompted authorities to issue an alert, intensifying efforts to locate him.
Turner’s case gained further prominence when he was identified as the third individual out of five wanted sex offenders listed on the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) website.
The website was launched to aid in the rapid identification and apprehension of offenders who pose a threat to children.
His arrest was carried out by French police in the northern region of France on a Monday.
The operation was facilitated after Dorset detectives obtained a European Arrest Warrant, which allowed for his detention across borders.
The warrant was issued following close collaboration with the Dorset Crown Prosecution Service, highlighting the coordinated effort between local and international law enforcement.
Turner’s capture follows the arrests of other sex offenders linked to the same online initiative.
Kamil Krawiec was detained at Stansted Airport while returning from Poland, and Gordon Stewart surrendered himself to police in Scotland within 24 hours of the website’s launch last month.
DCI Ivor Graham, who heads Dorset’s child protection unit, expressed satisfaction with the arrest.
He stated, “We are pleased to have secured the arrest of Paul Turner, who went missing in 2004, after working closely with Dorset Crown Prosecution Service to obtain a European Arrest Warrant.
We will now be working with French authorities to return Mr Turner to Dorset where he will face charges relating to his disappearance under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.” Graham emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts, saying, “This is the culmination of two years’ hard work aided by the Child Exploitation Online Protection Centre and their recent introduction of a ‘most wanted’ website.
Dorset Police will continue to monitor all registered sex offenders and I can assure the public that we are robust in investigating any offenders that disappear in our bid to make the people of Dorset safer.”
