PETER BASTIN, LEICESTER'S INFAMOUS CHILD MURDERER, CAUGHT IN BLACKPOOL

In a significant development in the ongoing efforts to bring a dangerous offender to justice, Peter James Bastin, a convicted child murderer and sex offender from Leicester, has been apprehended in Blackpool after escaping from prison. Bastin, aged 48, was serving a life sentence for the brutal murder and sexual assault of ten-year-old Aslam Ibrahim in Leicester back in 1978. His attempt to gain freedom from HMP North Sea Camp, a Category D open prison near Boston, was thwarted when he absconded on November 27 of the previous year.

His escape prompted a swift and coordinated response from law enforcement agencies across multiple regions. Lancashire Police officers tracked him down late Thursday night at an address in Blackpool, a seaside town known for its tourist attractions and vibrant nightlife. Following his arrest, Bastin was taken into custody and is now set to be returned to Lincolnshire, where he will undergo further questioning and processing. The authorities confirmed that he will be transferred back to the prison system in Lincolnshire after the interview.

Officials from the Prison Service have emphasized that Bastin's escape was taken very seriously. Hugo Biggs, a spokesman for the Prison Service, stated that prison governors conduct rigorous assessments of inmates' risk levels, especially those in open prisons. He explained, “Public protection is a priority and all prisoners located in open prisons have been rigorously risk assessed. Any prisoner whose behaviour causes concern that they cannot safely be managed in an open prison will be returned to closed conditions.”

Despite the escape, the authorities reassured the public that safety measures are continually reviewed and enforced. The arrest was the result of close cooperation between Lincolnshire Police, Leicestershire Police, and Lancashire Police. Georgie Bates, a police spokesperson for Lincolnshire, expressed gratitude for the media's support in disseminating information about Bastin. She highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts, saying, “We would like to thank the local, regional and national media for their support in appealing for information about Bastin. It has been really positive work between the three forces.”

As Bastin faces return to custody, the case underscores ongoing concerns about the management and monitoring of high-risk offenders, especially those with a history of violent crimes against children. The authorities remain committed to ensuring that such individuals are kept under strict supervision to prevent further harm to the community.