WANTED PAEDOPHILE PETER WEATHERLEY ON THE RUN IN SPAIN, COSTA DEL SOL

In May 2010, images circulated showing Peter Weatherley, a wanted paedophile reportedly residing in Miraflores near Fuengirola on Spain's Costa del Sol. He is known to move frequently to evade detection. Weatherley drives a blue Isuzu 4×4 pickup truck and is employed as a builder for O’Neills Construction.

Previously, in December 2006, Weatherley became the sixth most wanted individual listed on a national child protection website. His mugshot and description were posted on the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Most Wanted site, which allows the public to assist police in locating fugitive sex offenders.

Weatherley, 39 years old and originally from Kinnaird Road, Shiregreen in Sheffield, UK, is said to use multiple aliases and is highly skilled at changing his appearance. As a convicted child abuser, he was legally required to notify the police of any change of address; failure to do so can result in a prison sentence of up to five years.

It is believed Weatherley may have fled to Spain or somewhere else in Europe, although he has established links in northern England. His criminal history dates back to 1996 when he was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register after serving a three-year sentence for indecent assault on a young girl. He violated the law by failing to report his address within two weeks of his release in 1998.

His whereabouts were only uncovered when he contacted police to report neighbor harassment, leading to a check that confirmed his non-compliance with reporting requirements. Consequently, he was jailed for two months in July 1998. More recently, in the past year, Weatherley's name appeared on police lists of individuals who failed to attend court proceedings.

On the CEOP Most Wanted site, Weatherley is listed under several aliases including Peter Jackson, Peter Kennelley, and Peter Hudson. He is described as white, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, of medium build, with light brown hair, blue eyes, and a northern accent. Notable tattoos include a swallow on his upper left arm and a scar on his left arm where a tattoo has been removed.

A government spokesperson explained, “Weatherley is sought for failing to comply with his notification requirements under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. He is missing from South Yorkshire but is believed to have links in Manchester and the northeast of England. Intelligence also indicates he could be in Spain or elsewhere in Europe.” The CEOP launched the website last month to aid in tracking down missing and fugitive sex offenders.

Of the initial five individuals posted on the site, four have been apprehended. Jim Gamble of CEOP emphasized the effectiveness of the tool, stating, “Our message is clear. Child sex offenders will be caught. There will be no hiding place. Children everywhere need to be protected.” Sightings of Weatherley can be reported to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or to South Yorkshire Police at 0114 220 2020.