RICKY STUART, HIGH RISK SEX OFFENDER FROM ACCRINGTON, CAUGHT IN BURNLEY AND BLACKBURN

In a significant development in the ongoing efforts to apprehend dangerous offenders, Ricky Stuart, a high risk sex offender originally from Accrington, has been successfully detained by law enforcement authorities in Burnley. The arrest took place on Wednesday, September 25, following a period of intense investigation and public appeals.

Stuart, aged 37, had been the subject of a nationwide manhunt after he breached the conditions of his release, prompting police to issue a public warning on Monday, September 23. Authorities explicitly cautioned the community not to approach him, emphasizing the potential danger he posed due to his criminal history and the high-risk classification assigned to him.

His criminal record dates back to 2013 when he was convicted of multiple serious offenses. Stuart was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison after a week-long trial at Burnley Crown Court. His convictions included sexual assault, assault by penetration, and attempted rape, crimes that underscored the severity of his offending and the importance of his strict supervision upon release.

Prior to his arrest, Stuart was last seen in the vicinity of The Mall shopping centre in Blackburn on Thursday, September 19. This sighting prompted further police efforts to locate him, leading to his eventual capture in Burnley, where he was apprehended without incident.

Lancashire Police have publicly expressed their gratitude to the community and the public for their cooperation and assistance in tracking down Stuart. Their combined efforts have been instrumental in ensuring that a potentially dangerous individual is now off the streets, providing a measure of reassurance to residents in both Accrington and the surrounding areas.