SEAN PHIPPS, THE CONVICTED SEX OFFENDER FROM LEEDS AND LEICESTER, ON THE RUN IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE
In May 2022, authorities issued a nationwide alert for Sean Phipps, a convicted sex offender with a troubling criminal history, who is currently evading capture after failing to return to his designated open prison in Gloucestershire.Phipps, aged 51, has a long and disturbing record of sexual violence and abduction, which has led to multiple incarcerations over the years.
Sean Phipps, who has also been known by the surnames Cawthray, Goldthorpe, and Perry, was on a routine day release from HMP Leyhill when he mysteriously disappeared.
His absence has prompted a significant police investigation, as authorities seek to locate him before he can commit further offenses.
Phipps’s criminal history is marked by violent and predatory crimes, including a notorious kidnapping and assault that targeted a 14-year-old girl.
The incident involving the teenage girl took place in Leeds, where Phipps forcibly abducted her while she was waiting at a bus stop.
According to reports from Leicestershire Live, he seized her by her hair and dragged her through an alleyway leading to a nearby brook.
During the attack, he covered her face to muffle her screams, and the girl struggled to breathe as she fought to escape.
Fortunately, her ordeal was interrupted when a young boy, witnessing the commotion from a garden, ran to alert his grandfather, which likely prevented further harm.
Prior to this recent escape, Phipps had served time in prison for his violent crimes.
His criminal record includes two previous convictions for rape.
In 1993, he assaulted a 20-year-old woman while studying art at Leicester’s De Montfort University.
Several years earlier, he was imprisoned for raping a 15-year-old girl and attempting to assault another young girl, crimes committed in Leeds.
These offenses highlight a pattern of predatory behavior and violent sexual assault spanning multiple locations and years.
His history of disappearing from custody is also notable.
In 2017, Phipps managed to vanish from a probation-approved address in Leicestershire.
He was later apprehended after being found in the area, but his ability to evade authorities in the past raises concerns about his current whereabouts.
Authorities describe Phipps as a white male, approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall.
At the time of his last sighting, he was wearing a black coat over a blue top, paired with blue jeans and Timberland footwear.
He also carried a black Casio watch, wore blue glasses, and was seen with a vape pen, according to Avon and Somerset Police.
His links to Leeds and Leicester remain well-documented, and police are urging the public to remain vigilant.
Anyone who spots Phipps is advised to call 999 immediately and provide the reference number 5222130002.
Authorities have warned the public not to approach him directly, given his violent history and the potential danger he poses.
The police continue to investigate his whereabouts and are working tirelessly to apprehend him and prevent any further harm.
