ALEXANDER DALGLEISH CAUGHT IN PRESTON AFTER FLEEING UK AND IRELAND ON THE RUN

In a significant development in ongoing efforts to apprehend convicted sex offenders, Alexander Dalgleish, a man with a troubling criminal history, was finally captured in Preston after years of evading law enforcement authorities across the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Dalgleish, who was originally from Preston, Lancashire, disappeared from public records in August 2002, shortly after failing to comply with legal registration requirements. His disappearance marked the beginning of a prolonged period during which he actively sought to avoid detection by authorities. During this time, he adopted multiple aliases and traveled extensively throughout the UK and Ireland, making it increasingly difficult for law enforcement to track him down.

His criminal record includes a conviction from 2001, when he was sentenced to nine months in prison for engaging in sexual activities with a 13-year-old girl and for indecently assaulting another young girl. Following his release from prison, Dalgleish chose to flee the country, relocating to Ireland in an attempt to escape the reach of UK authorities.

Despite his efforts to stay hidden, the tide turned when the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) launched its 'Most Wanted' website, which aimed to locate and apprehend individuals like Dalgleish. His details were among the first five offenders featured when the site went live in November of the previous year. The public and law enforcement agencies collaborated closely, providing sightings and intelligence that eventually led to his identification.

Within a month of being listed on the site, information from the public and investigative efforts by Lancashire Constabulary and CEOP pointed to Ireland as his location. Law enforcement officials worked tirelessly, and once they located Dalgleish, he was advised to return voluntarily to the UK. His return was facilitated, and he was subsequently arrested by Lancashire police officers in Scarborough.

Following his arrest, Dalgleish faced charges not only related to his failure to comply with notification requirements but also for theft. His case was brought before Preston Crown Court, where he was sentenced to an additional 12 months in prison earlier today. This case underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and the public in bringing fugitives to justice, especially those with a history of serious offenses.