IAN CAMPBELL FROM MOUNTAIN ASH CAUGHT IN BRIGHTON AFTER NEARLY TWO-YEAR ESCAPE

In August 2019, a convicted sex offender who had managed to evade authorities for almost two years was finally apprehended and sentenced to prison. The individual, Ian Campbell, aged 40, was discovered hiding in a homeless shelter located in Brighton, a seaside city known for its vibrant community and bustling streets.

Campbell's arrest was the result of a strategic police operation that was sparked by a social media appeal. The appeal, posted on Facebook, prompted a member of the public to recognize him. This recognition led police to track him down to one of Brighton’s double-decker buses that had been converted into a shelter for homeless individuals. The bus was part of a network used by local support services to provide temporary accommodation for those in need.

On April 24, law enforcement officers located and arrested Campbell at his hideout. His capture marked the end of a lengthy manhunt, during which he had been living under an alias—John Morgan. Campbell’s attempt to conceal his identity was unsuccessful, as authorities found him in possession of two mobile phones, a tablet, and a laptop. These devices contained indecent images of children under the age of 18, which constituted a breach of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Campbell’s background is marked by prior convictions and a history of fleeing justice. Originally from Mountain Ash in Wales, he was previously identified as one of South Wales Police’s most wanted paedophiles. His criminal record includes a 2016 conviction for possessing indecent images of children. After serving time, he was released from prison in 2017 but failed to adhere to the conditions of his license, which required him to notify authorities of his whereabouts and comply with other restrictions.

Following his release, Campbell adopted the false name John Morgan in an effort to evade detection. His presence in Brighton was noted through various sightings, including visits to local day centres and homeless shelters. Jim Deans, a representative of Sussex Homeless Support, recalled that Campbell had stayed on one of the city’s homeless shelter buses for approximately a month. Deans explained that Campbell used a different name at the time but was known to have been in Brighton for about a month, often utilizing services at local day centres. He pointed out that these centres rarely verify the identities of their users, as many homeless individuals lack formal identification such as passports or driving licenses.

Deans further revealed that South Wales Police provided him with a photograph of Campbell after a member of the public tipped them off about his presence on one of the bus shelters. Recognizing him immediately, the support worker and others in the community handed over all of Campbell’s electronic devices, which he had hidden in the bus. The devices contained evidence of his illicit activities, and Deans expressed concern that if other homeless individuals had discovered what he was up to, the situation could have escalated into something more serious.

The police’s swift action was supported by the community’s vigilance, and Campbell’s arrest was seen as a significant step in protecting vulnerable populations. Following his apprehension, Campbell was taken to Merthyr Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including being unlawfully at large after his recall to prison, failing to comply with notification requirements, possessing indecent images, and committing fraud offenses. The court subsequently sentenced him to a term of imprisonment.

Campbell’s criminal history also includes a previous conviction from 2016 for possessing indecent images of children. His release in 2017 was marred by his failure to follow the conditions set by the authorities, which ultimately led to his current incarceration. His case underscores ongoing concerns about the management and monitoring of sex offenders, especially those with a history of fleeing justice and breaching legal orders.