JOHN MURRELL ON THE RUN FROM DROITWICH: CONVICTED PAEDOPHILE FOUND AFTER SEVEN YEARS IN HIDING

In a significant development, John Murrell, a man with a troubling criminal past, has been located and taken into custody after evading authorities for over seven years. Murrell, aged 39 and formerly residing in Friday's Acre, Droitwich, disappeared in September 2000, shortly after his release from prison. His disappearance followed his failure to comply with legal obligations to register with police, which is a requirement for individuals with his criminal background.

Murrell's last known whereabouts were in Worcester, where he had served time for serious offenses involving a minor. His criminal record includes a conviction in 1999 at Worcester Crown Court, where he was found guilty on three counts of indecent assault against a nine-year-old girl. Additionally, he was convicted of forcing the girl and her sister to watch him perform a sex act, a heinous act that compounded his criminal profile.

Following his conviction, Murrell was sentenced to three concurrent 18-month prison terms, along with an additional six-month sentence to be served consecutively. He served approximately 12 months before being released on parole. Upon release, he was placed under supervision and was required to reside in a halfway house in Worcester. He was also mandated to inform West Mercia Police of any change of address or if he was living under an assumed name, as part of his license conditions.

Despite these legal obligations, Murrell failed to make contact with authorities and instead chose to flee the area. He left Worcester with his wife and three children, effectively going on the run. His disappearance remained unresolved for years, causing concern among law enforcement and the community alike.

However, recent police operations led to his discovery. Officers tracked him down on Friday, where he was found in the company of his family. The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the case, bringing closure to a long-standing investigation and ensuring that Murrell will face the legal consequences of his past actions once again.