BOURNEMOUTH MAN JAILED FOR A DECADE AFTER STRING OF SEX ATTACKS
Police investigating sex attacker John Selder, aged 34, believe there may be additional victims who have yet to come forward.Selder was convicted of multiple sexual offenses in Bournemouth, including sexual assault by penetration and engaging in sexual activity in front of a child.
He was sentenced last week to 10 years in prison, with the potential to serve up to 16 years if deemed still dangerous by the parole board.
The investigation spanned over two years, during which Selder’s DNA was collected in 2011 after his initial offense involving a six-year-old girl in Westbourne, but he was not arrested at that time due to no UK record of his DNA.
Later that year, he attacked a teenager by dragging her off the street and assaulting her.
Police linked both incidents via DNA evidence.
In 2013, further evidence, including CCTV footage, helped arrest Selder while he was attempting to flee to East Sussex.
Detective Inspector Steve Thorpe emphasized Selder’s predatory nature and urged any other victims to come forward, stating that Selder is 'a clearly a predatory sexual offender.' Selder pleaded guilty to some charges and was convicted after trial of others, notably denying attempted rape.
Authorities employed posters and media appeals, including an image of Selder, to solicit information.
He was ultimately convicted of the charges at Bournemouth Crown Court and sentenced accordingly.
