JORDAN HUBBOCK FROM BUSHEY ESCAPES PRISON AND GOES ON THE RUN IN ESSEX

In March 2022, a serious incident involving a convicted sex offender from Bushey, near Watford, captured the attention of law enforcement and the local community. Jordan Hubbock, who had been classified as a 'high risk' offender, managed to evade police detection for an entire month after he deliberately removed his electronic monitoring device following his release from prison.

Hubbock's criminal history is deeply troubling. He was convicted in 2014 for a series of heinous crimes, including the rape of three individuals, one of whom was a minor under the age of 16. His criminal activities spanned from 2011 to 2013, during which he targeted vulnerable women and girls, often through social media platforms. His victims ranged in age from 13 to 21, and his assaults included forced sexual acts, physical violence, and other forms of abuse.

Following his conviction, Hubbock was sentenced to a lengthy prison term and was placed on licence upon his release in 2021. As part of his release conditions, he was fitted with an electronic tag designed to monitor his movements and ensure compliance with his restrictions. Additionally, he was listed on the Sex Offenders’ Register, which mandated him to keep police informed of his current address, contact details, and social media accounts. Despite these measures, Hubbock's criminal history and high-risk status prompted authorities to keep a close watch on his activities.

However, shortly after being released to the Basildon area in Essex, and subsequently moving to Barking, Hubbock took drastic action. He deliberately removed his electronic monitoring device, effectively disappearing from the authorities' radar. Essex Police were immediately alerted to his actions and recognized the danger he posed, given his 'high risk' classification. A comprehensive manhunt was launched, which included appeals on social media to solicit public assistance in locating him.

Hubbock managed to evade capture for several weeks, going into hiding. It was only on March 18 that police finally tracked him down at an address where he had been concealing himself behind a sunbed. His arrest marked the end of a tense search that had lasted for weeks, during which he was considered a significant threat to public safety.

Earlier, in November 2014, Hubbock's criminal conduct had already resulted in a substantial prison sentence. At that time, he was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court to an extended term of 10 years after being found guilty of multiple counts of rape, assault causing actual bodily harm, and engaging in sexual activity with a minor. The offences, which took place over a two-year period from late 2011 to 2013, involved vulnerable women and girls he met through online chat forums. One of his victims was from Hemel Hempstead.

During the trial, it was revealed that Hubbock targeted victims who were often too embarrassed or afraid to report his crimes immediately. His modus operandi involved luring young women and girls into meetings, then forcing himself upon them. His crimes included raping a 15-year-old girl in care, a 17-year-old, and a 21-year-old woman in her home. He also assaulted another 17-year-old girl, leaving her with a black eye, and engaged in sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl. His actions demonstrated a pattern of predatory behavior fueled by substance abuse, as he often committed these offences while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Judge Michael Baker QC, presiding over the case, described Hubbock as a danger to the public and emphasized the need for a lengthy custodial sentence to protect society. Hubbock was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with the stipulation that he serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for release on licence. The judge also extended the period during which Hubbock would remain under supervision after his release, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the ongoing risk he posed to women and girls in the community.