MICHAEL MCCARTHY ARRESTED IN CHINGFORD AFTER ESCAPING BRACKLESHAM BAY SEXUAL ABUSE SCANDAL

In a significant development in a long-standing case of sexual abuse, Michael McCarthy, a 59-year-old man, has been located and taken into custody after nearly a decade of evading law enforcement. The incident that led to his criminal charges occurred in November 2005 at Bracklesham Bay, near Selsey, where he was seen assaulting a vulnerable 13-year-old girl. Witnesses and children in the area observed McCarthy engaging in inappropriate and criminal behavior towards the young victim, which prompted immediate concern and investigation at the time.

Following the incident, McCarthy was confronted about his actions, but instead of facing justice, he chose to disappear. Over the next nine years, he managed to stay under the radar by avoiding traditional employment and benefits claims, relying solely on cash-in-hand jobs. This strategy effectively prevented police from tracking his whereabouts, as he deliberately kept a low profile and avoided any official records that could lead to his identification.

The breakthrough in the case came when McCarthy's photograph was broadcast on Crimewatch in March of the following year. The public's response was swift; individuals who recognized him from his roles as a pub DJ and a professional dog walker contacted authorities. Their tips led police to trace McCarthy to an address in Chingford, East London. Law enforcement officers executed a raid on his residence in Longfield Avenue, where they successfully apprehended him.

Following his arrest, McCarthy was charged with two counts of sexual activity with a child. He subsequently pleaded guilty to these charges and was brought before Lewes Crown Court. On September 4, 2014, he was sentenced to 18 months in prison for his crimes. The case underscores the persistent efforts of Sussex Police to bring offenders to justice, regardless of how long they have been on the run.

PC Stephen Reed of Sussex Police commented on the case, stating, “It has taken a long time to apprehend McCarthy but finally justice has been done for his victim and McCarthy’s family. His actions have had a devastating effect on their lives.” He further emphasized the police’s commitment to pursuing wanted individuals, saying, “McCarthy knew he was wanted by police but deliberately tried to keep a low profile which allowed him to stay out of prison for as long as he did. The fact that he is now in prison shows that we will not give up looking for someone just because they have been missing for a period of time. If you are wanted, you should keep looking over your shoulder as we will not give up the chase until we have arrested you.”