ROBERT HANDS FROM BURNHAM-ON-SEA ON THE RUN: POLICE WARN OF DANGER IN WESTERN AREAS

In December 2010, authorities issued a stark warning to the public regarding Robert Hands, a man wanted for serious sex offences and currently at large. The police confirmed that Hands, a 53-year-old resident of Burnham-on-Sea, had failed to appear at Bristol Crown Court in July of that year, and since then, he has remained unlocated. The authorities revealed that he is considered a potential threat to the community, prompting a nationwide appeal for information about his whereabouts.

Hands is accused of a disturbing array of charges, including four counts of rape, nine counts of sexual activity with a child, three counts of indecent assault on a girl under 13, three counts of indecency with a child, two counts of inciting sexual activity with a child, and five counts of making indecent images of children. These offences are alleged to have occurred over a span of ten years, from 1999 to 2009. Despite these serious allegations, Hands was granted bail earlier this year when he appeared in court, a decision that has since been scrutinized given his subsequent disappearance.

Following his failure to attend court, a warrant was issued for his arrest. Police have since made multiple efforts to locate him, focusing on areas where he has previously been linked. These efforts have extended across several regions, including the West Midlands, West Mercia, Humberside, and Devon. Authorities have also identified specific locations associated with Hands, such as addresses in Worcester, Droitwich, Bilston, Hull, and Teignmouth.

Descriptions provided by police depict Hands as a white male, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, with a heavy build. He has shoulder-length brown hair that sometimes appears greying and is occasionally tied in a ponytail. His facial features include a grey beard, which can be styled as a goatee or full beard, and piercing blue eyes. Notably, he bears a scar on the left side of his abdomen. Police emphasize that Hands is known to significantly alter his appearance, making him more difficult to identify.

In a statement, a police spokesperson underscored the danger Hands poses, urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact Avon and Somerset police at 0845 456 7000 or to reach out to local law enforcement agencies. The police clarified that the delay in public notification was due to the need to exhaust all investigative avenues, including following intelligence and conducting searches in all areas linked to Hands. This approach aligns with standard procedures to ensure public safety and maximize the chances of apprehending the suspect.

It is also revealed that Hands was previously granted bail in March 2009, despite having gone missing at that time. An appeal was issued shortly after his disappearance, which occurred following a family funeral in the Midlands. The police continue to treat his case with urgency, emphasizing the potential risk he poses and the importance of community cooperation in locating him.