SEAN CAWTHRAY, MISSING SEX OFFENDER FROM LEYHILL, HULL, AND LEICESTER ON THE RUN
| Red Rose Database
Missing sex offender Rapist
In a significant development in ongoing efforts to apprehend dangerous sex offenders, Sean Cawthray, a convicted rapist and known absconder from Leyhill open prison, has voluntarily surrendered to police authorities. The 41-year-old offender turned himself in on February 3, prompting immediate legal proceedings. The following day, he appeared before Beverly Magistrates’ Court, where he faced sentencing for his recent actions.
On February 13, Cawthray was sentenced at Hull Crown Court to serve a one-year prison term, which will run concurrently with his existing life sentence. Following this, he was transferred to a higher security facility to ensure containment and supervision. His return to custody marks a significant step in the efforts to monitor and control individuals with a history of violent sexual offenses.
Sean Cawthray’s criminal history is extensive and troubling. He has been imprisoned twice before for rape, with his first conviction dating back to 1990, when he received a four-year sentence for rape and attempted rape. His criminal record was further compounded in 1993 with an eight-year sentence following another conviction for rape. In 2002, he was handed an indeterminate sentence by Leeds Crown Court after attempting to kidnap a 14-year-old girl at a bus stop near Leeds. This particular incident drew widespread attention due to its severity and the circumstances surrounding the victim.
At the time of his latest escape, Cawthray was housed at Leyhill, a category D open prison located in South Gloucestershire. This facility, known for its relatively relaxed security measures, was originally constructed as a US military hospital during World War II and converted into a prison in 1946. Leyhill has earned the nickname ‘The Savoy of Slammers’ because of its reputation for a cushy regime, housing approximately 508 inmates who are considered to have made progress or are nearing the end of their sentences. Despite its open status, the prison has no perimeter fencing, which has historically allowed some inmates to abscond.
On the evening of December 30, Cawthray was last seen at Leyhill at around 5:30 pm. It is believed that he left the prison premises sometime during the following three hours. Authorities have expressed concern over his potential risk to the public, emphasizing that he remains a dangerous individual. Police have issued a stern warning, urging the public not to approach him if sighted but to call 999 immediately. A police spokesperson stated, “Officers work closely with HMP Leyhill and other police forces to track down absconders promptly and keep any potential risk to the public to a minimum.”
Given his history, law enforcement officials suspect that Cawthray may have traveled back to Leicester and Leeds, where he has strong ties. He is described as being 5 feet 10 inches tall, of medium build, with short brown hair and blue eyes. At the time of his escape, he was last seen wearing silver trainers, cream combat trousers, and a light blue top. The police continue to search for him, and the public is urged to remain vigilant and report any sightings immediately.
On February 13, Cawthray was sentenced at Hull Crown Court to serve a one-year prison term, which will run concurrently with his existing life sentence. Following this, he was transferred to a higher security facility to ensure containment and supervision. His return to custody marks a significant step in the efforts to monitor and control individuals with a history of violent sexual offenses.
Sean Cawthray’s criminal history is extensive and troubling. He has been imprisoned twice before for rape, with his first conviction dating back to 1990, when he received a four-year sentence for rape and attempted rape. His criminal record was further compounded in 1993 with an eight-year sentence following another conviction for rape. In 2002, he was handed an indeterminate sentence by Leeds Crown Court after attempting to kidnap a 14-year-old girl at a bus stop near Leeds. This particular incident drew widespread attention due to its severity and the circumstances surrounding the victim.
At the time of his latest escape, Cawthray was housed at Leyhill, a category D open prison located in South Gloucestershire. This facility, known for its relatively relaxed security measures, was originally constructed as a US military hospital during World War II and converted into a prison in 1946. Leyhill has earned the nickname ‘The Savoy of Slammers’ because of its reputation for a cushy regime, housing approximately 508 inmates who are considered to have made progress or are nearing the end of their sentences. Despite its open status, the prison has no perimeter fencing, which has historically allowed some inmates to abscond.
On the evening of December 30, Cawthray was last seen at Leyhill at around 5:30 pm. It is believed that he left the prison premises sometime during the following three hours. Authorities have expressed concern over his potential risk to the public, emphasizing that he remains a dangerous individual. Police have issued a stern warning, urging the public not to approach him if sighted but to call 999 immediately. A police spokesperson stated, “Officers work closely with HMP Leyhill and other police forces to track down absconders promptly and keep any potential risk to the public to a minimum.”
Given his history, law enforcement officials suspect that Cawthray may have traveled back to Leicester and Leeds, where he has strong ties. He is described as being 5 feet 10 inches tall, of medium build, with short brown hair and blue eyes. At the time of his escape, he was last seen wearing silver trainers, cream combat trousers, and a light blue top. The police continue to search for him, and the public is urged to remain vigilant and report any sightings immediately.