SOUTHAMPTON RAPIST JAILED FOR LIFE SIXTEEN YEARS
A SOUTHAMPTON rapist jailed for life sixteen years ago has escaped from prison and could be heading back to his home city.Stephen Graham, 47, was confirmed missing on July 28 after he failed to return from day release on temporary licence from North Sea Camp prison in Boston, Lincolnshire.
Prison Service bosses have launched an inquiry into the escape.
Insp Ian Gorst, of Lincolnshire Police, said: "We have contacted Hampshire over the disappearance of Graham as it is possible he could have returned to his native area.
We do not believe he is a danger to the public." Graham, formerly of Bramley Crescent, Southampton, was convicted of raping a 22-year-old nurse at knifepoint in Winchester suburb after a trial at Winchester Crown Court in February 1985.
During the case, Graham, at the time an unemployed sheet metal worker, asked the court to consider 58 other cases, including 29 of indecent exposure, 14 burglaries and nine others of theft.
Graham also admitted charges of indecently assaulting an Eastleigh housewife as she walked home from work; falsely imprisoning a 22-year-old housewife at her home in Raley Road, Locks Heath, and committing aggravated burglary at a Grasmere Road house in Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset; and to driving while disqualified.
North Sea Camp is a category D prison normally housing prisoners coming to the end of their sentences.
A Prison Service spokesman said: "Stephen Frederick Graham is wanted for absconding and we are working closely with police to secure his return."
