STEPHEN MUNDEN ESCAPES FROM MARCHWOOD HOSPITAL IN HAMPSHIRE AND GOES ON THE RUN

In a concerning development, Stephen Munden, a convicted sex offender, managed to escape from a secure hospital facility located in Marchwood, Hampshire, and has since been missing. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening when Munden, who was under strict supervision, left the grounds of the hospital, known as Mildmay Oaks, situated in Winchfield near Hook. According to Hampshire Constabulary, Munden was last seen around 6:15 pm on April 21, 2015, and despite an extensive search involving a helicopter, he remains at large.

Authorities confirmed that Munden, aged 54, was detained at the hospital under a court-ordered hospital order following his 2014 conviction for serious sexual offences. These offences included sexually assaulting a child and possessing indecent images of children. The police described him as a vulnerable adult with ongoing mental health treatment needs, which contributed to his placement in a secure mental health facility operated by Partnerships in Care (PIC).

According to reports, Munden was held in a locked ward within the hospital and was under constant supervision when outside his designated area. However, he managed to climb over a fence to escape, an act that has raised significant concern among law enforcement and the local community. The police have issued a plea for any information that could lead to his whereabouts, urging the public to contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101.

Details about Munden’s physical appearance include a height of approximately 5 feet 8 inches, a heavy build, and dark hair. It is believed that he may have shaved off his full beard prior to his escape, which could make identification more challenging. His last known clothing and personal items are not specified, but authorities are actively searching for him across the region.

Munden’s criminal history is extensive. In August 2014, he was convicted of sexual touching involving a three-year-old girl on a bus. During the incident, he deliberately sat near the child and stroked her hand with his finger, in full view of her mother and grandmother. Despite denying the offence, claiming the touching was accidental, Munden was found guilty and sentenced to detention under a hospital order. The court heard that he had a “fanatical obsession” with young girls, with police discovering children’s clothes, books, and dolls at his residence in Brittany Gardens, Marchwood. Prosecutors also revealed that Munden had admitted to possessing and attempting to possess multiple indecent images of children, with ten separate offences linked to these images.

Medical assessments indicated that Munden was autistic and suffered from mild learning difficulties, which complicated his ability to control his sexual interests. The court acknowledged the seriousness of his offences, especially the transition from non-contact to contact offences, and responded by placing him under a hospital order and detention under the Mental Health Act. The authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and the public is advised to remain vigilant and report any sightings or relevant information to law enforcement agencies.