WANTED DEAN GOODWIN, DANGEROUS SEX OFFENDER, ARRESTED IN POOLE AND BOURNEMOUTH

In a significant development in ongoing efforts to address serious sexual offenses in Dorset, police have successfully apprehended Dean Goodwin, a notorious sex offender, in Poole. The arrest took place at approximately 5:45 pm, when armed officers located and detained the 32-year-old man, who was then transported to Bournemouth police station for further processing.

Authorities had been actively seeking Goodwin following a distressing incident involving a woman in her twenties. The victim was subjected to a severe sexual assault at her residence in Poole on the preceding Friday. The police issued a public appeal, urging witnesses and members of the community to come forward with any information that could assist in locating the suspect.

Detective Superintendent Mark Cooper expressed gratitude towards the public and media for their crucial support during what he described as an intensive and coordinated police operation. He stated, “I’d like to thank the public and the media for their help and support throughout this intensive police operation. Our officers and staff have worked tirelessly and I’m pleased we have been able to bring this to a safe conclusion with the arrest tonight of Dean Goodwin.”

Goodwin’s history with law enforcement is extensive and troubling. His criminal record includes 31 convictions by his late teens, with a pattern of violent and sexual offenses. Notably, in November 2012, he was the subject of a police alert after being linked to a brutal rape in his own home, an attack that shocked the local community. The incident involved a woman in her twenties who was assaulted after Goodwin allegedly kicked in her front door between 2 am and 6 am in the Parkstone area of Poole.

Prior to this, Goodwin had served a 10-year sentence for indecent assault on a 63-year-old woman and a 13-year-old girl. He was released early from prison but was branded a ‘high risk’ offender in 2009, prompting warnings for women to avoid going out alone. His breach of license conditions led to an additional two-year sentence, and he was released again in November 2011. Despite his criminal history, he had been living in a hostel in Poole since his release last year.

The police investigation into his recent activities has involved extensive door-to-door inquiries and the review of hours of CCTV footage in an effort to locate him. The Dorset police helicopter has also been deployed in the search operation, highlighting the urgency and seriousness of the case.

Descriptions of Goodwin depict him as a white male, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, with a stocky, muscular build and very short hair. At the time of his last sighting, he was wearing black jeans, a green top, brown boots, and a black jacket. The police have issued a direct appeal to the public, urging anyone who spots him or observes suspicious behavior to contact authorities immediately. Detective Inspector Marcus Hester emphasized the importance of swift action, stating, “We need to trace him urgently. I would urge any member of the public to contact us immediately if they see him or anyone acting suspiciously. It was a particularly nasty attack on the young woman. She is recovering in the care of her family and being supported by specially trained officers.”

Hester also warned that anyone aiding Goodwin in evading capture would face arrest, underscoring the seriousness with which law enforcement is treating this case. The community’s safety remains a top priority as police continue their efforts to locate and apprehend the suspect. Goodwin’s criminal history includes a series of violent and sexual offenses, with his most recent attack prompting a renewed focus on his whereabouts and potential danger to the public.