Dec 2004

Missing sex pest found in Gwent

A REGISTERED sex offender who breached his bail conditions and went missing from Stoke-on-Trent was found in Gwent last night.

Gerald Ivor James, 36, went missing from the hostel where he lives in Stoke-on-Trent yesterday and sparked a police search.

He had previously been sentenced to two-and-a-half years for indecently assaulting three girls under the age of 14 in public places in the Stoke-on-Trent area.

He was also sentenced for possession of an offensive weapon.

Mr James was released from prison in March this year and he has been living at a bail hostel in Stoke-on-Trent.

Staff reported his disappearance to police Monday evening.

Mr James, originally from Aberdare, has lived in Stoke-on-Trent for several years.

A spokesman for Staffordshire Police said: “A man has been arrested in Newport, Gwent.

“Steps will be taken to return him to prison as he was in breach of his release licence.

“He could be returned straight to prison or may have to make a brief court appearance.”