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On-the-run sex offender arrested four days after absconding from open prison

Paul Robson was detained in the Skegness area on Thursday morning.

Matthew Cooper
Thursday 17 February 2022 10:42 GMT
Paul Robson was reported missing from HMP North Sea Camp (Lincolnshire Police/PA)
Paul Robson was reported missing from HMP North Sea Camp (Lincolnshire Police/PA) (PA Media)

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A sex offender who absconded from an open prison in Lincolnshire, sparking a major manhunt, has been arrested.

Paul Robson, 56, was described as a “particular danger to women and young children” after being reported missing from HMP North Sea Camp, near Boston, at about 7am on Sunday.

Lincolnshire Police said Robson was found and arrested in the Skegness area of the county at 9.27am on Thursday and remains in police custody.

The force’s East Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Kate Anderson said: “We are pleased to report that we have arrested Paul Robson.

“We are grateful to members of the public for their help and support in sharing our appeals, and we’d also like to give thanks to everyone who have called in with potential sightings of him.

“We’d also like to extend our thanks to partner agencies and our officers for working tirelessly to apprehend Robson.”

Police had issued three images of Robson, who is serving an indeterminate sentence imposed at Oxford Crown Court in 2000 for attempted rape and indecent assault.

It is understood that Newcastle-born Robson will be returned to a closed prison and will not be eligible for parole for at least a further two years.

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