Man convicted of sexual assaults on children

Child Sex Offender Escapes Prison

Stephen James Powell, a convicted child sex offender, is on the run after being sentenced to eight years in prison for eight counts of child abuse and child abduction.

The 36-year-old failed to appear for his trial and sentencing at Bristol Crown Court, where he was found guilty of six counts of sexual activity with a child aged 13 to 15 and two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. He was also convicted of child abduction.

Powell is believed to still be in the Bristol area, with known connections to Hartcliffe. He is described as white, 5ft 10ins tall, with a slim build, brown eyes, and a shaved head.

Avon and Somerset Police are urging the public to help locate Powell. They stated: "We're appealing for the public's help to find wanted man Stephen James Powell. The 36-year-old Bristol man is wanted on a warrant issued by Bristol Crown Court. Powell has been convicted of a number of sex offences but failed to appear at court for both his trial and sentencing during which he was jailed for eight years."

Anyone who spots Powell is asked to call 999 and provide reference number 5215010304.