Justice Catches Up With Sex Offender Who Fled Trial

Two months after fleeing his trial for sexually assaulting a woman, Connor Farren was apprehended by police in Scarborough.

Farren, 21, had been on trial in December at Hull Crown Court for the assault, which occurred on December 3, 2019. He abruptly left the courtroom during the proceedings, but eventually turned himself in after spotting police officers on the street.

The court heard that Farren had been drinking heavily and had already committed other offenses, including stealing beer and breaking into a car, before going to the woman's home in Withernsea. He knocked on her door after midnight, offering to "show her a good time" despite her being in her pajamas and wanting to go to bed. Despite her refusal, Farren proceeded to touch the woman's breasts over her clothing.

The woman was left traumatized by the incident, suffering from flashbacks and nightmares. Farren was convicted in his absence by a jury on a majority verdict of 10 to two.

Judge Mark Bury sentenced Farren to two years in prison and ordered him to register as a sex offender for seven years. He also imposed a two-year restraining order.

Farren's attorney, Stephen Robinson, explained that his client had panicked during the trial and wanted to see his family over Christmas. He admitted that Farren had struggled with alcohol and drug addiction at the time, leading to a spiral of uncontrolled behavior.

Farren's apprehension serves as a reminder that even those who attempt to escape justice will eventually be held accountable for their actions.