Wanted 'high risk' child rapist Stephen Pennington who went on run twice before arrested

A "HIGH" risk child rapist who was wanted on recall to prison over the weekend has been arrested.

Stephen Pennington, 35, was jailed in 2009 for raping a girl and again in 2022 for breaches of a sexual harm prevention order issued as a result of the offences.

Lancashire Police said: "We are pleased to say that he [Pennington} has been arrested this morning.

"He will now be recalled to prison. We would like to thank everyone who has come forward with information over the last couple of days."

Posting on Facebook, the force added: "Your extra eyes and ears really can make a massive difference to the work we do to keep you and your communities safe."

ORIGINAL STORY:

POLICE were last night hunting a "high risk" child rapist who "presents a real risk to women and children" and has a history of going on the run.

Lancashire Police issued an urgent appeal for information on the whereabouts of Stephen Pennington, 35, who is wanted after failing to comply with his licence conditions and being recalled to prison.

He is a registered sex offender who was jailed for three years in 2009 for the rape of a 12-year-old girl.

Pennington is white, slim and around 6ft tall. He has short balding dark brown hair and has links to Blackburn, Blackpool, Wigan and North Wales.

Det Con Stewart Marshall said: “Pennington is a high-risk sex offender who presents a real risk to children and women and I would appeal to anyone who sees him or knows where he could be to get in touch.”

He was jailed again last year for breaches of a sexual harm prevention order and notification requirements.

It was after he used the false name Stephen Johnson, while in a relationship with a woman with children, in breach of a sexual harm prevention order, preventing him from contacting anyone under the age of 18.

He began a relationship with a woman between September and December last year 2021 and was in contact with the woman's children during the relationship, although there was no suggestion he harmed or abused them.

After the breach was reported, he went on the run, with police issuing an appeal before he was caught in Blackpool the next day.

He was charged and, following a hearing at court, sentenced to three years and six months in prison.

Police also issued an appeal to trace Pennington in June 2018 for earlier failures "to comply with the notification requirements of the sex offenders register."

If anyone sees him or knows where he is please contact 01253 604019 or email mosovowest@lancashire.police.uk.

For any immediate sightings please call 999.