Wanted sex offender with links to Lancashire caught after nearly six months on the run
A wanted sex offender with links to Lancashire has been arrested after spending nearly six months on the run, police have confirmed.
Christopher Spelman, 66, was arrested by officers in South Wales on Saturday, January 3, following a long-running nationwide appeal to trace his whereabouts.
Spelman had been wanted since last summer after failing to comply with sexual offender notification requirements following his release from prison.
He was legally required to register an address with police but failed to do so, placing him in breach of his conditions.
An appeal to help locate him was first issued by Lancashire Police in July 2025.
At the time, officers warned Spelman could be living rough, possibly camping and travelling around the country using transport hubs.
Police said Spelman had links to several areas including Merseyside, Dorset, Hampshire, Bristol and Kent, but stressed he could be anywhere in the UK.
As the search intensified, officers released CCTV images showing Spelman at Bournemouth railway station on July 4.
Providing an update this week, Lancashire Police confirmed that Spelman appeared in court on Monday, January 5, where he pleaded guilty to breaching his sexual offender notification requirements.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear for sentencing at Swansea Crown Court on January 19.
A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: “ Thank you to everyone who shared the appeal, it is very much appreciated.”