July 2014
Child sex attacker on the run after failing to show at court
A convicted child sex attacker is wanted by police after being on the run for almost a month.
Michael Bennett, formerly of Tensing Street in Oldham, was on trial for sexual assaults on two young girls at Preston Crown Court but did not turn up for the hearing on June 23 – so a warrant was issued for his arrest.
The case continued in his absence and he was convicted of two counts of child abduction and two counts of sexual assault against the two 11-year-olds.
Police have now appealed for members of the public to contact officers if they see him or know of his whereabouts.
Bennett aged 60 is described as bald, having a round face and a large build.
DC Marc Armstrong said: “We have recent information to believe that Bennett has been in the Fleetwood and St Annes areas and he also has connections to Ashton-under-Lyne and Oldham.
“We would urge him to hand himself into police and I would appeal to anyone who may have seen him or who knows of his whereabouts to contact police.”
Call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.
