Fugitive Paedophile Flees UK After Midlands Child Sex Attacks
Dwayne Spence, a convicted paedophile who carried out a series of sex attacks on children in the Midlands, has fled the United Kingdom while awaiting sentencing. The 39-year-old failed to appear at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, where he was due to be sentenced for multiple serious offences against young victims.
Conviction and Escape
Spence was convicted of a horrifying catalogue of crimes committed over a six-year period. The charges included two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, two counts of attempted rape, three counts of sexual assault of a child, five counts of sexual activity with a child, and two counts of rape. His victims were aged between 11 and 13 years old.
Despite being on bail, Spence absconded and is now at large, having escaped justice. Prosecutor Anthony Longworth told the court that "the defendant poses a high risk of serious harm to children" and described the significant psychological and personal effects on the complainants' lives.
Background and Travels
The court heard that Spence previously worked at energy company E.ON and travelled extensively throughout the UK, visiting locations including Stoke-on-Trent, London, and Scotland. He had lived in both Stoke and London and had volunteered at a football academy, positions that provided him with access to children.
Defence barrister Abigail Bright acknowledged that "he has worked productively in several roles", including voluntary work at the football academy alongside paid employment.
Sentencing in Absence
Judge Graeme Smith branded Spence a "coward" and proceeded to sentence him in his absence. He handed down an 18-year prison sentence, which includes a five-year extended licence period once Spence is brought back to the UK. The convict will also be subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.
Judge Smith stated: "It's clear Spence is a paedophile and it's clear he's a coward by his absence. I've been doing this job for 11 years and this is only the second time a defendant has tried to evade consequences as a result of their conviction."
Victim Impact and Bravery
The judge praised the bravery of the victims, who had to endure a trial where they were accused of fabricating allegations. He noted they faced this challenge "against a background of profound emotional and physical abuse" and that he had read about the devastating impact on their lives.
"The defendant may be a coward," Judge Smith concluded, "but these victims were the opposite and showed outstanding bravery." The case highlights both the severity of the crimes committed and the ongoing risk posed by the fugitive offender who remains at large.
