Police Launch Urgent Search for Missing Sex Offender
West Yorkshire Police are urgently seeking the public's help to locate Darren Inkpen, a 56-year-old convicted sex offender deemed a high risk to children, who has gone missing after failing to comply with the Sex Offenders' Register.
Inkpen was originally jailed in 2021 at Newcastle Crown Court after pleading guilty to three sexual assaults in the Hartlepool area. He was placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life. He was released from prison in November 2025 and was expected to return to Yorkshire, but he failed to register his address and was recalled to prison.
Released Again, Now Missing
In April 2026, Inkpen was released again from a prison in Kent. Since his release, he has failed to comply with the notification requirements of the Sex Offenders' Register. Police have conducted extensive arrest enquiries but have been unable to locate him.
A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "Police are appealing for information to help locate Darren Inkpen who is wanted for failing to comply with the notification requirements of the Sex Offenders' Register. Inkpen, aged 56, was released from prison in Kent in April after being recalled to prison following a previous breach last year. He was due to relocate to the Leeds area. Since his release, he has failed to comply with the conditions of the Sex Offenders' Register."
Connections to Kent and Sussex
Inkpen has connections to the Kent and Sussex areas. Originally from Woodview Road in Beeston, Leeds, he is described as a white male, 5ft 10in, of medium build, with grey hair and blue eyes.
Anyone with information is urged to contact West Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting reference 13260257516, or report online. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
