A NOTORIOUS Irish sex offender is on the run from police in Britain after failing to report to a bail hostel.
Trevor Byrne, 39, who uses the name Keith Russell in the UK, was released on licence from HMP Preston yesterday (September 7).
Byrne was arrested in Wales last November and convicted of possession of a shortened shotgun after stepping off a ferry from his native Dublin.
After his release from prison yesterday he breached the conditions of his release by failing to turn up at a bail hostel in Blackburn, Lancashire Police said.
The fugitive has been in and out of prison since his teens, having first been jailed for 15 years in 1993 for the rape of a woman in Dublin.
He was released in 2005, but within 36 hours had attacked another woman.
Detective Inspector Neil Marr from Lancashire Police urged members of the public not to approach the “violent” Irishman but to call 999.
We're appealing for help to trace a violent wanted sex offender https://t.co/X84SWNZzIS pic.twitter.com/hZLCtzIoL8
— LancsPolice (@LancsPolice) September 7, 2017
Trevor Byrne is described as white, about 5ft 11in (1.8m) tall, of slim build with short, brown, receding hair.
He speaks with an Irish accent.
He was recalled to prison in March for committing public order and firearm offences when he was on licence, police added.
As well as Dublin, he also has links to Merseyside area.
Det Insp Marr said Byrne is "Known to have committed a number of violent and sexual offences in the past and so we want to find him as soon as possible.”
He added: “We have a number of officers working to try and locate him. I would urge members of the public not to approach him but to call us on 999 immediately. If you have seen him, please let us know.”
