Child sex abuser still on the run year after trial

A man convicted of five sexual offences against a child remains at large and could be abroad.

Oliver Arnold, who is 54 and of Nelson Close, Hethersett, near Norwich, was convicted in his absence by a jury at King's Lynn Crown Court in July.

A warrant had already been issued for his arrest.

A Norfolk Police spokesperson said: "Oliver Arnold is wanted internationally after his conviction and inquiries are ongoing."

Arnold, previously of Swaffham Road, Wendling, near Dereham, was convicted of carrying out four counts of sexual activity with a child between August and December 2022.

He was also found guilty of engaging in sexual conversation with a child between June 2022 and February 2023.

Having been charged in January 2023, his trial was originally listed for 13 May 2024. But a warrant for his arrest was issued as he failed to attend the court hearing.

On 8 July 2024, his trial was heard in his absence and he had no defence representation at King's Lynn Crown Court.

The jury took just 19 minutes to convict him.

Arnold was sentenced to 10 years in custody, and was put on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

An indefinite restraining order was also imposed and the warrant for his arrest was upheld.

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