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Police capture sex offender who fled Ipswich Crown Court

Police have arrested a 71-year-old Lowestoft man who fled from his sexual offences trial at Ipswich Crown Court before being convicted in his absence.

Why it matters: The 71-year-old Lowestoft man was found guilty of three sexual offences in his absence after fleeing Ipswich Crown Court during jury deliberations.

Paul Ashworth on CCTV
Suffolk Constabulary
Paul Ashworth on CCTV

The details: Ashworth was last seen at court on Friday, 7 February, where he was standing trial. He was not on remand during the trial proceedings.

The jury had gone out to consider its verdicts when Ashworth left the court and failed to return. He was subsequently found guilty of the offences in his absence.

What's next: Following his arrest earlier today, Wednesday, 26 February, Ashworth will be remanded in custody until his sentencing hearing at Ipswich Crown Court on Friday, 4 April.

The bigger picture: Police had been conducting numerous enquiries to locate Ashworth, who may have been using the alias Edward John Oliver.

Officers previously believed he had withdrawn cash from an ATM in Portsmouth on Monday, 24 February, and he was ultimately located and arrested in Portsmouth.

The bottom line: Suffolk Police have expressed gratitude to members of the public and media for their assistance with the wanted appeal.

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Attwells beats national rivals for apprenticeship award

Local solicitors Attwells has won the National Apprenticeship and Skills Award 2025 for SME Firms, beating national competition for its commitment to developing emerging talent.
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Attwells Solicitors , Kingsfleet and ICS

The Kingsfleet team outside their offices in Claydon, near Ipswich

Spend your time and money as you wish

Award winning, independent financial planners helping the people of Suffolk reach their financial objectives.
The ICS team outside their offices in Henley, just outside Ipswich

ICS

Founded in 1998, ICS has been the trusted IT partner to businesses across Ipswich and Suffolk for over a quarter of a century.
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