Police are searching for a convicted sex offender who has been spotted on CCTV in Dorset.
Devon & Cornwall Police are on the hunt for registered sex offender James Campbell, who is wanted on recall to prison.
The 51-year-old has been convicted of a number of violent and serious sexual offences and was released from prison in November 2022.
He later absconded from his approved premises in Plymouth and his licence has been revoked.
Campbell is a white male, 5ft 4in tall, of stocky build with a bald head and some greying stubble. Police say he has a noticeable squint in his right eye.
He has distinctive tribal tattoos on his arms and hands including words ‘Jimmy’ and ‘Mam’ on his right forearm, and birds on both hands.
Campbell talks with a slight northern accent and has been known to use the alias Paul Withers or John Withers. He is known to frequent coastal areas.
On recent CCTV he is seen wearing jeans/dark trousers, a dark-coloured beanie hat and was carrying a black rucksack.
Campbell was spotted on CCTV in Bournemouth on December 14 last year before being spotted in the Milford Haven and Haverford West areas of Wales in late January.
He is then believed to have travelled by coach from Wales to Birmingham bus station and his last known location was in Middlesborough on February 17.
Police say Campbell, who has links to Plymouth, Torquay, Bournemouth, north Yorkshire, Scotland and the south coast of England, may be living a transient off grid lifestyle.
Detective Superintendent Sharon Donald, head of the Force’s Public Protection Unit, said: “James Campbell has a history of serious, violent sexual offending against women and we need to bring him into police custody as soon as possible.
“I would urge anyone who sees him not to approach him and to call 999 immediately quoting Devon & Cornwall Police log 743 of 15 February.
“Campbell’s last known location was in the Middlesbrough area on Friday 17 February.
“If anyone has any information about Campbell’s whereabouts, has had contact with him since November, or has information which may assist our enquiries, please report this to us.”
Anyone who sees Campbell is asked to not approach him but immediately call police on 999, quoting D&C Police log 743 of 15 February.
Information can also be passed anonymously to CrimeStoppers via their website or by calling 0800 555 111.
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