Police are hunting a rapist from Yorkshire with links to Cardiff who failed to appear for his sentencing and went on the run.
Jason Vincent Longhurst, 44, strangled and raped a woman ten years ago. He did not attend his York Crown Court trial this month, but was found guilty and sentenced to nine years in his absence on September 8, and he was placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.
Longhurst attacked his victim when she was a teenager and staying in his home, North Yorkshire Police said in a statement.
Read more: If you're interested in reading about Cardiff news go to our Cardiff homepage here
The court heard how he entered the bedroom she was staying in and made threats towards her.
He then strangled her with a jumper until she became unconscious and went on to rape her.
The victim spoke about the attack in court and said it affected her life when she became an adult.
Describing him as a "sickening predator", Sgt Hannah McPeake said Longhurst had "shown no remorse for his actions or the pain he has inflicted on his victim".
On Tuesday North Yorkshire Police repeated their calls for help in finding Longhurst.
South Wales Police shared the appeal and said Longhurst, also known as Jason Welsh, is known to have links to Cardiff.
Detective Inspector Warren Peters of York Investigation Hub said: “Despite our extensive enquiries Longhurst currently remains outstanding.
"We will continue the search for him but I would also ask the public to continue to keep an eye out for Longhurst and to remain vigilant for any sightings of him.
“We know Longhurst sometimes uses the name Jason Welsh and that he has connections to the Cardiff area.
"Our colleagues at South Wales Police have been assisting us with our enquiries and supporting our wanted appeal, but there is the possibility that Longhurst could now be anywhere in country.
"So, we are widening our appeal and requesting the public’s continued support with our search.
“If you see Longhurst please report any immediate sightings to North Yorkshire Police via 999 quoting reference 12210196408."
To get the latest news from WalesOnline sent to your email inbox, including our regular courts newsletter, click here.
