Sex Offender Evading Police in Ongoing Murder Investigation – Search Intensifies
Avon and Somerset Police are currently on the hunt for Richard Scatchard, a convicted sex offender, in connection to an ongoing murder investigation. The authorities are searching for Scatchard after the body of a woman was discovered at his former residence in Minehead more than two weeks ago.
A former resident of Cheshire, Scatchard has a troubling criminal history, having been convicted in 2000 for a range of offenses including drugging his victims, indecent assault, attempted rape, theft, and burglary. Due to his past actions and the serious risk he poses to women he forms relationships with, Scatchard is considered a danger to the public.
Detective Chief Inspector Jess Aston, the senior investigating officer, stated that Scatchard is known to use dating apps extensively and previously administered drugs to his victims. There are concerns that he may have entered into a new relationship or formed connections with multiple women. Aston urged the public to report any sightings of Scatchard or any suspicious activity around outbuildings or remote buildings, as he may be attempting to evade detection.
Since the appeal for information was launched on October 19, there have been 55 reported sightings of Scatchard. Avon and Somerset Police are diligently analyzing CCTV footage and interviewing individuals who reported the sightings to ascertain if any of them were, indeed, Scatchard. In an effort to aid the search, the police have released a new photograph of Scatchard, taken earlier this year.
Aside from being wanted for questioning regarding the murder of Kelly Faiers, 61, Scatchard is also wanted on recall to prison. The cause of Faiers’ death has yet to be established definitively, with a forensic post-mortem examination yielding inconclusive results. However, detectives are treating the case as suspicious and are awaiting further test results.
Many sightings of Scatchard have been reported in Minehead and its surrounding areas. Consequently, extensive searches led by the police have been carried out in these locations. Moreover, Avon and Somerset Police are collaborating with other police forces across the country due to Scatchard’s recent and previous connections to various regions, including Cornwall, Gwent, South Wales, Cheshire, and Leicestershire.
Described as a white male with short gray hair, Scatchard stands at approximately 5ft 11ins and has an average build. He speaks with a Scottish accent and has previously used the name Richard Dunlop. It is worth noting that given the time that has elapsed since his last confirmed sighting, he may appear disheveled.
Initially, it was believed that Scatchard may have been utilizing a gray Gepida Alboin Curve electric bike; however, this theory has since been revised, and it is now suspected that he may be using a regular push bike instead.
The authorities are urging anyone who sees Scatchard to immediately contact the police using the emergency number 999, quoting the reference 5223259285. Alternatively, information can be provided by calling 101 or submitting it via the force’s website.
As the search for Scatchard continues, the absolute priority remains locating him to assist with the ongoing investigation. The police issue a direct appeal to Scatchard, emphasizing that it is not too late for him to do the right thing and surrender himself to the authorities.
In a case characterized by the seriousness of the charges and the potential danger Scatchard poses, authorities are employing all available resources and the cooperation of the public in their efforts to bring him to justice.
