Police officers searching for a missing registered sex offender in the Burnham-On-Sea area have located and arrested him.
Lee Ronald Whitting was arrested in Plymouth on Friday (January 18th) following a lengthy and ongoing investigation to find him.
As well as breaching the conditions of his sexual offences prevention order, officers wanted to speak with him in connection with a serious assault on a 64- year-old woman that took place in July 2012.
As part of the investigation an appeal was issued in November of last year on the BBC One programme Crimewatch, as pictured below. As a result a member of the public recognised Whitting and called the police.
On Friday he was charged with Kidnap with intent to commit a relevant sexual offence, a breach of the sexual offender’s notification order, three charges of theft, two charges of possession of sharply-pointed articles and making off without payment.
On Saturday, Whitting appeared at Taunton Deane Magistrates Court and was remanded into custody. Officers have thanked members of the public for all their help and information.
Burnham-On-Sea.com reported last year that police believed Whitting could have been in the Burnham or Highbridge area.