Update: Wanted child sex attacker who fled court hands himself in

Police believe a child sex offender could on the run in the Watford area.

Sussex Police are searching for Craig McAndrew, 34, from Newhaven, who ran away while on court bail, part way through his trial for child sex offences.

McAndrew is believed to be in the Watford area, as it is the area in which he grew up in.

McAndrew, who works as a removals worker, is described as white, 5’9”, slim with short ginger hair and green eyes. His clothing which he was wearing is unknown and police believe he does not have access to a vehicle.

The trial started at Lewes Crown Court, East Sussex, on September 9, where he was charged with ten offences of sexual assault on multiple occasions against two girls aged 13, between 2016 and 2018.

Eight of the offences were committed against one of the girls and two against the other girl.

At the day of that trial, he attended until lunch but then left the trial secretly. The court issued a warrant for his arrest.

The trial then continued and he was found guilty, in his absence, of all offences on September 16.

Police are continuing to search for McAndrew again.

Detective Constable Julie Nightingale of the East Sussex Safeguarding investigations Unit said; "We are in touch with colleagues in Hertfordshire Constabulary who are assisting in the search but if you have seen McAndrew in Herts or in Sussex please contact us right away on 101 or 999, quoting serial 737 of 19/09."