Kenneth Hinds, 76, was convicted of nine offences of indecent assault, involving two young girls, but fled to Benidorm before he could be sentenced and was never seen again in the UK
A convicted sex offender who “fled to Benidorm” and never returned to court for sentencing has died while residing in the Spanish holiday resort.
Kenneth Hinds, 76, was allowed to stay on bail after being found guilty by a jury at Hull Crown Court in February this year of nine counts of indecent assault involving two young girls.
He was warned on the day of the guilty verdicts that he would receive a lengthy prison term when sentenced. However, he failed to appear for the subsequent hearing and a warrant without bail was issued for his arrest.
Police suspected from their investigations that Hinds had fled to Spain and efforts were made to officially confirm this. A series of later hearings took place where the court was informed that Hinds had “fled to Spain”, but no official confirmation was received.
At the most recent hearing, however, there was finally confirmation that Hinds had passed away. Judge Mark Bury stated that an email from the British Consulate in Madrid had confirmed that Hinds was found dead in Benidorm on September 14.
“This was a man who was convicted after a trial and fled to Benidorm and was never sentenced,” said Judge Bury. Defence barrister Matthew Moore-Taylor, who represented Hinds at the trial, confirmed that the details provided for Hinds were correct, reports Hull Live.
Prosecutor Dale Brook revealed that the Crown Prosecution Service had a liaison officer based in Spain, who had been able to assist with inquiries.
It was believed that Hinds died of natural causes and that he had been battling a serious condition.
Hinds, from Ashfield Avenue, Malton, North Yorkshire, denied indecently assaulting two girls under 16 at Pocklington but he was found guilty by a jury after a trial that concluded on February 13. The case was officially closed.
“That’s the end of these proceedings,” declared Judge Bury.
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