‘Dangerous’ sex offender hunted over mother’s death could be lifeless, say police

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A ‘dangerous’ sex offender who went lacking after the death of a lady could be lifeless, police detectives have mentioned.

Richard Scatchard, aged 70, went on the run after Kelly Faiers died following an ambulance call-out to his residence in Minehead on Sunday, 15 October.

The 61-year-old’s death was rapidly made topic of a homicide investigation by police – however regardless of nationwide appeals to search out Scatchard and a £10,000 Crimestoppers reward, there have been no confirmed sightings.

Scatchard can also be wished by police over a recall to jail over an alleged breach of situations referring to earlier convictions for drugging girls and sexual abuse.

In an replace issued on Monday, Avon and Somerset Police’s Superintendent Lisa Simpson mentioned the power was remaining opened minded over Scatchard nonetheless being alive, including that he could have “come to harm”.

Extra officers have been introduced in for a search of areas throughout Minehead and West Somerset to cowl distant areas the place earlier searches could haven’t gone. The newest search is predicted to final a number of weeks.

Supt Simpson mentioned: “We are conscious that after three months, no confirmed sightings or proof of life that crucial clues as to what has happened to Scatchard may be found in a more inaccessible location, especially if he has come to harm, which a member of the public or previous searches would not ordinarily come across.

“Ultimately, we hope to find Scatchard alive so we can question him, and continue to urge the public to contact us if they see him.”

The power additionally confirmed it had obtained a criticism from the household of Ms Faiers, as exclusively reported by The Independent earlier this month.

Her kids – Jazmin Faiers, Tania Jackson, Laurie Perry and son Michael Faiers – accused police of letting Scatchard go by not detaining him when initially attending his tackle throughout the emergency call-out for Ms Faiers.

They additionally mentioned the power ought to have shared Scatchard’s earlier convictions sooner within the attraction to search out him. The power has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

On the seek for Scatchard, Avon and Somerset Police mentioned it had obtained 100 unconfirmed sightings within the West Somerset space.

A autopsy examination in October proved inconclusive by way of establishing the reason for Ms Faier’s death. Further checks are being carried out and the power is treating the mother’s death as suspicious.

Karen MacDonald from Crimestoppers, mentioned: “This man is dangerous and needs to be found urgently. If you know where he is, but prefer not to talk to the police, you can contact our charity and tell us anonymously what you know.”

Scatchard is white, about 5ft 11ins tall, of common construct with quick gray hair. He has a Scottish accent and has beforehand claimed to be known as Richard Dunlop. Given the period of time since his final sighting, nevertheless, there’s a probability he could look dishevelled.

Anyone who sees Scatchard mustn’t method him, however name 999 and supply the decision handler with the reference 5223259285. Anyone who could know the place he could be, ought to name 101 and provides the identical reference quantity.