On-the-run sex offender arrested

Police said Chapman "groomed and threatened his victims"

A convicted sex offender who went on the run from police ahead of his trial has been found in north Wales.

Joseph Chapman, 64, of Pollard Court, Beverley Road, Hull, was convicted of 12 sex offences against children at Hull Crown Court on Friday.

He failed to appear for the start of his trial on Monday but a judge started it in his absence the next day and he was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Chapman was arrested in Rhyl after he was spotted by a member of the public.

Chapman, who is also known as Thomas Courtie, was found guilty of seven counts of indecent assault against a girl under the age of 14, two counts of gross indecency with a girl under the age of 16 and three counts of rape of a female under 16.