Police identify fugitive Scarborough rapist

Police have disclosed Yuan's identity for the first time

A rapist who failed to attend court for his trial is still on the run nearly two years later, police have revealed.

Yuan Wei Zhang, 26, used e-mail to befriend a woman from Scarborough before meeting her at an address in the town in June 2007 and raping her.

He was on bail when he failed to attend his trial at York Crown Court in July 2008 and was convicted in his absence.

North Yorkshire Police said Yuan, who lived in London, was thought to have left the UK for China.

The force decided to disclose Yuan's identity following a Freedom of Information request relating to crime figures.

Victim informed

He is the only registered sex offender wanted by the force.

Ch Insp Kerrin Smith said: "Intelligence reports lead us to believe that he left the UK and therefore the investigation to locate him has concentrated in his home country of China with the assistance of Interpol and the UK Border Agency.

"It was for this reason that there was no investigative requirement to release the identity and photograph of the offender in the Yorkshire region and the UK."

Mr Smith said Yuan's victim had been kept up to date with the investigation.

He added: "We would also the public to notify the police if they have any information to [Yuan's]whereabouts."