Gary Wolstenholme

Gary Wolstenholme, a 42-year-old man with a history of serious sexual offending, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court for failing to comply with his sex offender notification requirements. In 2003, Wolstenholme had been convicted of rape and subsequently placed on the sex offenders register for life, a status that imposed strict obligations on him to inform authorities of any changes in his address or circumstances.

Released from prison in July 2024 after serving a sentence for actual bodily harm (ABH), Wolstenholme was residing in approved accommodation in Manchester. He acknowledged his responsibility to keep police informed of any address changes or periods of homelessness. However, in September 2025, his probation officer reported that he had left the premises. Wolstenholme claimed he departed due to harassment from other residents who had learned of his criminal past.

For approximately six weeks, Wolstenholme remained at large, evading supervision. Police located him in a derelict property on Central Drive in Blackpool, where he was acting suspiciously at the gate. Upon entering the squat, officers found Wolstenholme refusing to provide his identity. A vulnerable woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, was also present at the address.

Wolstenholme was arrested on the spot and later pleaded guilty to breaching his notification requirements. During the court proceedings, it was noted that while in custody following his arrest, he had been engaging in work and receiving treatment for mental health issues and substance misuse. Sentencing Recorder John Jones KC remarked, "You were sleeping rough for around six weeks. That is a long period of non-compliance." The judge emphasised the necessity of the sentence to protect the public, stating, "Sadly the only sentence I can impose is immediate custody although I have endeavoured to keep it as short as possible commensurate with my duty to protect the public."

The case was reported by Lancs Live, highlighting concerns over the management of high-risk sex offenders in the community. Wolstenholme's actions underscored the challenges in supervising individuals with lifelong registration requirements, particularly in preventing potential risks to vulnerable members of the public.