Ian Bower

Ian Bower, a 48-year-old former special constable from Derbyshire, has a history of serious sexual offences against children. In September 2004, he was sentenced to 78 months in prison for committing sexual offences against children and downloading indecent images of children. This custodial sentence marked the beginning of his documented criminal record as a sex offender.

Following his release on licence in 2006, Bower was placed in a probation hostel in Derby. However, just one month later, he absconded from the facility and fled the country, travelling to Cambodia. His escape prompted an international manhunt, as he violated the terms of his licence.

In Cambodia, Bower continued his offending behaviour. He was arrested in Phnom Penh and, in July 2012, sentenced to two years in prison for further sexual offences against children. Upon his release from Cambodian custody last year, the country's deputy prime minister signed a deportation order on 27 February 2014, citing a passport offence as the basis for his removal back to the UK.

Upon arrival at Gatwick Airport, Bower was immediately arrested by Derbyshire Police. The force confirmed that his return was in connection with breaching his licence conditions from the 2004 conviction, as well as the new circumstances surrounding his deportation. Derbyshire Police stated that Bower's actions demonstrated a continued risk, leading to his detention pending further legal proceedings in the UK.

This case highlights the challenges in monitoring sex offenders post-release, with Bower's flight to Cambodia allowing him to evade UK authorities for nearly eight years. Sources including Derbyshire Police and official records underscore the severity of his repeated offences against children.