Christopher Spelman

A 66-year-old man with connections to Fareham, Hampshire, has been arrested by police for failing to comply with his obligations as a registered sex offender. Christopher Spelman was wanted by Lancashire Police after he did not register his new address upon release from prison, a mandatory requirement for individuals on the sex offenders' register.

Authorities in Hampshire initially launched a public appeal urging residents in the Fareham area to come forward with any information about Spelman's whereabouts, given his known links to the region. The appeal highlighted concerns over his non-compliance, which prompted a coordinated effort between forces to locate him.

On Saturday, 3 January 2025, officers arrested Spelman in Wales. He appeared in court the following day, Sunday, 4 January 2025, where he pleaded guilty to breaching his notification requirements under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. Lancashire Police confirmed the arrest and court appearance in an official statement, noting that Spelman is scheduled to return to Swansea Crown Court on 19 January 2025 for sentencing.

This incident underscores the ongoing monitoring of registered sex offenders in the UK, with police forces collaborating across regions to ensure public safety. No further details on Spelman's prior convictions were disclosed in the reports, but his status as a registered sex offender stems from previous offences requiring lifelong registration.