Kenneth Hinds

Kenneth Hinds, a 76-year-old man from Ashfield Avenue, Malton, North Yorkshire, was found guilty by a jury at Hull Crown Court on 13 February 2025 of nine offences of indecent assault involving two girls under the age of 16. The assaults occurred in Pocklington, East Yorkshire, though the exact dates were not specified in court proceedings.

Following the guilty verdicts, Judge Mark Bury warned Hinds that he faced a lengthy prison sentence upon sentencing. Hinds was granted bail but failed to appear for his scheduled sentencing hearing. A warrant for his arrest without bail was issued, and investigations by Humberside Police revealed that he had fled to Benidorm, Spain. Multiple subsequent court hearings addressed his absence, with the court confirming that Hinds had escaped to the Spanish resort to avoid justice.

Efforts to locate and extradite Hinds involved coordination with the Crown Prosecution Service's liaison officer in Spain and inquiries through the British Consulate in Madrid. At the most recent hearing, Judge Bury announced that an email from the consulate had confirmed Hinds' death on 14 September 2025 in Benidorm. Defence barrister Matthew Moore-Taylor, who had represented Hinds during the trial, verified the details. Prosecutor Dale Brook noted the assistance provided by the Spanish-based liaison officer.

It was believed that Hinds died of natural causes, exacerbated by a serious underlying health condition. Judge Bury remarked, 'This was a man who was convicted after a trial and fled to Benidorm and was never sentenced.' With Hinds' death, the case was officially closed, and Judge Bury declared, 'That's the end of these proceedings.' The conviction stood, but no formal sentence was ever imposed due to his flight and subsequent passing.

• Offences: Nine counts of indecent assault on girls under 16.
• Court: Hull Crown Court.
• Trial conclusion: 13 February 2025.
• Flight destination: Benidorm, Spain.
• Date of death: 14 September 2025.

Source: Hull Daily Mail, 16 December 2025.