Harley Quinn
October 8th, 2009, 12:36 PM
A convicted sex offender who was placed on a list of the UK's most wanted criminals thought to be living in Spain has been arrested on a Greek island.
Stephen Burnell, 56, of Scunthorpe, has been missing since 2007, when he failed to attend York Crown Court for trial.
He was convicted of offences including attempted rape in his absence and given a six-year jail term.
Burnell was the second man wanted under an appeal targeting fugitives abroad to be arrested in 24 hours.
Leeds-born Ronald Priestley, 69, was arrested in Malaga on Wednesday in connection with £4.25m of currency counterfeiting offences.
Burnell was detained on the Greek island of Crete on Wednesday.
Our thoughts go to the victim and hope that she can now take some comfort from the fact that he is no longer at liberty
Det Insp Keith Ruff
His offences were carried out in North Yorkshire and included the attempted rape and indecent assault of a nine-year-old girl who he abused over four years.
Det Insp Keith Ruff, who led the North Yorkshire Police investigation into Burnell, said: "We are delighted that the law has caught up with this man.
"Our thoughts immediately go to the victim at the centre of the case and hope that she can now take some comfort from the fact that he is no longer at liberty.
"Burnell must now face up to his despicable crimes."
The Rest Of The Story Is Here http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8297872.stm
Stephen Burnell, 56, of Scunthorpe, has been missing since 2007, when he failed to attend York Crown Court for trial.
He was convicted of offences including attempted rape in his absence and given a six-year jail term.
Burnell was the second man wanted under an appeal targeting fugitives abroad to be arrested in 24 hours.
Leeds-born Ronald Priestley, 69, was arrested in Malaga on Wednesday in connection with £4.25m of currency counterfeiting offences.
Burnell was detained on the Greek island of Crete on Wednesday.
Our thoughts go to the victim and hope that she can now take some comfort from the fact that he is no longer at liberty
Det Insp Keith Ruff
His offences were carried out in North Yorkshire and included the attempted rape and indecent assault of a nine-year-old girl who he abused over four years.
Det Insp Keith Ruff, who led the North Yorkshire Police investigation into Burnell, said: "We are delighted that the law has caught up with this man.
"Our thoughts immediately go to the victim at the centre of the case and hope that she can now take some comfort from the fact that he is no longer at liberty.
"Burnell must now face up to his despicable crimes."
The Rest Of The Story Is Here http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8297872.stm