On-the-run sex offender Paul Robson arrested in Skegness

The 56-year-old, who was serving a life sentence after he let himself in to an Oxford home through the cat flap before sexually assaulting a woman inside, walked out of open prison HMP North Sea Camp, Lincolnshire, on Sunday, February 13.

In a statement this morning, Ch Supt Kate Anderson said: “We are pleased to report that we have arrested Paul Robson. We are grateful to members of the public for their help and support in sharing our appeals and we’d also like to give thanks to everyone who have called in with potential sightings of him.

“We’d also like to extend our thanks to partner agencies and our officers for working tirelessly to apprehend Robson.”

He was said to have been arrested 'in the Skegness area' at 9.27am on Thursday morning (today).

In 2000, Oxford Crown Court heard that Robson was out on licence from a five-year jail term when he crawled into a woman's Oxford city centre home through a cat flap.

He subjected the terrified 23-year-old to a series of attacks after putting a pillowcase over her head.

Robson had earlier fled his bail hostel in Abingdon Road following a punch-up with another offender in the home.

He was given a life sentence with a minimum term of nine years’ imprisonment.

Last year, Robson was moved to Category D open prison HMP North Sea Camp after his fifth parole review.

A spokesman for the Parole Board said: “The Parole Board refused the release of Paul Robson but recommended a move to an open conditions prison following an oral hearing in February 2021.

“This was a recommendation only and the Secretary of State for Justice considers the advice before making the final decision on whether a prisoner is suitable for open conditions.”

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