The frightened victim of a stalker spotted on the run in south Oxfordshire last night begged for him to be caught.

Andrew Gallagher, 52, was jailed two years ago after police found a handgun, bullets, chloroform and duct tape at his caravan.

Oxford Crown Court heard he had launched a campaign of harassment against a mother-of-two in Crowmarsh Gifford, near Wallingford – and on Sunday he was spotted in the village again.

He was released halfway through his two year sentence last summer and is now being hunted by police after failing to sign the Sex Offender’s Register.

Police have described Gallagher as a danger to the public.

His victim, whom we will not name, last night pleaded for members of the public who spot Gallagher to contact police immediately.

She said: “This is a really worrying time for me and my family. I am working with police officers to try and find this man, and will not feel safe until he is found.

“I urge people to contact the police if they recognise him from the photograph.

“If you have any information, please call the police so that he can be put behind bars.”

Supt Amanda Pearson, who is leading the investigation, said: “Mr Gallagher is a dangerous individual.

“He poses a serious risk to the public and it is vital we have him back in custody. I urge anyone who has any knowledge of his whereabouts to get in touch straight away.

“We are concerned for the safety of his victim but also other members of the public.

“We would ask for anyone who sees him not to approach him but contact police immediately.”

Gallagher was jailed for two years in July 2007 for possession of a firearm and ammunition, harassment, possession of cannabis and being in premises unlawfully, halfway through his sentence on licence.

The court heard he harassed the woman, whom he briefly dated in 2005, by texting her constantly. He even entered her home in Crowmarsh Gifford to steal underwear and leave sweets and poems.

By the time police raided Gallagher’s caravan in Newham Manor, Wallingford, discovering an illegally owned firearm and bullets, chloroform, a dagger and duct tape inside, his victim was fearful for her life, the court was told.

Gallagher was released in July 2008 to serve the rest of his sentence on licence.

He moved to a bail hostel in Norfolk but has not been seen since November 14, when he last signed the Sex Offender’s Register.

Licence conditions mean he must tell police where he is living.

Gallagher is described as white, between 5ft 7in and 5ft 8in tall, and of muscular build. He has a white or blond close cropped moustache with a long, bushy goatee of the same colour and close cropped white or blond hair with a bald patch.

Police believe he speaks with a Bradford accent. He may be riding a dark blue Cannondale mountain bike.

Anyone with information should call Thame CID on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

mwilkinson@oxfordmail.co.uk