January 5, 2021 4.59 pm
This story is over 17 months old
Four arrested but six of Lincolnshire’s most wanted still at large
The force’s Head of Crime gave his verdict
Mark Gibbins, Paul Harry Johns, Stephen Pickering, Abdul Bakhtar, Marius Dumitru and Connor Jackson are all still wanted by police. | Photo: Lincolnshire Police
Lincolnshire Police have arrested four of their most wanted, but six are still at large after the first of the force’s monthly appeals to find criminals in the county.
In December last year police released photos and details of the 10 men, including a convicted rapist, alleged burglars and assault suspects.
Four were arrested, including one who handed themselves into police as a result of the wanted appeal.
The four men are:
William Clawson, 28, was wanted for a breach of notification and arrested on December 20. Clawson, who was sentenced to seven years in prison for the rape of a woman in Lincoln back in 2011, was jailed for eight weeks on December 21
Rhys Sewell, 22, was wanted in connection with a sexual offence in the Grantham area
Robert Walker, 19, who was wanted in connection with failing to attend court in relation to the theft of a wallet. He was arrested on December 28
Kyle O’Connor, 28, was wanted in connection with a burglary in the Grantham area
William Clawson, Rhys Sewell, Robert Walker and Kyle O’Connor have all been arrested. Clawson has also been sentenced. | Photo: Lincolnshire Police
In addition, a further six wanted people have also been arrested since the process began, who were not included in police’s initial appeal.
Six suspects are still at large – Mark Gibbns, Paul Harry Johns, Stephen Pickering, Abdul Bakhtar, Marius Dumitru and Connor Jackson (pictured at the top).
The monthly most wanted appeal was launched by Detective Chief Superintendent Andy Cox, who joined Lincolnshire Police as Head of Crime in September last year.
Andy Cox, Detective Chief Superintendent and Head of Crime at Lincolnshire Police.
He told The Lincolnite it has galvanised the force internally and allowed them to prioritise those who are wanted, and he wants to make a genuine change in Lincolnshire.
He said: “We are using this new ‘top ten’ approach in the hope that it reaches a wide audience and that members of the public who have information which may assist our efforts decide to share this information with us.
“I believe it has been successful. We have made arrests and this focus continues.
“It has been a means to prioritise those we target, appeal direct to the public and galvanise our efforts to make these arrests. I am utterly determined to continue this focus and make sure victims receive the justice they need and deserve.
“I encourage the public to share any information they may have which will help us locate these people. This can be in confidence via Crimstoppers or via our local 101 reporting process.
“We encourage anybody who features on our most wanted list to immediately hand themselves in.
“We will continue to focus and target resource every single day and night to locate these people, take action and deliver justice for victims. Lincolnshire Police will do all we can to locate and bring to justice our most wanted people.”
DCS Cox is keen to introduce other new ideas, including using ANPR technology to help tackle the most dangerous drivers “who so often are active in other forms of criminality”, as well as focusing efforts on supporting domestic abuse victims.
He added: “In the coming months I will continue to look at new ways to positively influence crime fighting in the county with a real desire to tackle the most dangerous people, prevent crime and divert offenders away from criminality.
“I also want to listen to the community and especially those with experiences to share – to help with this next month we introduce an independent advisory group filled with partners and the public to discuss crime investigation challenges and issues.”
Outstanding most wanted
Mark Gibbins
Mark Gibbins is wanted by police. | Photo: Lincolnshire Police
Mark Gibbins, 53, is wanted in connection with a sexual offences inquiry in the Boston area in July. Police think he may be using different names and uses homeless hostels.
Paul Harry Johns
Paul Harry Johns, 31, could be in Skegness. | Photo: Lincolnshire Police
Paul Harry Johns, 31, is wanted for breach of bail offences and failing to appear in court in December last year. It is believed he could be in the Skegness area.
Stephen Pickering
Have you seen Stephen Pickering? | Photo: Lincolnshire Police
Stephen Pickering, 45, also known as Stephen Drury, is wanted for failing to appear in court in relation to drugs possession and traffic offences. It is believed he could be in the Spalding area.
Abdul Bakhtar
Abdul Bakhtar, 38, is wanted by police after an assault on Lincoln High Street. | Photo: Lincolnshire Police
Abdul Bakhtar, 38, is wanted in connection with the assault of a man on Lincoln High Street on November 27. The man suffered serious injuries, which were not believed to be life threatening.
Marius Dumitru
Marius Dumitru, 23, is wanted for breaching bail. | Photo: Lincolnshire Police
Marius Dumitru, 23, is wanted in connection with breach of bail offences.
Connor Jackson
Connor Jackson, 19, wanted in Grantham. | Photo: Lincolnshire Police
Connor Jackson, 19, is wanted for breaching a restraining order in the Grantham area.
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.
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