An alleged rapist has gone on the run – after failing to attend his court hearing.
59-year-old Vernon Steele faces four charges of rape and was due to appear at Gloucester Crown Court on 22 November.
The defendant, who is of no fixed abode, was released on bail by a court at a previous hearing – and now he’s missing.
Steele is described as being 5ft 6ins in height, of a large build and has short, dark brown receding hair with a greying beard. He has several tattoos on both of his arms.
He has links to Tewkesbury, Berkeley, Gloucester, Worcester and Bromsgrove – but could be anywhere.
Police officers are working to track him down following the issuing of a warrant, but they have so far being unsuccessful.
If you see Steele or have any information on his whereabouts you can provide information to police online by completing the following form referencing incident number 311 of 16 December, or call 999 if seen at the time.
Information can also be submitted by calling police on 101, or you can provide information anonymously by contacting the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.
