Sex Offender Gavin Bennett Jailed After Fleeing Police into Sea Near Bournemouth Pier
Gavin Bennett, a 42-year-old registered sex offender, received a prison sentence of three years and four months for attempting to escape officers during his arrest near Bournemouth Pier.
On 28 February, police located Bennett, who was wanted for failing to comply with notification requirements under the Sexual Offences Act. As officers approached him, he ran into the sea, compelling a police constable to follow and detain him in the water. Bennett was subsequently pulled from the sea by other officers and arrested.
During the struggle, Bennett assaulted two officers, causing minor injuries. He pleaded guilty to escaping lawful custody, two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker, and failing to comply with notification requirements. Detective Constable Liam Rattes, of Dorset Police, described Bennett's actions as a "blatant attempt to avoid justice".
Background of the Offence
Bennett was placed on the Sex Offenders Register in September 2021 following a conviction for exposure. He was required to notify police of his address and any changes to it. However, Bennett had failed to update his registered address since January 2024, prompting the warrant for his arrest.
The court heard that Bennett had shown a history of non-compliance with his notification requirements, previously receiving a community order for a similar offence in July 2022. This repeated evasion underscores a pattern of disregard for the legal framework designed to monitor sex offenders.
