Paedophile who went on the run for 9 years is finally behind bars

A MAN who sexually abused a boy went on the run for nine years after failing to turn up for his trial.

- By DAVID POWELL Daily Post Reporter

Gareth Wyn Lewis had been due to be tried for historic sex offences in 2016 but was only prosecuted - admitting his guilt - this year.

A judge at Mold Crown Court - His Honour Timothy Petts - who had been due to preside over the 2016 trial when Lewis didn't attend the first day - sentenced him today.

He jailed Lewis, 71, of St George's Crescent, Llandudno, for a total of three and a half years for three specimen offences of inciting a boy under 14 to commit an act of gross indecency, and for absconding.

Prosecutor David Mainstone said Lewis committed the offences against the young boy in his van whilst driving or after he pulled over.

Afterwards he would take the boy - who cannot be named to protect his anonymity - to a toy shop.

Later the boy became angry about the sexual abuse and had problems at school, said Mr Mainstone.