An international manhunt is underway after a British sex offender who abused a teenage girl escaped to the Philippines.
Mark Edwards, 49, jumped bail before he was found guilty in his absence and police believe he travelled to the South East Asia and has remained there.
Edwards, of Westbury, Wilts, was first arrested in September 2012 and later charged with three counts of inciting sexual activity with a girl aged between 13 and 17.
He was also charged with three counts of sexual activity with a girl of the same age.
The offences took place in Jersey, where Edwards lived and worked before moving to Wiltshire in January 2012.
His trial took place last week at Swindon Crown Court in his absence after he failed to show up.
After five days, a jury found him guilty of the three incitement counts and one of the charges of sexual activity.
Police are now trying to bring Edwards back to Britain to face his three year sentence and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.
A police spokesman said: ”Officers in Wiltshire are liaising with other authorities in an effort to locate Mr Edwards.
“This man simply failed to believe that what he was doing was wrong and showed little remorse for his actions throughout this investigation.
“The jury has heard how he abused his position of trust as an adult and was motivated by his own desires.
“This case highlights our close working relationship with other police forces to ensure offenders rightly face the consequences of their crimes.
“Anyone who finds themselves a victim of this sort of crime is encouraged to contact police on 101.
“Any information disclosed will be dealt with in confidence and appropriate help and support can be offered.”
