In 2026, the Offender Database reported that the police had lost another dangerous paedophile. John Hosker, then 43, remains at large after failing to return to HMP Haverigg, Millom, Cumbria. Hosker, a convicted child sex offender, was released from the Category D open prison on a temporary licence for an approved work placement but failed to return as scheduled on January 8. Cumbria Police have launched an urgent search operation to locate the “dangerous” absconder, who was last sighted in the Sedbergh, Cumbria, area.
The search for John Hosker follows his 2019 conviction at Carlisle Crown Court, where he was jailed for eight years for a vile and serious child sex offence committed in April 2018. At the time of his sentencing, police reported that Hosker showed “no remorse” for his depraved actions, which involved targeting a vulnerable young child. Detective Superintendent Vicki Coombes has stated that while Hosker is not currently considered a risk to the general public, officers are working “hard to trace him” and return him to secure custody.
Hosker is described as white, 5ft 10 ins tall, of slender build, with short, dark, greying hair and stubble. He sometimes wears glasses and was last seen wearing an orange jacket, black trousers, and carrying a small, black rucksack. His failure to return to HMP Haverigg—a facility located near Millom, Cumbria—constitutes a serious breach of his temporary release conditions. Authorities have warned that anyone found to be assisting John Hosker while he is unaccounted for could face serious criminal charges.
As a result of his status as an absconder, John Hosker is a priority for Cumbria Police and is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA). He remains on the Sex Offenders Register for life following his horrific crimes. Any sightings of Hosker in Sedbergh, Millom, Cumbria, or elsewhere should be reported immediately by calling 999. The public is advised not to approach him but to provide any information on his whereabouts to the police or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.