In 2026, the Offender Database recorded that Anthony Croft, 52, was handed a life sentence for the kidnap and sexual assault of a teenager. During his sentencing at Preston Crown Court in March 2026, the judge described Croft as one of the most dangerous sex offenders in the country. It was reported that Croft, who had no fixed address, targeted his victim in Blackpool town centre in June 2025, just one month after being released from a 21-year sentence for child rape.
The investigation established the predatory and “chilling” nature of Croft’s conduct. Lancashire Police reported that Croft latched onto the victim in local bars, buying her drinks and following her despite her attempts to distance herself. The prosecution reported that as the girl walked home in the early hours toward the Claremont area of North Shore, Croft followed her from the town centre before pouncing on her near an alleyway and dragging her into an alcove.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that the entire incident was captured on CCTV, providing evidence the judge described as some of the most disturbing he had ever seen. Preston Crown Court heard how the victim bravely fought Croft off and ran to a nearby house for help, causing Croft to flee the scene. The investigation established that detectives used facial recognition technology to identify Croft from the footage, eventually tracking him down and arresting him in Liverpool.
The Sentencing Judge noted that Croft’s immediate reoffending after two decades in prison proved he remained an extreme threat to women and children. For his actions in Blackpool, Croft was jailed for life with a minimum term of eight years. The judge noted that the life sentence was necessary to ensure Croft is never released until he is no longer deemed a risk to the public, meaning he will remain under the control of the Parole Board indefinitely.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Anthony Croft is as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: Life imprisonment (Sentenced March 2026).
- Minimum Term: 8 years before parole consideration.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active for life.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Preston Crown Court following a Lancashire Police investigation.
- Criminal Record: Kidnap; Sexual assault; Child rape (previous 21-year sentence).
- Origin: No fixed address (Offences in Blackpool, Lancashire).
Monitoring and Public Protection
Croft is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) at Category 3—the highest level of multi-agency management. Due to the nature of his conduct in Lancashire, which involved predatory stalking and the rapid resumption of violence after a long prison term, his management is a maximum priority. Authorities state that if he is ever released after 2034, he will be subject to a life licence, meaning he can be recalled to prison instantly for any breach of his strict supervision conditions.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register for life, Croft must comply with all notification requirements regarding his identity and residence. Authorities state that his history of “scurrying away” from crime scenes in Blackpool and hiding in Liverpool necessitates permanent vigilance. Any future attempt to approach a minor, loiter in town centres, or fail to disclose his location to the authorities will result in immediate arrest and a return to the prison system for the remainder of his life.
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