In 2026, the Offender Database recorded that Dwayne Spence, 39, was sentenced to 18 years in prison in his absence after fleeing the UK to evade justice for the rape and sexual assault of children. On appearing for sentencing at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on 24 March 2026, the defendant—formerly of Stoke-on-Trent and London—was branded a coward by the judiciary for failing to face the consequences of his convictions. It was reported that Spence, who worked for E.ON and volunteered at a football academy, carried out a six-year campaign of abuse against victims aged between 11 and 13.
The investigation established that Spence used his employment and voluntary roles to travel across the UK, including Scotland, to target children. Staffordshire Police reported that Spence was convicted of two counts of rape, two counts of attempted rape, and multiple counts of sexual assault and sexual activity with a child. The prosecution reported that the victims suffered profound emotional and physical abuse and had to show outstanding bravery during a trial where Spence accused them of fabricating the allegations.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Spence was granted bail following his conviction but fled the country before he could be brought to the dock for sentencing. Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard that the defendant poses a high risk of serious harm to children and has caused significant psychological damage to his victims. The investigation established that the 18-year term includes a five-year extended licence period, reflecting his status as a dangerous offender who systematically groomed children over more than half a decade.
Judge Graeme Smith noted that in 11 years on the bench, this was only the second time a defendant had attempted to evade sentencing in this manner. For his actions in Staffordshire and across the UK, Spence was also made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order. The judge noted that while Spence chose to hide, the victims demonstrated the opposite of his cowardice by confronting their abuser in court and securing his conviction.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England and Scotland, the status of Dwayne Spence is as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: 18 years (Plus 5 years extended licence).
- Current Status: WANTED – AT LARGE (Fled the UK).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active for life.
- SHPO Status: Subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court in his absence.
- Criminal Record: Rape (2 counts); Attempted rape (2 counts); Sexual assault of a child under 13 (2 counts); Sexual activity with a child (5 counts).
- Origin: Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and London.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Spence is currently the subject of an international manhunt led by Staffordshire Police in coordination with international agencies. Due to the nature of his conduct in Stoke-on-Trent, which involved using a position of trust at a football academy to abuse children, his capture is a maximum priority. Authorities state that his indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) is active and will be strictly enforced upon his return to the UK to prevent him from accessing any roles involving children or travel.
As a registered sex offender for life, Spence’s details have been circulated to border authorities worldwide. Authorities state that his history of traveling for work and volunteering demonstrates a high level of predatory mobility that requires permanent vigilance. Any person with information regarding the whereabouts of Dwayne Spence is urged to contact the authorities immediately to ensure this dangerous offender is brought back to the UK to serve his 18-year sentence.
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