Police hunt violent offender who took woman hostage (From Kingston Guardian)

Police hunt violent offender who took woman hostage

9:23am Wednesday 22nd August 2012 in News By Clare Buchanan

Police are searching for a violent man who was jailed after attacking a terrified woman and holding her hostage in a wood.

Shaun Bedward is wanted on recall to prison after breaching his licensing conditions.

He was sentenced to 18 months behind bars for false imprisonment at Kingston Crown Court in March.

Bedward lured a woman he befriended, down a dark country lane after telling her he wanted to give her money, old medals and poems.

He had been living in a tent in Chessington woods.

But when she became scared Bedward began shouting and grabbed his victim by the wrists, pushed her to the ground and held her down with his body during the incident in November last year.

She escaped and police used CS gas to capture Bedward, who was sitting on a bridge near the A3.

When police searched his tent they found a book about serial killers and tape.

Kingston police are appealing for help from the public in tracing the 48-year-old violent offender.

Bedward is described as a white male, about 5ft 10in tall and of medium build. He had a full beard and his hair is close shaven.

He has previous convictions for robbery and possession of an imitation firearm.

If you have seen him or know where he is call police on 999 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.