POLICE who allowed a dangerous sex offender to go on the run in West Somerset have not yet referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), a watchdog responsible for ensuring public confidence in the force.

Richard Scatchard, who is now also wanted in connection with a murder inquiry, has been on the run since disappearing from his Minehead home on October 16.

The previous day Avon and Somerset Constabulary officers attended Scatchard’s flat in Blenheim Road where a woman was found dead but they did not find it suspicious enough to detain him.

Wanted man Richard Scatchard, whom police say is a danger to women.
Wanted man Richard Scatchard, whom police say is a danger to women. (A&SP)

Police at first issued a missing person appeal because they were worried for Scatchard’s welfare and it took nearly a week before they admitted the public – and women in particular – were at risk from him.

Scatchard was released 10 years ago from a life prison sentence for sex offences against women, which included drugging his victims, and other offences.

He then moved to Minehead in 2020 and was a ‘managed offender’ in the community under a licence which required him to report to the probation service if he intended to form any new intimate relationships with women.

But he did not reveal his relationship with Kelly Faiers, aged 61, of Weston-super-Mare, until she was found dead in his home on October 15.

Now police believe he has been in touch with many women around the country because he was a ‘prolific’ user of online dating apps and may have one or more other relationships on the go.

Nearly 80 possible sightings of Scatchard are being followed up by police but none has yet been confirmed and police admit he could now be anywhere in the country.

The latest photo released by police of convicted sex offender Richard Scatchard, who is now wanted in connection with a murder inquiry.
On the run Richard Scatchard, wanted in connection with a murder inquiry. (Police handout)

The cause of Ms Faiers’ death has not yet been determined and police were still waiting on Thursday (November 9) for the results of further tests.

Despite asking for public help to catch Scatchard, police have not said anything more about their inquiry since November 1.

Scatchard, aged 70, speaks with a Scottish accent and has been known to use the name ‘Richard Dunlop’.

He is described as white, about 5 ft 11 ins tall, of average build, with short grey hair, and normally clean shaven, although his appearance may have changed since he was last seen in Minehead.

Police have warned anybody who sees Scatchard not to approach him but to immediately call 999 and give the reference number 5223251706.