On-the-run rapist could be living as a woman or a man as nationwide hunt launched

Vile Lisa Hauxwell - who was convicted of several sexual attacks and sentenced in her absence to 14 years’ jail last November - was last seen at a petrol station shop in Derbyshire last April and could now be anywhere in the country.

An appeal to help trace her so she can finally be locked up for her despicable crimes was featured on the BBC’s Crimewatch programme last night.

Hauxwell committed the rapes and indecent assaults in County Durham in 2001 and 2002.

The 48-year-old had been charged with the offences in 2015 under the name Craig John Hauxwell.

Her last known address was in Leeds but there has been no record of her at that property for many months.

Despite extensive enquiries since then, police have been unable to trace Hauxwell.

She speaks with a stutter and had bleached blonde, shoulder-length hair when she was caught on CCTV.

Officers say she could possibly still be living as a man.

Detective Inspector Yvonne Dutson, of Durham Police, said: “We have carried out exhaustive enquiries to trace Lisa Hauxwell and these are continuing.

“There has been no activity on her bank account for several months, no record of any dealings with agencies such as HMRC and no confirmed sightings of her since she was recorded on a security camera at a petrol station in Dronfield last April.

“Hauxwell was convicted of two rapes and seven indecent assaults, which were truly horrendous crimes.

“We hope these latest media appeals will bring new information which ultimately will result in her being locked up and sent to prison to begin her sentence.”

Call police on 101 urgently if you know of her whereabouts.