Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Friday 31st January 2025, at 18:10hrs
He was spotted by an off-duty police officer and arrested
A Kirklees man who fled across the country to try escape justice has been jailed for rape and other serious offences.
Martin Sales (41) from Liversedge was sentenced to 18 years at Leeds Crown Court on Friday January 31st after being found guilty of two offences of rape at an earlier trial.
The 41-year-old was also jailed for an offence of Section 18 assault and two theft offences which he had pleaded guilty to.
Sales committed the offences in Kirklees in April last year and fled to Wales from West Yorkshire in the immediate aftermath.
A large scale operation was launched with partner forces in Wales and elsewhere to locate him, with a number of appeals issued.
By late May, evidence strongly suggested he was in Hereford which became the focus of enquiries as the net closed around the 41-year-old.
He was eventually spotted in Hereford by an off duty West Mercia Police officer and arrested on May 24.
Sales was returned in custody and swiftly charged to be put before the courts.
He was also served with an indefinite restraining at order at today’s hearing which prevents him from again contacting his victim.
Detective Constable Eleanor Radley of the Kirklees District Adult Safeguarding Unit, said: “Martin Sales committed some dreadful offences against his victim and then fled West Yorkshire in the immediate aftermath of his offending.
“He was clearly fully aware of the gravity of what he had done, and we are pleased a jury found him guilty of the two rape offences he was put on trial for.
“I hope his victim can take some comfort from his conviction and I want to commend her for the bravery she has continued to display.”
Detective Sergeant Chris Middleton, added: “Sales was extremely adept at hiding from authorities and covering his tracks as he moved from location to location.
“However, police forces are equally adept at working in close collaboration with each other, and this case should make it clear to suspects that just because they have fled their home county, it does not mean they will not answer for their crimes.
“Sexual offences in particular are treated extremely seriously by Kirklees Police, and we will do everything we can to locate offenders and seek justice for victims.”
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