Searches for child sex offender who failed to return to prison

He was released from HMP Haverigg on temporary licence for an approved work placement

John Hosker
Author: Natalia AntoniwPublished 13th Jan 2026

A search is underway for a child sex offender who failed to return to prison after being let out on temporary license for a work placement.

43-year-old John Hosker was supposed to return to HMP Haverigg on 8th January, but failed to show.

Hosker was jailed for eight years in 2019 for committing a child sex offence.

Officers say he may be wearing an orange jacket, black trousers and carrying a small, black rucksack.

He's being described as white, 5ft 10 ins tall, of slender build, with short, dark, greying hair and stubble.

Officers believe he was last in the Sedbergh area.

Anyone who know of his whereabouts should call police on 999.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.