Hunt for rapist, 44, seen in Aberdeen
Peter McDonagh wanted in connection with murder
Published:
A VIOLENT rapist wanted in connection with a woman’s murder has been stalking the streets of Aberdeen.
Women were today warned to stay away from convicted sex attacker Peter McDonagh, who disappeared from a hostel in West Yorkshire two weeks ago.
Detectives today revealed McDonagh was wanted in connection with the murder of Michaela Hague, who was stabbed to death in Sheffield in 2001.
And police urged anyone who spots the 44-year-old “unpredictable” criminal to call 999.
These pictures of McDonagh, who was last seen in West Yorkshire on February 11, show him shopping on Aberdeen’s Union Street.
He was spotted in Aberdeen on February 12 – the day after he disappeared.
A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “We are not aware of any links he has to Aberdeen. It appears he just decided to go up.
“The footage shows him shopping on Aberdeen’s Union Street on February 12.”
The spokesman added that information had been shared with other forces, including Grampian Police.
McDonagh was jailed for 10 years in 2003 for raping a Leeds woman at knifepoint and then locking her in a cellar.
He had already served prison sentences in 1997 for sexually assaulting a woman hitchhiker in Ireland and three years later for falsely imprisoning an ex-girlfriend after threatening her with a knife.
Today a North-east MSP hit out at the lack of information released to the public by police.
Lib Dem West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MSP Mike Rumbles said: “This will be extremely worrying for the general public.
“People in the Aberdeen area will be understandably concerned that police have only just issued a warning that they’re hunting a convicted sex offender.”
McDonagh has a long beard, moustache, wears glasses and speaks with an Irish accent.
A West Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: “He is considered a danger to the public, particularly women.
“He may also be a danger to himself.
“When he went missing, McDonagh left behind medication and his behaviour is likely to be much more unpredictable without it.”
The spokesman said that releasing pictures was an “unusual step “ taken due to the danger posed by the “serious” sex offender.
Criminals of this type are required to sign a register at regular intervals to keep a track on their moves.
If anyone spots McDonagh they are urged not to approach him but to call 999.
A Grampian Police spokesman said: “We can confirm we are currently working with West Yorkshire Police in order to locate Peter McDonagh.
“It is believed that he may have been seen in the Aberdeen area recently.
“Detectives and response officers from Grampian Police are currently working with officers from West Yorkshire to investigate these reports.”
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