Sex offender suspect in murder inquiry

Graeme Jarman, 47, went missing from his home in County Durham two days before 77-year-old Judith Richardson was found dead in Hexham, Northumberland, on August 19. The murder weapon, a hammer, was found in a street near her home.

Last night detectives confirmed that “dangerous offender” Jarman was a suspect in the murder investigation and appealed for him to contact police.

Jarman has not been seen at his home in the Delves Lane area of Consett since August 17.

Durham Constabulary circulated him as missing after he failed to appear in court on a shoplifting charge on August 23.

Last night, a Northumbria Police spokeswoman confirmed Jarman was a registered sex offender with a previous history of violence and is considered to be a danger to the public.

Detective Chief Superintendent Jane Spraggon, head of crime at Durham Constabulary, said: “Jarman is one of our dangerous offenders who poses a significant risk to the public. We are working closely with Northumbria to find him.”

Jarman was described as heavily built, of average height, clean shaven, with short dark hair.

A CCTV image released earlier yesterday showed Jarman in Stockton-on-Tees town centre on Friday morning.