'Dangerous' sex offender jailed

8 July 2011 Last updated at 15:21 GMT Gene Benjamin was given four life sentences A serial rapist who targeted women in a Dorset town over five years has been given four life sentences.

Gene Benjamin, 53, was convicted in May of seven rapes and nine assaults between 2005 and 2010. He had denied the offences.

Bournemouth Crown Court heard most of the women attacked worked as prostitutes in the town.

Police think many more women were attacked but feared further violence. Benjamin must serve at least 11 years.

Judge Samuel Wiggs said: "The victims were entitled to protection from the law. You are to be regarded as dangerous."

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Registered sex offender missing

27 May 2011 Last updated at 16:42 GMT Women and children were warned not to approach William Cunningham A registered sex offender has gone missing after he failed to attend a court hearing.

William Cunningham, 44, from the Newmilns area of Ayrshire, was last seen at his home on Friday 13 May.

The alarm was raised when he failed to turn up to court on Monday. However, he has been in touch with family members.

Det Insp Neil Robertson, of Strathclyde Police, said people should not approach him, especially women or children, but should contact police immediately.

Mr Cunningham was described as being Scottish, 6ft tall, of medium build, bald but with a grey/brown handlebar moustache and sideburns.

At the time he was seen he was wearing biker clothing - jeans, black boots, leather waistcoat and leather jacket, with "Bogeyman" in red writing on the back.

Det Insp Robertson said: "I would urge that anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Mr Cunningham to contact Strathclyde Police, however, I would advise that no one approaches him, especially woman or children, but rather contact police immediately.

"I would also suggest that Mr Cunningham give himself up to police."

It is thought that Mr Cunningham may possibly have travelled to Northern Ireland.

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