Police are on the hunt for a rapist who is on the run from prison after 26 years inside.

Andrew Gestyn Richards, 52, has failed to return to HMP Leyhill in Gloucestershire after being released on temporary licence, the Sun reports.

The sex offender had been staying at an authorised address in Swansea and was expected back at the Gloucestershire open prison on June 25.

Richards was jailed in 1995 for crimes including assault, indecent assault and rape.

The 52-year-old is described as white, clean shaven and about 5ft10 in height, with grey hair.

He was last seen wearing a black baseball cap, grey jacket, black Adidas three-stripe shorts and blue trainers.

Richards was also carrying a dark-blue drawstring bag, a large black holdall and a rolled-up green item, which could possibly be a tent.

He has links to the Bridgend and Porthcawl areas of South Wales.

Cops believe he could be camping, possibly wild camping, and may have travelled from the Swansea area.

A statement from Avon and Somerset Police said: "Have you seen Andrew Gestyn Richards, who has failed to return to prison after his release on temporary licence?

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"Richards was released on temporary licence from HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire. He had been staying at an authorised address in Swansea and was due to return to the open prison on Friday 25 June.

"He was jailed in 1995 for offences including assault, indecent assault and rape.

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"He has links to the Bridgend and Porthcawl areas of South Wales."

It added: "He was also carrying a dark-blue drawstring bag, a large black holdall and a rolled-up green item, possibly a tent.

"Officers believe he could be camping, possibly wild camping, and may have travelled from the Swansea area."

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It comes after we reported that a PhD student who killed herself had reportedly been told jurors would not believe she had been raped, an inquest has heard.

"Extremely bright" University of Sussex postgraduate Josie Jolley, 25, overdosed on her mum's cancer medication on September 8 last year.

It was heard at Brighton Coroner's Court this week that Josie reported to the police she had been raped in December 2019.

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With a lack of evidence and CCTV showing her holding hands with the alleged attacker prior to the incident, no further action was taken by the police, following her interview on January 14.

Friends found Josie's lifeless body in her bed, the Brighton Argus reports.

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