DETECTIVES are searching for a missing offender who is wanted for return to prison.

Barry McGrath, 36, was released on licence from a two-year prison sentence for affray and possession of an offensive weapon on September 11, but has breached his release licence.

Police said McGrath has not been seen at an approved address in the Boroughbridge Road area of York, and had displayed poor behaviour, and searches have begun in York and Scarborough for him.

McGrath is white, of medium build, 5ft 7ins tall with short fair hair, blue eyes and a large mole on his right cheek, and is believed to have connections in Leeds and Bradford.

Inspector Mike Fenton, of the Scarborough Safer Neighbourhood team, said: "He is fully aware of the conditions placed on his early release from prison, yet he blatantly flouted them within days of getting out. This is completely unacceptable behaviour and we will not allow him to make a mockery of the criminal justice system and the law-abiding public who have to foot the bill.”

"Barry, you know you are in the wrong and the longer you evade the police you are not helping your situation. Think carefully and do the right thing by handing yourself in to the police.”

Officers do not believe McGrath poses a significant risk to the public, but the public are advised not to approach him.

Any sightings should be reported to North Yorkshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.