Convicted Child Kidnapper on the Run After Grabbing Girl’s Hand in Asda

A man convicted of attempting to abduct a five-year-old girl in a supermarket has been evading authorities for over two years, raising concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of post-release supervision. Tadas Kuslevicius was sentenced in 2021 after an incident at an Asda store in Deeside, north Wales, where he grabbed the child’s hand and briefly led her away before she escaped to her mother. The court described the event as a “fleeting abduction,” and Kuslevicius acknowledged the distress caused but denied any intent to remove the child from the premises, with his defense lawyer stating, “He accepts he would have caused fright and upset. He had no intention of taking her away from the store.” The judge noted uncertainty about Kuslevicius’s intentions, saying, “Whether you thought that was playful, because you were drunk, I don’t know. But I have no cause to believe you intended to cause any harm”1.
Despite serving a 10-week prison sentence, Kuslevicius failed to comply with his post-custody supervision conditions, leading to a warrant for his arrest in 2022. Since then, he has remained on the run and is now listed as one of the UK’s most wanted fugitives by Crimestoppers. Authorities believe he maintains connections to the Deeside area in Flintshire and Ellesmere Port. Kuslevicius is described as approximately 6ft tall, of medium build, with brown hair and brown eyes.
This case highlights ongoing challenges in monitoring individuals convicted of child-related offenses after release. Research indicates that effective post-release supervision and community monitoring are critical in reducing recidivism among offenders with a history of child-related crimes. According to a 2020 report by the UK Ministry of Justice, non-compliance with supervision conditions significantly increases the risk of reoffending and endangers public safety. The failure to apprehend Kuslevicius despite an active warrant underscores the difficulties law enforcement faces in tracking fugitives who may exploit local community ties to evade capture.
A Crimestoppers spokesperson urged the public to assist in locating Kuslevicius, stating: “Tadas Kuslevicius failed to comply with post-custody supervision requirements and remains outstanding with a warrant issued for his arrest. Kuslevicius has links to the Deeside area of north Wales and Ellesmere Port. Information in relation to his current whereabouts is sought.” They encouraged anyone with information to contact the police or Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 1111.
Cases like this emphasize the importance of community vigilance and the role of anonymous tip lines in aiding law enforcement. Public awareness campaigns and enhanced cooperation between agencies can improve the chances of capturing fugitives and protecting vulnerable populations, especially children. The ongoing search for Kuslevicius serves as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by offenders who disregard legal restrictions and the need for robust systems to manage and monitor such individuals effectively.