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A convicted rapist, who has been on the run since May 2007, has finally been caught and is due to be sentenced today, as a direct result of an appeal on Crimewatch Roadshow on Â鶹Éç One Daytime yesterday.

Detectives in Liverpool turned to Crimewatch Roadshow for help in finding Tolgay Istek, who was convicted in his absence of raping a woman in 2007. A Turkish national, Istek was believed to still be in the UK.

The programme had two calls after the transmission tracking him down to a café in London and within four hours he was in custody.

Detective Sergeant Simon Fitzpatrick, who led the case for Merseyside Police, said in a live interview on the programme today: "Following the programme yesterday, we received some excellent information from members of the public who were able to identify the whereabouts of the offender.

"This enabled me to coordinate a response with the Metropolitan Police who attended the café in London where they arrested the male.

"It's excellent news for the victim, who I contacted shortly after the arrest. She is absolutely thrilled he's been caught."

Rav Wilding, presenter of Crimewatch Roadshow said: "This is what Crimewatch Roadshow is all about, catching criminals, and it's great to get a result within days of going to air."

Liam Keelan, Controller of Â鶹Éç Daytime added: "This is exactly the kind of success story which makes Crimewatch Roadshow such an important part of the Daytime schedule. I'm really pleased we were able to give the police such an important lead, so quickly."

Notes to Editors

Crimewatch Roadshow comes live from around the UK every day and reports on the everyday crimes that can affect people. Rav Wilding hosts the programme from the studio, whilst Miriam O'Reilly fronts live from streets across the UK.

Crimewatch Roadshow runs on Â鶹Éç One Daytime every weekday at 9.15am until Friday 1 July.

Crimewatch Roadshow is part of the Â鶹Éç Crimewatch brand encompassing daytime and peak programming produced by Â鶹Éç Vision Productions for Â鶹Éç One.

LG