Man accused of kidnapping and raping two children goes on the RUN after failing to front court on the first day of his trial as prosecutors warn he 'could be anywhere'
- Michael Carroll faces 12 charges including sexual penetration against children
- A warrant was issued for the 47-year-old's arrest when didn't attend the trial
- Prosecutor Sean O'Sullivan told the court the alleged rapist 'could be anywhere'
An alleged pedophile accused of kidnapping and raping two children has gone missing in Western Australia.
Michael Robert Carroll was due to appear in Albany District Court, south of Perth, on Monday on 12 charges, including two counts of sexual penetration against minors.
A warrant was issued for the 47-year-old's arrest when didn't attend the trial, which was postponed indefinitely on Thursday.
Prosecutor Sean O'Sullivan told the court on Tuesday that 'considerable' effort was put in to hunting the alleged rapist down, noting: 'He could be anywhere.'
On Wednesday he said there was 'some indication' Carroll might be found soon, but police searches revealed he had likely left the Albany region, The West reported.
The alleged offender faces three counts of sexual penetration of a child under 13 and two deprivation of liberty offences (stock image)
Officials at checkpoints along the Western Australian border confirmed Carroll had not left the state, but Mr Sean O'Sullivan conceded he was 'actively avoiding police'.
The alleged offender faces three counts of sexual penetration of a child under 13 and two deprivation of liberty offences.
He also has four charges of indecently dealing with a child under 13 against him, and one with a child aged over 13 and under 16 between 2011 and 2013.
Two counts of threat with intent to prevent/hinder a person are also among the 12 charges.
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The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions told the court 'significant effort' should be put into tracking him down.
'The failure of the accused to appear at his trial has also had substantial impact on the complainants and witnesses who were prepared and waiting to give evidence,' the DPP spokeswoman said.
Carroll first appeared in Albany Magistrate’s Court on April 11, 2019 for three alleged crimes.
He pleaded not guilty for all three on October 17.
The remaining charges were brought forward at a hearing in the District Court on June 30.
