On-the-run speedboat killer could be anywhere in the world, admit police

Police have admitted they have no idea where fugitive Jack Shepherd is, who disappeared part way through his Old Bailey trial over the death of his date Charlotte Brown.

The web designer has been at large ever since being convicted in his absence of manslaughter by gross negligence in July last year after Miss Brown died when Shepherd handed her the controls of his shabby speed boat and she struck a submerged log.

The collision tipped the boat into the icy waters of the Thames in December 2015.

Earlier this week Shepherd won the right to appeal his conviction, despite being on the run.

Detectives say he may be using secret bank accounts belonging to friends or relatives in order to finance his life on the run, but admit he could be anywhere in the world.

He was sentenced to six years in jail after being found culpable over the death of the 24-year-old, known as Charli.

The Old Bailey heard how Shepherd had bought the 14ft Fletcher Arrowflyte GTO from Gumtree to ‘pull women’.

In the months before Ms Brown’s death, he had entertained up to 10 women on the 1980s model, having invited them back to his houseboat.

During that time, he had been caught speeding by marine police more than once and advised on the importance of wearing life jackets.

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The Metropolitan Police said there was ‘no tangible trace’ of Shepherd since he last appeared in court, despite him subsequently contacting his lawyers to appeal the conviction.

Detective Chief Inspector Mick Norman said: “There have been a number of rumours that he is being harboured abroad by friends but we have no evidence this is the case.

“There has been no movement on his bank accounts or phone. However, this is only in respect of the accounts we are aware of. He may well be using the accounts of friends or associates to evade arrest and extradition.

“The Met continue to work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service and also the National Crime Agency to track, trace and arrest Shepherd wherever he is in the world.”

Mr Norman joined the victim’s family in reiterating calls for those harbouring or assisting the fugitive to come forward.

He said: “We need the continued assistance of the public.

“We would also appeal to Mr Shepherd’s friends and associates who may be assisting him through a misplaced sense of loyalty to do the right thing and share any information they have with the police.

“Shepherd’s passport was not seized by the police or the court, as he was on court bail and fully complying with court bail conditions up to the time of the trial when he failed to appear.”

Anyone with information about Shepherd’s whereabouts is asked to call police on 020 8721 4005 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.