£5k Reward For Information About Absconded Hull Murderer

William Kerr has breached his licence after being released from prison.

Published 7th Apr 2015

A £5,000 reward is being offered for information about a "very dangerous" convicted murderer who breached his licence after being released from prison.

North Yorkshire Police believe William Kerr, 53, travelled to London after disappearing from approved premises in Hull.

Crimestoppers is now offering a reward for information that leads to the arrest of Kerr - who police said must return to prison "as a matter of urgency".

Kerr was jailed for life at Leeds Crown Court on June 26 1998 for murder, and released on licence on January 23 this year.

A Crimestoppers spokesman said:

"Police have described Kerr as a very dangerous man and it is urgent that he is returned to prison after this breach of his licence.

"We understand that it might be someone that knows him personally who is aware of where he is, and for that reason, I would urge you to contact Crimestoppers, completely anonymously, safe in the knowledge nobody will ever know you spoke to us.

"Do the right thing and tell us where Kerr is."

North Yorkshire Police has previously warned members of the public not to approach him but to call 999 if they spot him. Officers believe Kerr, who also has links to the Humberside and West Yorkshire areas, may attempt to book in to a hostel in London under a false name.

Appealing directly to Kerr, Detective Inspector Eamonn Clarke of North Yorkshire Police, said:

"William, you know you have breached your licence conditions, and by continuing to do so you are only making things worse. It is now time to do the right thing and hand yourself in to the police."

Kerr, who speaks with a Scottish accent, was jailed along with co-defendant Christopher Moody for the murder of 43-year-old Maureen Comfort, whose body was found in a cupboard in her flat in Leeds.

According to court papers, she was last seen alive on December 4 1995, and her body was found by relatives on January 8 1996. She had been strangled.

To qualify for the reward, anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers directly over the phone or online.