THE CASE of the missing kayakers has been closed by Jersey police who now believe one of them is a convicted paedophile on the run in France.

The couple’s disappearance sparked a major air and sea search after they were reported missing from Rozel campsite on 10 August. It is thought the pair, who gave the false names of Andrew Keeble and Hannah Tye, paddled to France in an inflatable canoe. It is believed that they are Gerard Hayslop (26) and his girlfriend Louise Howarth-Lee (18) from Lancashire. Gerard Hayslop skipped bail after being found guilty of child pornography-related offences at Burnley Crown Court and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Hayslop’s father, also called Gerard Hayslop, has since received a phone call from his estranged son saying that they had used the kayaks to paddle to France to avoid the French authorities. He said that he was in Lyon and needed cash. Police are closing their enquiry as they think they are now in France and are not wanted for offences in Jersey. Chief Insp John Sculthorp said: ‘It is believed that the missing campers are Louise Howarth-Lee and Gerard Heyslop of Lancashire. The couple are not wanted for any offences in Jersey, and are no longer regarded as missing. Lancashire Police have been advised of this development.’