Abel Melchiory, aged 26, is wanted by police for allegedly raping a mentally ill woman at a care home in London Road, Newbury, in January 2003. He was charged with rape, unlawful sexual intercourse with a mentally ill woman and obtaining employment using false references.

Melchiory, who is originally from Tanzania, went missing before he could appear before Reading Crown Court in November 2003. He was charged on March 17 2003.

Police seized his passport and think he may still be in Britain but think he may also have left the country using false documents.

He is a black man, about 5ft 4ins, and of medium build. He speaks with a Tanzanian accent.

DC Jason Watkins, who is heading the case and appearing on Crimewatch tonight said:

“If he is still in the UK, it is likely he now has a new identity.

“We need to find this man and as a last resort have gone public with our appeal. My gut instinct is that he is not in this country any longer but we cannot afford to risk the fact that he may still be here working with vulnerable people with mental, learning and physical disabilities where I think he poses a great risk to them.”

Anyone who thinks they know where Melchiory is, or who thinks they may have worked with him or employed him in the past, should contact DC Watkins via the police enquiry centre on 0845 8 505 505, or leave a message with Crimestoppers if you don’t wish to speak to a police officer.