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Child kidnapper arrested after escaping from mental health unit in Homerton

54 year-old Shane Hart arrested in Watford after absconding from John Howard Centre

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Shane Hart. Photograph: Metropolitan Police

A man who had escaped from a mental health centre in Homerton was arrested in the early hours of this morning.

Shane Hart, 54, absconded on Wednesday October 8 whilst on escorted leave from the John Howard Centre in Homerton.

Mr Hart (also known as Stephen) was originally detained in 1994 after being convicted of taking a child without permission.

Mr Hart was arrested at an address in Watford by Hackney police.

He remains in custody.

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