Arrest warrant issued for missing Perth kayaker over historic child sex charges

The search for a missing kayaker later revealed to be facing child sex charges has taken another twist, with a warrant issued for his arrest.

Prosecutors told a Perth court today police are still actively searching for Stephen Angel.

The 59-year-old pleaded not guilty to four historic child sex charges in January.

He vanished off the coast of Point Peron on April 3, prior to his next court appearance.

A three-day air, sea and land search was triggered after Mr Angel set off a distress beacon, but officers found no trace of the kayaker.  

The court was told investigators are still following several lines of inquiry, and the father was an experienced sailor and had recently received a large disability payout.

His family appealed for his safe return at the time of the search but has since declined to comment about the charges.

Police allege the abuse occurred near Dwellingup and dates back more than 20 years.

The incident is still being treated as a missing person’s case.