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Description

A man has today, Wednesday 21 October, been jailed for eight-and-a-half years after being convicted of a rape in Liverpool.

On Saturday 23 November 2024 a woman reported she had been the victim of rape at a property in Toxteth.

Following enquiries, including a CCTV appeal, a man was arrested and charged and today Mohammed Benradi, 27, a Moroccan national, of Hatherley Street, London, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court for sentencing.

Detective Constable Andrew Littler of our specialist Unity Team said:

“Benradi is behind bars where he belongs and I hope his sentence will give his victim a degree of closure and allow her to move on with her life.

“If you or someone you know has been the victim of a sexual offence, please be assured that we have specially trained officers to guide you through the process.”

Description

A man has been found guilty of raping a woman in Catford, as detectives appeal for further potential victim-survivors to come forward.

Melbourne Thompson, 41 (10.02.1985), of Hengist Road, Eltham, was convicted of rape, and robbery at the Old Bailey on Friday, 9 October. He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced at the same court on Friday, 4 December.

It follows an extensive Met investigation, which was launched after police were called at 06:55hrs on Sunday, 12 April by a bus driver. He reported that a woman had boarded his bus on Brownhill Road, Catford, and initially disclosed that she had been the victim of a robbery.

The woman told officers that she had been on her way to work when she was followed by an unknown man. He had shouted at her to stop then continued following her, despite her telling him that she did not want to speak to him.

He punched her to the head and threatened he had a gun. When she tried to shout for help he covered her mouth and dragged her into a side alleyway off Minard Road, where he orally raped her. Following the ordeal, he stole her phone from her jacket pocket.

The victim-survivor was taken to a specialist Haven sexual assault referral centre. She continues to be supported by specialist officers.

Her stolen mobile phone was tracked to an area around 30 minutes’ walk from where the incident took place – and four minutes from Thompson’s home.

Thompson was a registered sex offender, convicted in 2005 of indecent assault on a woman two years earlier, and the attack in Catford matched his previous offending pattern.

A police officer, tasked with monitoring registered sex offenders and who had previously monitored Thompson after his conviction in 2005, was able to identify him from CCTV showing him with the victim.

Thompson was arrested on Tuesday, 28 April and charged to appear at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 29 April, when he was remanded in custody.

Following this, officers have been working to identify whether Thompson could be responsible for other sexual assaults.

While no offences have been identified so far, officers believe there may be more victim-survivors who are yet to come forward.

Detective Constable Charlie Lockett, who led the Metropolitan Police investigation, said:

“I want to pay tribute to the victim-survivor for reporting this unimaginably distressing incident.

“My team and I are working tirelessly to tackle violence against women and girls through victim-led approaches that ensure survivors are supported by specialist officers throughout investigations.

“Thompson is a dangerous offender who targeted a lone woman as she walked to work early on a Sunday morning. I am pleased that the jury saw through his claim that he was not responsible for this appalling attack.

“The Met remains committed to investigating all reports of rape and serious sexual offences.

“Any victim-survivors who come forward will be treated with dignity, compassion and sensitivity at every step of the way.”

Description

A 26-year-old man from London has been jailed for 18 months after pleading guilty to two counts of engaging in sexual communications with a child and three counts of breaching a Sexual Risk Order.

Samuel Jamieson, of Brook Drive, London was sentenced when he appeared at Southampton Crown Court on Tuesday (29 September), having admitted all five offences at a previous hearing.

His offending took place in the Southampton and Bursledon areas.

Jamieson engaged in sexual communications with two children, aged under 16 years, between Monday 1 December 2025 and Tuesday 20 January 2026.

The breaches of his Sexual Risk Order (SRO) took place between Monday 1 September 2025 and Monday 2 February 2026.

One of the breaches occurred when Jamieson was found to be in possession of an item capable of accessing the internet without having first registered that item with the police, something he was prohibited from doing as part of his SRO.

Speaking after sentencing, Detective Constable David Trathan, of the Eastleigh Criminal Investigation Department, said:

“We continue to work tirelessly to target those who attempt to exploit and sexually abuse children, whether in the real world or virtually.

“I would like to place on record my thanks to the victims and their families in this case for coming forward and reporting Jamieson’s crimes and supporting us throughout our investigation.

“It’s not an easy thing to do, but their courage has ensured that a dangerous and predatory man will now face the consequences of his actions in prison.

“We always take allegations of this nature extremely seriously and work extremely hard to bring offenders to justice.
“Anyone who has any concerns at all about child abuse can contact us at any time.

“We recognise that not everyone has the confidence to speak to police, but there are support services available that can help you if you are a victim of abuse.”

Description

A man who followed a young woman onto a train before sexually assaulting her has been jailed, following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Siljan Lacaj, 33, and of Palace Road in Haringey, was sentenced on Thursday 24 September at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court to one year imprisonment, having been found guilty of Sexual Assault.

He was also handed a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) that will bar him from speaking to, approaching, or touching any woman that he does not know and prevent him from sitting next to or near any woman. He was also ordered to sign onto the sex offender's register for 10 years.

The court heard how on Monday 3 November 2025 just before 9.30pm Lacaj was at Leicester Square Underground station when he noticed a young woman sat on a bench by herself at the end of the platform.

Lacaj approached and sat next to her, asking her persistent personal questions. He then followed her onto a Piccadilly Line train and sat next to her again.

He then sexually assaulted her, which was noticed by two other people on the train. The two witnesses asked the victim if she knew the man, to which she shook her head.

Other passengers began to shout at Lacaj and demanded he moved, to which he became aggressive. The other passengers then moved the victim away, and a fight broke out between Lacaj and other passengers on the train.

An off-duty Metropolitan Police officer who was on the train intervened and arrested Lacaj on suspicion of Sexual Assault, at which point Lacaj claimed that he was just trying to help the girl get home.

In interview, Lacaj showed no remorse for his intimidating and disgraceful actions, refusing to answer any of the questions put to him.

BTP Detective Constable Dominika Rogers said:

"Lacaj's behaviour was appalling. He deliberately subjected a young woman, who was travelling alone, to a prolonged assault for his own gratification. There is simply no place for conduct like this on the railway network, and I am pleased that he has been held accountable for his actions.

"I would like to pay tribute to the victim for the courage and resilience she showed in coming forward and reporting what happened. I cannot praise the two women on the train enough for noticing what was happening and stepping in to support and protect her. Their actions undoubtedly made a difference and demonstrate the importance of looking out for one another when someone is in need of help.

"If you've been the victim of sexual offending on the railway network or have witnessed an incident, I urge you to report it to us by texting 61016 so that we can secure the justice you deserve."

Description

A man who travelled to Bedfordshire to sexually exploit a child has been jailed for more than 13 years.

Joshua Gray, 23, groomed the victim on TikTok before moving their conversations to online platform Discord, where he sent numerous sexually explicit messages over four days.

He then travelled from London to a village near Bedford and persuaded the girl to meet him in a local park late at night, before raping and sexually assaulting her.

Officers found the victim at the park after she was reported missing, and swiftly located and arrested Gray.

On Friday (2 October) at Luton Crown Court, Gray, of Ellanby Crescent, London, was sentenced to 13 years and six months after pleading guilty to several offences, including rape, sexual assault, sexual communication with a child and intentional strangulation.

He was also handed a 20-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order until further notice.

Detective Constable Lauren Byrne from Bedfordshire Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People team, who investigated, said:

“Gray deliberately targeted a vulnerable young girl online and manipulated her into meeting him before abusing her in the worst possible way.

“I would like to commend the bravery of the victim in supporting this investigation. I hope this sentence demonstrates that we will do everything possible to bring offenders who exploit and abuse children to justice.

“Please remember it’s never too late to report. By doing so you could help us put these dangerous perpetrators in prison, while potentially protecting further victims.” 

Description

Barry Langford, 61, a film studies professor at Royal Holloway, University of London, continued in post after his arrest and charge over child sex offences.

The university said it was not told of the proceedings until shortly before he was sentenced.

In May and June 2023, Langford and a woman who cannot be named for legal reasons plotted to sexually assault an eight-year-old girl. On a fetish website, where he used the name “London Pervert,” he messaged someone he believed was offering a child for sex. The contact was an undercover police officer; no child was involved. He later abandoned the plan over fears of imprisonment, after suggesting the child attend a swingers’ party in France.

He was arrested in October 2023 but did not disclose the investigation to Royal Holloway. Charged in November 2024, he admitted one count each of arranging the commission of a child sex offence, making an indecent image of a child, and possessing extreme pornography. He tendered his resignation on 29 June, the day he pleaded guilty, according to reports of the hearing.

At the Old Bailey he received two years’ imprisonment, suspended for three years. His co-defendant received a community order. Defending, Peter Clark said Langford had serious heart problems, that the case had damaged his relationship with his son, and that he had been working with Sex Addicts Anonymous.

A Royal Holloway spokesman said: “The University was not informed of the criminal proceedings by either the relevant authorities or the individual concerned. The conduct in question is utterly abhorrent and has no place whatsoever within this University. We can confirm that this individual is no longer employed by the University.

“We recognise this news may be distressing to many of our students and colleagues and have support in place. Our focus remains on supporting our community and we will not be commenting further at this time.”

Det Cons Nikki Jones, of the Metropolitan Police’s Child Abuse and Sex Exploitation Unit, said such offenders “walk among us.” She added: “It’s like a double life, that dark secret obsession of the extremes that they can’t disclose to anyone because it doesn’t fit in with the life they present to others.” Examination of his devices, she said, showed the life he presented was the opposite of the extreme taboos he expressed and acted on online.

Description

A sex offender who targeted a teenage girl in Gravesend has been jailed.

Kostyantyn Avdan, 30, of Rosefield Gardens, London, was sentenced to 5 years' imprisonment after being found guilty of multiple child sexual offences.

In 2021, Avdan contacted the victim through Snapchat. During their early conversations, the girl told him she was 14 years old.

Despite knowing her age, Avdan lied and claimed he was 23. He then groomed the victim online before their exchanges became sexual in nature and he demanded explicit images from her.

Arranged to meet

On 31 July 2022, Avdan arranged to meet the teenager in Gravesend after travelling from London. While they were together, he sexually assaulted her before returning to the train station.

Following the meeting, Avdan continued to send messages to the victim discussing sexual activity.

The offences were later reported to police, and an investigation was launched which led to Avdan being arrested on 16 June 2023.

As part of the investigation officers examined hundreds of messages that he had sent the victim.

Guilty

The Ukrainian national denied the offences but following a trial he was convicted of sexual communication with a child, sexual activity with a child and causing a child to engage in sexual activity. On Friday 2 October 2026, at Maidstone Crown Court, he was jailed for 5 years.

He was also made subject to a 20 year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Alison Elton said:

‘Avdan deliberately targeted and groomed a vulnerable child for his own sexual gratification, fully aware that she was only 14 years old.

‘His actions have had a profound impact on the victim, and I would like to commend her courage in coming forward and supporting this investigation.

‘Kent Police remains committed to tackling child sexual exploitation and bringing offenders to justice. We encourage anyone who has been the victim of sexual offences, no matter how much time has passed, to report it to us so they can access support and offenders can be held accountable.’

Description

A man has been jailed for a series of violent and sexual offences against a woman and child following a Met Policeinvestigation built on victim trust.

On Wednesday, 4 February, a jury at Inner London Crown Court found 32-year-old Sergiu Chiriac guilty of 12 counts of rape, actual bodily harm (ABH), coercive and controlling behaviour and child cruelty.

At the same court today, Friday, 2 October, he was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment, to serve fours years on licence.

The charges relate to a series of incidents that took place between 2021 and 2025 against a woman in her 20s and her two-year-old child. Both have received dedicated support from specially trained officers, and it was only after carefully building the victim’s trust that officers were able to uncover and investigate the full extent of the horrific abuse they had suffered.

Detective Constable Izzy Glanvill,who led the Met’s investigation, said:

“Chiriac is a dangerous and predatory individual whowas responsible for a sustained pattern of violence, coercion and sexual abuse. All his actions were utterly reprehensible but targeting a defenseless child highlights the true extent of his brutality.

“I want to commend the victim-survivor in this case for showing extraordinary courage in coming forward and supporting this investigation. While nothing will undo the harm she and her child have suffered, today’s sentencing will hopefully bring them a small measure of comfort knowing that Chiriac has been held to account.

“We remain absolutely committed to tackling violence against women and girls and bringing perpetrators to justice. If you are experiencing abuse or if you think someone you know is experiencing abuse, please speak to us. You will be heard and you will be supported.”

The survivor of Chiriac’s abuseshared the following:

“For those going through similar abuse, I would want for them to know how amazing it is on the other side. I know how it seems more dangerous to leave the abuser and that you and your children are better off with them, but it's not true. Since leaving, my child and I have been able to heal, have gotten so much unexpected support with everything and are feeling genuinely peaceful and happy now. I was pleasantly shocked at how much support got in this situation.

“This is a lot of thanks to the police, justice system, NHS and all the other support that is provided for survivors of domestic violence- they helped to change our lives in the best way.”

The investigation

An investigation into Chiriac’s offending was launched on 31 March 2025 when a relative of the victim alerted Met officers that she had turned up to their home with extensive injuries, including severe swelling to her head, black eyes and multiple bruises.

The relative expressed concern for the woman and child’s safety.

Officers were urgently deployed to find Chiriac. Upon arrival at his property, they found clear signs of disorder, including visible blood staining in one of the rooms.

It was later uncovered that just the day before, Chiriac had attacked the victim and her child without warning. He behaved aggressively, shouted abuse, prevented the victim from leaving the property and threatened her with a knife.

Chiriac was arrested and charged with offences including ABH, criminal damage and child assault before being remanded incustody.

In the weeks after the assault, the victim came to detectives with concerns about further incidents but felt unable to discuss them fully. They reassured her that she could disclose these in her own time and that support would be there whenever she was ready.

As the investigation progressed, she engaged with specialist services and began to rebuild her confidence and sense of safety. In time, she felt able to share a fuller account, enabling detectives to uncover the true extent of Chiriac’s offending - including multiple rapes - and ensure it was brought before the court.

On 11 September 2025 Chiriac was subsequently charged with multiple counts of rape, coercive and controlling behaviour, child cruelty and witness intimidation.

The Met continues to prioritise the safety of women and girls and is relentlessly targeting offenders to secure justice for victims of sexual violence.

As part of our victim-centered approach, we have rolled out new, bespoke training to 23,000 officers and staff. This training is strengthening officer skills to better investigate offences and provide more meaningful support to victims. It has seen stronger outcomes for victims and survivors, with the Met tripling charges for rape and serious sexual offences. More victim-survivors are also bravely reporting offences to police.

Description

A sex attacker who pretended to be a taxi driver so he could kidnap and rape a young woman in Brighton has been jailed for 20 years.

In the early hours of Sunday, 3 July, 2022, Ruckling Ramsay was driving around Brighton city centre in his silver Mercedes.

He picked up a vulnerable, 19-year-old woman and pressured her into sniffing white powder.

The woman was then subjected to a horrific ordeal of multiple rapes and sexual assaults, as Ramsay drove her around various areas including Shoreham Power Station and remote locations on the South Downs.

One of the attacks was at knifepoint.

At around 9.30am the victim was able to text a friend, who tracked her location and followed Ramsay’s car, before picking up the victim when she was able to escape.

The incident was reported to Sussex Police and the victim was given specialist support, while Ramsay was traced through his registration number and arrested.

In his car officers found condoms and lubricant, as well as items proving the victim had been in the vehicle.

His phone location data showed he had been prowling Brighton city centre for some time that evening and had searched for solicitors following the incident.

Ramsay, 61, of Osprey Close in Wanstead, London, was released on conditional bail while evidence was gathered to secure a charge.

On 21 January, 2024, Met officers began an investigation following a report from another victim in Brixton, South London, which was overwhelmingly similar to the Brighton attack.

Ramsay had abducted her and subjected her to a series of non-consensual sexual acts while in his vehicle, causing significant fear and distress.

The Met Police obtained key evidence through DNA from the victim’s clothing matching the suspects. They also secured vehicle tracking evidence showing the suspect’s car in the vicinity of the offence at the relevant time, further corroborating the victim's statement. 

Ramsay was subsequently charged with three counts of rape, kidnap and sexual assault by penetration in relation to the Sussex Police investigation. He was charged with kidnap, kidnap with the intention to commit a sexual offence and sexual assault in relation to the Metropolitan Police investigation.

During the trial, the victim of a similar incident in 2009, in which Ramsay was the prime suspect, provided live bad character evidence. The 2009 investigation was never formally brought to charge.

Ramsay was found guilty of all counts at Inner London Crown Court on 21 May 2026 and was sentenced on Monday, September 7 at the same court.

Ramsay was sentenced to 20 years in prison and was given an additional three years and six months extended licence.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Cobbett said: “Women and girls should be safe to live their lives without falling victim to predatory offenders.

“They should not have to fear for their safety when they are simply trying to get home at night, and we are doing all we can to make sure they are protected.  

“We believe there may be more women who have been targeted by Ramsay. We would encourage them to come forward so we can get them the justice they deserve.

“Ruckling Ramsay is now safely behind bars where he will remain for many years to come.

“In Brighton we work closely with partners including Night Safety Marshals and licensed venues, with officers and marshals carrying out high visibility patrols linked to the wider safety network in our towns and cities.

“If you are a victim of crime or feel someone is vulnerable or in danger, please report to officers, security staff or call 999 in an emergency.”

Metropolitan Police Detective Constable Kieran Mulvaney who worked on the investigation said:

“Our thoughts remain firmly with the victim, whose courage in coming forward after such a deeply traumatic experience has been remarkable. Her report has been central to securing this conviction and ensuring a dangerous offender is held accountable.

“This outcome reflects the determination of our officers to pursue justice, using every piece of evidence available to support the victim and bring the perpetrator before the courts. We encourage anyone who has experienced sexual violence to report it – you will be listened to, taken seriously, and supported throughout.

“Tackling violence against women and girls remains a top priority for the Met, and we are relentlessly focused on bringing offenders to justice and protecting those most vulnerable in our communities.”

Description

A man who took thousands of photos of women and children without their knowledge before using AI to turn them into explicit images has been sentenced following a Met investigation.

Zafer Dogan, 32 (10.08.1994) of Enfield, was sentenced to 2 years and 4 months today (Thursday, 24 September) at Wood Green Crown Court. He will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention order, and appear on the sex offender register for 10 years.

Shockingly, after Dogan pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children, he was bailed by the courts back to his home address while he waited to be sentenced – the very location where much of his offending had taken place. Prosecutors opposed bail three times with the support of officers who provided a detailed risk assessment to the courts, but their appeals were unsuccessful and Dogan was able to return to the community.

Detectives established Dogan had taken photos of women and children in ordinary circumstances before using AI to turn them into sexually explicit images, including by removing their clothing.

Many of the photos were taken from his bedroom window, which overlooked a children’s playground. Other photos appear to suggest he also followed women and schoolchildren in the surrounding area.

A limited number of those photographed have been identified and are receiving specialist support, but officers still need to identify many more. They are appealing for potential victim-survivors to come forward.

Police Constable Natalie Scagliarini, who led the investigation, said:

“This is a deeply distressing case. Dogan’s actions were predatory and dangerous. He targeted the most innocent of scenes – children playing or out walking with their parents – and manipulated the photos he took in the most sickening way.

“The nature of his offending has understandably left those who have learned of it feeling unsettled and violated, not knowing when they might be being watched or photographed and for what purpose.

“We remain committed to protecting women and children and bringing those who seek to exploit them before the courts, and I thank those affected by Dogan’s offending whose bravery and support has helped us to achieve today's result.”

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said:

“It is not often you will see me outside court following a sentencing, but this case is yet another example of victims being let down by a criminal justice system that too often fails to put their safety first – in this case children.

“Ever increasing volumes of cases are raised with me by angry and sometimes upset officers who are doing all they can to protect victims and communities but feel hamstrung by a justice system that makes seemingly unfathomable decisions. That is why I am here today, pushing for victims to be put before the criminals, as well as supporting Brian and his officers so their concerns are heard.

“Zafer Dogan who admitted his guilt for these offences was allowed to return to the very address from which he targeted his victims who lived very close by. Prosecutors rightly opposed bail on multiple occasions building on officers’ clear assessments of the risk posed. Yet bail decisions were ultimately made that prioritised the offender’s interests over the safety and peace of mind of the victims.

“The result was that a victim and their family found themselves living in close proximity to a man who had admitted targeting them. They were so fearful, ultimately felt forced to move to distant temporary accommodation, disrupting the children’s lives, to escape being neighbours of the offender. That is simply not acceptable, the children should have been put first, not the paedophile.

“The pressure to reduce the remand population has contributed to more dangerous and prolific offenders being granted bail, despite strong submissions from the police and CPS. Frontline officers see the consequences of these decisions every day. Victims are left fearful, communities are left feeling less safe, and confidence in the criminal justice system is undermined. It is little surprise that increasing numbers of victims choose not to continue with their case before it reaches court.

“This case also highlights a growing challenge for law enforcement. Dogan voyeuristically photographed children known to him before using an AI photo editing technology to manipulate those images for his own sexual gratification. This is another example of how some grossly irresponsible technology and AI companies must do more to prevent their platforms and tools from being used to facilitate sexual offending and harm. Innovation cannot come at the expense of public safety, and industry has a clear responsibility to help prevent these technologies being exploited by predators.

“Victims, in this case extremely young children and their families deserve better from both the tech companies and the criminal justice system.”

On 16 July 2026, officers arrested Dogan on suspicion of offences involving indecent images of children after receiving information about his online activity. During the arrest, Dogan ran from officers and attempted to discard his mobile phone, which contained vital evidence, in the front garden of a nearby property. He was swiftly detained by officers, and the phone was recovered with the assistance of a specialist police dog.

It was subjected to a detailed forensic examination using specialist technology, leading to the discovery of approximately 1,800 indecent imaged of children and extreme pornographic material, including bestiality.

Further examination by the investigation team revealed that Dogan had also taken more than 5,000 images of women and girls in public places. These individuals had been carrying out everyday activities, including playing in public play areas and travelling to and from school. Some of these images had been digitally manipulated to create sexualised content by altering clothing and appearance.

Officers are now working hard to identify these victims and are keen to hear from women and parents in the Enfield area who may have noticed anyone either filming or photographing them or their children.

Details of charges:

Following his initial arrest on 16 July 2026, evidence was recovered from Dogan’s phone that made it clear that he posed a significant risk. Officers moved quickly to further arrest him on Tuesday, 4 August.

He was charged the following day and remanded by the police to be taken to court the next morning.

On Thursday, 6 August he pleaded guilty to the following offences but was bailed by the court to await sentencing:

• Taking an indecent image of a child aged under 8 years old
• Take an indecent image of a child aged under 14 years old
• Making indecent images of children (Category A)
• Making indecent images of children (Category B)
• Making indecent images of children (Category C)
• Possession of extreme pornography
• Possession of prohibited images of children
• Create purported intimate image of adults
• Obstructing a constable in the execution of their duty

The decision to grant bail was appealed by the prosecutor but was unsuccessful.

Description

Convicted child sex offender jailed after masturbating in Mile End church foyer during toddler playgroup

A convicted child sex offender has been jailed after masturbating in the foyer of a church while a children’s playgroup was running nearby.

Mohamed Ali, 44, was sentenced to 15 months in prison at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to recklessly causing a public nuisance and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

The court heard Ali has 136 convictions dating back to 2000, including causing a child to engage in a sexual act.

On 26 February, a mother arriving for the first time with her one-year-old at Guardian Angels Church in Mile End entered through the main doors instead of the rear playgroup entrance. Prosecutor Sam Lyon said she saw a man and asked if it was the right way in. “The male replied, ‘I am a sex offender’, and the mother left straight away.”

She reported it to the church. CCTV later showed Ali in the foyer at 10.30am. “He was initially reading a newspaper before taking his penis out of his trousers and masturbating in the foyer of the church,” Mr Lyon said.

Ali was arrested months later after a police officer identified him. He pleaded guilty on the basis that he had not intended to be seen.

Appearing by videolink from prison, Ali told the court: “I never went to church to have a wank in front of children.”

Judge Leslie Cuthbert replied: “That is accepted, but there were children where you did chose to masturbate.”

Defence barrister Bethany Baggaley said Ali was remorseful, accepted the acts were unlawful, and had a traumatic childhood linked to long-term mental health problems.

Ali interrupted: “The state is responsible for my failure. I don’t know how to have a relationship. I don’t have kids. So I just sit in prison masturbating and then I get out and get nicked for masturbating. I’ve got no where to masturbate, I’m homeless.”

He also claimed, without evidence, that the mother who found him belonged to a vigilante paedophile-hunter group that followed him “24/7”.

Sentencing him, Judge Cuthbert said:

“This activity created the risk of very serious distress to members of the public, as shown by the reaction of the 1-year-old who on encountering you was so scared she left.”

The judge rejected Ali’s claimed remorse, saying it was contradicted by his attempts to shift blame. “You attempt to blame others include the system and the state, suggesting that you are being set up for your own criminal actions.”

He added: “The only thing that appears to stop you from committing further offences is prison, so I cannot suspend this sentence.”

Description

A man has been sentenced to 17 years imprisonment at Portsmouth Crown Court today after being found guilty of 11 non-recent child sex offences in the late 1970s and 1980s.

Chris Cotton, 64, of Byfield Road in Hounslow was convicted on Wednesday 16 September of the 11 offences committed between 1977 and 1985, involving three people who were aged between 3 and 11 years-old at the time.

The majority of the offences took place in Leigh Park, Havant, where Cotton resided at the time, with others taking place at an address in Twickenham, Richmond-on-Thames.

An investigation was launched by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s specialist Operation Amberstone team, following which Cotton was charged in 2023 with the following offences:

• Two counts of rape of a female child
• Six counts of indecent assault of a female person under the age of 14
• Three counts of indecency with a child (inciting a child under the age of 14 to engage in an act of gross indecency)

Cotton pleaded not guilty to the offences, but following an eight-day trial, a jury found him guilty on all counts.

He was sentenced today (Friday 18 September) to 17 years imprisonment, with a further year on extended licence when released. Upon release, he will be subject to lifelong restraining orders against all three victims and has been ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.

The officer in the case, DS Hollie Shelton said: 

“The trail of devastation that Cotton has left in his wake is truly appalling. I am very glad to see him be locked up where he can no longer harm vulnerable members of the public.

“This result is a testament to the bravery and resilience of the victims, who, despite delays in the court process, remained strong in their pursuit of justice after suffering lifelong effects of his abuse.

“Even though no length of sentence could make up for the severe suffering he has caused to these victims throughout their lives, I hope it goes some way to providing closure and a feeling that justice has been finally been served.

“I also hope that this result will give them the ability to begin to rebuild their lives, knowing that the man who took advantage of them as vulnerable young children for his own sexual gratification is now facing a significant period of time behind bars.

 “Convictions of this nature show that it is never too late to come forward to police. There are a number of reasons why people do not report to police or to others what happened to them and delays in reporting are not a barrier to seeking justice later in life.

“Allegations of this nature are taken very seriously and will be thoroughly investigated.”

Description

A man has pleaded guilty to the attempted rape of a woman on a Bakerloo Line train, following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Vincent Saxon, 54 (17.06.72), and of no fixed address, pleaded guilty at Inner London Crown Court on Thursday 17 September.

Saxon was remanded in custody to be sentenced at the same court on Friday 30 October.

The incident happened at around 11.40pm on Saturday 11 July.

A man approached a lone woman on the train between Waterloo and Lambeth North station and exposed himself to her.

He then forcibly pulled the victim to the floor and attempted to rape her, however she fought back and subsequently fled the train at Lambeth North before alerting station staff, who then called BTP.

The man stayed on the train before getting off at Elephant and Castle Underground station. Officers searched the area but the man wasn’t found.

An urgent investigation was launched, including a media and social media appeal that resulted in several people coming forward to police with crucial information.

One anonymous caller rang to say that they had seen the appeal and that a man matching Saxon’s description was outside a shop on Fulham Palace Road.

Officers raced to the location and Saxon was arrested. He was taken into custody and later charged.

BTP Detective Sergeant Krishan Appannah said:

“First and foremost I would like to praise the victim for her bravery following what was clearly a terrifying ordeal. She was alone late at night when she was approached and attacked by Saxon without warning.

“She fought back ferociously against him before he fled. Her actions helped us recover vital forensic evidence that, along with our CCTV enquiries, would leave Saxon with no choice but to plead guilty.

“He is a dangerous and predatory offender and I’m pleased to see that we have secured justice for this brave victim, hopefully it will now be able to bring her some form of closure."

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A man from Enfield has pleaded guilty to being involved in an online forum where videos of sexual offending and domestic abuse were shared between offenders across the country.

Darren Conway, 52 (17.06.74), of Lonsdale Drive, Enfield was charged on Friday, 26 June with two counts of assisting or encouraging an offence, namely sharing an intimate photograph or film and sexual assault.

He was later further charged with an additional seven counts of encouraging an offence, namely sexual assault, as well as voyeurism and possessing an extreme pornographic image.

He appeared at Wood Green Crown Court today – Friday, 11 September – where he pleaded guilty to all counts.

The online forum was uncovered in October 2025, leading to the establishment of a national coordination group, led by the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Intelligence was then passed to individual police forces to conduct investigations. While conducting their investigation, Greater Manchester Police shared further intelligence with the Met.

Officers began urgent enquiries and identified Conway as one of the group chat members. He was arrested on Thursday, 30 July following the execution of a warrant at his home where digital devices were seized.

Messages found on his devices showed Conway encouraging other group chat members to engage in drug-facilitated sexual offending, alongside images and videos of a sexual nature.

He was found to have urged another member to remove a sleeping woman’s clothing and underwear and to commit sexual offences against her. He later requested that the other member share images while they sexually assaulted her.

Evidence shows that Conway observed sleeping women through the online network more than ten times. The women were unaware that he was viewing them and unable to provide consent.

Commander Andy Day of the Met Police said:

"Drug facilitated sexual offending can have lasting and devastating impacts on its victims.

“Conway’s actions were shocking. By encouraging others to engage in sexual offending against victims who were unconscious, asleep, or otherwise stupefied, he has put women at a serious risk of harm in their own homes - all for his own sexual gratification.

"Anyone who has reason to believe that they may have been a victim of sexual offending should report to police. All victims will be supported by specialist officers and safeguarding can be put into place for their protection.

“We also encourage anyone who has reason to believe somebody they know is involved in this offending to come forward.”

Tracy Easton, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London South said:

“Darren Conway committed vile acts against women in their own homes, a place where they should have been safe.

"Organised drug-facilitated sexual assault is abhorrent and we are determined to work with policing to bring offenders to justice.

"I hope this guilty plea gives confidence to anyone who believes they may have been subjected to similar abuse to come forward.”

Conway will be sentenced at the same court on Friday, 30 October.

Officers continue to work to identify as many of the victims in the footage on Conway’s devices as they can. While much of the offending is believed to have taken place in the UK, it is also possible that some victims are based overseas.

Anyone concerned about drug facilitated sexual offending or online offending can report information to police by calling 101.

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Household Cavalry soldier Graham Jarvis jailed for 12 years after plotting to rape a seven-year-old girl and a 10-month-old baby

Graham Jarvis, 38, a Household Cavalry soldier based at Hyde Park barracks in central London, has been jailed for 12 years after arranging to sexually abuse two children he believed were real.

At Southwark Crown Court on Thursday he was sentenced for two counts of attempting to arrange the commission of a child sex offence. He denied the charges, was convicted at trial, and has been dismissed from the Army.

In January 2024 Jarvis began talking online with a woman who said she lived in Wales and had daughters aged seven and 10 months. He told her he was “into girls” and arranged to travel to her home in February. The woman was an undercover police officer. He was arrested that month before the meeting could take place.

The court heard he asked about the older girl’s sexual experience and was told she had previously been abused by two men. He also asked the mother to help him rape the baby.

Judge Adam Hiddleston told Jarvis “this was not a case of fantasy on your part.” He said he had no doubt that when the meeting was set up, “you believed the children were real.” He added: “You wanted to meet them and when you did, with the assistance of their mother, you intended to rape them.”

The judge said he read Jarvis’s messages “with horror.” They showed “cold and clinical” treatment of the children and a willingness to “treat them simply as objects to satisfy your urges.”

Lisa Wilson, representing Jarvis, said he was “at a low ebb” during a “traumatic period” when the offences were committed.

Finding that Jarvis may pose an ongoing risk to children, the judge ordered him to serve at least eight years in custody, with two extra years on licence.

Jarvis will be recorded on our database as a convicted child sex offender following this sentence.