Latest Offenders

Description

A man has been jailed for eight years after being found guilty of non-recent sex offences against a child.

Christopher Brooks, 74, of Bishopsworth, Bristol was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday 18 September.

Brooks was convicted by a jury to two counts of indecent assault against a child, two counts of inciting a child to commit an act of gross indecency, three counts of making an indecent image of a child, and one count of possessing an extreme pornographic image at the same court on June 17.

As well as a custodial sentence, Brooks will be the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years after his victim “showed great bravery” in giving evidence during a complex investigation which started four years ago.

DC Rhiannon Jugmohun, officer in the case, said: “For the victim, this is something she has lived with for many decades.

“A third-party report was made to police which led to us approaching the victim to confirm whether the report was correct. The victim confirmed the offences but said if it wasn’t for officers knocking on her door, she would have probably taken this to her grave.”

This investigation was complex for numerous reasons, and the passage of time meant that witnesses were difficult to trace and many of those found struggled to recollect information from the time of the offending.

Investigating officers travelled across the country to gather evidence from people connected to the investigation, paper records were sought, and digital forensics officers reviewed a number of electronic devices in relation to the indecent image charges.

DC Jugmohun added:

“The victim showed great bravery throughout the investigation. She has shouldered the weight of these offences for most of her life and life has been difficult for her at times. With great support from both family and friends, the victim was able to eloquently detail, not only the offences committed against her, but the impact they have had on her life.

“We are at a place where regardless of age, victims will be heard, and we as the police will listen. Nobody is ever too young, and it is never too late to report a crime.”

Judge Edward Burgess QC told the court he was constrained by the sentencing guidelines in place at the time the offences occurred and said that had the offending happened recently, he would have received an even longer prison sentence.

Judge Burgess expressed the victim had shown “remarkable courage”.

Description

A man who incited and recorded thousands of children engaging in sexual activity online from his Croydon home has been jailed following a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation. 

IT specialist Robert Chown, 49, captured photos and videos of the abuse and shared them with like-minded paedophiles.

He appeared at Croydon Crown Court today (3 October) where he was sentenced to 25 years, with seven to be served on licence, having pleaded guilty to 41 charges at a previous court hearing. 

Chown was also handed a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and will be on the sex offenders register for the rest of his life.

In April 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) launched an investigation into a private online messaging forum dedicated to the sexual exploitation of children.

It was named ‘The Sanctuary’.

Chown was identified as a key contributor to the forum and the individual behind the ‘FredHasFiveToes’ username.

Upon joining the group in 2019, his introductory message read:

“Preferences…girls 8-11”.

He went on to share hundreds of abuse images in the forum that he’d captured over years of sexually exploiting children online.

Chown also posted an indecent photo of a 12-year-old girl that he had taken in person. She was identified and safeguarded by the NCA and child protection services.

From his home in south London he masqueraded as a teenage boy online to target thousands of children across the world.

Girls and boys as young as six-years-old were groomed by Chown to live stream sexual acts at his instruction, which he would capture and share with other paedophiles on ‘The Sanctuary’ and the dark web. 

NCA officers arrested Chown at his home address in September 2023 and seized two mobile phones from him.

Across both devices, investigators found over 2,000 indecent images and videos of children in categories A-C.

They also discovered 204 entries into Google Translate of sexual instructions translated from English into Russian and Polish.

These phrases were used by Chown on live streams to incite children around the world to perform sexual acts on themselves.

In interview he admitted to using the persona of a teenage boy online to watch live streams involving children, directing and instructing them to carry out those acts.

NCA Senior Investigating Officer Phil Eccles said:

“Chown poses a significant danger to children, and our thorough investigation exposed him as a prolific offender who carried out depraved sexual abuse over a number of years.

“While this case is extremely distressing, we hope it reassures the public of our commitment to unmasking paedophiles who think that can operate anonymously online.

“Work with our international partners in the FBI and Europol has been key to this investigation.

“Today’s result is testament to the hard work of our investigative team and it is only right that Chown received a lengthy custodial sentence given the severity of his offending.”

Robbie Weber of the Crown Prosecution Service said:

“The lifelong physical and emotional trauma caused to victims by men like Chown cannot be understated. 

“Chown has himself admitted to having a long term extreme interest in child sexual abuse imagery. He was a prolific presence on the dark web, gaining notoriety amongst likeminded individuals who would access and share such vile and indecent material.  

“He was a key player in coercing children to engage in being filmed or photographed committing non-consensual sexual acts.

“I hope this conviction and sentence sends a clear message that the CPS will continue to relentlessly prosecute and pursue justice for those who sexually exploit children, whenever and wherever that abuse took place.

“I encourage any victims of child sexual abuse and sexual violence to report the crimes committed against them to the police. You are not alone and there is always help available.”

Description

A stalker "effectively blackmailed" and sexually assaulted a woman from Bolton over seven months.

Paul Keevil, 56, of Fairman Drive, Hindley, harassed the victim by sending "thousands" of social media messages, emails, and letters to her and her family. He drove past her home, parked outside, and followed her.

Keevil falsely threatened to tell her family and employer she was a sex worker—risking her job—unless she entered an intimate relationship with him.

During the period, Keevil sexually assaulted her in his car after driving to a car park and making unwanted advances. She "made her feelings clear," but he told her to "trust him," saying he was "just being romantic." The victim later recalled "focusing on the street lamp, waiting for it to be over."

In June 2022, Keevil tailgated her car, "getting right up behind" and "making his presence known." She evaded him via detours to Sainsbury's and Morrisons in Bolton, alerting staff at the latter. She soon reported him to police, leading to his arrest.

At Bolton Crown Court on October 8, prosecutor Tom Farr described Keevil's "relentless" pursuit, including post deliveries, emails, Instagram and WhatsApp messages, and "conventional stalking behaviour" like following her. Keevil admitted spying and stalking, saying he "wouldn't need to do so if she spent time with him." One drive was her "deliberate move to keep him away from her house," though "she did not want to do it."

The victim's impact statement revealed Keevil's actions "made her suicidal," caused her to lose a baby due to stress, and left her "scared" he might "rape or kill" her. She felt "I couldn't have a life anymore, he always seemed to know what I was doing and where I was going."

Keevil, with no prior convictions, pleaded guilty to sexual assault and stalking.

Defense lawyer Louise Cowen said he was "deeply sorry" for the "hurt and distress," and "did not fully appreciate" his actions. Diagnosed with autism, which she argued reduced his culpability and would make custody "deep and significant" for him, Keevil also cares for his wife, whom imprisonment would adversely affect.

Recorder Jeremy Lasker noted Keevil "literally bombarded her" with messages, "repeatedly stalked her at her own home," and "constantly refused to take no for an answer." Despite acknowledging impacts on her, "you were effectively blackmailing her by suggesting your conduct was not necessary if she would only submit to your demands."

Acknowledging Keevil's autism and its effects on his wife, Lasker said neither could "deflect from immediate custody." He sentenced Keevil to 28 months' imprisonment and 10 years on the sex offenders' register.

Description

An East Malling sex offender injected a child with drugs during a campaign of horrific abuse which included multiple rapes.

Lee Balchin has now been sentenced to prison after he also forced his young victim to consume cannabis, suspected ecstasy tablets and alcohol.

Balchin repeatedly preyed on the child between 2000 and 2004. He carried out the abuse in several locations, which included ‘hideouts’ in remote places.

The offences were initially reported to Kent Police in 2018 and Balchin was arrested.

An investigation revealed he regularly plied the child with drugs, which included injecting her with amphetamine. The substances and alcohol would sometime render his helpless victim almost unconscious. 

Court trial

Balchin, 55, of Carnation Close, East Malling was charged with multiple offences but denied any wrongdoing.

A lengthy court process led to a trial in August 2025 when he was found guilty of two charges of rape and two further counts of indecent assault. 

On Monday 13 October 2025, Balchin was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to 15 years' imprisonment.

He will have to serve at least two thirds of the sentence before he can be considered for parole.  

Callous depravity

Detective Constable Lisa Roots said:

‘Balchin is an extremely dangerous individual who subjected his young victim to a truly harrowing catalogue of appalling and terrifying abuse.

'It is certainly rare to encounter a case where an offender has demonstrated levels of such callous depravity. He took her to isolated areas where he knew he wouldn’t be disturbed and also made threats to kill her.

‘The impact of Balchin’s offending is incalculable, and yet the victim has summoned such tremendous courage to come forward. Their strength has been instrumental in helping us bring him to justice and I do hope this sentence will provide some comfort.’

Description

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man from Hungerford has been sentenced to prison for a sex offence.

Mark Jones, aged 34, of Radley Bottom, Hungerford, appeared at Reading Crown Court today (10/10), where he was sentenced to two years in prison.

Following a four-day trial earlier this year, a jury unanimously found Jones guilty of one count of sexual assault by penetration.

Jones has also been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.

In December 2022, Jones entered the victims’ room, hid beside her bed and sexually assaulted her whilst she lay asleep.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Daniel Pullen, said: “I want to commend the incredible bravery of the victim in coming forward to report this crime and for remaining engaged with the police throughout what has been a long and emotionally challenging process.

“Her strength in the face of such trauma is admirable.

“The actions of Jones were calculated and predatory. He knowingly committed this offence while the victim was asleep and unable to consent, demonstrating a deliberate and deceitful intent.

“We are committed to supporting victims every step of the way and doing everything we can to secure justice.

“This case highlights our determination to hold offenders accountable and to protect women and girls from harm.

“By removing perpetrators from our communities, we help prevent further offences and reinforce our commitment to public safety.”

Description

An image of sex offender David King, 63, of The Street, Crowmarsh Gifford, has been released after he was jailed for 22 months at Oxford Crown Court on Friday, October 3.

King pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to comply with notification requirements and one count of breaching a sexual offences prevention order. He was also ordered to pay a £187 victim surcharge.

In 2021, he was jailed for 16 months for similar breaches.

King was previously sentenced to a decade in prison in 2010 at Reading Crown Court for nine rapes, plus another five years in 2011 for raping a six-year-old girl in the 1970s.

Description

A 19-year-old paedophile, Marley Bracher from Barry, was caught with child rape videos on his phone during a meeting with his MOSOVO officer at the town's police station.

Bracher, previously convicted of similar offences, breached his SHPO by contacting a 15-year-old girl who sent him a photo in her school uniform. The SHPO, imposed after a suspended sentence at Cardiff Crown Court in March for making indecent images of children, prohibited contact with anyone under 18.

His June phone search revealed two category A images (the most serious), one category B, and 23 category C. One category A was a three-and-a-half-minute video of a girl aged seven to eight being raped by a man.

He gave a no-comment interview. Further evidence showed he deleted 170 web searches and created Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat accounts under false names.

Bracher, of Holton Road, pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images and three SHPO breaches.

Defence barrister Richard Ace described a "deep-seated problem" and urged community rehabilitation over custody.

Judge Eugene Egan said:

"You present a high risk of reoffending and you breached your order soon after it was made. You only have yourself to blame – you were given a chance in March and you didn’t take it."

Bracher was jailed for 16 months at a young offender institution and must register as a sex offender for 10 years.

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A disgraced former Dundee cafe boss is now subject to stringent conditions restricting his access to children after being sentenced for his crimes.

Omar Sohail was also ordered to perform unpaid work for sending a slew of sexual messages to what he believed was an underage schoolgirl.

Description

Police believe a former Catholic priest who sexually abused children over decades may have additional victims yet to come forward.

Dennis Finbow, 77, who served in Peterborough and St Neots, Cambridgeshire, was jailed for 11 years on Friday for 15 indecent assaults on five victims, most under 16 at the time.

Finbow, formerly of Martlesham near Ipswich, was already serving a six-and-a-half-year sentence for abusing a young girl in the 1980s.

"I believe people are out there who perhaps have been offended against, who have not come forward because they may be following this case intently, perhaps seeking some closure," said Det Con Annette Renwick.

"Some are going to be parents, grandparents now. We're talking decades ago that this happened for some people. I think they've no intention of unlocking that box and that trauma that comes with it… and that's OK."

Renwick, who led the investigations, noted one accuser died before justice was served.

Finbow was a prominent community figure in the 1980s and 1990s, known for work in schools, hospitals, charities, and children's social clubs.

"So, a very well-known and respected figure. But there was a darker side as well," she added.

"As we found out… with that role of respect and trust, unfortunately, there was a side where he was able to exploit that trust with children that he came into contact with."

Finbow left active ministry in 2001. He initially denied the allegations, calling the investigation a "witch hunt," claiming grudges, insisting he was a "good priest," and alleging a conspiracy, per Renwick.

After a January 2023 trial at Huntingdon Crown Court, he was placed on the sex offenders register for life.

In December 2024, Pope Francis removed his clerical status following the convictions.

The Diocese of East Anglia stated it fully cooperated with police and safeguarding authorities.

Description

A man who committed a string of child sex offences in the 70s and 80s has been convicted following a trial.

Andrew Davies, 58, of Penkhull, Stoke-on-Trent, went on trial at Stafford Crown Court this week after he was charged with the offences following our investigation.

The survivors bravely came forward in 2023 and told police about what had happened to them. Our specialist officers from our public protection unit worked tirelessly to gather all of the evidence and to support them as much as possible.

When Davies was brought in for questioning in July 2023, he answered no comment to all of the questions.

Following a trial that ended on Wednesday (9 July), Davies was convicted of 10 sexual offences. The jury found him guilty on one count of rape of a female under 16, four counts of sexual assault of a girl and one count of inciting a girl to commit an act of gross indecency. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of inciting a girl to commit an act of gross indecency and two counts of sexual assault of a girl.

He will be sentenced at Stafford Crown Court on 29 September.

Detective Constable Lily Rowley, from our rape and serious sexual offences unit, said:

“I’m pleased that we’ve been able to deliver this result for the survivors, who have shown immense bravery in coming forward and telling people about Davies’ heinous crimes.

“No matter how long ago or recent offences of this nature may have been, we want survivors to know that we are determined to support you and to act robustly against those responsible.”

Description

A man who tried to rape a teenager as she walked through a park has been given a 14-year extended prison sentence.

Malcolm Clixby attacked the girl in South Park, in Darlington, at around 4.50pm on November 2 last year.

The 43-year-old followed the teenager as she walked to a party before grabbing her from behind and trying to rape her.

She managed to bite Clixby’s hand several times, which caused him to let go of her, and she ran to a nearby petrol station for help.

Police were called and a search for the suspect was launched, while officers safeguarded the young woman.

Later that evening, just before 8pm, Clixby attended Darlington Police Station to hand himself in.

Before being placed in cuffs, he told officers: “I want to report an incident I have done – I groped somebody in South Park and attempted to rape her.”

Clixby, of Darlington, was questioned by detectives and later charged with attempted rape and sexual assault.

He admitted sexual assault, but denied attempted rape. However, a jury sitting at Durham Crown Court found him guilty of the offence following a trial.

Clixby appeared back at court today (October 9) where he received a 14-year extended sentence, comprising of eight years in prison and six years on extended licence.

In a victim impact statement, the young woman said:

“This incident has affected me in a lot of ways – in the first month I couldn’t leave the house and I didn’t go to college or work, so it has affected my career.

“It has had a massive impact on my social life – I was so anxious about going out so I stopped going out with my friends.

“It stopped me sleeping – I had really bad, vivid dreams about what happened that night.

“The biggest impact this has had on me is the fact that it caused me to have such bad anxiety. This was something I never suffered with before this incident, and it has impacted my future studying. I have decided to take a gap year from university because, although I am getting better, I do not feel as though at the minute I could deal with the stresses from this, so it has been postponed.”

Detective Constable Subhaan Ali, of Darlington CID, led the investigation. He said:

“Firstly, I want to commend the bravery and resilience of the survivor, who has shown incredible courage in reporting her ordeal to police and seeing the case through to court.

“Every step of the way, she has been determined to support our investigation and has done everything she can to help secure a conviction and get the justice she deserves.

“Clixby deliberately and opportunistically targeted the girl as she walked alone to a party – he turned what should have been an enjoyable evening with friends into a horrific nightmare that will have a significant and profound impact on her for many years to come.

“He clearly poses a significant risk to lone women and girls, so I am pleased to see him receive a substantial prison sentence.

“I can only hope that the survivor and her family can take some comfort from this sentence imposed and that she is able to move forward with her life again.”

Description

A Tidworth man has been jailed for seven and a half years after being found guilty of rape.

Following a trial at Winchester Crown Court in July, Gary Conibear, 33, from Tidworth was found guilty of raping a woman following a night out.

The court heard how Conibear had met up with a woman on a night out with friends in Tidworth in June 2022, where they played pool and drank together.

He later offered to walk her home and they both fell asleep, fully clothed on her bed.

She later awoke to find him raping her.

On Monday (06/10) Judge Rufus Taylor sentenced Conibear to 90 months prison and imposed an indefinite restraining order preventing him from having direct or indirect contact with the survivor.

In a powerful and moving personal statement, read to the court, the survivor said:

“No words will ever truly capture how these last three years have broken, changed, and reshaped me. But I will try, because I need you to understand what was taken from me, what I’ve survived, and what I still carry every single day.

“When this happened to me, I didn’t just feel hurt, I felt ashamed. I blamed myself. I asked over and over, What did I do wrong? Why me? What haunts me the most, is how he did it without a flicker of remorse.

“The assault didn’t just happen in a moment. It echoed. It infected every part of my life.

I stopped leaving my house. For 18 months, I was locked away from the world, gripped by fear, shame, and agoraphobia. I stopped seeing my friends. I stopped seeing my family. I stopped seeing me.

“I was exhausted by the weight of what had been done to me. I was living in a constant loop of fear, shame, and despair. 

“There is no justice that can erase what happened. There is no sentence long enough that can give me back the years I’ve lost, the nights I’ve cried, the peace that was stolen from me.

“But I’m here. I am still standing, scarred, yes, but not silenced.

“All I ask is this: please see the pain. Please feel the weight of what I’ve been through. Because I carry it every single day in my mind, in my body, and in the way I now live my life.”

The lead officer in this case, Detective Constable Sue Ellway said:

“I would like to recognise the courage of the survivor in this case, who has had to endure an unimaginable personal struggle in the wake of this ordeal.

“Despite this, she has managed to find the strength to work with us to help bring this offender to justice - having to go through two trials, after the first resulted in a hung jury.

“I would also like to recognise the support given to the survivor by Horizon victim and witness care who were there for her every step of the way.

“Conibear will now be deprived of liberty for a substantial period - I hope that he reflects upon his selfish and despicable actions and the harm he has caused.”

Description

A man who plied a teenage girl with vodka before raping her has been jailed for more than nine years. 

Sajeenthira Dharmendra, 24, met the 17-year-old on an online chat platform and arranged to meet her in St Neots on 11 October last year.

The victim, who was nervous about getting into his car, asked him to empty his pockets and checked the boot.

Once reassured, she got into his car, and they drove to a shop where he brought alcohol and a vape.

Dharmendra poured vodka into a bottle of cola and pressurised the teenager into drinking large gulps and told her she would be “wasting his time” if she didn’t.

After driving to the Riverside Car Park, Dharmendra sexually assaulted the victim, and she told him to stop.

But he made her drink more alcohol, resulting in her passing out.

When she came to, the victim realised the bottom half of her clothes had been stripped off.

She had no recollection of what had happened, but she felt pain.

The pair fell asleep in the car, and upon waking in the early hours of the next day, the victim unlocked Dharmendra’s phone and was horrified to learn he had filmed himself sexually assaulting her while she was unconscious.

The victim forwarded the video on to another phone, so she had a record of what he had done.

After he woke up, Dharmendra dropped the victim off in the town where she fled to a friend’s house and called the police.

Dharmendra was later arrested at his Essex home, 75 miles away.

Following a trial last month, Dharmendra, of Springfield Mews, Mill Road, Aveley, near South Ockendon, was found guilty of rape and assaulting a female 13 and over by penetration with part of a body/thing.

He pleaded guilty to voyeurism and make indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child.

Yesterday (8 October), at Cambridge Crown Court, Dharmendra was sentenced to nine years and six months in prison and placed on the Sex Offenders Register.

Sentencing, Judge Andrew Hurst said Dharmendra deliberately had made the victim drink a large amount of alcohol with the intention of having sex with her – regardless of whether it was consensual.

“Everything that followed made it clear that she was only 17 - much younger than you,” he said. “Your sole, single-minded purpose was for sexual intercourse. You planned to buy alcohol to get her drunk. You were sober.

“You were responsible for this girl who was very drunk, late at night, in the back of your car. What you should have done was decide that she was far too drunk and take her home. Instead, you raped her.”

DC James Collinwood, who investigated, said:

“I would like to praise the victim for not only reporting what had happened, but having the foresight to secure evidence by sending the video on. She has shown tremendous strength and bravery during the investigation and trial.

“I hope it gives confidence to other victims to come forward, knowing they will be listened to, and the police and wider criminal justice system will do everything they can to get justice for them.”

Description

A man from Swansea has been jailed after he pleaded guilty to the rape and sexual assault of a male victim.

41-year-old Johnathan Jones, from Sketty, took his vulnerable victim into a pub toilet cubicle and when the victim tried to push him away, Jones attempted to offer the victim money in order to continue.

After the victim reported this to police, Jones was arrested the same day.

After initially claiming the sexual activity was consensual, Jones pleaded guilty to two counts of rape, as well as further counts of sexual assault and assault by penetration.

Jones has been handed a custodial term of nine years with an extension period of four years, meaning a total custodial period of 13 years.

Detective Constable Rabaiotti said:

“Johnathan Jones took advantage of a vulnerable man in the most depraved way.

“This was not the first time Jones has committed a sexual offence. This was a pattern of behaviour following previous offences, but this case was aggravated by the fact Jones knew the victim was particularly vulnerable.

“I commend the victim on their bravery in coming forward. This was a difficult investigation, but the result is that a very dangerous man has been removed from the streets for a significant period of time.”

Description

A man who sexually assaulted two women in a shopping centre bathroom, hours after attacking a teenager, has been jailed for eight years.

Phillip Daniel, 34, from Barry, grabbed the teenage girl in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, on 26 July 2024, pinning her to a wall—but she wrestled free, fled, and alerted police.

Daniel then boarded a train to Cardiff, where he attacked two women, moments apart, in the women's toilets at St David's shopping centre.

At sentencing in Newport Crown Court on Wednesday, Judge Lloyd-Clarke described Daniel—who has been detained under the Mental Health Act since the attacks—as a "very high risk" to women.

The judge ordered an extended four-year licence period after his prison term, lifelong registration as a sex offender, and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order banning him from women's or unisex public toilets for 15 years and from unsupervised contact with children.

The court heard Daniel told police "voices in his head" had instructed him to travel to Cardiff for the sexual attacks, which left his victims traumatised.

Daniel was previously under a community order for assaulting a lone female jogger in Cardiff's Bute Park on 31 January 2023.

Defence barrister William Bebb said Daniel had a "complex" mental health background, had been detained under the Mental Health Act for 15 months since the offences, and that a medication change had "brought some stability."

The teenage victim reported anxiety, isolation, and disrupted GCSE preparations. One adult victim felt fearful and uncomfortable in public bathrooms, while the other suffered panic attacks and sleep difficulties.

Police found a Viagra tablet in Daniel's wallet upon arrest, but no evidence he took it that day.

A psychiatric report concluded he posed an "elevated risk to females, particularly minors."

Daniel was sentenced for four sexual assaults and the violent assault on the teenager.