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A man has been sentenced after being found guilty of committing child sex offences which took place in Birkenhead and Widnes three years ago.

Mohammed Ajmal, 26 years, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court earlier this month and following a three-day trial he was found guilty of two counts of sexual activity with girl 13 to 15 and engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl 13 to 15.

The court heard that there had been contact via social media platform snapchat with the victim, who was 14 years old at the time of the offence.

Ajmal, who was aged 22 years at the time of the offence, arranged to pick up the victim from Nocturum in Wirral and drive her to a flat in Widnes where the sexual assault took place. A further sexual assault took place in Birkenhead later that evening.

Yesterday, (Thursday 5 November) Ajmal, of Mossley Hill Drive in Sefton Park who is a British national born in Manchester, was sentenced to five years in prison. He has also been put on the Sexual Offenders Register indefinitely and subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years after his release.

Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Lamb said:

"I hope this sentence provides some comfort to the victim and that they did the right thing to report Ajmal's crime to us.

"Merseyside Police is completely committed to protecting children from sexual abuse and those who seek to do them harm, and we take all such reports extremely seriously. The impact on them can be significant and long-lasting.

"If you have experienced any form of sexual abuse, or know of a child being abused, please come forward and report this to police.

"We take all such reports extremely seriously and if you can find the courage to come forward and speak to us we have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and compassion."

Record details

A 33-year-old man from Bristol has been jailed for 19 years after he was convicted of multiple sexual offences committed against young girls.

Patrick Luckett, of St George, denied the offences but was found guilty by a jury at Bristol Crown Court in July 2025.

He was sentenced at the same court on Monday 2 November.

Detectives began investigating Luckett following reports made by the mothers of the two young victims that they had been sexually abused by Luckett.

During the trial, the court heard Luckett sexually assaulted the two young girls, including raping one of them, between 2011 and 2021.

Luckett denied all of the offences, saying they had not happened. But a jury found him guilty of:

• Three counts of sexual assault of a child under 13
• Three counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity
• One count of rape of a child under 13

In powerful victim impact statements read out at today's sentencing hearing, the victims spoke of how the abuse they suffered continues to affect them.

One victim said:

"I have a constant fear of being assaulted again. I make notes about fearing it happening again or people that are close to me raping me. If I'm about and there is a stranger walking behind me, I get scared and think the worst, that they are going to hurt me. I am always thinking and assuming the worst.

She added:

"Ever since the incident I have felt guilty. I feel guilty about everything and blame myself for trusting him and that I should have known better. I'm ashamed that I trusted him and believed him so easily. I feel so confused about the shame. I can't explain the feelings of guilt."

The other victim said:

"I still find it uncomfortable to talk about what [Luckett] did to me and speaking about it in court even at the age I am now, made me extremely anxious.

"I feel upset that I was accused of making up a story just for attention. My account has not changed since I first told my mother and the stress and trauma that I have experienced all these years has had a profound effect on me.

"He told me that my mum would get into trouble if I told anyone and this has stayed with me all these years."

The mother of one of the victim's said: "Nothing will ever undo the damage he has caused to my child and myself. Nothing will ever rectify what he has done.

"I'm scared about how this is going to affect the rest of [my daughter's] life as well as my own.

"I just want the severity of what he has done to be acknowledged and how the last few years have been horrific and torturous. I don't want him to be able to do this to anyone else. I feel that he is a risk to the public and always will be."

On top of his extended prison sentenced, Luckett was handed an indefinite restraining order and an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

DC Alison Pilsworth, the investigating officer, said:

"As the officer supporting the child victims in this case, I have seen the impact that this offending has had on them.

"I applaud them for the strength they have shown in their continued support of the investigation and the ultimate sentencing of such a dangerous individual.

"Luckett abused their trust and violated the innocence of very young girls so that he could fulfil his sordid sexual desires.

"It is thanks to the extraordinary courage of his victims that he is now beginning a prison sentence for the crimes he committed against them."

Record details

Richard Raper, 49, of Kilnsea Grove, east Hull, admitted breaching a sexual harm prevention order after being found in Hull's Scarborough Street red light district in the early hours, despite an indefinite court ban on entering the area between 9pm and 7am.

Raper, a registered sex offender, was located at 12.50am in a dead-end alleyway within the exclusion zone. He told police he had gone there to use the toilet, but no evidence supported this. A purple sex toy was seized from him, and a blue rope was found nearby, though there was insufficient evidence linking the rope to him. He was arrested and taken to Clough Road police station.

In interview, Raper confirmed he understood the conditions of the order and knew he was prohibited from the area. Prosecuting counsel Holly Thompson told Hull Crown Court that Raper had been "endeavouring" to meet a woman for sexual activity. She noted his history of non-compliance, including multiple previous breaches.

Raper was convicted in May 1997 of three sexual offences—two indecent assaults and one indecent exposure—against female sex workers. The sexual harm prevention order was imposed by Hull magistrates in July 2020 and remains in force indefinitely. He has 15 previous convictions between 1997 and 2020, including repeated breaches of the order.

Judge Gurdial Singh described the latest breach as deliberate and the sixth of its kind, though the first since 2020. He told Raper: "You knew that you should not be there. That's what makes it so serious." The judge said Raper was "frustrated" and seeking to engage a sex worker, adding that those working in the area "are entitled to be protected." No one was approached on this occasion.

No mitigation was offered after an indication of sentence. Raper received an 18-month community order with a probation requirement and was ordered to pay a £114 victims' surcharge.

Record details

Russell Brand Convicted of One Count of Rape and Three Counts of Sexual Assault

On 5 November 2026, Russell Brand (aged 51) was found guilty at Southwark Crown Court of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. A jury of eight men and four women returned the verdicts after approximately eight and a half hours of deliberations following a multi-week trial. He was found not guilty of two counts of rape and one count of attempted indecent assault.

Full verdicts on the seven counts:

• Count 1: Rape – Not guilty
• Count 2A: Attempted indecent assault – Not guilty
• Count 3: Sexual assault – Guilty
• Count 4: Rape – Not guilty
• Count 5: Sexual assault – Guilty
• Count 6: Rape – Guilty
• Count 7: Sexual assault – Guilty

The convictions relate to offences committed between 2004 and 2009 against four women (all entitled to lifelong anonymity). The broader charges involved six women and spanned 1999–2009.

Summary of the convicted offences:

• Sexual assault (2004): At a bar in Soho, London, during a birthday party, Brand grabbed the breasts of a woman (an MTV worker) shortly after they began speaking.
• Sexual assault (2004 or 2005): At Choice FM radio station in London, Brand grabbed a woman, kissed her, and touched her breasts and bottom.
• Rape (2009): At his then-home in Hampstead, London, Brand anally raped a woman he had met days earlier after a performance at the Hammersmith Apollo. The encounter began with consensual activity before the non-consensual act; the complainant stated he continued after she asked him to stop.
• Sexual assault (2009): During work on a Channel 4-related project, Brand placed his head in a woman's groin area without her consent.

Judge Mr Justice Bennathan told Brand that the convictions (including the rape) meant he faced "a custodial sentence of some length" and remanded him in custody. Sentencing is scheduled for Monday, 9 November 2026. Brand had pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is also under investigation for two further rape allegations.

The Metropolitan Police described the outcome as reflecting the courage of the women who reported the offences. Senior Crown Prosecutor David Roberts characterised Brand's conduct as predatory and involving the use of his celebrity status.

Record details

Jack Crannage sexually assaulted the woman at a property on Thursday 19 February.

The 27-year-old followed and approached the woman before taking off her clothing and raping her despite saying no.

On Monday 2 November Crannage appeared at Teesside Crown Court to be sentenced to nine years after being found guilty following a three-day trial.

In addition to the sentence, he was given an indefinite restraining order.

During the trial, the court heard how the woman managed to flee from a window to a friend's home where she contacted police.

Crannage was arrested by police on the same day and taken to custody for questioning.

Detective Constable Gareth Davies, from Cleveland Police's Protecting Vulnerable People team, said:

"Crannage took advantage of the woman and raped her despite saying no to him. She was so frightened, that afterwards she escaped through a window where she managed to seek safety with a friend until police arrived.

"Despite causing her pain, humiliation and leaving her deeply affected by his actions she has remained brave and courageous throughout the entire criminal process including the ordeal of a trial.

"I want to take this opportunity to recognise her courage and know that she was listened to and supported."  

Record details

A 33-year-old Wrexham man has been jailed for sexually assaulting and violently attacking a woman.

James Doyle, of Coronation Drive, Chirk, appeared before Mold Crown Court for sentencing today, Thursday 5 November.

He admitted sexual assault by penetration, three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and intentional strangulation during a trial at Mold Crown Court in September.

Doyle was jailed for a total of eight years, including five years and eight months for the sexual assault.

He must register with the police as a sex offender indefinitely and was handed a lifetime restraining order to protect the victim.

Doyle was reported to police after attacking the victim, leaving her with a broken nose and bleeding within her skull.

He had previously repeatedly kicked her in the head and to the face after throwing her to the ground, before placing his hands around her throat, causing her to lose consciousness.

Speaking following sentencing, investigating officer DC Alison Lee said:

"Doyle's guilty pleas in this case reflects the courage of the victim in coming forward and her bravery throughout the investigation.

"I would also like to thank the witnesses who came forward to support the investigation.

"Doyle inflicted brutal violence on the victim, leaving her with physical injuries that could have caused significant and lasting harm.

"I hope this outcome today provides some measure of reassurance and closure, as she continues her recovery.

"Tackling violence against women and girls remains a foremost priority for North Wales Police. We are committed to identifying perpetrators, pursuing justice, and ensuring that victims receive the protection and support they need.

"We will continue to work tirelessly to keep our communities safe."

Record details

Gavin Stevenson, 48, of Bannockburn, Stirlingshire, has been placed on the sex offenders' register for 18 months after pleading guilty at Stirling Sheriff Court to causing a 47-year-old woman to see a written sexual communication without her consent, for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification or of humiliating, distressing or alarming her.

On 15 November 2025, at around 1.30pm, Stevenson approached the woman on the Midland Bluebird number 38 bus travelling from Stirling to Forth Valley Royal Hospital. He typed a message on his mobile phone and handed it to her. Prosecutor Brooklyn Shaw told the court she read the words: "I'll give you £100 for sex if you follow me." She replied: "You dirty b*****d." Stevenson then walked to the front of the bus and got off. The woman informed the driver, who contacted police. Stevenson was traced, cautioned and charged.

Solicitor Alastair Ross, defending, said: "Mr Stevenson is thoroughly ashamed. He can't explain his behaviour and doesn't particularly remember it. It was very, very stupid. There's not a great deal more I can add. He is holding down a responsible job."

Sheriff Mark Thorley sentenced Stevenson to 160 hours of unpaid work, placed him on supervision, and ordered him to sign the sex offenders' register for 18 months. He told Stevenson: "This was an unpleasant incident. You've got a responsible job. How you ended up behaving like this, at the end of the day only you might know. It was shocking."

The nature of Stevenson's job was not disclosed. He left court with his solicitor without commenting.

Record details

Benjamin Merrill, 31, from Stonehaven Drive in Warrington, has been jailed for two years after admitting possession, making and distribution of indecent images of children, plus possession of prohibited images.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that police executed a search warrant at his home on 24 July last year and found him upstairs in bed with an iPhone 16 Max. The phone contained large quantities of illegal images of children, including at least 1,366 indecent images. Of these, 296 were category A – the most serious – depicting the sexual abuse of boys and girls aged between one and 10. A further 146,000 images were not fully checked; the prosecution said it could not be stated that all were indecent, but some were, and high numbers had already been categorised as such.

Merrill also shared indecent images with others in online group chats between March and May 2025. His messages included statements that he would "love to have his own boy" to sexually abuse and a claim that he had previously assaulted a six-year-old. One text read "we both need to lose our b**** for being paedos, looking at boys being raped"; another said "I'm a paedo. I'd go back to prison if I was seen." He was also found to have collected seven AI-generated sexualised images of boys aged two to 12. Prosecuting counsel Cecilia Pritchard said the material made clear his interest in children and indicated "a desire to fulfil his sexual urges in real life."

Merrill has no previous convictions but received a police caution in 2014 for possession of an indecent image of a child. In mitigation, defence counsel Adam Brown said Merrill accepted his sexual interest in children, had expressed remorse, and wished to seek help. He cited the death of Merrill's mother in 2021, subsequent isolation, depression and regular alcohol use, which he said led him to experiment on the dark web. Merrill was described as single, in full-time work as a fleet coordinator, living with and caring for his stepfather who has health issues, and abstinent from the material and social drinking since the offences.

Sentencing, Judge Anil Murray told him: "You have no previous convictions, but you do have a caution, about 10 years before these offences, for possession of an indecent photograph of a child. Yours is a long standing and unhealthy sexual interest in children. You didn't learn the lesson of that previous caution."

The judge noted the high volume of images, the distribution, the period of offending, involvement in a sharing network, and the very young ages of the children depicted. He described the texts as "very worrying" and said Merrill had expressed a desire to fulfil his urges. On mitigation relating to depression and loneliness after his mother's death, the judge said: "Lots of people are lonely. Lots of people are depressed. They don't all share images of children being raped and sexually abused."

Judge Murray concluded that Merrill posed a risk to the public, that distribution of the images had "crossed the line," and that the case required immediate custody for appropriate punishment and deterrence, despite personal mitigation and the impact on his stepfather. Merrill was also made subject to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and must sign the sex offenders' register for 10 years.

Record details

A Cleckheaton man has been banned from many types of contact with women in public after being served with a court order.

Kirklees Police has welcomed a decision by magistrates to impose a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) against Andrew Achomna, 25, from Cleckheaton. 

The order was imposed at Kirklees Magistrates Court on Tuesday 3 November, following an application by the West Yorkshire Police Legal Services department in support of police in Kirklees.

Under the order, which is indefinite, Andrew Achomna is prohibited from:

• Approaching, following, engaging with, conversing with, or otherwise interacting with any female who is not known to him in any public place or any place to which the public have access, except where:   The interaction is inadvertent and not reasonably avoidable in the course of normal daily life; or  is being served by, or seeking assistance from, a female in a retail or leisure facility, and the interaction relates solely to the services provided by that facility.
• Inviting into, or otherwise having, any female not related to him in his house, hotel room, or any other location under his control, whether wholly or partially controlled by him, unless that female is aware of: The reasons the order was made; The conditions of the order; and The duration of the order.
• Entering Huddersfield town centre, bounded by the Huddersfield Ring Road( comprising Queensgate, Castlegate and Kirkgate) expect when travelling through on the train, bus or to attend and appointment.
• Entering Dewsbury town centre bounded by the Dewsbury Ring Road (comprising Dewsbury Ring Road, Aldams Road, Vicarage Road, Rishworth Road and Wakefield Road) expect when travelling through on the train, bus or to attend and appointment.
• Going within a 100 metres of a school or college
• Wearing a balaclava in any public place or any place to which the public have access.

Although Achomna has not been convicted of any sexual offences, the court heard evidence of a persistent pattern of sexually motivated and intrusive behaviour towards women and girls in public spaces.
Breaching a SHPO is a criminal offence which will result in arrest and could lead maximum sentence of five years' imprisonment.

Sergeant Kirstie Broderick of Kirklees Police, said:

"A Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) is a preventative measure designed to protect women and girls from harm. 

"As a result of enquires and reports made to us, we felt it was necessary to apply to magistrates for an SHPO to be made against Andrew Achomna and are pleased it has been granted.

"The order will significantly restrict his engagement with others and provides police with additional powers to manage him.

"Tackling violence against women and girls remains a priority for West Yorkshire Police and we will continue to take robust action to safeguard women and girls, support victims, and pursue every available legal measure to prevent harm and protect our communities."

Record details

A man who raped a vulnerable girl when he was a teenager has been jailed for seven years.

Bradford Crown Court heard how Liam Coleman took the victim to an isolated spot where he raped her.

Coleman, now 22, of Mary Street, off Bowling Back Lane, Bradford, who was convicted by a jury following a four-day trial, is considered a high risk of harm to children.

In a statement read to the court on her behalf by prosecuting barrister Matthew Bean KC, the victim said the experience was "unimaginable".

She added:

"The whole process, from the night of the crime itself through the years of having it hanging over my head and going through the court process, has had a significant and lasting impact on my life.

"What may seem like normal situations to other people can make me feel anxious and vulnerable because of what I have experienced.

"The impact of what happened has therefore continued long after the night itself.

"I wish I could feel as carefree and safe as I did before this happened. Instead, I feel that I have to be constantly cautious and aware of my surroundings."

Mitigating, Abigail Langford said Coleman was only 18 at the time of the assault in 2022, which had arisen out of a "chaotic" situation.

She asked the court to take into account Coleman's lack of maturity at the time and the delay in the matter coming to court.

The court heard that Coleman had previous convictions for possession of a bladed article, dangerous driving, and driving whilst disqualified.

Sentencing Coleman, Mr Recorder Tony Watkin said:

"On arrest you told a pack of lies. You have then continued to deny responsibility for the offence."

He added:

"From the moment you saw [the victim] I find you were intent on having sex with her whether she wanted it or not.

"You simply did not care."

He went on:

"The pre-sentence report confirms … that you do not accept your guilt, repeating your claim – which the jury did not accept – that this was consensual sex.

"I note that you told the officer that you find the nature of the offence of rape to be abhorrent and disgusting, which in light of the finding of the jury are the labels which are attached to your behaviour on that night.

"You are assessed as a high risk of harm to children, a medium risk to the public, and a high risk to known adults, which all seem to me to be appropriate assessments of your risk given the nature of this offence and your unwillingness to accept any responsibility."

Recorder Watkin sentenced Coleman to seven years' imprisonment and imposed a restraining order until further order.

Coleman will have to register as a sex offender for life.

Record details

A registered sex offender has pleaded guilty to a number of sex offences which took place more than two decades ago.

Terry Edwards, 57, of Wells Street, Swindon, appeared at Swindon Crown Court yesterday (03/11) where he admitted three counts of indecent assault – the offence name used at the time of the offending – against two young female victims between 1995 and 2001.

Edwards, who has previously been convicted of indecently exposing himself, also pleaded guilty to breaching the notification requirements of his sex offender's registration.

He was remanded into custody ahead of sentencing on 21st January, 2027.

PC Katie Owers, based in our MOSOVO team, said:

"This is an awful case in which Edwards has sexually abused two young girls known to him.

"I want to take this opportunity to recognise and commend the incredible bravery of the victims involved in this case.

"They have gone through significant trauma and they have shown tremendous strength and courage throughout the investigation, helping to secure this conviction of Edwards.

"I hope this case reassures others who may have experienced similar offences that they will be listened to, taken seriously, and supported, no matter when the abuse took place.

"We will always investigate historic abuse and work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice."

Record details

A man has been jailed after he repeatedly raped a woman during a sustained attack inside a house in Nottingham.

Dylan Millns, 28, was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday (3rd November) after a jury found him guilty of multiple offences which took place in 2024.

A three-week trial heard the woman was subjected to a violent and degrading ordeal that lasted several hours. She was hit and raped repeatedly by Millns, who also pushed her head down into a pillow to the extent that she couldn't breathe.

Afterwards, the survivor contacted police and told officers about what had happened, including how she eventually managed to escape via a window.

Detectives went on to charge Millns and whilst waiting for trial he went on to commit a series of acts with intent to pervert the course of public justice, having telephoned the survivor on numerous occasions from HMP Nottingham in attempts to manipulate her into not giving evidence.

During the trial, Millns pleaded guilty to two counts of occasioning actual bodily harm. The jury then found him guilty of four counts of rape, once count of controlling and coercive behaviour and one count of intentional strangulation.

Following separate investigations, Millns also pleaded guilty to one count of assault by beating in relation to a second woman, and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm in relation to a third woman all incidents taking place in 2023.

At his sentencing on Tuesday (3 November), Millns, of Wintersdale Drive, Leicester, was jailed for 15 years and handed an extended five years on licence.

He was also placed on the sex offenders register and restraining orders were put in place to protect each victim.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Oliver Bennett, of Nottinghamshire Police's Public Protection Unit, said:

"This was a sustained attack carried out by a truly despicable offender who inflicted brutal violence on the victim, leaving her significant emotional trauma. Throughout this case, he has shown no remorse for the suffering he caused.

"No one should ever have to endure what she experienced. The fact that Millns will now spend a considerable period behind bars is a direct result of her remarkable strength and determination in coming forward and supporting this investigation.

"The victim has shown exceptional courage throughout what has been an incredibly difficult process. While no sentence can undo the harm caused, I hope this outcome offers her some measure of justice as she continues her recovery with the support of her loved ones, who have also been deeply affected by this case.

"Violence against women and girls remains a key priority for Nottinghamshire Police. We are committed to protecting victims, bringing offenders before the courts, and doing everything we can to ensure those responsible for such abhorrent crimes are held accountable."

Record details

A man who performed a sexual act on himself in front of a child has been jailed.

Paulius Grabauskas, 31, was already on police bail for other offences when he approached the 14-year-old girl in Derby Drive, Dogsthorpe, Peterborough, at 9.30am on 17 July.

He took a sex toy from a bag and used it to perform a sexual act on himself in front of her.

Grabauskas had also been reported to police in April after he exposed and touched himself inappropriately in view of other passengers on a bus in Peterborough.

Then in June, Grabauskas was reported to police once again after he was seen performing an indecent act in a bush near a primary school in Orton Goldhay, Peterborough.

At Cambridge Crown Court on Friday (30 October), Grabauskas, of Eastfield Road, Peterborough, was jailed for two years and three months after admitting two counts of exposure and one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

He was also handed a ten-year sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).

Det Sgt Angus Cashman, who investigated, said:

“Grabauskas is clearly a dangerous individual who has no control over his sexual urges.

“His crimes will have a lasting impact on all of his victims - especially the 14-year-old girl who he targeted and subjected to a disturbing act for his own sexual gratification.

“I am pleased he has now faced justice and I’m glad the sentence reflects the seriousness of his actions.”

Record details

Paul Newman, 29, of no fixed abode in Colchester, received a suspended prison sentence after admitting multiple breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and sex offender notification requirements.

Newman was convicted in 2024 of attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child. His SHPO required him to register new bank cards, mobile phones, and changes of whereabouts with police within set timescales.

Ipswich Crown Court heard he was arrested in February after registering a Monzo bank card several weeks late, beyond the three-day limit. He also failed to notify police he had become homeless following eviction from the Riverside Hotel in North Station Road, Colchester.

In July he opened the Snapchat app (which automatically deletes messages) on his girlfriend’s phone. In August he was arrested after being reported as a high-risk missing person and handed over an unregistered mobile phone.

Newman admitted three counts of breaching the SHPO and two counts of failing to comply with notification requirements. Prosecutor Lauren Holmes outlined the breaches.

Mitigating, Benedict Peers said the offences arose because Newman was homeless and were not deliberate. “He had a difficult childhood, to put it neutrally – he has a history of learning difficulties and poor mental health which appears to be triggered by relationship problems,” Peers said. He added that Newman had informed other professional services of his homelessness (though not police within three days) and, on the Snapchat use: “This was a phone supplied to him by his partner – it already contained the application Snapchat. He logged into that application to see what his partner was posting on Snapchat.”

Newman’s former foster carer told the court he had completed a catering course and secured a job, despite a social worker previously saying this was unlikely.

Judge David Pugh sentenced Newman to 16 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years. He must also complete 180 hours of unpaid work and pay a £187 victim surcharge.

Record details

A man who tried to arrange opportunities for him to sexually abuse children during online conversations has been jailed.

Michael Cartledge, of Whitecross Road, Warrington was sentenced to six years and eight months at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday 20 October.

The 41-year-old had admitted seven counts of arranging/facilitating the commission of the offence of causing/inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity – penetration.

He also pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child, and one count of making an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child.

Cartledge was arrested on 24 April 2025 in relation to an unrelated matter and his phone was seized.

Upon a review of the phone, multiple conversations were discovered with unknown third parties. These were likely to be scammers due to the nature of the language used and how they were asking for Cartledge to pay money to them via gift cards.

However, within these conversations, Cartledge was trying to arrange the opportunity for him to sexually abuse children under the age of 13, as well as asking for images of underage girls.

Cartledge also described in explicit detail what he wanted to do to the children and even tried to arrange a date for this to take place.

He was further arrested in relation to these offences on 27 June 2025 and further devices were seized from him. Three category C child sexual abuse images were found on his devices.

On top of his custodial sentence, Cartledge is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must sign the Sex Offender Register indefinitely.

DC Davy said:

"We welcome the significant custodial sentence handed to Cartledge, who clearly presents a risk to children.

"Although no children were harmed during the commission of these offences, this does not minimise the seriousness of the crimes; Cartledge clearly showed intent to harm a child, even trying to arrange a date where he could commit these horrific acts.

"On top of his custodial sentence, upon his release from prison he will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order which means he will be robustly managed and this is another step to ensure he does not commit any more offences of this nature."