Latest Offenders

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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.

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A man who strangled a woman before raping her has been jailed as his victim-survivor has described how her life ‘changed forever’ following the assault.

Forty-year-old Shaun Graham subjected the woman to a prolonged assault, where he held her down, strangled her, sexually assaulted her and then went on to rape her – whilst she repeatedly told him ‘no’.

The abuse occurred at an address in South Tyneside which the victim-survivor was able to escape from before swiftly telling a friend what had happened.

Soon after, police were informed and Graham was arrested and questioned.

In interview, Graham claimed everything that happened was consensual and denied any wrongdoing.

However, following a complex investigation by the Force’s Safeguarding Department, in January 2025, Graham was charged in connection with the abuse.

On Wednesday, September 30, Graham, of Stafford Close, South Tyneside, was found guilty of rape, sexual assault, and non-fatal strangulation at Newcastle Crown Court.

He returned to the same court on Friday (October 2), where he was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

As part of his sentence, he will spend the rest of his life on the Sex Offenders’ Register.

The victim-survivor in the case provided a Victim Personal Statement (VPS) to describe the lasting effects of Graham’s offending.

She said:

“During what happened to me that night, there were moments when I genuinely believed I might not make it out alive. I cannot properly put into words what it feels like to believe that you might die. In those moments, all I could think about were my family and the possibility that I might never see them again.

“I was violated in the most inhumane way, and that carries a shame that I struggle to put into words. My body did not feel like my own that night, and even now, during flashbacks and nightmares, I feel disconnected from my own body.

“There are still moments when I feel that same shame, even though I know that what happened was not something I chose.

“Before this happened, I generally saw the good in people and felt confident in my own judgement. Since then, I have become far more guarded and suspicious of others.

“I question situations and people in a way I never used to, and I no longer have the same confidence in my ability to judge who is safe.”

Directly addressing Graham, she continued:

“You did not hurt me for just one night. I have lived with the consequences every day since. The consequences of your actions have lasted for years already.

“You have taken my sparkle away from me. I am still here, and I am trying to find those parts of myself again. I hope that one day I will feel safe, trusting and completely myself again, but I do not know how long that will take, if at all.

“What I do know is that what you did to me has changed the course of my life without my consent, just as my choice was taken from me that night.

“I should never have had to rebuild myself. I survived what you have done to me. Now I must live with what you have left behind.”

Leading the investigation was Detective Constable Kerry Kane, of Northumbria Police.

On Friday, she said:

“Shaun Graham subjected this woman to a vile assault which, in her own words, has completely changed her life.

“My first thoughts always are with her – she has shown such courage from that initial report to police all the way through to the sentencing hearing today.

“Hopefully the knowledge that Graham is going to spend a substantial stint behind bars can allow her to move forward with her life.”

Det Con Kane added: “This case is a stark reminder to those who do not understand that no means no – lack of consent means you are a rapist.

“Day-in-day out we put these people before the courts and bring them to justice – all on our mission to protecting the vulnerable people in our communities.”

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A man has been jailed for six years for grooming and sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl.

Jonathan Simpson, 32, from the St Austell area, appeared at Truro Crown Court for sentencing on 2 October after being found guilty by a jury of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl 13 to 15.

The court heard how the offence took place in early 2023 when the victim was 14 and vulnerable.

She described to officers how Simpson asked her if she wanted to go for a drink and she agreed.

They met at a bus stop in the St Austell area and then drank and stayed for several days at Simpson’s caravan.

During this time Simpson proceeded to sexually assault the victim despite being 28 and knowing she was 14.

DNA analysis found Simpson’s semen on the victim’s clothes.

Officer in the case, Detective Constable David Squire said:

“Jonathan Simpson took advantage of the victim’s vulnerability and proceeded to groom and exploit her for his own sexual gratification.

“Simpson was fully aware of the victim’s age yet carried on regardless.

“I would like to thank the victim for having the courage to disclose what happened to her, and for remaining engaged in the legal process, resulting in Simpson being convicted for the sexual offence.”

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A 69-year-old man has been jailed for sexually abusing a child in the 1970s.

Stuart McDowell, from Stuart Place in Chester appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on 30 September to be sentenced after being found guilty of nine counts of indecent assault, four counts of gross indecency, attempting to have sexual intercourse, rape of a female and unlawful sexual intercourse.

He was sentenced to 20 years in prison extended for one year. He is also subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and has to sign the Sex Offenders Register.

DS Craig Walker said:

“The length of sentence reflects how devastating his depraved behaviour has been on this survivor.

“This was a prolonged series of abuse which has had such a profound effect on her that she has struggled through life with challenges no one should have to go through.

“Despite the difficulties, she carried on even when she sometimes felt she couldn’t anymore. She is a true hero, and her sheer strength should not be underestimated.

“When she felt able to, she bravely came to us and told her story.  She got vital support, as well as the vindication she needed that his behaviour was wrong and should never happen to any vulnerable child.

“McDowell is now finally paying for his heinous actions against an innocent child.

“I hope others who have suffered, no matter how long ago, feel some hope in this conviction, and when the time is right, feel that they too can come forward to police and get the support that they need and the justice they deserve.”

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A Newton Aycliffe man has been jailed for 12 years after raping and sexually assaulting a woman while she slept, then begging her not to tell police.

Teesside Crown Court heard that officers attended a property following an anonymous report but received no immediate response. The woman later told them that Aaron Waldron, 29, of Honister Place, had raped her as she slept, sexually assaulted her, and hidden her phone so she could not call for help. The court was told he begged her not to disclose what he had done.

Waldron denied rape, sexual assault and assault causing actual bodily harm, claiming any sexual activity was consensual and that the woman was not asleep. He stood trial from 29 June to 3 July and was convicted of all three counts.

He appeared by video link from Holme House Prison for sentencing on 2 October, after probation reports were prepared. A victim statement described the “devastating impact” of the offences on her physical and mental health.

Waldron has no previous sexual convictions but has a past conviction for violence. Recorder Andrew Sutcliffe KC said aggravating factors included that Waldron was under the influence of alcohol, that he tried to persuade the victim not to report the offences, and the added degradation and humiliation she suffered. The Recorder said Waldron poses a danger to women, but decided an extended sentence was not required.

He imposed a 12-year prison term. Waldron must serve two-thirds before release on licence. He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

An indefinite restraining order bans him from contacting or approaching the victim, or going to any address where he knows she may be.

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Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been sentenced for rape in Oxford.

Rajeev Harikrishnan, aged 33, of Percy Street, Oxford, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court yesterday (2/10) to a total of 17 years in prison.

Harikrishnan was found guilty by unanimous jury of the following:

• Five counts of rape
• One count of coercive and controlling behaviour
• One count of intentional strangulation
• One count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm
• One count of perverting the course of justice

He pleaded guilty to a further two counts of breaching a restraining order.

The victim in this case was subjected to a long period of sustained abuse both physical, sexual and emotional.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Marisa Chamberlain said:

“Harikrishnan has been convicted of a number of serious and violent offences.

“He held a sustained campaign and subjected the victim to a long period of physical, sexual and emotional abuse over a number of years. He will now have to face the consequences of his actions.

“I would like to thank the victim in this case who has shown considerable courage and strength in reporting this to police and going through an investigation. This conviction is in no small part down to her incredible bravery and resilience.

“The sentence imposed by the court reflects the severity of the offences, and demonstrates that Thames Valley Police will always take reports of sexual offences seriously and will work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice.

“Domestic abuse will never be tolerated. We remain committed to supporting victims, pursing offenders and preventing further harm.”

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A woman who was subjected to sexual and mental abuse courageously reported the crimes to police, and saw her attacker and his accomplices jailed.

The victim saw the case through court, despite attempts by her abuser to intimidate her into dropping charges.

Farman Ali, 28, from Sheffield, raped the victim six times and sexually assaulted her twice in a six-month period between 2024 and 2025.

Ali also physically assaulted the woman and mentally abused her during the period.

Ali was assisted in his abuse of the victim by two women, Zarina Zarina, 60, and Saadia Mohammad, 43.

The victim reported the abuse to police in January 2025, and officers immediately acted. Ali, Zarina, and Mohammad were arrested the following day.

After Ali’s offences were reported to us, he continued to target the victim, threatening to kill her family if she did not retract her allegations, but she bravely pursued legal action against him.

During the course of the investigation, officers gathered a wealth of evidence, including forensics, photos of the victim’s injuries, witness statements, and CCTV footage.

Despite the strength of evidence, Ali pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

However, a jury saw through his denials, and he was found guilty of 11 charges, including six counts of rape, following a trial at Sheffield Crown Court on 14 May 2026.

He was sentenced on Thursday 1 October to 20 years imprisonment.

Mohammad and Zarina both pleaded guilty to the charges against them at the same court on 5 May.

They were both sentenced on 1 October to three years and two months’ imprisonment.

Detective Constable Peter Bazley, the officer in charge of the case, said:

“First and foremost, I would like to recognise the immeasurable strength the victim in this case had in coming forward and reporting this abhorrent abuse.

“I am thankful for the faith she put in the police to secure justice and would also like to thank the entire team involved in this investigation for their immense dedication.

“Two decades in prison is the least this sick and abusive man deserves, and I am glad that the women who aided him in his crimes will also spend time behind bars.

“I would like to reassure others who may have experienced sexual violence that we take all reports seriously and will do everything we can to secure justice for victims.”

Zarina and Mohammad were both found not guilty of assault.

Victims of sexual offences are automatically granted lifelong anonymity under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act. Please remember that it is a criminal offence to identify them in any way.

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A registered sex offender from Plymouth is jailed for breaching his court order following an investigation by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU). 

Scott Coombes, age 36, of Beaumont Road in Plymouth appeared before Plymouth Crown Court having pleaded guilty to two breaches of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) - deleting his mobile phone history and attempting sexual communication with a child with the intention of forming an inappropriate relationship. 

Coombes was arrested at his home address by officers from the SWROCU on 17 August after he began chatting online with what he thought was a child under 16 years old. 

Coombes has a history of committing child sex offences and was previously issued with an indefinite SHPO meaning he was subject to specific restrictions to prevent his reoffending. Today (2 October) he was jailed for two years. 

DI Dave Wells from SWROCU said:

"There are serious legal consequences for breaching a SHPO and I am pleased to see the Judge hand down a custodial sentence to him today. 

"My team is across the internet seeking to identify and arrest offenders looking to sexually abuse or exploit children. We are committed to working tirelessly to bring prolific offenders like Coombes to justice.” 

As well as his custodial sentence, Coombes will be on the Sex Offenders' Register and will be ordered to comply with a SHPO indefinitely upon his release. 

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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.’

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A Southampton man has today been jailed after admitting sexual activity with two underage girls.

Patrick Sheppard, 19, of no fixed abode, appeared before Southampton Crown Court today (2 October) where he was jailed for two years and 11 months.

He previously pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a child at the same court on Wednesday 29 April.

The court heard how Sheppard committed the offences against two girls, both aged 14. The incidents happened at an address in Totton and an address in Nursling between March 2024 and November 2025.

Sheppard also pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle dangerously, driving with a proportion of a controlled drug above the limit and using a vehicle without insurance following an unrelated incident in Southampton in April 2025.

As part of his sentence for both the sexual offences and driving offences, he was also handed two 10-year restraining orders, a three-year driving ban and will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years.

Detective Constable Gintare Jatautaite, from Amberstone, the dedicated rape and sexual assault investigations team, said:

“Firstly I would like to thank both victims for their bravery throughout the investigation and court process.

“We encourage other victims to come forward and speak to us. We take reports of this nature extremely seriously and work hard to bring offenders to justice.

“This case should also be a very clear message to other offenders out there that we will always work tirelessly to ensure you are brought to justice.”

Police Staff Investigator Rebecca Stevens, who works on the Child Abuse Investigation Team and investigated one of the assaults, said:

“Sheppard preyed on two young girls and took advantage of their vulnerability.

“His predatory behaviour is abhorrent, and I am pleased we were able to secure justice for these brave girls.

“Our force is dedicated to protecting the children in our community. If you have any concerns about child abuse, please contact us. You can call 101 or reach out via our website.”

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A former priest who sexually abused multiple young women in his Sheffield congregation has today been convicted of further offences including rape.

Christopher Brain, now aged 69, led a group called the Nine O’Clock Service in the city in the 1980s and 1990s and used his power and influence to make women feel they had no choice but to submit to his sexual demands. 

Brain, formerly of Park Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire, was convicted in August 2025 of 17 counts of indecent assault against nine women. The jury in the 2025 trial was unable to reach a verdict on a further four counts of indecent assault and one count of rape. However, following a five-week re-trial, he has today (Friday 2 October 2026) been found guilty of all five of these offences against four women.

Brain’s convictions follow an extensive and complex police investigation which we launched in 2019 following a referral. Thanks to the bravery of the women who made reports, a dedicated team of officers was able to begin building the case against Brain and establishing the full picture of his offending.

The NOS attracted a young congregation through its use of live music and nightclub-style multimedia effects. It was initially held at St Thomas’s Church in Crookes, before later moving to a larger venue in Ponds Forge in the city centre.

The court heard that Brain, who was an ordained Church of England priest, created a ‘cult’ and ‘brainwashed’ his victims into believing that he was a ‘mouthpiece of God’. The victims thought if they didn’t carry out the sexual acts he demanded, they would be failing as Christians.

It was only after the NOS ended, and for some many years later, that the victims realised they had been groomed and sexually abused.

During the investigation, our officers spoke to hundreds of people, with most bringing different names and lines of enquiry into the investigation. We took around 50 statements, gathered hundreds of pieces of documentation and conducted 55 hours’ worth of victim and witness interviews.

Our enquiries took us all over the UK, with many of those involved now based in different parts of the country. Many of the people we needed to speak to for help with our enquiries weren’t previously known to police, and weren’t easily traceable, resulting in the use of varied and complex tactics to find them and seek their assistance.

During both the trial and re-trial, a small team of SYP officers relocated from South Yorkshire to London to support the prosecution and assist in justice being secured.

Detective Superintendent Eleanor Welsh, Senior Investigating Officer, said:

“I’d firstly like to put on record my gratitude towards all of the courageous women who made reports and put their trust and support behind our investigation. These women have waited three or four decades for these verdicts and bravely relived their ordeals in a bid to secure justice.

“Due to Brain’s continued denial of the offences, the victims – who have already been through so much - had to ensure a second trial. Furthermore, victims from the first trial bravely returned as witnesses to support the prosecution.

“Brain is a devious and arrogant sexual predator who caused lasting harm to these women.

“While I am pleased with the guilty verdicts, I know for the victims it can never take away what Brain did to them. However, I hope that it brings some comfort to know they have had a voice, they have been heard, and the jury has accepted that Brain is a serial sex offender.”

Det Supt Welsh added:

“I also hope today’s verdicts show others who may have suffered sexual abuse that it’s never too late to come forward and report to us, even if the offences occurred many years ago. We will listen to you and there is support available to you throughout the process.”

Brain will be sentenced on a date to be set.

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A violent and controlling bully has been given a 22-year sentence after abusing and raping a woman.

Luke Smith (pictured below) controlled his victim, telling her when she could sleep, monitoring who she was talking to, making her change her phone password and adding his own face recognition to her phone.

At times he would track the victim's location on her phone, turning up unannounced to where she was.

On one occasion he bombarded his victim with text messages, before turning up at her home and being sent away. He later followed her to a party at a pub, again attempting to get her to speak to him. Door staff intervened and sent Smith away, but when the victim left the pub later on, she found him waiting for her, appearing again attempting to speak to her.

Smith also raped his victim. Despite her asking him to stop, or telling him no, he continued to do so.

The victim bravely came forward and told police what had happened to her. Smith was arrested, and on his arrest told our officers, Yeah, I have harassed her, I will admit that.

In an interview, he continued to admit to the harassment, but continually denied rape, insisting that any sexual contact was consensual.

Following a consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Smith, 24, of no fixed abode, but formerly of Garstang, was charged with six counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour, six counts of sexual assault, sending communication of an indecent or offensive nature and stalking involving serious alarm or distress.

He pleaded not guilty, forcing his victim to endure a trial and re-live the facts of his abuse. A jury saw through his lies and found him guilty.

On Friday 25th September he appeared back in the dock at Preston Crown Court where he was given a custodial sentence of 18 years, and a further four years on extended license.

The victim provided a Victim Personal Statement to the court, opening it with:

The events at the centre of this case have changed my life in ways I never could have imagined.

The abuse did not simply hurt me at the time; it changed the person I was and left me having to rebuild parts of myself that I never should have had to lose. I have lost confidence in myself, in other people and in the world around me.

I have lost my sense of safety, and, for a long time, I lost the ability to feel that I could simply live my life without being afraid.

Later on, she said:

What happened to me will always be something I survived, but it will never be the measure of who I am. I am not the person this experience tried to leave behind. I am the person who survived it, stood up, spoke out and is now taking back the life that belongs to me.

She continued:

No means no, and I should never have to be frightened that saying no will result in someone becoming angry, aggressive or continuing regardless.

DC Kirsten Bell, of Lancaster Polices Domestic Abuse and Vulnerable Adult team said:

Smith is a controlling bully, who repeatedly abused and raped his victim. She gathered the courage to contact us, and without that support, Smith may not have been brought to justice.

Despite the effect Smiths crimes will have understandably had on her, she has been incredibly brave and shown an incredible strength throughout proceedings. As she so eloquently put in her own victim statement she survived it, stood up, and spoke out and because of that, Smith is now behind bars for a significant amount of time. I hope she can now begin to move forward and begin rebuilding her life knowing this.

Smith began his campaign of abuse subtly knowing her phone password, and who she was talking to. His behaviour escalated to stalking the woman and raping her. This was never love, it was controlling and coercive behaviour and abuse.

If you are reading this today and think that some of these signs seem familiar to you, or to a friend or loved one, please speak out. Please get in touch with us knowing you will be believed and that we will investigate appropriately so that we can do all we can to get you justice.

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An abuser who raped one girl and sexually assaulted another has been jailed for 17 years.

Liam Fox raped the young girl on an isolated railway embankment in Darlington around ten years ago.

His offending came to light when the girl, who had told nobody what had happened at the time, broke down and bravely disclosed Fox’s actions to her mother several years later.

Police were called and an investigation was launched, led by Darlington Safeguarding Team.

Through their enquiries, investigators discovered that Fox had sexually abused another young girl over a number of years.

The 34-year-old, from Darlington, was arrested and charged with rape, two counts of sexual assault, and two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child.

He denied the offences, but a jury found him guilty on all counts following a trial at Teesside Crown Court earlier this year.

Fox returned to court on Tuesday (September 29) where he was jailed for 17 years.

He was also made subject to a year sexual harm prevention order, restricting him from having contact with any female child under the age of 16 for 20 years, as well as an indefinite restraining order preventing him from contacting either of the girls.

Investigative Officer Chris Jung, who led the investigation, said:

“First and foremost, I want to commend these young women for having the bravery to disclose what had happened to police.

“It takes a great deal of courage to speak out against an abuser, but by standing up to Fox and having their voices heard, they have helped to take a dangerous offender off the streets, who poses a clear risk to children.

“Fox is a predator who subjected these girls to appalling abuse and then put them both through the ordeal of a trial. A jury unanimously convicted him for these offences, and I hope both survivors can take comfort from that and seeing him sentenced.”

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Following an investigation by Thames Valley Police, a man has been jailed after being convicted of rape in Milton Keynes. 

Evans Nyarko, aged 45, of Flat 3, 2 Tintagel Court, Fishermead, Milton Keynes, was sentenced to eight years in prison on yesterday (1/10) at Aylesbury Crown Court after being found guilty by a jury of one count of rape of a woman aged over 16. 

The jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict following a six-day trial, concluding on 26 May 2026. 

On 12 August 2024, shortly after midnight in the Conniburrow area of Milton Keynes, the victim, a woman aged in her fifties, had been enjoying a night out with friends and acquaintances. 

At the end of the evening, Nyarko offered to help the victim get home by taxi. 

After arriving at her home address shortly after midnight, the victim began feeling unwell and struggling to walk. Nyarko assisted her into the property before following her into a downstairs toilet and raping her. 

The incident was reported to Thames Valley Police in 2024 and Nyarko was arrested and charged on 28 August 2024. 

Investigating officer Detective Constable Lyndsay Gofton, of Thames Valley Police, said:

"This was a terrible abuse of trust by Nyarko, who took advantage of a woman who was vulnerable after a night out and relied on him to help her get home safely. 

"The victim welcomed Nyarko's assistance because he was known to her. Instead of ensuring that she was safe, he exploited her and committed a serious sexual offence. 

"Nyarko denied what he had done throughout the investigation, forcing the victim to relive her ordeal and give evidence before a jury. 

"I would like to commend the victim for the courage and dignity she has shown throughout this investigation and court process.  

Her determination to come forward and support the prosecution has enabled a dangerous offender to be brought to justice. 

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Damian Parkin, 30, from Durham, has been sentenced at Teesside Crown Court today (2 October) to 37 months in prison for engaging in sexual activity with a child, taking indecent images of a child, and perverting the course of justice.

Parkin was also placed on the sex offenders register for life and made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order. The victim was additionally granted a five-year restraining order against him. Having previously pleaded guilty, he received a reduced sentence and the victim was not required to give evidence at trial.

It was on Thursday 13 March 2026, when North Yorkshire Police received a referral from Children's Services regarding concerns of child grooming and sexual exploitation involving a 15-year-old girl.

The concerns were initially raised by a family member, who reported inappropriate behaviour by a then-29-year-old man towards the child. During the investigation, evidence revealed a sustained pattern of grooming behaviour designed to facilitate the sexual exploitation of the victim for the offender's own sexual gratification.

The investigation found that the defendant had employed a number of grooming tactics. He first gained the trust of both the victim and her family by presenting himself as caring, supportive and understanding.

He then exploited the child's vulnerabilities, gradually creating an emotional dependency upon him. Throughout the course of their contact, the defendant provided the victim with a variety of gifts to foster a sense of loyalty and obligation towards him. The investigation established that the defendant deliberately sought to isolate the victim from her family and professionals involved in her care.

He created opportunities to spend time alone with the child, encouraged secrecy regarding their relationship, and progressively undermined the support and protection offered by trusted adults around her. The defendant attempted to normalise his behaviour by portraying the relationship as consensual and legitimate. This formed part of a wider pattern of manipulation designed to reduce the likelihood of disclosure and maintain his control over the victim.

Following the seizure and examination of the defendant's digital devices,  extensive communications between him and the victim were recovered, which included evidence that he had actively coached the victim on how to avoid detection and conceal the nature of their contact.

Additionally, officers located nine Category C indecent images of the victim that had been created by the defendant.

The evidence gathered during the investigation demonstrated a calculated and deliberate course of conduct, in which the defendant exploited a vulnerable child through manipulation, isolation and coercive influence in order to facilitate her sexual exploitation.

Detective Constable Lauren Batey of North Yorkshire Police, said:

"This conviction demonstrates our commitment to protecting children from sexual exploitation and bringing those who prey on vulnerable young people before the courts.

"Cases of child sexual exploitation (CSE) are often hidden and victims may not always recognise they are being exploited or feel able to speak about what is happening. I would encourage those who have concerns about a child to report these concerns.

"We take all reports of CSE seriously and work closely with out safeguarding partners to ensure children receive the protection and support they need."