Latest Offenders

Description

A man who raped a 17-year-old girl in Berryhill Fields has pleaded guilty in court.

We have been working tirelessly to build the evidence against Jason William Heaton, 53, of Hulme, Stoke-on-Trent, who was arrested earlier this month following a report of a rape.

At about 7pm on 2 July, the victim was walking in Berryhill Fields, off Dividy Road, between Bentilee and Berryhill, when she was raped by Heaton.

The victim bravely reported what happened and Heaton was arrested and charged.

We were able to present the court with strong evidence today, which left Heaton no choice but to admit what he did.

At Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court yesterday (Monday 27 July), Heaton pleaded guilty to two counts of rape of a woman, attempted rape, cause a female 13 or over to engage in sexual activity and kidnap.

He will now be taken to prison ahead of his sentencing date due at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on 30 September.

Speaking following the conviction, Detective Constable Samantha Gales said:

“This was a particularly abhorrent attack on the survivor, who has shown immense bravery in coming forward and supporting our investigation.”

Description

A predatory paedophile who raped and sexually abused a girl has been sentenced to 16 years in jail and four years on extended licence.

Robert Douglas was a registered sex offender when he carried out the sexual abuse in the Preston area between December 2025 and February 2026.

The abuse included rape and other sexual offences. In addition to the sexual abuse of the girl, Douglas sent her sexually explicit messages and encouraged her to send them too. As part of their investigation officers found over 1,000 indecent images of children on Douglas’ phone.

Robert Douglas, 26, of Ash Drive, Warton, Preston was convicted of multiple sexual offences after pleading guilty to 17 charges, covering:

• Rape of a child
• Sexual abuse of a child
• Multiple Indecent Image offences (possession of category A, B and C images of young children)

He was sentenced on Monday 20th July at Preston Crown Court to a total of 16 years in custody and four years on extended licence.

He will need to serve two thirds of the 16 year custodial sentence before being eligible for parole. 

The victim’s Dad said:

“My daughter has always been the heart of our family. She was bright, confident, and full of life. Watching her grow into a bright, thoughtful, compassionate and socially vibrant young girl has been one of my greatest joys as her father.

“Since the abuse, everything has changed. The impact on her emotional wellbeing has been devastating. The effects are ongoing, far reaching, and deeply painful. We are doing everything we can to support her, but the road ahead is long, and the consequences of this trauma are present in every corner of our lives.”
Detective Constable Helen Morrison of Lancashire Police said:

“I want to commend the victim's extraordinary bravery. Her courage in coming forward and standing strong throughout this investigation was vital.

“Justice has been served with the sentencing of Douglas, a dangerous paedophile who preyed upon a vulnerable victim. His significant custodial sentence reflects the horrific nature of his actions.

“I want all victims of sexual offences to know that, should they choose to come forward, they will be treated with the utmost sensitivity, professionalism, and respect.

“We hope this result brings the victim some peace and closure as she moves forward with her recovery.”

Description

Szuhel Lee, 53, of Roberts Street, Salford, has been jailed for 27 months after being caught attempting to arrange the sexual abuse of a child with an undercover officer – less than a year after his release from a 10-year US prison sentence for a similar offence.

Lee was first jailed in Florida in 2013 after travelling to Orlando with the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with a child under 16. He was released in 2022. In August 2025 he began messaging an undercover officer from Operation Xcalibur on a porn website, later moving the conversation to Telegram.  

On 5 September he asked about sexually abusing the officer’s purported granddaughter and requested to speak to the “girl.” One message he sent read: “Do you s*** his d***?”  

He was arrested in October 2025. Police recovered hundreds of indecent images of children from his devices, including 121 Category A images and videos of children aged four to six, 135 Category B images and videos of children aged 0–12 months, and 1,109 Category C images of children aged six to eight. Seven extreme pornographic images depicting bestiality were also found.  

Lee pleaded guilty at Manchester Crown Court to attempted sexual communication with a child, making Category A, B and C indecent images of children, and possession of an extreme pornographic image.  

Prosecutor Eleanor Brambell told the court the conversation began on 12 August 2025 and that Lee “said he wanted to speak to the ‘granddaughter’” before asking her to describe sexual abuse.  

Defending, Clare Ashcroft said Lee had received no offence-related courses in the US prison and “has never been given the opportunity to engage with the probation service and to address what is a sexual interest in children.” She described him as an isolated individual with little family contact who “felt very alone and didn’t know what to do.”  

Recorder Alexandra Simmonds sentenced Lee, stating: “The similarity between the previous case and this one demonstrates a continued sexual interest in children on your part, and a perseverance to continue that behaviour not withstanding the length of sentence.”  

He was placed on the Sex Offenders Register and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life.

Description

Four men who came forward and reported non-recent sexual abuse against them when they were just children, have watched their perpetrator get sentenced to a total of eighteen years and four months behind bars, and ordered to remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Graham Stephenson, 55-years-old, of Nestor Grove in Hull appeared at Grimsby Crown Court on Monday, 27 July 2026 to be sentenced after he pleaded guilty to two counts of inciting a boy to engage in sexual activity, rape, sexual activity with a child and making indecent photographs of a child. In addition to his custodial sentence, he also received an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Officers received a report from a man in February 2023 disclosing non recent sexual abuse against him when he was a young child.

The case was immediately flagged with our Protecting Vulnerable People Unit; an investigation was launched and officers started obtaining video recorded interviews from the man who had come forward.

Initial enquiries established that Stephenson used money and other forms of manipulation to sexually abuse the vulnerable young boy, with the abuse continuing for around six years, starting when the victim was around 10 years old.

As the investigation progressed, further enquiries identified a second potential victim, who, when approached by officers, disclosed that he had been sexually abused by Stephenson from the age of six, with the offending continuing for approximately nine years.

Stephenson was subsequently arrested in July 2023, and during his interview in custody he denied all offences and any knowledge of what the victims had reported.

Following the arrest, and after both men had told their close ones that they had come forward to the police to explain what Stephenson had subjected them to, a third man, also known to them, then came forward with similar reports of sexual abuse he had been subjected to by Stephenson.

During the investigation, officers also identified a fourth man who had been subjected to sexual behaviour by Stephenson in 2004.

As part of the investigation, Stephenson’s home address was searched by officers, and around 45 devices were seized. Following examination, over 500 illegal images were located on his computer devices, including images of a sexual nature. The evidence further underlined Stephenson’s involvement in the non-recent abuse of the four boys.

Detective Constable Rebecca Davison from our Protecting Vulnerable People Unit said:

“Rape and sexual abuse against boys and men is extremely underreported, and I would like to start by acknowledging and commending the four men for coming forward and reporting what had happened to them as such young children.

“We wouldn’t be here today without the bravery and strength shown by the men throughout the entirety of what has been a very lengthy and complex investigation, but despite everything they had been through they were all still willing to give evidence which has ultimately led us to get some kind of justice for them.

“Stephenson denied all allegations when interviewed and initially pleaded not guilty, only later changing his plea to guilty. The investigation showed a clear pattern of manipulation over many years, where he deliberately used influence and control to facilitate the abuse of these boys.

“We take reports of rape, and other sexual offences, both recent and non-recent, extremely seriously and will continue to seek justice for those who have suffered at the hands of such sordid individuals like Stephenson.

“No matter your age or gender, or whether the offences took place yesterday or 30 years ago, we would encourage you to tell someone you trust and report it to the police.“

Description

A man who abducted a teenage girl at knifepoint before raping her in a basement has been given an Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR).

Aaron Strachan, now 21, approached the 15-year-old girl as she waited at a bus stop in Edinburgh city centre in the early hours of 25 May 2025. 

Due to feeling uneasy, the victim walked away towards Princes Street, where other members of the public were present.  

Strachan, who was wearing a balaclava, was then captured on CCTV following her from a distance.  

He then ran towards the girl as she sat at a second bus stop, threatening to harm her while brandishing a knife.  

Strachan seized her by the shoulders and forcibly led her to the basement of a building on York Place. 

He blocked the door with wooden pallets to prevent the victim from leaving before raping her. 

Strachan, who did not know the victim, was identified after his DNA was found at the scene.  

He was seen by police on Dalry Road on 1 June 2025 and ran off from officers but was located hiding in shrubbery a short time later.  

On 4 December 2025, Strachan appeared at the High Court in Edinburgh where he pleaded guilty to rape. 

He also admitted repeatedly stabbing a man on the hand with a knife, causing severe injury – an offence which took place just hours before the rape. 

Strachan further pleaded guilty to a second assault after striking another man on the head with a claw hammer on 28 May 2025, to the danger of his life. 

On 13 January 2026, after sentencing was adjourned, the accused escaped from custody while leaving the court building. He was caught by police a short time later.  

On 27 July 2026, at the High Court in Edinburgh, Strachan was given the indefinite sentence and ordered to serve a minimum of five years before he can be considered for parole. 

His name has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely. 

Faye Cook, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, said:  

“Aaron Strachan’s actions in abducting his victim before raping her were calculated, predatory, and caused profound harm. 

“Although this type of stranger offending is rare, this conviction reflects the gravity of his crimes and the commitment of prosecutors and police to bring him to justice. 

“Sexual violence and the use of weapons to intimidate and harm have no place in our society. 

“We will continue to take action against perpetrators while supporting victims throughout the prosecution process.”

Description

A Swindon sex offender who was purporting to be a 15-year-old girl online has been jailed for a number of child sex offences.

Paul Webb, 28, formerly of Avonmead, Hayden Wick, appeared in Swindon Crown Court last Wednesday (22/07) after pleading guilty to four counts of attempting to cause/incite a boy aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of attempting to cause a child aged 13 to 15 to look at an image of sexual activity.

He was jailed for four years. He must also sign on to the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely and is subject to a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

The sentence comes following an investigation by our Paedophile Online Investigation Team (formerly known as our Child Internet Exploitation Team), which found that Webb was pretending to be a teenage girl online and repeatedly attempting to engage teenage boys in sexual conversation.

He was subsequently charged and remanded into custody.

DC Sadie McCoy from POLIT said:

“Webb is undoubtedly a dangerous individual whose behaviour poses a real risk to children.

“I’m pleased the court has recognised the severity of his offending and has put him behind bars.

“He will also be subject to a SHPO, which places a number of conditions and requirements on him for when he is released from prison.

“Our team works to prevent offenders like Webb from exploiting and abusing children and I hope this case sends a strong message to our communities that we are committed to targeting offenders like Webb who have the potential to cause serious and significant harm."

Description

A serial sex offender who exposed himself on trains twice in three days has been jailed, following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Oliver Shoesmith, 44, and of no fixed address, was sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment at Northampton Crown Court on Monday 13 July having pleaded guilty to two counts of Exposure. He was also handed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

The court heard how on Tuesday 20 August 2024 Shoesmith boarded a train at Guildford railway station bound for Farnham. He walked down the train before spotting a lone woman, opting to sit across the aisle from her despite there being many other empty seats.

The woman, who was reading her book, didn't initially notice as Shoesmith unzipped his jacket and trousers before exposing himself. As soon as she noticed, the woman stood up and moved down the train away from him.  

Shoesmith also got up, moving further down the train until he spotted another woman. He sat diagonally opposite from the woman, who was sat across from her husband, before exposing himself again and masturbating.  

Only two days later, on Thursday 22 August, Shoesmith boarded a train at Brighton railway station bound for Bedford and again sat across the aisle from a woman.

She noticed Shoesmith masturbating and exposing himself while looking directly at her and screamed. A member of railway staff came to the victim’s aid and Shoesmith moved down the carriage before getting off the train at Burgess Hill.

Shoesmith, who has previously been jailed in 2018 for three years for Exposure and Sexual Assault and again for two years and four months in 2024 for breaching his SHPO and Exposure, was linked to these two offences while he was in prison.

Shoesmith was arrested at HMP Five Wells on Thursday 6 November 2025 and taken to custody for questioning. In interview he admitted to both incidents and later pleaded guilty before being sentenced to a further 10 months' imprisonment.

BTP Detective Constable Ewen Roberts said:

"Shoesmith has repeatedly targeted lone women on the railway in deliberate and horrific acts. His behaviour, repeated time and again, is completely unacceptable and I'm pleased he’s back behind bars.

"There is absolutely no place for sexual offending on the rail network, and we're committed to securing justice for anyone who is targeted by the likes of Shoesmith.

"I'd urge anyone who experiences or witnesses a sexual offence on a train or at a station to report it to us by texting 61016. We take every report seriously, and will stop at nothing to put offenders before the courts.

Description

A former senior youth worker has been sentenced to five and a half years behind bars after he was found guilty of six counts of sexual offences against multiple children between 2012 and 2022 following a complex investigation by detectives from our Child Sexual Exploitation team (CSE).

Jacob Agnew, 30-years-old, of East Hull, who identifies himself as white British, was found guilty of four counts of sexual activity with a child, sexual assault, and causing a child to engage in sexual activity, following a 13-day trial at Hull Crown Court which concluded last month (Tuesday, 30 June 2026).

In addition, at an earlier court hearing, Agnew pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual activity with a child, and fraud.

After appearing at Hull Crown Court for sentencing today (Friday, 24 July 2026), he has also been handed a five-year restraining order against all victims involved and will be on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Agnew will also be ordered to remain on the barred and disclosure list indefinitely, meaning he will never be able to work in a youth setting ever again.

During the trial, the court heard how Agnew’s offending was committed over a period spanning a decade, between 2012 and 2022, involving seven girls aged between 14 and 17-years-old.

Detective Inspector Tim Hudson from our Child Sexual Exploitation Team, said:

“I would first like to start by commending the immense courage shown by those who came forward and thank them for their support throughout the complexities of this investigation and the court proceedings. Their bravery in speaking to us, and in giving evidence in court, cannot be underestimated.

“Agnew was a senior youth worker who used his position of trust and responsibility to target vulnerable young girls. When concerns were raised, he used his manipulative charm to claim the children were attracted to him, that they were fabricating stories, and that he was the victim.

“In 2022, his employer suspended him whilst investigating a similar complaint from a child. During this suspension, he fraudulently supplied a character reference to gain a position of trust at a school. When his ongoing suspension and this false representation were highlighted, the job offer was rescinded before he could start. This shows his determination to secure a further position of trust which in the past has afforded him the opportunity to offend.

“This has been a complex investigation which has uncovered predatory offending spanning more than a decade, impacting several young girls who have carried the impact of this abuse for years. No sentence will take away their trauma, but I am pleased to say he is now behind bars where he belongs.

“Our Child Sexual Exploitation team have specially trained detectives who will listen, investigate, and continue to ensure offenders like Agnew are brought before the courts.

“It doesn't matter if the offences took place yesterday or 10 years ago — when you are ready to talk to us, we will listen, we will support you, and we will take action.

“If you don’t want to talk to us, or if you would like additional support, there are lots of people who can help. You are in control, and it’s up to you who you talk to and what support you need.”

Description

A convicted sex offender has been sent back to jail for a further string of sexual offences.

Christopher Hall, of no fixed address, appeared at Chester Crown Court on 22nd July to be sentenced after pleading guilty to four counts of making indecent photographs, possession of extreme pornographic images involving animals, possession of indecent photographs, three counts of distributing indecent photographs and being an adult attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.

The 58-year-old was sentenced to three years in prison.

As part of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order conditions, the 58-year-old has to agree to unannounced visits by police, and checks on his devices to ensure he is compliant with the order. 

On Friday 13th February 2026 officers attended his address and looked at his iPhone 14. Evidence of indecent images led to his electronic devices being seized for further investigation.

They found 32 category A videos, one category B image, 16 category B videos, 7 category C images and 14 extreme pornographic videos.

They also found that he had been using an app to speak to someone who clearly stated the were 14 years old and made continued sexualised comments and conversation with them.

PC Ell Estcourt said:

“This is Hall's second sexual offence of this nature. He knew he had to adhere to conditions in order to stay out of prison, yet he still went ahead and carried on with his predatory and disturbing behaviour.

“I hope this goes as a warning to those who are subject to such conditions, that we do check and we will take action in order to protect children and young people from harm.”

Description

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been sentenced for sexual offences in South Oxfordshire. 

Karl Miles (pictured below), aged 39, of Ipsden Court, Cholsey, Wallingford, pleaded guilty to one count each of an offender 18 or over engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15 years old on multiple occasions by digital penetration, an offender 18 or over engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15 years old and engaging in sexual communication with a child at Oxford Crown Court on 22 June 2026. 

At the same court, Miles was sentenced to five years and four months' imprisonment yesterday (23/7). 

Between 1 March 2021 and 25 December 2021, Miles groomed and sexually assaulted the victim, girl in her teens at the time of the offences.  

Miles was arrested on 7 June 2022 and re-arrested on 4 May 2023.  

Subsequently, Miles was charged on 16 June 2024. 

Investigating officer Detective Constable Davina Gotch of the Criminal Investigation Department said:

"Firstly, I cannot commend the bravery of the victim enough, for coming forward and speaking out about what happened to them.  

“The abuse, and subsequent trial, has had a huge impact on the victim, but the resilience and strength of character she has shown is a real credit to her. 

"Sadly, the victim has since been diagnosed with severe complex PTSD as a result of the abuse she suffered from Miles. 

"Miles lied to police during his initial interview and continued to maintain his innocence throughout the investigation however when confronted with the evidence at court, he changed his plea to guilty.  

"The fight against child sexual abuse will never stop and I hope this conviction highlights not only our commitment in tackling these crimes but also our commitment in protecting all children and tracking down anyone who seeks to harm them. 

“As a force we remain committed to investigating these cases thoroughly, bringing sexual predators to justice, and support victims and witnesses of these abhorrent crimes. 

"I would always urge any victims of such heinous crimes to come forward and report these to police." 

Description

Two men have been jailed after raping a woman in Winsford.

Diyar Mohammed Abdulsalm and Dilgash Adil, both of Ledward Street, Winsford, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday 24 July for sentence.

Abdulsalm, 28, was sentenced to 11 years after being found guilty of two counts of rape.

Adil, 32, was also sentenced to 11 years after being found guilty of one count of rape.

The pair, who are both Syrian nationals, must sign the sex offender register indefinitely.

At 4.55am on Sunday 21 December police were called to concerns for an 18-year-old woman in Winsford.

It was reported she had been on a night out in the town when she started speaking to two men - Abdulsalm and Adil - and had travelled to their home address with them. 

Contact was made with the woman, who was found near to The Drumber, Winsford.

She then disclosed to officers that she had been raped. Abdulsalm and Adil were subsequently arrested and later charged.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Murray said:

“Abdulsalm and Adil targeted a young woman who could not consent due to intoxication. Officers quickly ensured the victim was safeguarded and arrested the pair in connection with the offences.

“Despite their denials, the jury found them guilty and they have now been jailed for their crimes. Although the victim will never be able to forget what happened, I hope these sentences provide her with some closure, knowing that these men are behind bars and justice has been served.”

Description

A woman who was raped by a man in Norwich says she feels she has finally found justice after her attacker was jailed for seven years. He was also issued with an indefinite restraining order. 

Monwar Hussain, aged 29, of Marauder Road, Norwich was sentenced at Norwich Crown Court today (Friday 24 July 2026) after previously being convicted of two counts of rape, one count of attempted rape and one count of assault by penetration.

It follows an incident on 13 March 2020 when the victim had been on a night out with friends in Norwich and ended up at a house party. When she became became unwell, her friends called her a taxi and a man who had also been at the party offered to share the taxi home.

The victim woke up the next morning to find the man raping her. 

The suspect was later identified as Monwar Hussain, also known as Rak, and in August 2024 he was charged. Hussain denied any wrongdoing but following a trial at Norwich Crown Court in April 2026 a jury found him guilty of all four charges.

In a statement read in court the victim told how the attack had had "a serious and profoundly negative impact on her.

She said:

"In the days, weeks and months that followed, I suffered with anxiety and struggled to sleep due to what he had done.

"I have a close-knit group of friends that I am lucky to have but my trust in other people and in forming new relationships has been irreparably damaged. I have found building any new relationships extremely challenging.

"The weeks that followed giving evidence in court were incredibly difficult for me. I am though, extremely proud that I was able to give evidence and explain what had happened to me in a court of law.

“I hope more people can find justice like I have done. I had incredible support from my friends throughout the process. I know that, when you know you have done nothing wrong, the process is a sad and lonely one. I hope that more people find the support to be able to stand up and get justice when incidents such as these occur."

Following sentencing investigating officer Detective Constable Matthew Hubbard said:

"I hope today’s outcome will give the victim some sense that justice has been done. I do not for a moment underestimate the courage it took not only to report what had happened but also to continue to support what was a lengthy and complex investigation and trial process.

"Thanks to this woman’s bravery and the evidence she gave, Hussain is now behind bars and I hope this will give other victims of rape and sexual assault the strength to come forward in the knowledge that we will support them and hold perpetrators to account."

Description

A man has been jailed after he exposed himself and carried out a sexual act in public in Stoke-on-Trent.

Christopher Mander, 41, of no fixed address, was sentenced to eight months behind bars at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Monday (20 July) after admitting outraging public decency, exposure and possession of a controlled drug of class B (monkey dust).

He was also given a three-year sexual harm prevention order.

Whilst the order is in force, Mander must not intentionally expose his genitals in any public place, or enter the premises or grounds of ASDA, Scotia Road, Tunstall.

Mander was arrested and charged after he exposed himself in Tunstall on 11 November last year and in Bucknall on 5 February this year.

Investigating officer, PC Annabel Ratcliffe, said:

“We’re committed to tackling all forms of sexual offending and we take reports of this nature very seriously.

“These offences can impact on victims greatly and can leave people feeling unsafe in their community.

"Similar reports of this nature have been reported in the north Staffordshire area recently. We won't tolerate them and we are committed to taking action against those responsible, as this case shows.

“We’re also aware of the potential for suspects to escalate their offending and I hope this case demonstrates the real and lasting repercussions for those who choose to behave in this way.”

Description

A man from Swansea has been jailed after he was found guilty of the rape, false imprisonment, assault and strangulation of a woman.

56-year-old Jamie Rawson, from the city centre, carried out an extended attack on his victim, whom he had met for the first time that evening, on February 8, 2025.

After pleading not guilty to all offences, Rawson was ultimately found guilty of one count each of rape, false imprisonment, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation.

He has been sentenced to jail for 12 years, with a five year extension, totalling 17 years.  

Detective Constable Rebecca Monks said:

“I would like to thank the victim in this case for her immense bravery throughout the process of the investigation. Because of her, we have been able to convict a man who is clearly a threat to women and the wider public. I can only hope this helps her to move on from this in a more positive way and gain some form of closure.

“During the trial, Jamie Rawson did not show any remorse for his actions and showed utter disregard for the welfare of the victim despite the horrific injuries he inflicted upon her. 

“If you are the victim of a sexual offence, we urge you to report it to the police as soon as possible. You will be supported, and officers will treat all reports with sensitivity and professionalism.”

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Dangerous Paedophile Malcolm Bellwood Jailed Again for Targeting Online Decoys

Malcolm Bellwood, 71, has been sentenced to seven years in prison with a further seven-year extended licence after engaging in sexual conversations with two online decoys posing as 13-year-old girls.

The offences came to light in February 2026 when members of the paedophile hunter group Justice Reborn confronted him and handed a pack of evidence to police. Bellwood, formerly of Grattan Road, Bradford, and now of no fixed abode, appeared via video link at Bradford Crown Court.

In January he contacted a decoy profile set up by the group. The WhatsApp conversation became sexual; he told the “girl” and her friend to remove their pyjamas, encouraged them to “play” with each other and gave instructions about sexual acts. He later contacted a second decoy, discussed sexual matters and asked for indecent pictures.

Bellwood pleaded guilty to attempting to cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity, attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

In 2019 he was jailed for four-and-a-half years with a six-year extended licence for similar offences and was described as “a danger to children.”

Prosecuting, Victoria Barker outlined the facts of the latest contacts. In mitigation, barrister Laura McBride said Bellwood had lived an isolated, solitary life since his previous release, made no attempt to hide his identity online and had expressed remorse.

Judge Kirstie Watson said the offending was aggravated by his previous convictions, with early guilty pleas the only significant mitigation. She told him:

“You have demonstrated time and time again that you have a paedophilic urge you are unwilling or unable to control.” The judge described an “embedded pattern” of offending and said he posed a significant risk of serious harm to female children.

Bellwood must serve two-thirds of the custodial term before the Parole Board can consider release. He remains subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must register as a sex offender for life.