Latest Offenders

Description

Alan Raymond Pyart, aged 60, of Haverfordwest was today (22/7) jailed for seven years at Swansea Crown Court for a non-recent rape and sexual assault that took place in 1988.

The offences took place in Haverfordwest in August 1988 against a then teenage girl. Pyart was found guilty of a count each of rape and sexual assault by digital penetration following a week-long trial in February this year. 

Detective Inspector Sarah Totterdale of Pembrokeshire CID said:

“This case highlights the lasting impact that sexual abuse can have on victims and their families. I would like to commend the victim for the immense courage she has shown in coming forward and speaking about what happened to her all those years ago.

“Abuse of this nature can leave deep long-lasting scars, but it is never too late to seek justice. We hope this conviction and sentencing sends a clear message that Dyfed-Powys Police will pursue offenders, no matter how much time has passed.

“I also want to encourage anyone who has experienced sexual abuse, whether recently or many years ago, to report it. You will be listened to, supported, and taken seriously.”

Description

A sex offender from Ashford who targeted both children and adults has been jailed for more than 20 years.

In 2021, an investigation was launched into Lewis Stevens after allegations were made that he had raped two children in the late 2000s.

While enquiries were underway, a woman reported to officers she had also been raped by Stevens and another complained he had sent her indecent images of himself.

Officers also established he had sexually assaulted a third child. Stevens, of Newtown Green, was arrested in November 2021 and later charged with multiple sexual offences.

Court

He denied all allegations against him and was convicted by a Maidstone Crown Court jury of 10 charges including five counts of rape of a child.

At the same court on Thursday 16 July, Stevens, 34, was given an extended sentence of 22 years and 6 months in prison. He will serve a further 6 years and 6 months on licence when he becomes eligible for parole.

Remorseless

Investigating officer Detective Constable Robert Hughes said:

‘Stevens’ sickening crimes occurred over a prolonged period of time, showing him to be a persistent and remorseless danger to the community.

‘His victims have endured horrific experiences, and Stevens’ denial of his actions have forced them to relive them in what must have been a very difficult court process.

‘We are satisfied he will spend a long time behind bars, and we hope this jail term will give those he’s abused a sense that justice has been served.’

Description

A rapist from Lydd has been sentenced to eight years in prison.

During the evening of 12 June 2023, a woman was invited to an address where Steven Johnson was living. After offering her cannabis, Johnson exploited her vulnerability and sexually assaulted her. Despite the victim repeatedly telling him ‘no’, Johnson prevented her from leaving his room and raped her.

Following the incident, she immediately contacted a friend, who reported the offence to police on her behalf. Officers attended and located Johnson inside the property on Manor Road.

Arrested

He was arrested and was later charged with one count of rape and sexual assault.

The 52-year-old denied the offence, but following a 4 day trial at Canterbury Crown Court a jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.

Johnson was sentenced at the same court on 16 July to eight years' imprisonment with licence upon release. He was also made subject to a 15-year restraining order prohibiting any contact with the victim.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Maria Goodwin said:

‘Johnson took every opportunity to deny the overwhelming evidence against him and showed no remorse for his actions. The only emotion he expressed throughout the investigation and court proceedings was in regard for himself.

‘I would also like to commend the victim for her resilience, strength, and determination. Despite the significant emotional impact the offences had upon her, she showed considerable courage reporting the incident and pursuing the matter to ensure Johnson was held accountable for his actions. Her strength of character and commitment for justice is deservingly recognised.’

Description

A man has been found guilty sexually abusing a child in Wilmslow.

Andrew Grierson was found guilty of four counts of sexual assault on a girl under 13, and five counts of indecent assault on a girl under 14, following a 7-day trial at Chester Crown Court which concluded on Thursday 16 July.

The 64-year-old of McCormack Drive, Wigan, has since been remanded in custody and is set to be sentenced at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday 6 October.

The court heard how Grierson sexually abused the victim between 1996 and 2004.

Detective Inspector Claire Miles said:

“This has been a complex and lengthy investigation which ultimately uncovered Grierson’s despicable behaviour.

“It was apparent throughout the investigation that Grierson is a sexual predator who had preyed on a vulnerable child in order to fulfil his own sexual gratification.

“His actions have had a lasting impact on the victim, and I would like to praise her for the courage and bravery that she has shown throughout the trial.

“Having to relive her ordeal in court was not easy, but thanks to the strength of her evidence, Grierson has now been held accountable for his actions.

“As this case shows, we treat all reports of non-recent sexual offences seriously, with the wishes and needs of the victim as our main priority, and any allegations will be thoroughly investigated.”

Description

A man has been jailed for eight years after pleading guilty to numerous child sex offences committed over a period of more than a year.

Peter Declan West (24/01/1992), of Alder Street, Salford, received his sentence today (22 July) at Manchester Crown Court.

West had previously pleaded guilty to:

• Six counts of sexual activity with a child
• Three counts of making an indecent image of a child
• Engaging in sexual communication with a child
• Two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity
• Engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child
• Causing a child to watch a sexual act
• Possessing a prohibited image of a child
• Distributing an indecent image of a child

Beginning in December 2024, West began grooming a 13-year-old girl online. Initially beginning as text conversations, this evolved into more explicit and inappropriate chats.

After screenshots were discovered by the father of the girl, West was reported and then arrested by officers in June 2025.

He answered no comment to all questions when interviewed, and was released on bail to allow officers to gather more evidence.

It was soon found out that West and the girl had engaged in sexual activity, after officers downloaded material from his phone.

West would pick the girl up from Oldham and drive her to his home in Salford, where he would emotionally manipulate the girl.

The girl, having been groomed for a significant amount of time, was originally conflicted about what to do during the process due to the manipulative actions of West.

However, she bravely spoke about the crimes she had endured, and which helped ensure West was arrested, charged, and prosecuted.

In addition to his eight-year sentence, he has received an additional extended licence period of six years.

Detective Constable Bethany Hulmes, from GMP’s Salford district, said:

“West groomed and manipulated a young girl to engage in sexual activity, abusing her trust to make her think he cared for her.

“However, West cared for no-one but himself and his vile actions rightfully mean he is now behind bars for several years.

“I want to pay tribute to the young victim and her family in this case – they have endured so much over the last couple of years, and I hope today’s result can bring them some level of closure.

“Any crimes of this nature are always taken with the utmost seriousness by GMP, and we would urge anyone who believes they have a similar story – no matter how long ago – to please get in touch with us. We will support you and do what we can to get you the justice you deserve.”

Description

Earlier this year, officers on patrol arrested a man on suspicion of voyeurism following concerns from women in the Islington area. He has now been convicted as the Met continues to prioritise the safety of women and girls.

Anthony Durkan, 35 (20.01.1990), of Corporation Street, Islington, pleaded guilty on Thursday, 26 March at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court to seven voyeurism charges.

Today, Tuesday, 21 June he appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to 19 further charges of voyeurism, bringing his total number of offences to 26.

He will be sentenced at a later date at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

This result follows a Met investigation launched after two women reported voyeurism offences in north London, leading to the discovery of a series of incidents committed by Durkan between January 2020 and March 2026, which were brought to an end when officers identified and arrested him during a proactive patrol.

Detective Chief Inspector Gemma Alger, whose team led the investigation, said:

“Durkan’s offending represented a serious and sustained course of predatory behaviour, deliberately targeting women who were entirely unaware they were being filmed, without their consent and in the privacy of their own homes.

“I want to thank the women who had the courage to come forward and report Durkan’s crimes. Their reports, supported by witnesses and swift investigative work, enabled officers to act decisively and arrest Durkan during a proactive patrol.

“This conviction reflects the severity of these crimes and means a dangerous individual has been removed from the streets of London, preventing further harm to women.”

The offending

In January 2026, a woman made a police report after an unknown man had been repeatedly attending her home in Islington and filming through her windows during the early hours of the morning.

She had been alerted by her neighbour, who had witnessed a man dressed entirely in black and wearing a balaclava walk towards the property. He was seen holding his mobile phone up to windows, seemingly recording inside, before walking away. These incidents were captured on the neighbour’s doorbell camera.

Weeks later, in March 2026, officers were called to another address in Islington, after a woman reported that she had also spotted a man recording her through her window. She confronted the suspect, who fled immediately. This incident was also captured on a security camera.

The investigation

Officers reviewing footage from these two incidents quickly identified striking similarities. In each case, the suspect wore the same clothing, targeted women through windows during the early hours, and used his mobile phone to record without their knowledge. The locations were also within close proximity, leading detectives to believe the offences were linked.

As a result, officers increased targeted patrols in the area and on Wednesday, 25 March, the first night of this proactive activity, officers in an unmarked police car spotted a man matching the suspect’s description.

A plainclothed officer observed the man approach an address and carry out the same pattern of behaviour captured in earlier evidence. He was arrested moments later outside the property and identified as Anthony Durkan.

Durkan’s mobile phone was seized at the scene. A review of his mobile phone uncovered a hidden gallery containing hundreds of images and videos of women. There is no evidence any of the women were aware they were being recorded.

A search of Durkan’s home address led officers to seize five additional mobile devices and a small camera for further examination.

The women who initially reported the voyeurism offences, as well as an additional victim identified through analysis of Durkan’s devices, continue to receive dedicated support from specially trained officers.

Appeal

Examination of Durkan’s seized devices uncovered extensive evidence of further voyeurism offences, prompting detectives to review historic crime reports where no suspect had been identified and all viable lines of enquiry exhausted. This led to Durkan being linked to offences dating back to January 2020. Detectives are now working to identify additional victims.

Officers are particularly keen to hear from women in Islington and north London between January 2020 and March 2026 who may have noticed unusual activity around their home, especially late at night or in the early hours of the morning.

Description

A man, with links to Waterfoot, is being hunted by police. 

The 41-year-old man is wanted by police for failing to comply with his sex offender notification requirements.

Lee Haslam, also known as 'Manny Lee' or 'Tight', is described as 5ft 6in tall with shoulder-length ginger hair, a moustache and a beard.

He has links to Waterfoot, Salford, Huddersfield, Scarborough and North London.

A police spokesperson said:

"Can you help us find Lee Haslam, who is wanted?

"Haslam, 41, who also uses the alias’ ‘Manny Lee’ and ‘Tight’ is wanted for failing to comply with his Sex Offender Notification Requirements.

"He is 5ft 6in with shoulder-length ginger hair, a moustache and a beard.

"Haslam has links to Waterfoot, Salford, Huddersfield, Scarborough and North London."

For sightings, call 101 or email [email protected] quoting log 290 of July 13.

Description

A man who plied a group of girls with drugs before sexually assaulting one of them has been jailed for four years and nine months.

James Briggs, aged 42 of Coniston Avenue, Grimsby, was found guilty at Exeter Crown Court on 6 July 2026 of sexual assault on a child under 13.

Briggs had also previously pleaded guilty to six counts of offering to supply and supplying a controlled class B drug - Ketamine.

The court heard how Briggs had sexually assaulted the girl in East Devon in 2023.

The girl bravely came forward to police to report the incident which resulted in Briggs being arrested and his mobile phone seized.

Examination of his phone showed that Briggs had recently purchased Ketamine and videos evidenced children being under the influence of drugs.

In interview, Briggs stated he had been speaking with the girl in relation to her mental health issues and she had become upset. He denied sexual offending.

Briggs was sentenced on Friday 17 July 2026 and was given a prison sentence of four years and nine months, was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for 10 years and made subject to a seven-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

The officer in case DC Jonathan Stephens said:

“We welcome the outcome and would like to acknowledge the courage shown by the victim and other child witnesses in this case. We ask anybody who has been the victim of child sexual abuse to report it, whether it be recent or non-recent, and we will investigate each matter thoroughly”

Description

A Birmingham man who raped two women has been locked up for 20 years.

The women were separately both subjected to sustained sexual assaults and rape, over several hours, by Daniel Thomas.

The 49-year-old denied committing the offences but after a trial at Birmingham Crown Court he was found guilty of nine counts of rape and two of sexual assault.

In 2022 he repeatedly assaulted a woman at a flat in Ladywood and in 2025 he carried out a similar series of sexual offences against a woman at an address in Edgbaston.

When questioned by officers he denied committing the offences, but we were able to build a case against him with the support of the woman he had raped.

Forensics also played a vital role, after Thomas denied having had any form of sexual contact with one of the women, with DNA analysis linking him to her.

He has now been jailed for 20 years and will be on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Sgt Nicole Brain and PC Erin Kennelly, from our RASSO (Rape and Serious Sexual Offences) team, who were leading the investigation said:

"A repeat rapist is now behind bars thanks to the strength of the very women he thought it was acceptable to violate and assault.

"The women were able to help us evidence and document his vile crimes and support our investigation and our thanks goes to them.

"Their strength and perseverance to see this process through has ensured a rapist is off the streets and now behind bars for a very considerable amount of time."

Description

A child sex offender from the Sevenoaks area has been jailed for more than 4 years.

Obianata Onyia targeted the victim multiple times in the early 2020s.

The 30 year old was arrested in December 2023 after the child reported the abuse to a family member who then contacted police.

Charged

Onyia, formerly from New Ash Green, was charged with 7 counts of sexual assault.

He originally pleaded not guilty but later changed his plea.

On Thursday 16 July 2026, Onyia was sentenced to 4 years and 3 months’ imprisonment at Maidstone Crown Court.

He will spend a further 3 years and 9 months on license, received a 10 year restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim and is subject to a 10 year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). He has also been added to the Sex Offenders' Register.

Police Staff Investigator Becki Pike said:

'Onyia is an appalling criminal who targeted a child multiple times. He showed no remorse for his actions or the trauma he has caused.

'The victim showed enormous courage in reporting what had happened to them. They assisted throughout our investigation and the criminal proceedings and I hope they can feel some closure now their abuser has been jailed.

'We would urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse to report it. Our specially trained officers are there to listen and support you and will seek to bring the offender to justice.’

Description

A rapist has been jailed for 14 years for attacking two women in Devon and Cornwall.

Chris Clark, 32, of Battersea Park Road in London, was convicted by a jury at Truro Crown Court of two counts of rape.

He returned to the court to be sentenced on Friday 17 July.

During the trial, the court heard how in September 2022 Clark attacked the first victim at a Travelodge he was staying in in Torquay.

Clark – a student doctor - invited the victim to his room before raping her.

The second victim in the case told police how in June 2025 she attended Clark’s then home address in Truro.

Within the property Clark made sexual advances towards her, to which she repeatedly told him no.

Despite this, Clark proceeded to rape the victim.

Detective Constable Paola Fantini said:

“I welcome the verdict of the jury and the sentence of the court in relation to Chris Clark.

“Clark raped two women who were unknown to each other.

“Clark is a rapist who invited woman into his home and a hotel room, isolated them and carried out the offences with absolutely no regard for whether or not they consented to the act.

“I would like to praise the victims in this case for their extraordinary bravery in reporting what happened to them, and then remaining engaged as the case progressed through the judicial system.

“It is thanks to them a dangerous rapist has been taken off the streets.

“Anybody who has been the victim of sexual violence should report it to us regardless of when the offences took place. You will be believed and we will investigate all matters reported to us.”

Description

A man who raped a child in Plymouth has been jailed for 19 years.

Marc Dannan, 36, of Duke Street, Plymouth, was found guilty at Plymouth Crown Court of rape, sexual assault and sexual activity with a young girl and was sentenced to 19 years in prison, with an additional one year on licence today, Friday 17 July.

Dannan was also given a 25-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and a restraining order was imposed for 25 years.

Following a trial at Plymouth Crown Court, that concluded on Friday 5 June, Dannan was found guilty of three charges of rape, two charges of inciting sexual activity and three charges of sexual assault.

The victim was a child and a teenager at the time of the offending which went on over several years.

Detective Constable Michael Evans, who led the investigation, said:

“Marc Dannan, throughout the police investigation and subsequent trial showed no remorse or compassion towards the victim and in police interview, he challenged officers to ‘prove it in court’. The crown obliged him.

“However, rather than centring on the shortcomings of the defendant, I would like to focus on the extraordinary bravery of the victim in this case. She not only gave evidence live from the witness box but did so articulately and with composure.

“She should be rightly proud in not only securing justice for herself but undoubtedly assisting in safeguarding other young females in the future.

“I would also like to thank the jury members for their thoughtful consideration of the evidence, despite the defendant’s careful attempts to conceal the truth. They saw clearly through his lies and the correct verdict was reached.”

Description

A man has been jailed for six years for engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour, rape and criminal damage.

Connor Dunkley, from Fern Hill, Benllech, Tyn Y Gongl appeared at Chester Crown Court on 10 July to be sentenced after being found guilty of the offences at an earlier hearing.

The 31-year-old targeted his victim in Cheshire while they were in a relationship. He abused and belittled her throughout the course of the relationship. He was physically and verbally abusive towards her and damaged her property.

He continually told her she wasn’t good enough or attractive enough for him, and forced her to have sex.

He took her money, leaving her without, and isolated her from friends and family due to his jealousy.

DC Ashley Frowe said:

“Dunkley’s behaviour towards this woman was vile, unforgivable and callous. The sentence reflects the seriousness of his crimes and that behaving in this way will not be tolerated.

"I’d urge anyone in a similar position to contact us, or a support agency, to help them break free. Don’t suffer in silence.”

Description

A man has been jailed for over two years following an investigation into indecent images offences in Southampton.

An investigation was launched by the Internet Child Abuse Team, after receiving information that Thomas Foley, 40, of Avery Lane in Gosport, was involved in child sex offences.

Officers seized electronic devices, including laptops and several mobile phones from his address, which was previously in Southampton, and found over 8000 indecent images and over 2000 videos on the devices. He was subsequently arrested in December 2023 for numerous child sex offences.

• Three counts of making indecent images of children
• Three counts of distribution of indecent images of children
• One count of possession of prohibited images of children

He appeared again at the same court on Tuesday 14 July, where he was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment.

He also received a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.

PC Sarah Tickner of the Internet Child Abuse Team said:

“I am pleased to see Foley put behind bars for these offences. It is clear that he poses a serious risk to children and is dangerous individual, who deserves to face prison-time for his actions.”

“We are dedicated to keeping children safe and I hope this result evidences how seriously we treat all offences of this nature.

“We will continue to pursue these offenders and put them before the courts for their crimes.”

Description

A man has been convicted of more than 40 offences committed against five victims following a Leeds Safeguarding investigation.

Paul Benstock, 62, was found guilty yesterday (16 July) following a trial at Leeds Crown Court of a number of sexual offences and physical assaults against both adult and child victims, including 14 counts of rape. These offences took place between 1998 and 2020, when one of the victims came forward to the police.

Benstock, of Appletree Court, East Ardsley, was also identified as being involved in the making of indecent images of children following an operation by the National Crime Agency’s Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) and was also found guilty of these offences.

He has been remanded in custody to appear again at Leeds Crown Court on 14  August for sentencing.

Detective Sergeant Michelle Barnes, of Leeds Safeguarding Unit, said:

“We had one victim come forward to us to reporting that they had been the victim of offences at the hands of Benstock. As a result of our enquiries, we identified four other victims who then also had the courage to detail the crimes they had been subjected to.

“Much of Benstock’s offending was against victims who were children at the time. His victims have shown incredible bravery in giving us detailed accounts of what has taken place and then again supporting the trial process by giving evidence when Benstock refused to take accountability for his awful crimes.

“Benstock is yet to be sentenced and I know that that date will be another significant milestone in the journey that his victims have been through, but I do hope that today having got these verdicts that it brings them some comfort knowing that they were believed.

“I do not underestimate how hard it is to take that step to report physical or sexual offences to the police but if you have been a victim, please reach out for help and support when you are ready.”