Latest Offenders

Description

A man who “groomed and manipulated” his victims has been sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison for sexual offences against a child and a teenager.

Thomas Brewer, 60, of Whitefield Avenue, Speedwell, in Bristol, was sentenced to eight offences at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday 5 March after being found guilty by a unanimous jury following a trial at the same court in January this year.

He has been convicted of four counts of engaging in non-penetrative activity with a child, two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of sexual assault against a female.

Brewer is also subject to a criminal Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) which is in place indefinitely.

The court heard how Brewer would abuse his position of trust and repeatedly assaulted his victims by touching them. He assaulted his youngest victim over a period of around six months, and the oldest victim was assaulted during a party.

Officers maintained contact with both victims throughout the investigation and have offered them access to any support services they feel they may benefit from.

Brewer’s first victim, who was under the age of 16 at the time of the offending, detailed the ordeal in a statement which was read out at court on her behalf, which said:

“I hate Tom for what he did to me and the ongoing impact of it. This happening has made me grow up, and maybe quicker than I should have.

“I am not going to let this ruin my life. I have accepted it and can finally move forwards now.”

The second victim to come forward, who was under the age of 18 at the time of the offences against her, said in her statement:

“You show no remorse for your actions and it’s sickening. I really hope one day you realise what you did and how disgusting it is. The nightmares and social anxiety I get to this day are caused by you, but I want you to know you’ve not won and never will.” 

Description

A 30yearold man who persistently stalked a teenage girl before grabbing her in an alleyway in StokeonTrent has been jailed.

Sabjan Burkazi, of Tunstall, was sentenced to three-years-and-four-months at StokeonTrent Crown Court yesterday (Thursday 5 March) after he admitting engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, stalking causing serious alarm or distress and three counts of making an indecent images of children. He had initially denied the offences but changed his plea to guilty shortly before his trial was due to start.

The offences came to light following an incident in August last year, when Burkazi approached the girl as she walked through an alleyway in Tunstall. He grabbed her, but fled moments later when a member of the public intervened. We arrested him at his home shortly after.

Following a robust investigation by officers from our public protection unit (PPU), we found that Burkazi had repeatedly targeted the same girl over several months, approaching her in public and asking for her phone number and social media details, which she refused to give. 

A search of his mobile phone uncovered indecent images of children.

The strength of the evidence gathered by officers was cited as a key factor in Burkazi’s decision to enter guilty pleas in court.

As well as a custodial sentence, Burkazi was handed an indefinite restraining order, preventing any future contact with the victim. He was also served with a five year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and put on the Sex Offenders Register for the next 10 years.

Detective Inspector Adam Goodger, from our child protection team, said

"Burkazi caused significant distress through his behaviour.

“The victim’s courage, combined with the thorough work of our officers in gathering the evidence, has ensured that he was held accountable for his crimes.

“This case demonstrates our continued commitment in Staffordshire to supporting those affected by these offences and taking strong action against those responsible.”

Description

In the space of one hour on the evening of 9 May 2025, Sonny Boyes carried out multiple sexual offences against two teenage girls in Exeter.

Today, 6 March, the 19-year-old appeared at Exeter Crown Court where the judge jailed him for 17 years, described him as having ‘breathless arrogance and distorted thinking’.

Following a trial in October 2025, a jury found him guilty of nine sexual offences, including two counts of rape.

The court heard that Boyes, of Commercial Road, Exeter, raped a 16-year-old girl near Digby & Sowton train station, shortly before 9pm, after having both got off the train there. They had not met before that day, but he asked her to hold his beer while he urinated in nearby bushes, before raping and sexually assaulting her. The victim was able to flee the area and called for help.

While still hanging around the train station, 45 minutes later, Boyes was seen with a 17-year-old girl, who he struck up struck up a conversation with. He very quickly turned the interaction sexual and began touching her – despite her saying no on numerous occasions. The ‘forceful and persistent’ assault continued on the train. The victim described that she ‘loudly told him to stop’, in hopes that others would hear.

When Boyes left the train at the next stop, members of the public and train staff approached the victim, and the incident was immediately reported to police.

He was arrested in Exeter City Centre at 10.20pm that evening and taken into custody. He was charged and appeared at court on 12 May.

Boyes pleaded not guilty to all charges, and was found guilty by a jury in October 2025 of the following offences:

• Two counts of rape
• Three counts of sexual assault
• Four counts of assault by penetration
• He was also found not guilty of one count of rape.

Boyes was remanded after the verdict and appeared at Exeter Crown Court on 6 March where he was sentenced to 17 years in prison, with an extended licence of seven years. He will sign the Sex Offenders Register for life and be subject to an indeterminate Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

On sentencing, the judge said that Boyes had ‘charmed and alarmed’ the victims, described that throughout the criminal justice process Boyes had demonstrated misogynistic views and even while in custody had continued to show derogatory behaviour towards females he had encountered.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Jordan Pearce said:

“We welcome the sentence handed down by the court today, which highlights the seriousness of the offences committed by Sonny Boyes.

“My utmost thanks and praise are foremost with the two victims. This outcome would not have been possible without the continuous courage shown by the victims. They have both been through a horrific ordeal that no person should ever be subjected to and have continued to show incredible bravery throughout.

“The crimes committed by Boyes on the 9 May 2025 have had a lasting impact on the victims, and the local community.

“He preyed on two young women, where he displayed aggressive and sexually harassing behaviour towards them. He was forceful and persistent in his attack committing two separate attacks in a very short period of time. 

“He has shown no remorse for his actions throughout the investigation and during interview he was derogatory and sexist, where he admitted to engaging in sexual activity with the victims.”

DC Pearce added:

“I would also like to the thank all witnesses that came forward to give evidence - this was key in achieving a positive result in court today. I am grateful to the members of public who acted fast to report these incidents to us so we could prevent further harm. As a result of these reports, Boyes was detained incredibly quickly and taken into custody where he was interviewed and later charged.”

Description

Two rapists who "dehumanised" a teenage girl in a planned 30-minute ordeal have been jailed.

Taylor Dove, 22, from Grangetown in Sunderland, and Vieri Chapman, 25, from Gosforth in Newcastlealso known as Jevonni Copleywere convicted at Newcastle Crown Court of offences including rape. Dove received 12 years, Chapman 10 years.

Dove was also convicted of raping another teenager when he was 17, while on bail for that offence during the joint attack.

Judge Julie Clemitson said neither had any "regard" for their victim, who was "violated in the most vile way by two men at the same time." Dove "felt entitled" to sex, Chapman had a "troubling attitude towards consent," and alcohol played a role, but they prioritized their desires. "Had you both bothered to look at her rather than playing tag, you would have noticed she was crying," the judge said. It was "truly an ordeal," leaving her "bleeding and distraught." Neither showed remorse; Dove bragged to friends afterward.

The victim said she was determined not to be defined by the attack, but "I didn't want it to affect anything in my life but it ended up affecting everything in my life." The rapists "dehumanised" her and "gave no regard" to her feelings. "I don't think they realise the severity of what they did and how much it has affected me," she added.

Dove's first victim said: "Taylor Dove has destroyed my life. I only found the strength to report what he had done due to the fear he would do the same thing to someone else." She became a "shell" of her "happy and confident" self, and Dove showed no remorse. "I don't believe he thinks what he has done is wrong," she said.

Both must sign the sex offenders register for life.

Description

A man convicted of attempting to rape a girl under 13 was jailed for 11 years today. Ryan Linden Williams, 37, of Hendre, Corwen, had a prior sexual offense on his record.

He must register as a sex offender for life, with a 25-year sexual harm prevention order and a four-year extended license period.

At Caernarfon Crown Court, defense counsel Myles Wilson noted Williams' strong work ethic, adding: "He continues to deny this offence."

The court heard he stopped the attack when asked.

Judge Timothy Petts described the relevant side of Williams' character as "very concerning indeed," stating: "Only an immediate prison sentence will do."

Description

A man who admitted to sexual offences against three women in Southampton has today been jailed for three years.

While walking along Upper Shaftesbury Avenue, Portswood, in the early hours of Tuesday 25 November, last year, a woman was approached by Sohail Amiri.

Despite not knowing the woman, he started walking alongside her, telling her she was beautiful and asking for "just one kiss".

After repeatedly being told no, Amiri, 30, an Afghan national who was living in Highfield Lane at the time, grabbed the woman's wrist and attempted to force himself upon her.

Throughout the assault, she repeatedly told him no as he repeated the words "just one kiss", before breaking free and fleeing for safety.

After receiving the report, local officers began enquiries in the area to track down CCTV, identify the movements of Amiri after the assault and trace him to his address, arrest him and seize the clothing he had been wearing at the time.

It was heard this work also led to identifying his involvement in another reported incident two months earlier.

Southampton Crown Court was told Amiri had approached a woman in Westwood Road, Bevois, on September 23, around 6.40am in the morning, asking for "just one kiss", but she ignored him and continued walking.

When she arrived at work, she told a colleague about this, who said the same thing had happened to her, but that the man had also pushed her while saying the same phrase.

The court heard following a DNA match to saliva from the incident in Portswood and mobile phone data confirming his locations, among a number of other enquiries, Amiri was charged.

Earlier this year, he pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault, one of attempted sexual assault, and to entering the United Kingdom without leave.

And today he was jailed for three years at Southampton Crown Court by Judge Nicholas Rowland. He was also handed a 10 year sexual harm prevention order.

Speaking after the hearing, DCI Michael Higgins, who oversaw the investigation, said:

"Sohail Amiri's behaviour was predatory, and created a great deal of fear and anxiety for all three women, who should be able to feel safe in their own community.

"Their courage and bravery throughout meant we have been able to present a case to the court which Amiri has had no choice but to plead guilty to.

"While nothing can undo what they have been through, I hope today's sentencing brings a measure of reassurance to them, and to the public, that we take behaviour like this extremely seriously, and will do all we can to bring perpetrators to justice."

District commander for Southampton, Superintendent Alex Charge added:

"Following the assault in Portswood, our neighbourhood enforcement team's dogged and tenacious attitude meant we were swiftly able to track Amiri's movements, locate him and bring him into custody. Our investigation team then used all the available extensions to keep him there while we pulled together all the evidence required to obtain charges from the CPS.

"Ensuring Southampton's streets not only are safe, but feel safe for all who live, work in and visit the city is the utmost priority for us, and we will not tolerate anyone who wants to target lone women in our communities.

"We have also been really clear that we police without fear or favour, and regardless of ethnicity or nationality, if you commit a crime then we will use all powers available to us to deal with you."

Description

A paedophile has been jailed again after being caught possessing indecent images of children.

Sam Whitacre, 37, formerly known as Sam Lewis from Grappenhall, was imprisoned in 2021 for two years after possessing nearly 25,000 child abuse images. He faced charges of distributing, three counts of making, and two counts of possessing indecent images, leading to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and notification requirements.

Now living on Mersey Road, Widnes, Whitacre appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday, pleading guilty to possessing 1,093 indecent images of children as young as six, three counts of making indecent images, breaching his SHPO, and failing to comply with sex offender register rules.

In May 2024, a sex offender manager visited Whitacre, who has a child, and searched his Samsung phone due to concerns about child abuse material. Authorities found 1,093 deleted indecent images, an undeclared cloud storage app (prohibited by his SHPO), and an undeclared bank card (breaching notification requirements).

The court noted Whitacre's one prior conviction for six offences, all related to indecent or prohibited child images.

Defence lawyer Jim Smith argued that Whitacre's prior custody prevented a rehabilitative order. He highlighted Whitacre's warehouse job, aware new partner, and past anxiety and depression, saying:

“I ask your honour to allow this defendant one last opportunity to get the necessary help he needs to become a coactive and cooperative useful member of society."

Recorder Alex Leach ruled:

“These offences are so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence can be justified. You do not yet form a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and I am obliged to take into account your history of offending.”

Whitacre received a 12-month prison sentence, plus a new 10-year SHPO and notification requirements.

Description

A man who tried to groom a '14-year-old girl' for sex has been jailed.

Leighton Garner, aged 28, was in reality tricked by an online activist group into conversing with an adult volunteer in July and August last year.

Garner sent sexually explicit images to the person and requested pictures in exchange, despite her claiming to be a child.

At one point on their social media exchange, Garner received a picture of the ‘girl’ and clearly discussed her age.

Garner also discussed meeting the girl at a hotel for sex.

He also discussed meeting another woman at a Retford Supermarket on 2 August 2025, but was met instead by members of the group who then called the police.

Garner, of no fixed address, later pleaded guilty to guilty to attempting to cause a girl to engage in sexual activity and attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.

Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday 2 March he was jailed for 15 months and handed a ten-year sexual harm prevention order which will tightly restrict his internet usage and access to children.

Detective Constable Sarah Pitchford, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“Garner’s behaviour was little short of predatory.

“He genuinely believed he was in conversation with a teenage girl who he then attempted to groom for a sexual relationship.

“That’s why I am pleased not only with his jail sentence, but also with the very strict sexual harm prevention order we secured to help minimise the risk of future offending

“Garner should be under no illusion that any breach of this order once he is release will likely result in his immediate return to prison.”

Description

A Bedford man has been jailed for more than five years after attempting to rape a woman.

Carlton Lancelot-Mungofa – known only to the victim as Carlito - had been at a house with a group of people in January 2021 when he sexually assaulted and attempted to rape a woman.

The victim immediately contacted her mother and disclosed what had happened. The police were informed and Lancelot-Mungofa was identified and arrested.

Following an investigation by Bedfordshire Police’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) team, Lancelot-Mungofa was found guilty of attempted rape after the jury deliberated for just two and a half hours after a four-day trial.

The 27-year-old was sentenced at Luton Crown Court today (Thursday) to five and half years.

The victim described how this incident impacted her life in her victim personal statement. She said:

“When all this happened, I lost what I thought was a good part of my life surrounded by friends, going out, having drinks, and just enjoying life.

“Nights out were always full of laughter and never ended badly, until the night everything changed. After that happened, it felt like I lost all of it. The people I was closest to started seeing me differently, as if that one moment defined me.

"I will never get that time back. My life has felt like it has been on pause and I don’t know if it will ever be the same again or if I will ever fully recover from this."

Detective Sergeant Joanna Tyrrell from RASSO said:

“This was a terrifying ordeal for the victim, and I want to commend her courage in coming forward and supporting the investigation.

“Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of Lancelot-Mungofa’s actions and sends a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure those who commit violent and predatory offences against women are brought to justice.

“We would encourage anyone who has been the victim of rape or serious sexual assault victims to come forward, safe in the knowledge that they will be treated with sympathy and respect and given the support they need.”

Description

A Sunderland paedophile who arranged to meet a child for sex has been sentenced.

James Graham, 24, planned to meet a 14-year-old boy who he believed he had been chatting with online.

However, what he didn’t know, was that he had actually been speaking with a police officer from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) as part of a wider investigation.

Graham sent countless sexually explicit messages stating his intentions with the 14-year-old schoolboy and even offered the child drugs.

When communication began in October 2024, officers from NEROCU quickly launched a specialist operation to target Graham and bring him into custody.

On January 15 last year, officers arrested Graham and subsequently charged him with arrange/facilitate the commission of child sex offence and attempt to engage in sexual communication with a child. Graham later pleaded guilty to all charges.  

Today (Thursday), he appeared before Newcastle Crown Court and was sentenced to 10 months in prison suspended for 18 months, 10 years on the sex offender register and a 10-year sexual harm prevention order for his despicable actions.

NEROCU Detective Constable Lee Robertson, said:

“Cases like this show why our work in this area is so vital and we will continue to do all we can to help protect children from predators like Graham.

“I’d like to thank all the officers and staff involved for helping to bring Graham before the courts and as always, I’d encourage anyone who has been a victim, or wants to talk to an officer and raise some concerns, to get in touch immediately.”

Description

Adam Hall, previously of the Washington area, Tyne and Wear, was today (Thursday) brought to justice thanks to the bravery of the victim-survivors.

The 43-year-old has been found guilty of five counts of rape and seven counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent through the intentional transmission of the HIV virus.

He was further found guilty of supplying a controlled drug (GHB) and failing to comply with a police investigation after refusing to provide the password to his phone.

The offences relate to seven victim-survivors, between 2016 and 2023.

Hall had denied the offences.

During the trial at Newcastle Crown Court, the jury was told that if the HIV virus is undetectable in a person’s system it is untransmittable.

However, Hall knew at various points he had transmittable levels of the virus in his system and intentionally had unprotected sex – and in the majority of these cases raped the victim-survivors.

He becomes only the second person in the UK to be convicted of the intentional transmission of HIV.

Hall was remanded into custody and will be sentenced on April 23.

The Senior Investigating Officer Adam Hall’s case, Detective Chief Inspector Emma Smith, of Northumbria Police, said:

“Today, we have seen a callous and calculating sexual predator brought to justice.

“Adam Hall has been found guilty of multiple counts of rape and grievous bodily harm through the intentional transmission of HIV.

“He has shown absolutely no remorse for the extensive suffering and distress he has caused.

“We want to recognise the courage shown by the victim-survivors who came forward – it is due to their bravery that he has been brought to justice.

“Our priority remains helping ensure anyone impacted by Hall’s actions receives the support they need.

“Through our extensive investigations we believe that he has had sexual contact with men who have not yet been identified.

“There is also evidence he has travelled to different parts of the country, including County Durham, Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Manchester, and London.

“We would encourage anyone who may have health concerns to seek advice and support from your local sexual health services.

“There are safe places where you can access a broad range of services. We want people to know this is available confidentially and independently of the police.

“Anyone who believes they may be a victim of a criminal offence is also encouraged to come forward to ourselves.

“We have set-up a dedicated webpage for people to contact us, which can be accessed by visiting our website.

“We want our message to be a clear one – we are here for you, we will listen and we will help ensure you receive the support you need.”

Police are also reminding people that anyone who reports being a victim of any kind of sexual offence has anonymity and should not be identified.

Director of Public Health for Newcastle and Gateshead, Alice Wiseman, has spoken on behalf of public health bodies across the region to encourage those with concerns to access sexual health services.

She said:

“This is a devastating case for the victims involved who will have to deal with the consequences of Adam Hall’s actions for the rest of their lives.

“I know that there will be many victims of sexual offences who don’t report what has happened to them and may not seek support.

“We have sexual health services across the region all of which offer free, confidential advice and support. There is no judgement and your health and safety is our priority.

“Regardless of where you live, you can access any public sexual health service in any area. If you read about this case and want to seek advice, then we are here for you.

“We will continue to work closely with the police to ensure support is available to victims, and to anyone else who requires it. You are never alone.”

Description

A pensioner donned stockings and a thong before sexually assaulting a vulnerable, intoxicated teenage girl he had just met, a court heard.

Nigel Page, 68, pretended to help the girl by taking her home to charge her phone after encountering her by chance in Carmarthen town centre in August last year, but instead attacked her.

Once inside his house, Page changed clothes, pushed the girl to the floor, kissed her, rubbed his crotch against her stomach, and sexually assaulted her. The victim, fearing rape, fled and flagged down a passing car for a lift back to town. Page then returned to Carmarthen looking for her, though his motive remains unclear.

Page, of Ger-y-Capel, Llangain, Carmarthen, was convicted at trial of one count of sexual assault. At Swansea Crown Court, defense barrister Dyfed Thomas said reports showed Page's mental health disorder contributed to his "irrational and bizarre" behavior that night.

Judge Catherine Richards noted the victim was highly intoxicated and in "no position to make sensible choices," and did not understand Page was not acting altruistically but was motivated by sexual attraction to her. The judge added Page showed no real insight into his actions, resisted mental health medication, and had an "ulterior motive" in searching for the girl afterward.

Page was jailed for two years and placed on the sex offender register for 10 years.

Description

A 20-year-old woman who worked at a children's nursery has been sentenced to four years in prison after admitting a series of online child sex offences.

Zara Lancashire, of Datchworth Turn, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, was jailed on Thursday at St Albans Crown Court. She had pleaded guilty to 11 offences, including making and distributing indecent images of children and publishing obscene articles.

Lancashire, employed at Flower Pots Day Nursery in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, was not charged with any offences involving children in her care.

Judge Lana Wood described Lancashire as "actively involved" in a "network" of people sharing indecent images.

The Crown Prosecution Service noted that "making" an image includes opening an email attachment or downloading a website image.

Appearing via video link from HMP Peterborough, Lancashire wore her brown hair in pigtails, one tied with a pink ribbon and one with a blue.

Judge Wood also imposed a 30-year sexual harm prevention order.

Prosecutor Harry Laidlaw said Lancashire was arrested in September after a man she contacted online was detained.

He stated she distributed category A images—the most serious—four times, including one depicting a child under two being sexually abused.

She communicated with users like "Mr Bad" and "Pervert," and possessed over 150 images, 113 of which were category A.

Laidlaw added that Lancashire claimed in messages to have abused children in her care but faced no related charges. Having received safeguarding training, she was "more aware than the normal person of abuse—she was more aware of safeguarding."

The court heard her parents separated when she was nine, leading to a "difficult" relationship with her mother.

Defense barrister Madeleine Wolfe said Lancashire reacted to online attention: "This was a relatively young, naive girl who got herself in a situation." Her messages were "disgraceful," but "despite her working with young people, there were no contact offences."

Judge Wood cited Lancashire's issues with "impulse control" and "sexual preoccupation," deeming her "dangerous" with "a significant risk that you will commit further... offences."

She told Lancashire: "You claimed to have abused children in your care. Fortunately it appears that those assertions had no truth behind them."

Det Insp Fay Tooley of Hertfordshire Police said: "Lancashire has been brought to justice for the offences she committed, and while our investigation found they didn't involve the physical abuse of children, they are still of an extremely serious nature."

Description

The Police Online Investigation Team (POLIT) – specialists in tackling online child sex offences – have seen a paedophile jailed for five years.

Mark Baillie, of North Road in Westcliff, was first arrested and questioned by police in August 2025 after reports he had been engaged in sexual conversations online with what he believed were children, but were actually decoy accounts.

The 37-year-old's devices were seized and analysed as part of that investigation, where officers discovered more than 2,200 child abuse images, as well as evidence Baillie had engaged in sexual conversations via video with children online.

Once these were found Baillie was quickly arrested again and charged with:

• Five counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity
• Four counts of making indecent images of children
• Three counts of distributing indecent images of children
• Two counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity
• Two counts of attempting to communicate with a child
• One count of threatening to share intimate images

Due to the strength of the evidence and diligence by the Officer in Charge of the case, he pleaded guilty to all charges at Southend Crown Court and was sentenced to five years in prison on Friday 27 February at the same court.

"his crimes were heinous"

He was also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), and added to the Sex Offenders Register for life.

POLIT’s Acting Detective Inspector Gavin Tuck said:

Our officers laid bare the extensive offending on Baillie’s devices, leaving him no choice but to plead guilty at court.

His crimes were heinous – a custodial sentence was the only punishment he could face.

He repeatedly sought out children on the internet to abuse, hiding his identity as he did so.

Child abuse such as this is insidious and preys on young people where they are often most vulnerable, in areas of the internet where those that seek to exploit them can disguise themselves.

Thanks to the SHPO we secured at court, he has to declare any devices in his possession and we can check them unannounced for the rest of his life, ensuring we can protect children from him.

Description

Two girls who were sexually abused by a man in Wisbech say they finally feel 'free' after seeing him jailed for 18 years.

Andrew Howell, aged 37, of Llandusyl, Carmarthenshire  - but formerly of Wisbech - had denied a catalogue of offences against the two victims but was jailed last month after being found guilty by a jury at Peterborough Crown Court.

The offences took place in the Wisbech and King's Lynn area between 2021-2023 and came to light when one of the victims rang a helpline to report it.

In July 2024 Howell was charged with 24 offences:

• 13 counts of sexual activity with a child
• 1 count of rape of a child
• 2 counts of attempted rape of a child
• 3 counts of making indecent photographs of children
• 5 counts of inciting sexual activity with a child.

His first court appearance was August 2024 but he refused to admit his guilt.

However at a trial at Peterborough Crown Court on 1 December 2025 a jury found him guilty of all charges and he was sentenced (at the same court on 25 February 2026) to 18 years' imprisonment. He was also put on the sex offenders register for life.

In a statement read to the court one of the young victims spoke of the importance of seeing her abuser behind bars.

Addressing Howell she said:

"You are a manipulative and insecure monster and are finally where you belong.

“Sometimes I feel like I can finally go to sleep, at ease, knowing there's no way of you ever getting to me again and then there you are, appearing in my nightmares.

"But I have finally started to realise that not everyone is as evil as you. Despite the battles I fight every day, I have grown into a strong, confident and independent women who is falling back in love with her life.  You would be intimidated by this new person I am today.

"After everything you put me through, it matters to me that the sentence reflects the truth of what really happened...it's part of finally getting closure and being able to keep moving forward with the life I am rebuilding for myself."

The other victim said:

"For me, a proper sentence is not just about punishment, it is about finally being able to move forward, begin healing, and feel that the truth of what happened to me has been heard and believed.

"At the end of the day, I know I will never fully recover and heal from what he did to me. However, I am now so strong and incredibly proud of myself for continuing to live my life, one that is now filled with happiness and love.

"Although I will carry these scars for a long time, possibly even forever, I feel free. Free from pain, free from fear and most of all free from the monster himself".

Following sentencing Detective Constable Christina Wilkinson praised the victims for their bravery:

“From the very start of this investigation, both victims have shown remarkable courage. Their strength and honesty have been central to securing this conviction, and this outcome is a testament to their resilience.

“Howell’s continued refusal to take responsibility for his actions, and his decision to put the victims through the ordeal of a trial, highlights the level of manipulation and harm he inflicted. Despite this, the victims stood firm, and I hope this sentence brings them some measure of closure as they continue rebuilding their lives.

“I want to reassure anyone who has experienced abuse that we will listen, we will support you, and we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.

"If this has happened to you or someone you know, then please come forward and report it to us, no matter when it happened. You will be given help and support by our dedicated teams."