Latest Offenders

Description

Barrie Hartley, 45, of Rimswell Holt, Greengates, Bradford, has been jailed for 12-and-a-half years after sexually assaulting two women, including the rape of one of them.

Bradford Crown Court heard that Hartley sexually assaulted and later raped his first victim when she was particularly vulnerable. She was left hysterical after the rape. Arrested, he denied any sexual contact. His DNA was found on her clothing.

In a statement read by barrister Michael Morley, the first victim said the rape had affected every part of her life and that she was living with it every day. She said: “The person I was before no longer exists.” She described living in a constant state of fear that was “persistent, overwhelming, and inescapable.”

While still under investigation for those offences, Hartley sexually assaulted a second woman. He again denied the offending when arrested.

His second victim said the offences had left a “devastating and lasting impact” and that she was trying to rebuild her life. She said she carried a deep sense of shame, felt humiliated, and that her self-worth had been affected.

In mitigation, the court heard Hartley was anxious to address his drinking, described as “his real problem”, and that until he did so “he knows that he will cause risks going forward.”

His Honour Judge Christopher Smith sentenced Hartley to six years for rape and a further six-and-a-half years for the later sexual assaults on the second woman. He considered, but did not impose, an extended sentence for dangerousness.

Speaking to Hartley, who appeared by video link from HMP Leeds, the judge said: “Whilst I have very real concerns about you, stepping back and looking at the sentence I have imposed I have come to the conclusion that by the time you are eligible for release in respect of these sentences, the risk can be – I certainly hope – adequately managed by licence conditions.

“An extended sentence is not necessary, in my view, in your case.”

Hartley must register as a sex offender for life. A restraining order will run for the same period.

Description

“One day, you will walk free and continue with your life. But for my daughter and me, there is no end date to our sentence. We cannot simply leave this behind when a prison sentence ends. We must live with these memories, this pain, and the lasting impact of what happened every single day.”

These powerful words, spoken by the victim’s mother, were directed at sex offender Duane Platt, who today received a prison sentence for two sexual offences against a child.

Platt, 37, of Halifax Road, Bradford, was jailed for six years at Leeds Crown Court today (Thursday 24 September) after being convicted of serious sexual offences in Kirklees.

The 37-year-old was found guilty following a trial in July of two sexual assaults against a teenage girl, including one offence involving penetration.

The offences occurred in June 2023, and were reported to police the day after they took place.

An investigation was subsequently launched by detectives from the Kirklees District Child Safeguarding Unit, and Platt was arrested shortly afterwards.

In addition to his custodial sentence, Platt was made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

The order places strict conditions upon him and means he can be immediately arrested and prosecuted should he breach any of its terms upon his release from prison.

He will also remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Detective Constable Amy Green, of the Kirklees District Child Safeguarding Unit, said:

“Platt committed extremely serious sexual offences against a vulnerable young victim, and we welcome the sentence handed down by the court today.

"Throughout the investigation and court proceedings, he showed no remorse for his actions and, at times, sought to place blame on the victim rather than accept responsibility for his offending.

"I would like to commend the courage and resilience shown by the victim and her family throughout this process.  They have remained patient, determined and committed to seeing justice done."

She added:

"Reporting offences of this nature is never easy, and their bravery in coming forward and supporting the prosecution has helped ensure that a dangerous offender has been held accountable for his actions.

"We hope that today's outcome provides them with some measure of closure and allows them to begin moving forward with their lives.

"All reports of child sexual abuse and sexual offending are treated with the utmost seriousness and are investigated by specialist officers. We are committed to supporting victims throughout the criminal justice process and ensuring they are signposted to the help and support services they may need."

Description

Convicted child sex offender jailed after masturbating in Mile End church foyer during toddler playgroup

A convicted child sex offender has been jailed after masturbating in the foyer of a church while a children’s playgroup was running nearby.

Mohamed Ali, 44, was sentenced to 15 months in prison at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to recklessly causing a public nuisance and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

The court heard Ali has 136 convictions dating back to 2000, including causing a child to engage in a sexual act.

On 26 February, a mother arriving for the first time with her one-year-old at Guardian Angels Church in Mile End entered through the main doors instead of the rear playgroup entrance. Prosecutor Sam Lyon said she saw a man and asked if it was the right way in. “The male replied, ‘I am a sex offender’, and the mother left straight away.”

She reported it to the church. CCTV later showed Ali in the foyer at 10.30am. “He was initially reading a newspaper before taking his penis out of his trousers and masturbating in the foyer of the church,” Mr Lyon said.

Ali was arrested months later after a police officer identified him. He pleaded guilty on the basis that he had not intended to be seen.

Appearing by videolink from prison, Ali told the court: “I never went to church to have a wank in front of children.”

Judge Leslie Cuthbert replied: “That is accepted, but there were children where you did chose to masturbate.”

Defence barrister Bethany Baggaley said Ali was remorseful, accepted the acts were unlawful, and had a traumatic childhood linked to long-term mental health problems.

Ali interrupted: “The state is responsible for my failure. I don’t know how to have a relationship. I don’t have kids. So I just sit in prison masturbating and then I get out and get nicked for masturbating. I’ve got no where to masturbate, I’m homeless.”

He also claimed, without evidence, that the mother who found him belonged to a vigilante paedophile-hunter group that followed him “24/7”.

Sentencing him, Judge Cuthbert said:

“This activity created the risk of very serious distress to members of the public, as shown by the reaction of the 1-year-old who on encountering you was so scared she left.”

The judge rejected Ali’s claimed remorse, saying it was contradicted by his attempts to shift blame. “You attempt to blame others include the system and the state, suggesting that you are being set up for your own criminal actions.”

He added: “The only thing that appears to stop you from committing further offences is prison, so I cannot suspend this sentence.”

Description

A lying rapist has been sentenced to years behind bars for attacking two female victims in Cornwall.

Bradley Fitzpatrick, 22, of Kinsman Estate in Bodmin, appeared at Truro Crown Court for sentence on Thursday 24 September after being found guilty at trial of three charges of rape, three sexual assaults, two charges of sexual assault by penetration and one charge of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.

Fitzpatrick also pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children and possession of extreme pornography.

He was jailed for nine years with three additional years on extended licence and made subject of a 20 year sexual harm prevention order.

During the trial, the court heard how in December 2021 Fitzpatrick met the first victim then aged in her late teens at a garage in Bodmin and they walked together.

During the walk, Fitzpatrick sexually assaulted and raped the victim.

She then went home and told her boyfriend and the matter was reported to police.

Following his arrest, Fitzpatrick lied in two interviews claiming that he never met the victim that day.

He was presented with forensic evidence and then said in court that there had been sexual contact, but it was consensual.

On two occasions in 2022, Fitzpatrick and the second victim met – aged between 16 and 18 at the time - and was having consensual sex when the victim withdrew her consent.

On both occasions she made it she had withdrawn consent, yet Fitzpatrick proceeded to rape her.

He also sexually assaulted her on a third occasion.

When interviewed in relation to these offences, Fitzpatrick told detectives that sexual contact was only ever consensual.

Following his arrest in connection to a separate allegation, Fitzpatrick’s phone was seized and found to contain indecent images of children and bestiality.

Judge James Adkin described Fitzpatrick as “clearly dangerous to young girl”, adding that he “lied profusely and with ease”.

Officer in the case, Detective Constable Emily Rickard said:

“I welcome the sentence given to Bradley Fitzpatrick at Truro Crown Court today.

“Fitzpatrick is a dangerous individual with no regard whatsoever for his victims, and who has consistently attempted to lie his way out of trouble.

“He has demonstrated himself to have no understanding of boundaries in his pursuit for sexual gratification.

“I would like to thank the two victims in this case, none of whom know each other. 

“By reporting the ordeals they suffered at the hands of Fitzpatrick and remaining engaged throughout the legal process, they have ensured that a dangerous sexual predator has been taken off the streets.”

Description

A rapist from Sandwich who repeatedly abused his victim has been jailed for 18 years.

Shane Higgins, from Foxborough Close, pleaded guilty to numerous offences including rape and sexual assault before Canterbury Crown Court.

Investigation

Kent Police was alerted to the offending in May 2026, when the victim disclosed to a trusted person that they had been abused by Higgins on multiple occasions.

An investigation was immediately launched involving specialist detectives from the force and Higgins, 37, was arrested the same day.

Jailed

Enquiries were swiftly completed and, on 1 June, the offender was charged. He later admitted his guilt and was sentenced at the same court on Friday 18 September.

In additional to the custodial period, Higgins will have to spend 6 years on licence when he becomes eligible for parole.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Karla Walker, said:

‘The victim in this case showed immense courage in speaking out about the appalling abuse they suffered. Our priority was to engage with them sensitively and compassionately, while ensuring we secured the best possible evidence.

‘That evidence allowed our detectives to act swiftly to build a compelling case against Higgins, resulting in his prompt arrest, charges and, ultimately, his guilty pleas, meaning there was no trial. Higgins has now rightly received a lengthy prison sentence.‘I hope the conclusion of this case can provide the victim with some measure of justice and allows them to move forward with the continued support they deserve.’

Description

A man has been jailed for 16 years after encouraging a child to send him indecent images of herself and her cousin.

It was reported Lloyd Sweeting, 34 years, from Speke contacted a 10-year-old child online and encouraged her to take indecent photographs of herself and her cousin, also a child.

The owner of the account was identified as Sweeting and he was arrested on 18 April 2024 and devices seized for examination.

Following extensive enquires and the examination of his devices and interactions with the victim, he was charged and ultimately convicted of the following offences:

• Four counts of causing or inciting a female under 13 to engage in sexual activity
• One count of possession of extreme pornographic images
• Two counts of possession of indecent photographs

Sweeting appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday 22 September where he was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Detective Superintendent Siobhan Russell said:

“The victim in this case, who lives in the UK, sent images to Sweeting out of fear of the repercussions if she didn’t.

“She has been left traumatised by Sweeting’s appalling actions and the psychological impact of what he subjected her to will be long-lasting.

“Sweeting poses a clear danger to children, amongst the most vulnerable in our society, and it is right that he will now spend a significant period of time in prison.

“I hope he spends that time considering the full impact of his actions and the ordeal he has put his victims through.”

Det Supt Russell added:

"While we would always encourage parents and guardians to be aware of their children's online activity, young people should be able to use technology without being targeted and exploited by adults seeking to abuse them for their own sexual gratification.

“We remain committed to identifying and prosecuting those who seek to exploit children online and will continue to work tirelessly to safeguard vulnerable young people.”

Description

A man has been jailed for more than a decade for the rape and coercive control of a woman in Stafford.

Kamljit Sahota, aged 48, of Cannock, was handed a 10-year-and-two-month jail term at Stafford Crown Court on Friday (11 September) after admitting two counts of rape, engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour, as well as making threats to destroy or damage property.

The offences took place from July to October last year.

Sahota had initially denied the offences, but after being presented with evidence from the survivor, changed his plea in court.

Along with his prison sentence, Sahota was also ordered to check in with police indefinitely upon his release and made subject to an ongoing restraining order.

He was also ordered to pay a surcharge of £228.

Speaking following sentencing, Detective Constable Andrea Chidgey, of our rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO) team, said:

“Sahota deliberately and callously intimidated and overpowered every aspect of the survivor’s life.

“He deliberately inflicted a great deal of harm with no thought for his actions, believing that he was immune from the consequences.

“I’d like to commend the survivor in this case who showed exceptional courage in coming forward and trusting us with her disclosures on what she went through.

“I hope she is able to continue her journey to recovery and hope this case shows how we are determined to support survivors of abuse and bring perpetrators to justice.”

Description

A West Yorkshire Police staff member has been sentenced after trying to arrange sexual activity with a child.

Christopher Thompson, 33, who was working in Regional Scientific Support Services at the time of his arrest, was found guilty following a trial at Kingston-upon-Hull Crown Court in July of two counts of making indecent photographs of a child, one count of sending communication conveying a threatening message and one count of intentionally encouraging or assisting the commission of an either way offence. The either way offence was trying to arrange sexual activity with a child under 13.

He appeared at Great Grimsby Crown Court yesterday where he was given an extended custodial sentence of six years. He has also been also added to the Sex Offenders Register for life and made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and indefinite restraining orders in relation to the two victims.

The investigation by West Yorkshire Police's Professional Standards Directorate looked into messages sent by Thompson to two women in January 2024. The day after the first report, Thompson was identified, arrested and suspended from duty.

On his arrest, a number of devices were also seized from Thompson and indecent images of children were found on them.

Detective Chief Superintendent Tanya Wilkins, Head of West Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Directorate, said:

“This police staff member has been involved in some really concerning behaviour online and as part of this has tried to arrange sexual activity with a child.

“We acted swiftly on the information that was provided to us and on identifying that the suspect was a police staff member ensured he was immediately arrested and suspended from duty.

“Following the conclusion of this court case, we will now be arranging misconduct proceedings with a view to him being barred from working in any further role within policing.”

Description

A man has been jailed for various sexual offences following a South Wales Police investigation.

Adam Chard, 22 from Bridgend was sentenced to three years in prison and given a restraining order following his conviction. He’s also been placed indefinitely on the Sex Offenders Register.

The sentencing took place on Friday August 21 at Cardiff Crown Court, where Chard pleaded guilty to 14 counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, three counts of possessing indecent images of Cat A B and C, one count of sexual communication with a child and one count of engaging in coercive/ controlling behaviour.

The officer dealing with the case said:

“This sentence sends a hugely positive message to victims of sexual abuse that they will be believed, their attackers will be identified, and they will be brought to justice.

We cannot praise the victim enough for the bravery she has shown to tell police what happened to her and secure justice against a despicable man – and that is before even mentioning Adam Chard’s part in the offending”

Description

A man has been sentenced for child sex offences after a complex police investigation.

David Richardson, 31, has been sentenced after he sent sexually explicit images and videos to someone he believed was a 14-year-old boy.

However, what Richardson didn’t know was he was actually speaking to an officer from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) carrying out a police investigation.

Following his arrest on July 17 at his home address in Denton Burn, Richardson was charged with attempt to cause a child to watch images of sexual activity and attempt to engage in sexual communication with a child.

Today (Wednesday), he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court for sentencing having pleaded guilty to all charges at an earlier date.

Richardson was sentenced to 12 months in prison suspended for two years, a 10-year sex offender notification requirement and a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Speaking after the sentencing, NEROCU Detective Constable Lee Robertson, said:

“This is just the latest investigation which has seen a dangerous predator have their day in court.

“Our work will not stop and we will continue to work to tackle online child abuse and sexual exploitation and would urge anyone who has been a victim of this type of offending, or has concerns about someone’s behaviour, to come forward and talk to police.”

Description

“I hope one day I can feel safe again, trust people again and stop questioning ordinary things. I hope one day I feel like myself again.”

These are the words from a victim of child sex offences in Bradford.

James Eisen aged 53 of Hall Lane, Manchester admitted to four child sex offences in court.

He abused her whilst she was asleep.

At Bradford Crown Court yesterday (21 September) he was sentenced to three years and six months in prison, he was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 15 years and made to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely.

He admitted to two counts of taking an indecent photograph of a child and two counts of engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15.

In a Victim Personal Statement read out in court she said:

“What he did to me has changed me as a person. I often feel like I’m still trying to work out who I am now.

“Before everything happened, I didn’t question myself or the world around me like I do now. If I could make sense of something, I think I could start to move on, but I’ve gone through every possible scenario in my head, and I still can’t understand why someone would do this to another human being.”

DC Alishia Walsh of the Bradford Child Safeguarding Unit said:

“What Eisen did to this young girl as you heard through her own words, has had a profound effect on her life.

“I hope the sentence today can bring her some closure and justice as she starts to rebuild her life.

“Eisen is a danger to children and deserves to be behind bars.

“I hope this case shows that we treat these offences seriously and do get positive outcomes at court.”

Description

A paedophile who messaged people he believed were children and arranged to meet them has been jailed.

Timothy Pavitt, 73, was brought to police attention after he uploaded indecent images of children to a Kik account in 2024.

Officers were able to trace the IP address of the account, which led them to Pavitt’s home in Boxworth End, Swavesey.

He was arrested on 19 February 2025 and claimed in interview to be “lonely” and using chat sites to speak to children and download images.

A review of his devices found he had been speaking in a sexual manner with users he believed to be children and arranging to meet up with them.

The devices also contained more than 350 indecent images.

The identities of the people he was messaging have never been confirmed.

Pavitt was jailed for four years and eight months after admitting 18 counts, including communicating sexually with children and making indecent images, at Peterborough Crown Court yesterday (21 September).

He was also handed an indefinite sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).

Det Sgt Zip Lloyd said:

“Pavitt knew what he was doing was wrong but continued to seek out users he believed were children, encourage sexual conversations and make indecent images.

“He was also actively sharing those images for others to view, further fuelling the exploitation of children. I am pleased he is now behind bars

“Protecting young people from harm is one of our top priorities and we will continue to work tirelessly to keep children safe.”

Description

An 82-year-old man has been jailed for 19 years after being convicted of raping and sexually abusing three young girls in West Berkshire in the 1960s and 1970s.

David Fisher, of Halifax Place, Thatcham, was sentenced at Reading Crown Court yesterday (21/9) after a jury found him guilty of 12 historic sexual offences against three victims who were children at the time, following a trial this summer.

The court heard that Fisher, who worked for the former Berkshire County Council and lived in Hampstead Norreys when the offences were committed, subjected the girls to repeated sexual abuse over a six-year period. The victims were aged just 10 and 11 when the abuse began.

The offences were reported decades later after one of the victims saw Fisher on a bus.

A Thames Valley Police investigation subsequently identified two further victims and uncovered a sustained pattern of offending between 1966 and 1972.

During the trial, jurors heard how Fisher would persuade the children to get into his car before driving them to secluded woodland areas across West Berkshire, where he sexually abused them. This included areas near Hampstead Norreys, Thatcham, Bucklebury, Yattendon, Frilsham, Stanford Dingley, Hermitage and Aldworth.

Fisher was found guilty of:

• Six counts of rape
• One count of attempted rape
• Four counts of indecency with a child
• One count of indecent assault

He was convicted of five counts of rape, that occurred on at least 50 occasions, in connection with victim one.

Fisher was convicted of three counts of indecently assaulting victim two.

In relation to victim three, he was convicted of one count of attempted rape on at least 10 occasions, one count of indecent assault on at least 10 occasions, one count of indecency with a child on at least 10 occasions and one count of rape.

Sentencing Fisher to 19 years’ imprisonment, Judge Rachel Drake praised the courage and resilience shown by the victims in coming forward.

Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Alex Lister, of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said:

“David Fisher committed appalling offences against three young girls over a number of years, abusing their trust and causing harm that has remained with them for decades.

“I would like to commend the victims for their courage in coming forward and bravery throughout the investigation and trial. They have ensured that Fisher has finally been held accountable for his actions.

“This case shows that no matter how much time has passed, we will listen to victims, investigate reports thoroughly and do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.”

Description

A man from Bridgend has been jailed after carrying out a sexual offence against his victim.

21-year-old Daffydd Piper, from Bridgend, changed his plea from not guilty to guilty of one count of rape when he appeared before Cardiff Crown Court on Friday July 24.

During his sentence hearing on Monday September 21 at Cardiff Crown Court Piper was sentenced to three years and five months in prison. He was also given a five-year restraining order.

Detective constable Lucy Weaver said:

“The bravery it takes to come forward and reporting offences like these not to be underestimated.

“We hope that this sentence will go some way in helping the victim rebuild her life and heal from the awful events that took place.

“An extensive amount of work went into this investigation which we believe gave Piper no option other than to plead guilty and therefore prevented the victim from having to give evidence in court.”

Description

Two child sexual predators have been jailed – after arranging to travel overseas to abuse children. 

Carl Simmons, 51, and Kevin Smith, 42, are now behind bars after they were caught making arrangements to carry out sexual abuse of young children overseas – even booking flights and preparing for travel.

Thankfully, officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) and Durham Police’s Online Child Abuse Investigation Team took immediate action and arrested both males preventing them from travelling abroad.

In October last year, Simmons and Smith both made an arrangement online to sexually abuse and rape children overseas. 

They both used sexually explicit language and Simmons even sent sexual images of himself.

However, what they didn’t realise was they were actually speaking to a police officer who was quickly closing in on the evil pair through their investigation.

Simmons and Smith were both arrested in October 2025 and subsequently charged with arranging the commission of a child sex offence and later pleaded guilty.

Today (Monday) they appeared at Teesside Crown Court and Simmons, of Tilery Close, Bowburn, Durham, and Smith, of Grangefield Road, Stockton-on-Tees, were both sentenced to six years imprisonment, a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an indefinite Sex Offender Registration.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Georgina Lewis, said:

“Both Simmons and Smith made their vile desires very clear, and their actions demonstrated the lengths they would go and the money they would pay to sexually abuse children.

“They’ll now face the consequences of their actions thanks to the hard work of officers.”

“We would urge anyone who has been a victim of this type of offending, or has concerns about someone’s behaviour, to come forward and talk to police – support is available and you can help safeguard other vulnerable children.”