Latest Offenders

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Today (Tuesday 10 February) a St Helens man has been jailed for 10 years for committing child sex offences.

Aaron Ward, 26 years, of Gamble Avenue, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court and was sentenced to 10 years in prison, plus one year extended sentence.  He also received an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be subject to the Sex Offenders Register.

In July last year it was reported that Ward had committed historic child offences to a young girl from when he was 17-years-old and spanning over several years.

Following an investigation, Ward was charged with six sex offences to which he pleaded guilty to three counts of Assault by Touching and Cause/Incite a Child to Engage in Sexual Activity. However he was found guilty at trial for Rape of a Child and Assault by Penetration.

Officer in Charge of the investigation, Detective Constable Molly McKeown, said:

“Today’s sentencing follows a lengthy investigation to bring Ward before the courts so that he pays for his crimes.

“The victim showed immense courage despite her young age and was extremely brave to speak to police about this horrendous abuse.

“As part of the work of the Knowsley and St Helens Child Protection team this result has been brought today. Our sole focus is protecting young people and bringing offenders to justice. We have specialist dedicated officers who investigate these offences.”

Detective Constable McKeown added: “Merseyside Police is completely committed to protecting children from sexual abuse and those who seek to do them harm.

 “I would like to take this opportunity to stress that if you have experienced any form of sexual abuse, or know of a child being abused, please come forward and report this to police. 

“We take all such reports extremely seriously and if you can find the courage to come forward and speak to us we have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and compassion.”

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A man has been told he will serve a 14-year prison sentence after his appeals were rejected.

Oliver Mullen, aged 38 from Bradford-on-Avon, was convicted at Bristol Crown Court in October 2024 after being found unanimously guilty of raping two women.

He was sentenced to 14 years in prison, with a further four years on extended licence and was added to the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Mullen appealed both the conviction and the sentencing, with the request being heard at the Royal Courts of Justice on Wednesday 28 January. His conviction appeal was refused and the sentencing appeal was dismissed.

During the trial, the jury was told how Mullen had raped a woman who was not in a position to consent at a property off Atchley Street, in Bristol, on 21 May 2021.

The jury was also told how he had previously raped another woman in Ashley Avenue, in Bath, on the 10 April 2016.

In one of the victim’s statement, read out at his sentencing, she said:

“Daily, I feel fear, shame, anger, isolation and distrust. He watched me struggle to breathe and then he raped me. Today, I can breathe again.

“I find it difficult to trust new people, especially men, and this has deeply affected my ability to form meaningful relationships. The trauma I carry with me has shaped my world in ways I cannot fully express.”

Speaking following the conclusion of the appeal process, DC Lee Townsend said: 

“Mullen has repeatedly not taken accountability for his actions, and his latest appeals have only furthered the pain and suffering for his victims.

“Both women have shown exceptional strength of character and bravery throughout this investigation and the prolonged court proceedings, and I only hope that this finally closes what is an undoubtedly difficult chapter for both of them, and has provided them both with justice.

“Mullen is a dangerous man, who took advantage of his victims when they were vulnerable and unable to consent to his heinous crimes. I only hope that this sends a clear message to anyone else who thinks of committing such horrible acts against women and girls.”

Description

A Chippenham sex offender has been jailed after committing fresh child-related offences five years after his first conviction.

Lewis Walker, 31, of Bakehouse Close, admitted making 38 indecent images of children and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

He first appeared at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court in December before being sentenced at Salisbury Crown Court in January.

Walker was convicted at Bristol Crown Court on 10 January 2020 of attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child and was handed a five-year SHPO banning contact with children and restricting his use of internet-enabled devices.

For the latest offences he was jailed for seven months, ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for seven years, and given a new seven-year SHPO with similar restrictions.

Description

Justin James, 46, from Ely, Cardiff, has been jailed for sexually assaulting three females over a three-year period.

James was found guilty of five counts of sexual assault by penetration and six counts of sexual assault by touching.

He was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday, January 23 to 14 years imprisonment and placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely.

A further hearing yesterday (Tuesday, February 10) confirmed that James is also subject of a Restraining Order and Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Constable Lewis Clarke, from South Wales Police, said:

“The victims and their relatives have been deeply impacted by James’ offending and were massively relieved at the conclusion of the trial that their voices had been heard.

“The sentencing will, of course, not undo what happened to them but gives them a piece of mind that they have been taken seriously and that they will be protected from Justin James by the sentence he has received.”

Description

A 36-year-old man has been jailed for 17 years for two counts of rape against one woman and sexually assaulting another woman, both while they were asleep.

Craig Winston, a former Gloucestershire Police student officer, was found guilty in December last year of several offences following a trial at Shrewsbury Crown Court.

After an investigation by Gloucestershire Constabulary's Criminal Investigation Department, on 17 December a jury found Winston guilty of four offences against one woman.

This was two counts of rape, one count of causing a female to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity and one count of engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour. He was also found guilty of one count of sexual assault by penetration relating to another woman.

The offences were committed off-duty, and he was found not guilty of four other counts.

His Honour Judge Anthony Lowe sentenced Winston on Friday (6 February) to 17 years in prison for the offences, and told Winston he must serve at least two-thirds before being released on licence. Judge Lowe also gave Winston 20-year restraining orders to protect both women.

During the hearing, it was said evidence presented at trial showed Winston had researched online about sexually assaulting people who were drugged or unconscious, along with the effect of various drugs on them.

The court was told his internet history indicated an interest in degrading and punishing through sexual abuse.

One of the survivors was in court and read a statement in which she described Winston as a "selfish, twisted, depraved bully".

She said Winston had threatened her by saying she would lose everything if she reported him to the police, and he said his career as a police officer would be jeopardised if she did report it and that it would be all her fault.

She added:

"Yet it was your and only your actions that brought you here, and those colleagues of yours that have helped and supported me to be able to stand here today, when so many woman are unable to do so with their abuser."

A statement was read to the court on behalf of the other victim. She said: "There is no statement that can truly describe the ways that Craig Winston ruined my life, but after today I can finally begin to walk the difficult road of moving on. I am indescribably relieved now that this process if over, and I can begin to move on with my life."

In mitigation, Winston's defence barrister said he was a relatively young man who was of previous good character, and that he had an awful childhood which may explain some of the ways in which Winston navigated his life. He said the impact of a custodial sentence on Winston would be profound.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Ed Garlick said:

"I do not underestimate how difficult it is for victims and survivors of sexual abuse to come forward and report crimes to the police, even more so when that offender is a serving police officer.

"Winston subjected both women to unimaginable harm, and although no sentence changes his horrific actions, I hope they find some comfort in knowing that by bravely coming forward, they have stopped his ability to harm anyone else.

"I commend both women for their courage in working with us, following this case through to court and giving evidence in front of a jury. It is due to them that Winston will now be behind bars for a number of years."

The court was told the crimes were reported to police after Winston had joined the service.

Judge Lowe said:

"Mr Winston was a probationary police officer and even the most scrupulous vetting system would not have exposed the matters."

Winston had been a student officer based in the Forest of Dean. He was arrested and suspended from duty as soon as the allegations came to light in October 2022 and resigned from the Constabulary in February 2023.

At the time the allegations were made he was still in his probationary period having joined the Constabulary in January 2022.

The Force referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and the IOPC returned it to the Force to investigate.

The case was then investigated by Gloucestershire Police's Criminal Investigation Department with charges authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service.

At the time of Winston’s conviction, Deputy Chief Constable Katy Barrow-Grint said:

"I am deeply shocked at the heinous crimes committed by Craig Winston, including some whilst he was a serving student police officer.

"The courage the survivors have demonstrated over the past four years is commendable and I'd like to thank them for their assistance in helping us hold him accountable.

"There is absolutely no place in policing for someone like him and we will now begin misconduct proceedings against him to ensure his name is placed on the police barred list.

"I hope this case reassures the public we will not hesitate to investigate allegations of criminal wrongdoing by our officers and staff and bring them to justice."

Gemma Kneebone, a Senior Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit, said:

"A thorough police investigation revealed that Craig Winston had a sexual interest in degrading abuse against women, and that he researched the use of various drugs to render people unconscious.

"This evidence, together with the accounts of two women who spoke of their personal experiences with Winston, enabled the Crown Prosecution Service to build a compelling case which resulted in his conviction and a very significant prison term.

"This prosecution would not have been possible without the evidence provided by these two women, and I would like to thank them for their bravery in coming forward and supporting this prosecution."

Description

A child sex offender from Margate who abused multiple victims has been jailed for 28 years.

Duncan Bayles, formerly of Northdown Road, was sentenced in relation to crimes committed against five children that began in the 1980s.

Investigation

Kent Police launched a specialist investigation in June 2019 after a man came forward to report how Bayles had abused him on several occasions when he was a boy.

Extensive enquiries were completed and complex evidence was obtained. It was established that a further three men had also been preyed upon while they were children.

Multiple victims

The young victims were sexually assaulted, manipulated, bribed with gifts in return for carrying out sexual acts and groomed to believe that Bayles’ behaviour was normal.

Bayles, 65, was arrested on 18 August 2020 and was later charged with 19 offences in relation to the reports, including gross indecency, indecent assault and attempted rape.

Having denied the offences, Bayles was found guilty of all charges on 24 October 2024, following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court.

Further victim

The court case relating to the young male victims led to a woman approaching Kent Police to report that the offender had also abused her as a child.

He threatened to harm the girl’s pets if she told anyone about him and made her think that she would not be believed if she reported his depravity.

Additional charges

Detectives launched a separate investigation, which resulted in Bayles facing an additional 17 charges including four counts of child rape.

Bayles again pleaded not guilty. A further trial took place at Canterbury Crown Court, resulting in his conviction on all counts in a unanimous jury verdict on 15 January 2026.

Convicted and jailed

On 6 February 2026, at the same court, Bayles was sentenced to 28 years in prison. He will spend a further two years on licence at the end of the custodial period and will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life.

Detective Constable Pete Edwards said:

'This was a complex case and all of Bayles’ victims should be praised for their courage in coming forward, and for remaining steadfast throughout the process of bringing this predatory offender to justice.

'It is never too late to report a crime and Kent Police remains committed to supporting survivors of abuse, listening to them and pursuing offenders no matter how much time has passed.

'We recognise the impact that these horrific crimes have had on Bayles’ victims, and hope they will find some closure, knowing that this dangerous criminal is now behind bars. The restrictions to which he must adhere at the end of his long custodial period, which will remain in place for the rest of his life, will further protect against him reoffending and safeguard future potential victims.'

2024-10-26

Former Margate bar boss and previous childrens home worker Duncan Bayles will be sentenced in January after being found guilty of sex offences against children.

Mr Bayles was found guilty of 12 indecent assault charges against children aged below 14 years; six indecency with a child charges and one charge of attempted rape following a two trial at Canterbury Crown Court which concluded last week.

The offences took place in the 1980s and 1990s against four boys, then aged under 13, at two childrens homes in Ramsgate and Deal.

Mr Bayles, aged 64, of Northdown Road, has been remanded in custody and will return to the court on January 24 for sentencing.

Description

A 44-year-old man has been jailed for one year after sexually assaulting a young woman on a train in the Wirral in August last year.

Following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation, Graham Wragg, of Seaview Road, Liscard, was found guilty on Wednesday 4 February following a trial at Liverpool Magistrates' Court.

Despite maintaining his innocence and pleading not guilty, Wragg was sentenced to one year in prison and further ordered to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.

The court heard how Wragg sexually assaulted an 18-year-old woman on a train from Liverpool Lime Street to New Brighton railway station at around 8.30pm on Friday 1 August 2025.

The young woman and her partner had boarded the train at Birkenhead North railway station and sat in the row of empty seats in front of Wragg.

He reached through the gap between the seat and the window to touch her before sexually assaulting her. The young woman and her partner stood up and moved seats to a different carriage.

The couple got off the service at Wallasey Bridge railway station and Wragg followed them. He then started shouting at them.

Once the couple made it home the incident was reported to BTP through the non-emergency 0800 40 50 40 number and following an investigation he was identified and arrested at his home address.

BTP Detective Sergeant Callum Lancaster said:

“This sentence reflects the courage of the young woman who came forward to report this incident. Wragg’s actions that day were completely unacceptable, and although he claimed he was simply reaching for a water bottle, we were able to prove otherwise and secure a conviction.

“I hope this outcome prompts him to reflect on his behaviour and serves as a reminder of how to conduct himself appropriately while travelling by train.

“If you experience or witness a sexual offence on a train or at a station, please report it by texting 61016. In an emergency, always call 999.”

Description

A man has been jailed for six years and will be monitored by police for life after admitting to sexual activity with a child he groomed on social media.

Lewis Plane had initially denied the offences but changed his plea at the start of his trial at Ipswich Crown Court in December last year.

Following detailed work by Essex Police’s Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) team Plane, of Prince Philip Road, Colchester, was arrested and interviewed. He refused to answer any questions.

Used fake profile

The 33-year-old had messaged the victim on Snapchat in October 2023. Using a fake profile, he asked her to add him as a friend and told her he was 17 years old.

Knowing how old she was, Plane then sent the girl multiple inappropriate and sexualised messages, including videos of him performing indecent acts.

He then told the victim his profile kept being shut down, they exchanged numbers and started communicating via WhatsApp.

And within a few weeks of the initial online contact, they had arranged to meet in Clacton. They would later meet in Colchester.

These meetings happened regularly, with the victim believing she was in a relationship with the defendant.

This continued until the victim stop seeing the defendant in the Spring of 2025.

Subject to Sexual Harm Prevention Order

Through a separate investigation officers became aware of the victim and spoke to her. Following sensitive enquiries, she was able to confirm what had happened to her.

With the weight of evidence against him, Plane admitted three counts of sexual activity with a child, meeting a child following sexual grooming, sexual communication with a child and controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship.

At Ipswich Crown Court on Friday 6 February Plane was jailed for six years, will be subject to a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order and was given an indefinite restraining order.

"supported me throughout"

Following the sentence, the victim said:

I would like to thank PC Eleanor Rutherford and Detective Constable Emmie Yeo who worked on my case and my independent sexual violence advisor Kate Allen who have all supported me through everything, I don’t know how I would’ve handled this case without them they are angels.

"child protection is utmost priority"

PC Eleanor Rutherford said:

I want to pay tribute to the victim for her resilience and strength throughout this investigation.

By sharing what happened to her, she has ensured that not only is this dangerous predator behind bars, but other children are protected.

Child protection is our utmost priority, and we will work relentlessly to keep them safe.

And when Plane is released, he will be monitored and have strict restrictions placed on him to protect children going forward.

Description

A man who sexually abused a young child in Southampton has been jailed for eight years.

Juan Francisco De La Cruz, 59, assaulted a girl – who was under the age of 13 – at a property in Southampton on multiple occasions in 2022.

De La Cruz, of Robert Keen Close, Southwark, London, was convicted following a trial at Winchester Crown Court of two counts of assault by touching, and one of assaulting of a girl by penetration.

Appearing at the same court last Thursday (5 February), he was jailed for eight years.

He will also be subject to an indefinite restraining order and sexual harm prevention order.

DC Katharine Mumford, from the Child Abuse Investigation Team, who led the investigation, said:

“De La Cruz is a depraved and predatory offender who targeted a vulnerable child. No sentence can erase the impact of his actions, but I hope today’s result offers the victim and their family some sense of justice.

“I want to recognise the immense bravery shown by the young victim in coming forward and speaking about what happened. Their courage has been central to securing this conviction.

“Our team is dedicated to protecting children, pursuing offenders, and supporting families through what is often an incredibly painful process. We will always work tirelessly to ensure those who commit these appalling offences and harm children are brought before the courts.”

Description

A rapist who attacked two women in the space of 15 months has been jailed.

Omran Ahmed, aged 37, raped his first victim at an address in Sneinton on 20 December 2023 – punching her repeatedly in the face during the attack.

During his first police interview Ahmed denied having any sexual contact with his victim.

When confronted several months later by damming DNA evidence he changed his story – claiming he had been asleep and had no memory of what happened.

Whilst on Crown Court bail and awaiting trial for his first offence, Ahmed raped another woman at an address in Forest Fields on 20 March 2025 after being introduced to her by a mutual friend.

He lied again during his third police interview – even when confronted by the evidence of this first offence.

Ahmed, who was immediately remanded into custody, continued to protest his innocence until September 2025, when he was convicted of raping both victims by a jury at Nottingham Crown Court.

He was also found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm in relation to his first victim.

Appearing at the same venue on Friday, Ahmed, of Ilkeston Road, Nottingham, was given an extended 20 year sentence.

Detective Constable Alexander Terry, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“Ahmed is an opportunist predator who poses a clear and obvious danger to women.

“During his first offence he forced himself on a woman who believed him to be a friend, before lying repeatedly to the police about what had happened.

“Seemingly untroubled by the police investigation into his first offence, Ahmed launched a second and highly opportunistic assault on a woman he’d only just met.

“As he begins a very long and richly deserved jail sentence, I would like to thank both the women in this case for their bravery and cooperation during what has been a very traumatic experience for both of them.”

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A rape victim has been praised for her bravery in coming forward after her abuser was jailed for 19 years.

Stuart Miller, 36, of Church Street, Calne, appeared in Swindon Crown Court today (10/02) after admitting 14 sexual offences against a child, including rape, sexual assault and making indecent images of children.

He was sentenced to 19 years – a custodial term of 14 years and eight months with the remainder on extended licence.

He was also issued with a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must sign the sex offenders register for life.

Miller, who knew the victim, targeted her – a teenage girl – multiple times between October 2019 and September 2023, sexually assaulting and raping her on multiple occasions, which he also photographed.

The offences came to light after the victim bravely reported the abuse to a friend in September 2023, which led to it being reported to the police.

The investigation was led by our Child Abuse Investigation Team (CAIT), which worked closely with our Digital Forensics Unit (DFU) to locate the indecent images which Miller had created of himself and the victim.

Detective Investigator Francesca Mason said:

“This has been a long and traumatic ordeal for the victim, lasting several years. I wish to commend her for coming forward and for showing such strength throughout an investigation that took over two years and involved a significant amount of complex digital evidence.

“Miller is a predatory offender who targeted the victim from a young age and continued to abuse her for years.

“Once the incident was reported, CAIT led the investigation in partnership with DFU. Thanks to DFU’s persistence, we were able to recover images Miller had created involving himself and the victim.

“He had hidden these files in a folder he believed was secure, but our digital forensic examiners were able to locate and recover them, revealing the full extent of his offending.

“Because of the evidence gathered and the victim’s courageous statement, the case against Miller was extremely strong resulting in his guilty plea and today’s sentencing.

“While nothing can undo what the victim has endured, I hope today’s outcome offers her some sense of closure so she can begin to move forward with her life.”

Description

An Afghan asylum seeker has been convicted of abducting and raping a 12-year-old girl in Warwickshire.

Ahmad Mulakhil, 23, "targeted" the child after spotting her in a Nuneaton park last July, prosecutors said.

The attack triggered protests in the town, with demonstrators waving St George's Cross and Union flags while marching and chanting "stop the boats" and "we want our country back."

At Warwick Crown Court, Mulakhil was unanimously found guilty of rape and two sexual assaults; he had admitted another rape charge pre-trial. Jurors also convicted him of child abduction and taking an indecent video of the girl.

He claimed in court that he did not force or threaten her, but filmed herat her insistenceduring brief sexual activity.

Co-defendant Mohammad Kabir, an Afghan national listed as 24 but claiming 22, was acquitted of intentional strangulation, attempted child abduction, and committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence. Kabir denied touching the victim or having sexual intentions.

Jurors heard Mulakhil arrived in the UK four months before the crimes, seeking asylum due to "problems" in Afghanistan. The trial omitted details of his small-boat arrival, or Kabir's similar entry on Christmas Day 2024.

The arrests sparked "cover-up" claims from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Warwickshire County Council leader George Finch. In August, Farage urged police to disclose immigration status of charged suspects.

Police guidance has since updated to permit releasing nationality and ethnicity for legitimate policing purposes, but not immigration status.

Mulakhil was remanded in custody for sentencing. Judge Kristina Montgomery KC stated: "He will plainly receive a substantial custodial sentence which will automatically make him liable for deportation at its conclusion."

She thanked jurors for ignoring the "noise" around the case.

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Police are appealing for help to find a man wanted for allegedly breaching his sex offender notification requirements.

Thomas Sheard, 27, is described as being 5ft 9in tall, slim, with ginger hair and a ginger beard.

When he was last seen, Sheard was wearing a grey T-shirt, grey joggers, a blue coat, and black trainers.

He has links to the Ribbleton area of Preston.

Description

A man from Swansea has been jailed after pleading guilty to a number of offences, including sexual assault.

34-year-old Nathan Bantick, from Mount Pleasant, also pleaded guilty to two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm following an incident which took a place on The Kingsway in the city centre on November 26 last year.

The sexual assault charge pertained to sexual touching of a woman without her consent.

Bantick has been sentenced to twelve months in prison.

Detective Constable Ben Evans said:

“Nobody should go on a night out anywhere and expect to be on the receiving end of unwanted and inappropriate touching.

“Nathan Bantick’s actions on the night in question were unacceptable and go to show that this behaviour is serious enough to likely result in a prison sentence.

“We commend the victim for coming forward to report the incident.”

Description

The man pictured is Lewis Westwood, he is 31 years old and he is a paedophile.

In April 2023 he isolated his victim inside a house in Leyland and engaged her in sexual activity against her will. Later the same day he further sexually abused her in a different part of the property.

The brave victim reported what Westwood had done to her in June 2023 and he was arrested.

He defendant admitted to attending the property, but denied any wrongdoing. He tried to explain away the presence of his DNA in the room where the raped happened, by claiming he only went in there to charge his phone.

Following a trial at Preston Crown Court, Westwood, of Brisco Road in Egremont, Cumbria, was found guilty of six counts of sexual activity with a child.

Westwood appeared at the same court today (9th February) where he was jailed for 12 years. Westwood was also made subject of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and told to sign the Sex offenders Register for life.

In a statement to the court, the victim wrote: “Since this has happened my emotional physical and mental health has deteriorated, and my life has been put on hold for the last three years. Having to talk to police officers about it and asked questions about it both in suites and at court kept it haunting me. It hasn’t just affected me, it affected my work, my social life and I can’t see a future where I will just ‘move on’ from this.

“I find myself forever doubting people’s intentions, and this has meant that no matter who I come across I push people away. The whole experience has left me feeling very lonely.”

DC Cora Cook, from our Preston Child Protection Team, said:

“Lewis Westwood is a dangerous and persistent sexual predator who targeted a vulnerable girl for his own sordid sexual intentions.

“I welcome the sentence which reflects the seriousness of the offending and the danger Westwood poses to female children.

“Finally, and most importantly, I would like to praise the victim for her bravery and patience throughout this process.”