Latest Offenders

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A 52-year-old man has been sent to prison after he was found guilty of eight child sex offences.

Between 2008 and 2019, Derek McAvoy sexually abused a girl on multiple occasions, touching her inappropriately and taking photos of her in various states of undress.

The girl bravely reported the offences to Northamptonshire Police in 2019, and McAvoy was arrested and subsequently charged with one count of sexually assaulting a girl under 13, four counts of sexually assaulting a girl under 16, two counts of causing/inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of voyeurism.

McAvoy, formerly of Northbrook, Corby, took the case to a trial at Northampton Crown Court which lasted four days and ended at the beginning of the month (April 2) with guilty verdicts from the jury on all eight counts. 

He was sentenced on the same day to 11 years in prison.

Detective Constable Kirstie Brooks from Northamptonshire Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said:

“I am really pleased to see this case end with guilty verdicts, and I hope the survivor in this case feels both a sense of justice and that she has been truly listened to and heard.

“McAvoy’s abuse was extensive and prolonged, and he is now thankfully behind bars, where people who commit these types of offences belong.

“I would like to thank retired officer, DC Sharon Jephcott, for the work she did on this case, and I also want to reassure the public that we will continue working hard in the Child Abuse Investigation Unit to ensure more people like McAvoy end up in a prison cell.”

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A man has been jailed for six years for sexually assaulting a woman as she slept.

Mark McIlwaine, 49, of Elizabeth Court, Higher Bugle, appeared at Truro Crown Court for sentence on Friday 10 April having previously been found guilty of sexual assault by penetration and causing a female to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity.

The court heard how McIlwaine assaulted his victim in her sleep, and initially when challenged pretended nothing had happened.

McIlwaine denied any such offending in interview.

Officer in the case Detective Constable Emily Rickard said:

“We welcome the sentence given to Mark McIlwaine who showed no consideration for the victim in this case as he sought about fulfilling his own sexual desires.

“McIlwaine has showed no remorse for what he has put the victim through.

“I would like to thank the victim for having the bravery to report what had happened to her, and for remaining engaged throughout court proceedings.

"The reporting of these incidents to police will further protect women and girls in the future."

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A man from Swansea has been jailed after he was found guilty of rape and assault, both against the same victim.

30-year-old Adam Ezalden, from Waun Wen, punched and kicked his victim on a number of occasions after the victim had made clear that he did not have her consent. The victim was only able to escape the assault, which took place in April 2024, after elbowing Ezalden to the face and taking the opportunity to run away.

Ezalden was found guilty of rape and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in March 2026. He has this week been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison.

Detective Constable Carys Davies said:

“This was a harrowing attack in which Adam Ezalden used his clear power over the victim to achieve sexual gratification, even using violence as he did so.

“He is clearly a danger to women and is therefore not welcome on the streets of Swansea.

“We hope that the victim is able to overcome her trauma suffered at the hands of Adam Ezalden, and commend her for her bravery in coming forward.”

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A Kirklees sex offender who abused a vulnerable teenager more than a decade ago and has been jailed.  

Zana Adil Mohammed, aged 48, from Huddersfield was jailed at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday 9 April after pleading guilty to sexual offences, including sexual activity with a child, committed in 2011. 

The 48-year-old was sentenced to 62 months in custody for five sexual activity with a child offences, and four counts of making indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children.  

The offending took place in Huddersfield in December 2011 against a then young teenage boy, who came forward to report what had occurred.  

Mohammed fled the country during the initial stages of the investigation with subsequent police enquiries establishing he was in Iraq.  

Through work with partners officers became aware in October 2025 that he was planning to return to the UK and arrested him on his arrival at Birmingham International Airport on 16 October.  

He was held in custody, charged, and then detained to appear before Leeds Magistrate’s Court on 18 October.  

Detective Constable Leanne Sanderson of the Kirklees Child Safeguarding Unit, said:

“Mohammed clearly poses a significant risk to young males, and we welcome his sentencing at court.  

“The appalling offences he committed deeply affected his young male victim and I would personally like to thank him for his bravery in reporting this crime and his support of the investigation.  

“It has taken a lot of courage to disclose such abuse, and we hope that seeing Zana jailed will give him some measure of closure.  

“We continue to urge all victims of unreported sexual assault to come forward.  No matter when the offending took place, we will always listen and do all we can to investigate, provide support, and seek justice for you.” 

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A Dover resident has been jailed after officers found he had committed sex offences involving children.  

David Whitehall had restrictions imposed on his conduct, including being subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, following his conviction at Canterbury Crown Court in September 2016 for possession of indecent images of children.

Officers attended his address on 16 January 2026 after they identified he had purchased a new smart phone and had begun communicating with children online. He was arrested and punched an officer in the face and attempted to kick and shove additional officers who arrived to assist.

Whitehall’s internet enabled devices were later examined and it was found he was sending explicit photos of himself whilst speaking to young people and was requesting inappropriate images in return. Investigators also located multiple indecent images of children and 27 videos of the most serious category.

Whitehall was charged with eight offences including making an indecent photograph of a child and assaulting an emergency worker.

He was remanded in custody and pleaded guilty during his first hearing at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on the following day.

Whitehall, 37, appeared at Canterbury Crown Court on Tuesday 8 April, where was sentenced to three years and two months in prison.

Detective Constable Marie-Anne Boulton said:

‘Whitehall is a prolific child abuser, who has shown time and time again that he poses a serious risk to young people.

‘I am pleased that, thanks to the swift actions of officers monitoring his behaviour, Whitehall has been returned to prison, where he can no longer pose a threat to some of the most vulnerable members of our community.’

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A predatory paedophile who sexually abused two young girls has been jailed for 26 years.

Michael Hines, 82, of Coates Avenue, Barnoldswick has been convicted of multiple sexual offences following a trial at Burnley Crown Court last year.

Hines was convicted of multiple offences including rape of a girl under 13 and assaulting a girl under 13 by touching. Hines carried out his sexual abuse in the Barnoldswick area in the early 2000s.

He was sentenced on Friday 27th March to a total of 26 years in custody.

In a victim personal statement, one of the victims said:

“It is hard to explain how deeply this has damaged me, because the effects have touched every part of who I am. What happened to me didn’t just end when the abuse stopped. It has changed the entire course of my life. Emotionally and mentally, I have been left carrying pain that was never mine to carry.”

Detective Constable Hannah Tofalos of Lancashire Police’s East Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Department said:

“Michael Hines is a dangerous paedophile who preyed on his vulnerable victims and subjected them to abhorrent abuse, the seriousness of which is reflected in his lengthy custodial sentence.

“I want to commend the victims who have shown immense bravery in coming forward to report these crimes and throughout the court process. While no sentence can ever undo the trauma caused, we hope this result offers them a sense of justice as they continue on with their recovery.

“Lancashire Constabulary remain committed to bringing the perpetrators of sexual abuse to justice, regardless of how long ago the offences took place. I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence to come forward safe in the knowledge that they will be treated sensitively and professionally.”

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A sexual predator who abused a child on multiple occasions has been jailed. 

Alexander McClymont, aged 38, was exposed in 2022 when his victim revealed what had been happening to her. 

After a lengthy investigation he was charged with multiple sexual offences, all of which he denied. 

However, after a trial he was convicted by a jury at Nottingham Crown Court of nine offences. 

The convictions were for eight counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of sexual assault. 

The court heard the abuse began around a decade ago. 

Appearing for sentence on Thursday (9 April), McClymont was jailed for nine years and two months. 

McClymont, now of Erewash Gardens, Top Valley, Nottingham, was also made the subject of a lifelong sexual harm prevention order that will tightly control his activities when he is released. 

He will also be on the sex offenders’ register for life. 

Detective Constable Stacey Lebeter, of Nottinghamshire Police's Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: 

“Firstly, I’d like to pay tribute to the incredible courage and strength shown by the victim in coming forward and supporting this investigation through to court proceedings. 

“As the court heard, the emotional and psychological impact on her has been severe and her bravery has been vital in bringing this offender to justice. 

“McClymont is a devious and calculating sexual predator who committed truly appalling offences against a child. 

“That child has been through an extremely difficult and upsetting ordeal, made worse by McClymont’s complete lack of remorse and refusal to admit to his crimes. 

“I am pleased he is now behind bars where he belongs and relieved that he is now no longer a danger to children. 

“I hope this case also serves as a reminder to other victims of sexual assaults which may have happened some time ago. 

“If you tell us about what happened we will listen to you, we will investigate and we will do everything we can to get justice for you.” 

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A man who raped a teenage girl he had been messaging has been sentenced to 10 years with an extended licence period of six years.

Jay Jenkins-Lang, 23, denied his crimes but was convicted of four offences: rape, possession of a firearm, actual bodily harm and perverting the course of justice.

On Wednesday 28 June 2023, the then 20-year-old went to the home address of his 17-year-old victim after absconding from Newport Magistrate’s Court.

Jenkins-Lang attempted to initiated sexual contact with the victim while in her bedroom. He was told no but forced himself on her.

Following the attack, the victim managed to get away to a neighbour where the police were called.

On his arrest, he was found wearing a stab vest and carrying a BB gun and knife.

During a trial in September 2024, the defendant presented a letter to his barrister claiming to have received it from the victim while remanded in custody. In the letter, the victim purportedly apologised and cleared him of the offence. The trial was adjourned to investigate further.

Forensics, handwriting samples and expert witnesses showed that the victim was not involved in the letter and led to Jenkins-Lang and 21-year-old man being charged with perverting the course of justice.  The 21-year-old man was found not guilty during the trial.

Jay Jenkins-Lang was found guilty of all four offences at Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday 25 February. He was sentenced to 10 years with an extended licence period of six years.

Police Staff Investigator, Victoria Hopkins, the officer in charge said:

“Jay Jenkins-Lang is a dangerous individual who carried out hideous offences against a teenage girl.

“In his final act of cowardice, he tried to jeopardise the trial and evade judgement by perverting the course of justice.

“In complete contrast, the victim has shown incredible strength, perseverance and courage throughout the entire process. Without her we would not have been able to bring Jenkins-Lang before the courts and ensure that this vile man is put behind bars.

“The effects of being a victim of sexual assault can be longstanding; however, I hope this outcome brings some sense of justice and closure for her.“

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A man has been jailed for 13-years after he was found guilty of rape and sexual assault.

Robert James Hough, 56, of Newcastle-under-Lyme, was sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Friday (10 April).

Hough was also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Following a trial, he was found guilty of rape and sexual assault at the same court on 29 January 2026.

The offences took place between 2016 and 2021.

Detective Constable Josie Frost, of the rape and sexual offences (RASSO) team, said:

“I would like to commend the outstanding bravery of the victim in coming forward and telling us what happened.

“Hough consistently denied the offences, but a jury found him guilty earlier this year.

“We remain committed to protecting victims of rape and sexual assault across Staffordshire and I would encourage anyone who has been a victim to come forward and talk to us.”

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Luke Joseph Connor has been jailed for 15 years.

A paedophile who preyed on young girls is starting a 15-year prison sentence.

Luke Joseph Connor subjected his two victims to heinous acts leaving them so traumatised that they felt unable to speak about it for more than a decade.

The 43-year-old, formerly of Burnhope, was arrested last summer and stood trial in January after denying the offences.

He was subsequently found guilty of two charges of sexually assaulting girls under 13 and one count of causing or inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

As he was sentencing Connor at Durham Crown Court on Friday (April 10), Judge Richard Bennett called him an “opportunist child sex offender” with a “deviant sexual interest in young girls”.

He also noted Connor’s previous child sex conviction in 2013 for which he served four years in prison. He is already subject to a lifetime notification requirement as a sex offender.

Connor was handed a total sentence of 15 years in prison and sentence with an extra three years added on licence due to his “dangerousness”.

His victims were also granted 20-year restraining orders.

Durham Constabulary Safeguarding Investigative Officer, Ashley Marsden, said:

“Connor is a vile abuser who preyed on these young victims and traumatised them for life.

“I would like to commend the victims for their bravery and tenacity during the investigation and court process, reliving what happened to them as young children.

“Facing their abuser in the trial took a lot of courage to ensure their voice was heard and although this sentence will never change what has happened to them, I hope it brings them some closure knowing Connor has been brought to justice.”

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Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been sentenced for rape in Milton Keynes. 

Mohammed Altaher (pictured below), aged 41, of HMP Bure, Norfolk, was found guilty by a unanimous jury of one count of rape of a male on Wednesday (8/4) at Aylesbury Crown Court. 

At the same hearing, Altaher was sentenced to twelve years imprisonment, with five years in prison and an extended license period of seven years to run concurrently to the sentence that he is already serving. 

In 2019, a Alather attended the home of the victim, a man in his forties, and raped him in Milton Keynes. 

Altaher undertook a voluntary interview on 21 November 2024 and was subsequently charged by postal requisition on 22 October 2025.  

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Hollie Cromarty said:

“I would like to firstly commend the incredible bravery of the victims in this case. By coming forward and putting their trust in the police, they have helped us to put a dangerous and predatory man in prison. 

“I am pleased that the judge recognised the seriousness of this crime, imposing a sentence which reflects as such. 

 “I would also like to reassure the public that we will always look to prosecute anyone who commits sexual offences, recent or non-recent. You will be supported, no matter what the passage of time, and we will bring offenders to justice. 

“Anyone who wishes to speak to us can call 101 or make a report on our website. Further information about the support available can also be found on our website.” 

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A Tajikistan national who subjected a 13-year-old girl to an “abhorrent” sexual assault on a train has been found guilty of six charges.

The verdict follows an investigation led by British Transport Police (BTP) detectives from its Major, Serious and Organised Crime (MSOC) team. 

Abdulmanon Aliev, aged 50, originally from Tajikistan but now living on Rye Lane, South London, appeared at Inner London Crown Court for a week-long trial.

On 9 April, the jury found him guilty of two counts of Assault by Penetration, three counts of Sexual Assault and Attempted Rape.

He will be sentenced at the same court on 17 June.  

Jurors heard that on the afternoon of 16 June 2025, the young girl was travelling on a Southend to London train.

During the journey she was approached by Aliev who sat opposite her and attempted to use a translator app on his phone to speak to her.

She then moved away from him to sit elsewhere, but he followed and sat next to her in an aisle seat, blocking her in by the window.

Aliev then forced himself upon the victim and subjected her to a prolonged sexual assault until the service arrived at London Fenchurch Street station where she was able get away from him and alight the train.

The victim boarded another train heading back out of London, leaving Aliev behind at the station.

She bravely reported what she endured to members of the public who encountered her in a distressed state, and the police were informed shortly after.

BTP detectives launched an urgent investigation to identify Aliev, trawling hours of CCTV footage to track his movements before and after the attack.

The manhunt ended on 27 June when plain clothes officers spotted him in Peckham, South London, and he was immediately arrested.

His home address was searched, and officers located and seized the clothes he was wearing during on the day of the attack.

A comprehensive file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and charges were authorised the following day.  

Specialist officers have been supporting the victim and her family throughout the investigation.

BTP Detective Constable Elizabeth Cahill said:

“Aliev singled out a vulnerable child and subjected her to one of the most abhorrent sexual assaults I’ve ever investigated.

“While the focus of attention will rightly be on him as the despicable sexual predator that he is, I want to pay tribute to the brave victim who reported him to police.

“This verdict would not have been possible without her account of what happened and her willingness to support our investigation.

“We take every sexual offence report extremely seriously, and we’ll stop at nothing to put offenders like Aliev before the courts.”

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A 22-year-old man has been convicted of rape following a retrial at Northampton Crown Court.

The defendant - Dylan Saunderson - first stood trial at the same court in August last year, charged with three counts of rape, one count of assault and one count of administering a noxious substance.

At the end of that trial, Saunderson was found guilty of assault and not guilty of two counts of rape and administering a noxious substance.

The third count of rape could not be agreed upon by the jury and so the victim decided she would support a retrial at Northampton Crown Court which lasted for four days and ended at the end of last month (March 27). The jury took just two hours to return a guilty verdict.

The incident in question happened on the morning of September 28, 2023, when Saunderson attacked a woman inside a Kettering property and raped her.

He was sentenced on the same day he was found guilty to nine years in prison for the rape, 18 months in prison for the assault, to run concurrently, and six months in prison for a separate dangerous dog offence, to run consecutively. 

Saunderson will also be on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life. 

During sentencing, His Honour Judge Mayo told the court that “this was a prolonged attack which was aggravated by the assault.”

Lead investigator - Detective Sergeant Chelsea Noble from the Force’s SOLAR Team said:

“I’d like to commend the survivor in this case for the strength she has shown throughout this process. She has had to endure not one, but two trials, and the fact that she pushed for a retrial says everything about her absolute determination to get justice for what happened to her.

“In her victim personal statement, she commented on how she felt her life was on hold due to what Saunderson did to her, so I hope the conclusion of this case allows her to move forward. She has a bright future ahead of her and we wish her nothing but the best.

“Tackling violence against women and girls is a priority for Northamptonshire Police and I hope this case demonstrates how important victim care and getting justice is to us.”

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A 36-year-old man has been jailed for 19 years for a series of child sex offences.

Aaron John Starmer, of Burton, Staffordshire, pleaded guilty to the rape of a child, attempted rape of a child, three counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual assault, sexual activity with a child and inciting sexual activity with a child.

He admitted the offences in October last year and was sentenced to 19 years in prison, with an additional six years on licence.

Starmer has also been placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely, given an indefinite Sexual Risk Prevention Order and a restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim.

The charges followed the victim bravely reporting what had happened to them.

DC Sophie Smart, of Staffordshire Police’s child protection team, praised the victim’s courage.

She said:

“I would like to comment on the outstanding bravery of the victim in this case and their immense courage to come forward.

“Staffordshire Police encourages anyone who has been a victim of sexual offences to come forward and report it so that robust action can be taken and justice can be served.”

A force spokesperson added:

“We started to investigate Starmer after the victim bravely told someone what happened. He was arrested the same day and was charged and remanded into custody the next day. Starmer had no previous convictions for sexual offences.”

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A man has been jailed today for 14 years after he was found guilty of five child sex offences.

Craig Raeburn, aged 61, of no fixed address, was sentenced today (9 April) at Preston Crown Court after a jury found him guilty following a trial at the end of January.

Raeburn was made subject of a 20-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and has been placed on the sex offenders register for life. He was also given an indefinite restraining order against the victim.

The offences occurred in Barrow between 2014 and 2016 and involve one victim.

Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Ash Elliot, said:

“The victim in this case has been incredibly brave in coming forward and reporting these traumatic events and I hope this result can provide some closure.

“Raeburn is a predator and was fully aware of the victim’s age when he committed the offences.

“Despite the case being reported some time after it took place, we hope the result achieved at court shows that it is never too late to report instances of sexual abuse.

“Cumbria Police will investigate all reports of sexual abuse and do everything in our power to hold offenders accountable for their actions.”