Latest Offenders

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Iain Wares, 86, a former teacher accused of historical sex abuse by scores of former pupils at Edinburgh Academy and Fettes College — including BBC presenter Nicky Campbell — has been found guilty in South Africa of indecently assaulting a former pupil.

Wares taught in Scotland in the 1960s and 1970s and now lives in Cape Town, where the high court ruled in 2024 he could be extradited. The process was delayed after Scottish authorities added further charges.

In a separate case, a Cape Town court convicted him of indecent assault against a student over alleged sexual abuse in the 1980s. Sentencing has been postponed until 13 May.

Scottish prosecutors first requested his extradition in 2018, leading to his arrest the following year. He was arrested again last October under a UK warrant and released on bail, with a hearing scheduled for 16 April. The additional charges include 60 counts of sexual assault, four of rape and 25 of assault.

Wares denies the charges and has fought against extradition.

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A phone store manager who stole videos and images of children from his customers mobile phones for his sexual gratification has been jailed.

Steven Drew, 38, of Newstead Way, Loughborough, Leicestershire appeared at Lincoln Crown Court earlier today (23 March) where he was jailed for seven years. Drew will also serve an extra two years on licence for the following:

• Sexual assault of a girl aged under 13.
• Five counts of taking indecent images of children.
• Three counts of making indecent images of children.
• Possession of prohibited images of children.
• Possession of extreme images.
• Two counts of voyeurism.
• Possession of a Paedophile manual.
• Three counts of causing a computer to perform function to secure/enable unauthorised access to a programme or data.

In 2022, Lincolnshire Police received information that an Emule user, a file sharing website, had shared and was offering to share indecent images of children online. A warrant was executed at an address in Lincolnshire on 11 January 2023, and Drew, who was living and working in Lincolnshire at the time, was arrested two days later on suspicion of distributing indecent images of children.

His digital devices were seized during the warrant. After forensic examination, detectives uncovered thousands of Category A-C images, as well as prohibited images of children and extreme images, with some of them dating all the way back to 2007.  It was also found that Drew had been using his position as a manager in a phone shop to obtain images and videos of children when customers would bring their devices in.

Drew was further arrested on 8 January 2024 for possession of indecent images of children, taking indecent images of children and voyeurism. He was released on bail with one of the conditions being not having contact with any child under the age of 18.

Other evidence found on the 38-year-old’s phone also showed that he had sexually assaulted a young girl under 13 prior to him being arrested.

Whilst Drew was on bail the Paedophile Online Investigation Team (POLIT) worked tirelessly with their victim identification colleagues to ensure Drew’s victims were identified and safeguarded.

Drew was arrested for a third time in June 2025, on suspicion of 14 offences and was remanded into custody. During investigations it was found that Drew continued to take indecent images of children whilst he was on bail.

He pleaded guilty to 17 counts at a hearing at Lincoln Crown Court on Thursday 30 October and remained in custody until his next court appearance.  

Drew has been placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and has also been given a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

The officer in charge of the investigation, DC Nicola Paradowski from POLIT, said:

“Drew is a dangerous individual who has manipulated and exploited people to obtain images of their children for his sexual gratification. The type of offending Drew has conducted is abhorrent, and it’s evident from this case that Drew has a clear sexual interest in children, and that he would stop at nothing to fulfil his needs.

“I would like to thank the families for their courage and support throughout the investigation, even though this has been a deeply upsetting time for them. Lincolnshire Police take this type of offending extremely seriously and we continue to be relentless in our pursuit to bring people like Drew to justice.”

Judge Hirst who passed today’s sentence stated that Drew had a long-standing sexual interest in children and that he posed a significant risk of causing serious harm.  Judge Hirst therefore deemed Drew as a dangerous offender which means he will serve an extended sentence period in prison.

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Detectives have secured an evidence-led prosecution that resulted in a violent sex offender being put behind bars.

Simon Evans, aged 56 and of Weymouth, was sentenced to 12 years in prison with an extended licence period of a further three years. He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for an indefinite period.

The defendant subjected the victim to a prolonged and violent sexual assault during the evening of Friday 20 June into the early hours of Saturday 21 June 2025 at an address in Weymouth.

The victim was unconscious throughout the assault, which was photographed and filmed by the defendant. He later threatened to share the intimate footage with other people.

The matter was reported to Dorset Police on Sunday 22 June 2025 and that evening, Evans was arrested and taken into custody.

A detailed investigation ensued and although the victim felt unable to support the investigation, detectives worked hard to gather other evidence through a forensic examination of the defendant’s phone, address searches, DNA samples and analysing footage.

Evans was charged with rape, sexual assault and 11 counts of sexual assault by penetration.

He was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday 20 March 2026 after pleading guilty to all of the charges against him.

Police Staff Investigator Samantha Sheppard, of Dorset Police, said:

“Simon Evans subjected the victim to a prolonged and horrific sexual assault and documented the entire ordeal, all while she was unconscious.

“Detectives worked extremely hard to gather enough evidence to ensure Evans could be held accountable for his appalling and contemptible actions.

“Tackling violence against women and girls is a key Force priority and we are committed to supporting victims and ensuring robust action is taken against perpetrators.

“There are many reasons a victim may choose not to support a criminal investigation, but I hope that the result of this case, secured without the victim being in a position to support the investigation, helps and inspires other victims of rape and sexual offences to find the strength to come forward and report matters to us. Victims can be assured that they will be fully supported by specially trained officers and that we will thoroughly investigate the offences.”

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Swansea shop worker jailed for grooming and attempting to meet 13-year-old girl for sex

A Swansea shop worker who groomed a 13-year-old girl and tried to lure her to his home for sexual activity was arrested by police after her mother discovered the plan and raised the alarm.

Prasad Saravanan, 24, of Russell Street, pleaded guilty at Swansea Crown Court to meeting a girl under 16 following sexual grooming and inciting a girl under 16 to engage in sexual activity.

Prosecutor Georgia Donohue said Saravanan knew the girl was underage after repeatedly speaking to her while she wore her school uniform. He obtained her number and they communicated via Snapchat and WhatsApp.

The girl asked him for a cannabis cigarette. Her mother found their WhatsApp messages and blocked him, but contact continued on Snapchat.

In October 2024, Saravanan invited the 13-year-old to his home. She said she would do “anything he wants”, including performing oral sex when asked.

On 24 October, while the girl was travelling to the meeting, her mother grew suspicious after a phone call and texted Saravanan pretending to be her daughter’s friend. He confirmed the rendezvous. Officers arrested him at the location before the girl arrived.

The girl’s mother said in an impact statement that her daughter was a “kind and trusting” girl “still learning about the world” and that Saravanan had manipulated an “emotionally vulnerable child”.

Defending, Walter Verkaik said Saravanan, originally from Chennai in India, had come to the UK to study. He produced references describing him as a “moral person”, including from a university lecturer. His right to remain in the UK has now been withdrawn and he wishes to return to India.

Judge Catherine Richards said Saravanan had “groomed and manipulated” the young girl. She noted the positive references but said his future plans had been “significantly altered”.

He was sentenced to 31 months in prison after receiving a 25% discount for his guilty plea. He will serve 40% of the sentence in custody. Saravanan was also placed on the sex offenders register for life and made subject to a five-year sexual harm prevention order.

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A man from the West Midlands has appeared at Swindon Crown Court today (18 March) and been sentenced to more than six years having pleaded guilty to a sexual offence against a child. 

Thomas Brewerton, 25, from Cot Lane, Stourbridge, was arrested by SWROCU officers in November last year having travelled from his home to Swindon with the intention of sexually abusing a girl under the age of 13. Instead of meeting with the child whom he intended to sexually abuse, he was met by police officers.  

Brewerton pleaded guilty to arranging or facilitating the commission of an offence of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity (penetration). He was remanded in custody.

Today, the judge sentenced Brewerton to six years and four months and handed him an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). 

DI Dave Wells from SWROCU said:

“This case represents an appalling intention to commit a devastating offence. Thomas Brewerton is a dangerous individual who sought to rape a child and my officers acted swiftly to detain him.

“My team is part of a national network of specialist officers who are across the internet looking to track down people with a sexual interest in children and intervene before any harm can occur. The sentence handed down to Brewerton today, along with the conditions of his SHPO, will help protect the most vulnerable people in our communities and keep them safe from sexual harm.” 

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A man who raped two women in Peterborough has been jailed for 26 years.

Wayne Lightfoot, 36, met his first victim while on a night out on 4 September 2022.

They went to the victim’s home and had consensual sex. Later that night he forced himself upon her, despite being clearly told, “no”, and that he needed to leave, he raped her.

On 26 August last year, Lightfoot went on a date with his second victim in Peterborough before going back to his house in Stanton Square, Hampton Hargate.

When they arrived, the victim changed her mind and said she wanted to leave but he violently assaulted her, took her phone away and raped her.

Following a trial, Lightfoot was found guilty at Peterborough Crown Court of four counts of rape, seven counts of sexual assault and false imprisonment.

On Friday (20 March) he was sentenced at the same court to 26 years in prison.

He was also handed an indefinite Restraining Order and Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

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Sex offender handed suspended sentence for failing to register address changes

A convicted sex offender was given a suspended prison sentence after repeatedly failing to tell police where he was living.

Joshua Thompson, 31, of Worthing Street, Hull, admitted three offences of failing to notify changes of address on August 21, 27 and December 2.

Prosecutor Michael Masson told Hull Crown Court the breaches occurred over about three-and-a-half months. "It's a persistent breach," he said. "There is no evidence that anyone was put in danger."

Defending, Jazmine Lee said Thompson had given his bail addresses to the court but failed to "take that extra step of going to the police" to register the changes. "He has just not taken that extra step," she said. "The court knew."

The former drug user had "made significant improvements" and "wants to put this behind him. He is at a fork in the road," she added.

Judge John Thackray KC warned: "You have got a bad record, with some serious offences, which put the public at risk." Future breaches would be viewed more seriously.

Thompson, who had spent three months and 12 days in custody on remand, received an 11-month suspended prison sentence with 20 days’ rehabilitation.

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A man who touched a woman’s bottom at a church has been banned from the place of worship.

Jyhun Zeynalov, 38, from Stoke-on-Trent, contacted police after the incident and admitted he “may have touched her back or bottom but it was not a sexual act”. He later pleaded guilty to sexual assault.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard he has a previous conviction for sexually assaulting a woman in a churchyard, for which he received a suspended prison sentence in 2022.

Prosecutor Barry White said the woman was at a church in Stoke-on-Trent when she felt a hand on her lower back. She turned to see Zeynalov’s hand move to her bottom “for one second”. She walked away and reported it.

In a victim impact statement, the woman — who has devoted her life to Christ — said she no longer feels safe in church, her confidence has collapsed, and she lives in fear of being touched again. She has turned to alcohol, feels “worthless” and is in constant danger around men, the Stoke Sentinel reported.

Defence lawyer Lynette McClement said Zeynalov is no longer allowed in the church and needs help with alcohol and his behaviour.

Recorder Julian Taylor told him: “I hope you are very sorry about that. You need to set some boundaries. You need to address your alcohol problem. You need to be aware that women do not want to be approached in this manner unless they give you full consent.”

Zeynalov was sentenced to a two-year community order, placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for five years, and ordered to complete 20 days’ rehabilitation, alcoholism treatment, 200 hours of unpaid work and a sex offenders’ programme.

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Officers in our Child Abuse Investigation Team have praised the ‘incredible bravery’ of a woman who was subject to 17 years of sexual abuse by Ricky Cutts.

The woman, who is entitled to lifelong anonymity, first spoke to police in June 2025 and disclosed the sexual abuse Cutts had carried out since 2009, when she was still a child.

Officers in our Child Abuse Investigation Team (CAIT) worked with the woman carefully and considerately through her interviews, where she set out a consistent pattern of sexual and physical abuse over more than a decade.

Ensuring safeguards were in place for the victim, CAIT arrested 37-year-old Cutts, of Marine Parade East in Clacton, and charged him with eight counts of rape and four counts of sexual assault on 18 June 2025.

He was remanded in custody and initially pleaded not guilty, but upon realising the strength of the case against him he admitted he was responsible in November last year.

At a Chelmsford Crown Court hearing on Tuesday 10 March 2026 he was sentenced to 17 years in prison, with a further five years on extended licence, as well as a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order, being added to the Sex Offenders Register for life and being barred from ever working with children again.

Speaking after the hearing, Detective Katie Knight of CAIT said:

“I want the woman at the heart of this case to know how incredibly brave she was to speak to us.

“Disclosing this kind of abuse may be the most difficult thing a person ever does. To have faced it for almost two decades would have made this unimaginably hard, but she still spoke to us.

“It’s a privilege to be trusted by victims of crime in this way, and I’d encourage anyone, child or adult, who feels they may have been the victim of abuse to speak to us.

“It may be difficult but you will be listened to and you will be supported.”

DC Knight added:

“Cutts’ crimes were heinous, violent and always brought with the threat of further assault if his victim tried to get help.

“His abuse was vile. He preyed on and controlled this woman with a shocking campaign of sexual violence, and a long custodial sentence was the only option left before His Honour Judge Daniel Sawyer to keep the public safe.”

The woman in this case said:

“I learnt not to be afraid anymore. When I spoke up, I was believed.

“If there is anyone who is a victim of this abuse, you are stronger than you think you are, and you don’t have to suffer anymore.”

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A man who preyed on women in their own homes, refused to take no for an answer and proceeded to sexually assault them, has been jailed for four and a half years and will be required to be on extended licence for a further three years.

He has also been handed a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be on the Sex Offenders Register for life following his appearance at Hull Crown Court today (Friday, 20 March 2026).

As a result of two investigations conducted by officers from both Humberside Police and North Yorkshire Police, McCaulay Parker, 28-years-old, of Thanet Road in Hull was found guilty following a four-day trial in December 2025 of two counts of sexual assault after he preyed on two vulnerable women in their own homes in the areas of Hull and Skipton in North Yorkshire.

Parker first came to our attention in July 2024, after officers received a report from a woman alleging she had been sexually assaulted by a man named McCaulay Parker.

The woman explained how, posing as a tradesman, Parker had approached the woman asking if she needed any work doing. The woman politely declined, but Parker turned up the next week to undertake the work anyway, first checking whether she was home alone before entering her property.

Within minutes, Parker was making inappropriate comments towards the woman, making her feel uncomfortable before trying to touch her without her consent, and proceeding to sexually assault her.

An investigation was launched, and officers got to work trawling through CCTV from around the area to establish the circumstances, conduct arrest attempts for Parker, and start building evidence against him to eventually secure a charge.

CCTV enquiries showed the predator Parker approaching the woman’s address and luring his way in despite her not consenting.

Parker was subsequently circulated as wanted on Police National Computer (PNC) and he was arrested a few days later at his home address.

Whilst in custody and during interview, Parker denied all allegations put to him and he was subsequently bailed by the courts pending further investigation.

In March 2025, our North Yorkshire Police colleagues then received a report from a woman that a man claiming to be a door-to-door salesman had sexually assaulted her in her own home.

Officers were immediately deployed, and an officer spotted a man nearby matching the description given by the woman, and a man, later identified as Parker, was subsequently arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and transported to custody.

Initial enquiries alerted North Yorkshire Police to Parker as being listed on PNC with regards to his pending prosecution for the incident in Hull, and the two incidents were subsequently linked by the Crown Prosecution Service. After pleading not guilty to both offences, a trial was set for this December. 

Leading the Humberside Police investigation was Police Constable Jessica Holland from our Criminal Investigation Department, who said:

“Parker had exactly the same MO in both cases, where he would prey on lone women, probing them to ensure they were single or home alone, before luring his way into their own home under false pretences, refusing to take no for an answer and then sexually assaulting them.

“No one should be made to feel unsafe in their own home, and what Parker did to these women was not only repulsive, but extremely intrusive. To then deny what he had done and force the two women to sit through a trial and relive what happened to them all over again, is not only inhumane, but spineless.

“In the North Yorkshire case, Parker took it one step further, behaving so nonchalantly and acting like nothing had happened by asking the woman if she wanted to get high with him after what he had just done to her.

“Whilst the sentenced imposed today will not take away what the women have been through because of Parker’s actions, I am pleased he has been held accountable for his crimes and will now be behind bars to reflect on what he has done.

“We take all reports of contact and non-contact sexual offences extremely seriously, and we would encourage anyone who has been a victim of crimes of this nature to please come forward, when you are ready.

“We work with partner agencies and specialist services to offer support throughout the entire judicial process and will do everything we can to ensure perpetrators like Parker are brought to justice.

“If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual offences, please report it to us via our non-emergency number 101, attend your local police station with a friend, or someone you trust, or always call 999 in an emergency.”

Detective Constable Amy Sharrad, from North Yorkshire Police's Criminal Investigation Department, added:

"This is a particularly distressing and heinous case whereby Parker acted as a door-to-door salesman in order to prey on lone women in their own homes.

"Our homes are our safe spaces. Instead, Parker invaded their personal, safe space and caused a great deal of trauma in these two random attacks.

"Understandably, this has had a lasting impact on both women. The sentence does not take away what they continue to live with, but hopefully it helps to provide a measure of comfort and strength to move forward with their lives.

"I am pleased the jury saw through Parker's lies, allowing him to be held accountable for his despicable actions.

"I commend both victims for their bravery right through from reporting to enduring the trial. It hasn't just meant securing justice for themselves, but I hope it gives confidence to other victims to come forward, knowing that they will be listened to by the police and the wider criminal justice system will do everything they can to get justice for them." 

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A man from Coventry has been jailed for eight years after being convicted of sexual abuse against two girls.

David Iles had pleaded not guilty to multiple sexual offences against children with one incident dating back over three decades.

The 80-year-old’s offending came to light when one of his survivors reported to a family member she had been abused by Iles between January 2022 and August 2023. 

A thorough investigation began with officers also being notified of another woman who had been abused by him dating back to 1994. 

An investigation found the woman, who was a child at the time, had been abused by Iles between October 1994 and October 1995. 

Iles appeared at Warwick Crown Court on 13 March after being found guilty of sexual assault on a girl under 13, inciting sexual activity on a girl under 13 and indecent assault on a girl under 16.  

He was jailed for eight years and will serve four years on extended licence. He was also ordered to abide by a Sexual Harm Prevention Order indefinitely. 

Detective Constable Ruth Russell, of our Public Protection Unit, said:

“We take every single report of abuse extremely seriously whether it happened yesterday or decades ago. 

“Because of the woman and girl’s bravery in this case we have been able to put Iles behind bars for his crimes and protected other children. 

“I want to thank them for their courage and strength in coming forward and working with us throughout this whole process. 

“I hope this shows other survivors that we will always do all we can to investigate and get justice for anyone who reports sexual offences to us.”

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A man has been jailed after being identified as being in control of a Snapchat account which sent deeply concerning threats to two girls in Essex.

Leo Gravely, 20, made the threats to two teenage girls under the handle of ‘alfie_bach’.

The threats were violent and sexual in nature.

Gravely first contacted the victims when he was aged 18 in 2022 by sending friend requests which were accepted.

He then cited information which was specific to them and made sexually violent threats if they did not send explicit imagery to him.

Both victims feared the person behind the Snapchat account would act upon the threats.

Gravely’s actions continued for several months and were then reported to police.

Detectives were then able to quickly link Gravely, of St Michael’s Road, Canvey Island, to the ‘alfie_bach’ Snapchat account and arrested him at his home.

His phone was seized and indecent imagery of one of the girls, some of which falls into the most serious categories in law, was found on it during its examination.

Gravely was released on bail whilst the case against him was built, and he was ultimately charged with two counts of blackmail and two counts of having indecent images.

He denied the charges and was found guilty on 29 September after an 11-day trial at Basildon Crown Court.

Jailing him for a total of seven years today, Friday 20 March, Recorder Clark labelled Gravely “a dangerous young man” with a “desire to torture and cause pain” who showed “no shred of remorse”.

Indefinite restraining orders were also put in place to protect both victims and Gravely was made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order for ten years and will also be placed on the sex offenders’ register for a decade.

Victims' bravery

Detective Constable Emma Taylor, who carried out our investigation, said:

“The bravery of the two victims in this case is astounding. To be faced with such violent and explicit threats and have the courage to face Gravely is incredibly humbling.

“Leo Gravely behaved despicably when he made these threats and we were determined to identify who was behind the account and bring them to justice.

“Gravely continue to protest his innocence right through his trial but the jury just didn’t believe him and today, his violent and threatening behaviour has caught up with him.

“But today isn’t about him – today is about our victims, I hope, finding some closure in this chapter, knowing that he will spend his next years in prison.

“And even when he is released, he will be closely monitored for a period of time and will be banned from contacting them indefinitely.”

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The parents of a girl who spoke up about a serious sexual assault she was subjected to have praised her bravery as her attacker was today given a 30-year extended sentence.

Stephen Jeffries had abused three girls over almost two decades, with those he targeted aged as young as 11.

The 35-year-old, who was described by the judge as being considered a most dangerous offender was also put on the sexual offender register for life and given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order until further notice.

He was arrested following a break-in at a Birmingham home in December 2024, during which a girl was sexually assaulted.

Through forensic evidence, investigators identified a suspect within days of the offence and arrested Jeffries from his home in Northfield on 12 December, 2024.

Specialist officers worked with the girl and her family, to establish exactly what she had been through and offered them support as the investigation developed.

Today her parents have shared some of the victim statements they gave to the court as Jeffries was jailed.

Her father, said:

"Life is incredibly challenging for women, who regularly face a world where their safety and dignity are threatened.

"I deeply admire my daughter for her courage in standing up against this injustice; it truly reflects her remarkable strength and character.

"No parent should ever have to watch their child endure this kind of pain.

"While I know no sentence or decision can undo the harm that has been done, I hope the court will take into account the devastating impact this crime has had—not just on her, but on all of us who love her.

"I want justice, not just for my family, but also to send a message to others: that actions like this cannot and will not be tolerated."

While her mother said: "Stephen Jeffries may have found her at her most vulnerable that night but what he did not realise is what a brave girl she truly is.

"The same strong girl that spoke up, she has done what most adults cannot face doing let alone a minor, her braveness is why we are all stood in this room today to ensure consequences are faced.

"No matter what sentence is given here today, no sentence will be as long as the one my daughter has been given as this will be with her for the rest of her life."

Jeffries was also further charged with sexually assaulting two other girls, with those offences dating back to between 2005 and 2024.

Today at Birmingham Crown Court the judge, His Honour Judge Dean Kershaw, also commended the bravery of the victims and their families in the case.

In passing a sentence of 22 years custody and eight years on an extended license, he described Jeffries as being a very high risk to the public, and that he had imposed the extended sentence to protect the public.

Detective Sergeant Nicky Simms from our public protection unit, said: "The three victims and their families have remained strong and committed during this entire process.

"Their strength, fortitude and resilience attending every court hearing, has meant we have been able to bring a dangerous and deviant perpetrator to justice.

“It is down to the courage and bravery of these victims reporting and recounting the horrific details of the crimes committed against them, alongside the support and dedication of officers, that ensured that the defendant had no option but to enter guilty pleas.

“This sentence means he has now been imprisoned and is unable to harm others.

"I would encourage anyone who has been victim of abuse to report this to the police.

“Even years after an attack or sexual abuse has ended, we will listen and can give support as we work through a case to hopefully bring them justice for the ordeal they have been subjected to.“

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A JUDGE has praised a sexual abuse victim’s exceptional courage after her abuser was jailed for almost 20 years.

Judge Michael Maher said the girl – who was just six when the abuse began and is now a teenager – had shown maturity well beyond her years in how she dealt with the trial she was forced to go through by her abuser.

The comments came as dangerous sexual predator Ben Slaney was sentenced to 18 years. He will have to serve at least 12 years in prison before he is considered for parole.

Slaney, 33, of Portland Road, Blackpool had denied the abuse and claimed his victim was making it up but after a trial a jury saw through his lies and he was found guilty of three charges of sexual touching, covering multiple incidents over a three-year period; sexual assault by penetration and making category A and B images of children.

He was jailed at Preston Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday, March 18th) where he was also given a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a lifetime restraining order.

Slaney will be on the sex offenders register for life.

In a statement read to the court the victim said words could not describe how much she envied a life of never having been put through her ordeal.

She added:

“I’ve endured a life of pain since the first time that man took advantage, of the little girl I once was.

“I stand proud of myself for defending what’s right as I know he will be on a register for the rest of his life because of his actions. I have helped achieve justice not only for myself, but also for potential others. I still find myself wondering how different my childhood could have been if I wasn’t forced to grow up so soon.

“I hope this conviction will give courage to any too scared yet to speak, or too young yet to understand.”

Det Con Lucy Cross, of Blackpool Police, said:

“First and foremost I would like to praise the courage and tenacity of the victim in this case. She has shown incredible bravery firstly in speaking out about what happened to her and then in facing down Slaney when he accused her of lying and dragging her through a trial. I am in awe of her.

“Slaney is clearly a dangerous paedophile who has preyed on a vulnerable victim and who has shown no remorse for his actions. I welcome this sentence and I hope it gives others who may have suffered similar abuse the confidence to speak out in the knowledge that Lancashire police will listen, will investigate with professionalism and sensitivity and will aim to put offenders before the courts.”

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A convicted rapist, described by a judge as one of "the most dangerous sex offenders in the country" has been given a life sentence.

Anthony Croft attacked his teenage victim after latching on to her in bars in Blackpool town centre in June last year; buying her drinks and following her around even after she tried to get away from him.

As she then walked home in the early hours, he approached her again in the Claremont area of North Shore, having followed her all the way from town.

When they approached an alleyway, he pounced on her and dragged her into an alcove in the alleyway where he sexually assaulted her.

She bravely managed to fight him off and ran to a nearby house for help and Croft scurried away.

The incident was captured on C.C.T.V. which the sentencing judge described as some of the "most chilling" he had ever seen.

Detectives launched an investigation and worked tirelessly to identify the offender, finding footage of him and identifying him through facial recognition. Croft was located and arrested in Liverpool.

He had only been released from prison a month before the assault after serving a 21-year sentence for child rape.

Anthony Croft, now aged 52 and of no fixed address, was jailed for life at Preston Crown Court this week for kidnap and sexual assault. He must serve at least eight years before he can be considered for parole.

Det Insp Liam Davy, of Blackpool Police’s Domestic Abuse, Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team, said:

“My view remains that, but for the tenacity and bravery of this victim, I have little doubt Anthony Croft would have harmed her even further. The footage that captured this horrendous ordeal is something that will stay with detectives who worked on this case. It is unforgettable and haunting. 

“At the sentencing hearing, the Judge described this predator as someone who "must be amongst a handful of the most dangerous sex offenders in the Country". I couldn't agree more. It is our job to hunt and capture these individuals and Blackpool Police will continue to strive to keep women and girls safe on our streets, in our venues and in their homes.”