Latest Offenders

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A man from Neath Port Talbot has been jailed after he was found guilty of rape.

45-year-old Michael Allen, from Port Talbot, was convicted in March of four counts of rape against two separate complainants.

Both victims were under the age of 18 at the time of Allen’s offending.

Allen has been sentenced to 23 years in prison.

Detective Constable Penny Romanello said:

“This thorough investigation has shown that Michael Allen is an incredibly dangerous man capable of horrendous sexual crimes against children.

“His two victims have been through a dreadful ordeal at his hands; one which we cannot even begin to understand the damage that he has caused them both physically and mentally.

“We commend them both for their bravery in speaking up about Michael Allen’s crimes.”

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A man was yesterday (April 20) jailed for engaging in controlling coercive behaviour and failing to comply with sex offender requirements.

Thomas Davidson, 57, of no fixed address was sentenced to one year nine month at Carlisle Crown Court.

The offences are against one woman.

The court heard that Davidson wouldn’t let the woman leave the house on her own, would drop her off and pick her up from work and would buy cars and sell them with her money and in her name breaching his notification requirements.

Following a disclosure, he was arrested and given conditions not to contact the victim. Despite this he sent letters, rang her doorbell and loitered around the property for significant amounts of time.

Detective Constable Callum Rushton from Cumberland CID said “Coercive and controlling behaviour can be difficult for victims to come forward and talk about.

“In this case Davidson controlled his victims life, ensuring she never left the house alone or went out with friends.

“I would encourage anyone who has been subject to offences of this nature to come forward so that our officers can investigate. You will be supported throughout our investigation.

“We work closely with partner agencies to provide appropriate support which is tailored to an individual’s circumstances.

“These offences will not be tolerated by Cumbria Constabulary, and we will do everything within our power to hold them accountable for their actions and bring them to justice.”

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A man who sexually assaulted two women on the same train a week apart from one another has been jailed, following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Mohammed Mirzai, 24, and of no fixed address, was sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment at Falkirk Sheriff Court on Thursday 9 April 2026 having previously pleaded guilty to two counts of Sexual Assault at an earlier hearing.

He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years and pay a victim surcharge. 

The court heard how on Friday 14 March 2025 Mirzai boarded a 9.45pm Scotrail service from Glasgow to Edinburgh and chose to sit next to a woman despite other seats being available.

He proceeded to sexually assault the woman who challenged his actions. He then left the train at Falkirk High railway station, though members of the public that had witnessed the incident had taken a photo of him.

The woman contacted British Transport Police by texting 61016, sharing the photo that had been taken of Mirzai. 

As detectives worked to identify Mirzai and track him down, another woman contacted BTP to report that he had also sexually assaulted her on the same train on Saturday 22 March, just over a week later.

He was located and arrested on Thursday 17 July before being taken to police custody for questioning.

Detective Constable Liam Deasley said:

"Mirzai is a dangerous predator who targeted lone women in a routine manner, clearly finding a route that he felt comfortable and safe sexually assaulting women on.

"There is absolutely no place for this kind of behaviour, and I commend the bravery of the victims for coming forward and supporting the investigation so that we could put Mirzai behind bars.

"If you've been the victim of a sexual assault or witness one taking place, please report it to us by texting 61016 so that we can take action and secure justice. We take every report seriously, and will stop at nothing to put sexual offenders behind bars."

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A rapist who planned to flee the country after attacking a young woman has been jailed thanks to the rapid work of Met Police investigators.

Hassan Alsarout, 22 (23.12.2003), Brazilian national of no fixed abode, raped the victim in a secluded area on Euston Road in the early hours of 9 October 2025.

The victim reported the rape and following her detailed account, officers acted immediately to secure critical evidence including CCTV and digital records.

Detectives established the suspect had fled London to the West Midlands and launched a national man hunt. Officers successfully located Alsarout at an address in Coventry where it was discovered that he was planning to flee to Denmark the next day.

Less than 24 hours after the attack he was arrested and taken into custody and pleaded guilty to rape at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 20 February.

Today, Tuesday 21 April, he was sentenced to 5 Years and 7 Months and placed on the sex offenders register for life. He will be deported from the UK following his sentence.

DCI Paul Ridley said:

“I want to commend the victim for her bravery and resilience in coming forward and supporting the investigation. Her evidence was crucial in bringing this offender to justice and preventing harm to other women across the country.

“My investigation team acted with absolute urgency to identify, locate and arrest Alsarout. Their determined efforts stopped him fleeing the United Kingdom and ensured he was brought to justice.

“This case shows the Metropolitan Police’s tireless efforts to tackle violence against women and girls through a proactive approach that puts victims first and ensures they are fully supported by specialist teams throughout.”

Officers were quickly able to identify the suspect and corroborate the victim’s account through detailed CCTV and digital analysis which uncovered a phone call that Alsarout had made shortly after the attack.

Officers also recovered evidence proving Alsarout attempted to destroy forensic evidence by immediately washing his clothes. This provided further corroboration of his guilt.

Alsarout was arrested 10 October 2025 less than 24 hours after the offence, showcasing the investigation team’s rapid and effective intervention which stopped a dangerous criminal fleeing the country.

The suspect was brought into custody, interviewed, and charged within hours.

Dedicated rape and serious sexual offence teams, supported by specialist officers, worked closely with the victim to ensure she was supported throughout the investigation.

The Met continues to prioritise the safety of women and girls and is relentlessly targeting offenders to secure justice for victims of sexual violence.

As part of the Met’s victimcentred approach, bespoke training has been rolled out to 23,000 officers and staff, strengthening investigations into rape and serious sexual offences and improving support for victims.

This has contributed to charge rates for rape more than tripling, and increased reporting shows more survivors feel able to report offences.

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We have today, Tuesday 21 April, welcomed the sentencing of a Wirral man for child sex offences.

Colin Walker, 68, of Church Road in Tranmere was jailed for 10 years at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday.

The court was told Walker targeted the four complainants when they were aged as young as five and over the course of around 25 years.

He had previously admitted two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 and causing a child to engage in sexual activity and was found guilty of a further 12 charges of sexual assault of a child under 13, four of assault by penetration and two of indecent assault by a jury.

He was sentenced to 10 years in prison with a further 12 months on extended licence.  He was also handed a lifelong sexual harm prevention order and indefinite restraining orders and will be required to sign the sex offenders' register for life.

Detective Constable Graeme Beacall said:

“I would firstly like to pay tribute to Walker’s victims for their courage during the court proceedings.

“Walker was a predator who preyed on his victims over a number of years. It is right that as a result of his actions he will now spend a considerable period of time behind bars.

“I hope that knowing he has been brought to justice will allow them to move on with their lives.”

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THE BRAVE victim of a Wordsley sex offender who is beginning a 14-year jail term for a string of offences against children has spoken out saying he "ruined my life."

The woman, who is in her 30s and cannot be named for legal reasons, was one of Paul Robert's victims and reported the sick pervert to police.

Roberts was was found guilty of eleven offences including gross indecency with a girl under age 14 and indecent assault on a girl under 16.

The 62-year-old, of Ashwood Avenue, was jailed for 14 years at Wolverhampton Crown Court on March 27.

Police have today (Monday April 20) released a picture of Roberts.

His victim spoke about how she was afraid to come forward, doubting that anyone would believe her and has encouraged other victims of sexual abuse not to stay quiet.

She said:

"He ruined my life

"I'm in a better place now, but I carried it with me a long time before I spoke out.

"The manipulation stays with you and the fear of speaking out.

"You just think is anyone going to believe me - you ask yourself 'why me?'

"I didn't realise there were other victims."

The list of charges he was convicted of are:

• Gross indecency with boy under the age of 14
• Indecent assault on boy under the age of 16
• Gross indecency with a girl under fourteen
• Two counts of indecent assault on a girl under 16
• Gross indecency with a girl under sixteen years of age; Three counts of causing a child under 13 to watch / look at an image of sexual activity
• Inciting a boy under 13 to engage in sexual activity - no penetration and Assault on a boy under 13 by touching.

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A sexual predator has been jailed for 25 years with a further five years on extended licence for the rape and sexual abuse of two adults and three children.

Adam O’Dee, 37, formerly of Plymouth appeared at Plymouth Crown Court for sentencing on Monday 20 April after being convicted at a trial earlier this year of a total of 17 offences, all of which were committed in Plymouth.

The jury found O’Dee guilty of two rapes of a child under 13, four sexual assaults on a child under 13, two rapes, attempted sexual assault of a child under 13, three sexual assaults by penetration and five further sexual offences.

The first reports against O’Dee were received in 2022 when a young girl disclosed that she had been touched sexually by O’Dee.

This information was passed on to Police and O’Dee was arrested.

A few months later a second child victim then described how she was raped by O’Dee, and he was further arrested.

O’Dee raped and abused the third child victim on numerous occasions.

The offences relating to the first adult victim were reported in early 2025.

The victim described how on a prior occasion she awoke to find O’Dee on top of her raping her.

The final offences (the offences relating to the second adult victim) took place while O’Dee was on court bail after being charged for the child sexual offences.

On the date of the offence O’Dee forced himself upon the victim and committed the assaults.

The victim told her friend the following day, before informing police and attending a forensic examination.

O’Dee denied the offences against all five victims during interview.

Officer in the case, Detective Constable Paul Enticknap, said:

“I welcome the sentence given to Adam O’Dee who has committed truly harrowing offences against women and young children.

“He has shown no remorse or accountability and now faces a substantial jail sentence for his appalling behaviour.

“My utmost thanks and praise are with the victims who not only had the courage to report the offences but supported the police investigation and waited patiently to give their evidence in court.

“Their strength and bravery are truly admirable, and I sincerely hope they find closure and start moving forward with their lives following this outcome.

“I would also like to extend my thanks to the family and friends of the victims who have also been deeply affected by O’Dee’s actions. Their support has been essential to achieve this outcome.

“This has been an extremely sensitive and complex investigation. Sexual offences can happen anywhere, at any time and to anyone.

“I hope this outcome will encourage others and give them the confidence to report these types of offending.

“Devon and Cornwall Police and the Crown Prosecution Service will work relentlessly to pursue justice and prosecute those who sexually offend against children and adults.”

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The sentencing of a “despicable” Highland taxi driver who raped a 20-year-old woman near Dingwall has prompted a pledge from police.

David Brown, 49, of Croy, picked up the woman after a night out in Inverness. She wanted to return to her Highland village, but he raped her after parking his taxi in a field between Strathpeffer and Dingwall.

Brown claimed the encounter was consensual. The woman told the court she was left traumatised.

On Friday a jury found him guilty of rape. He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced in May.

Detective Inspector Michael Cosh said:

“David Brown will now face the consequences of his despicable actions.

“I hope his conviction helps the woman involved to continue to move forward with her life.

“Police Scotland takes reports of sexual crime very seriously and I would encourage anyone who has experienced abuse to contact us.

“You will be listened to and supported. We take all reports seriously.”

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A rapist who abused a girl has been jailed after the victim reported the historic offences to a close friend and a health professional.

Anthony Toward, 37, of Blakelaw, was arrested and charged with several offences, which he denied. Following a five-day trial at Newcastle Crown Court in February, a jury found him guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He was remanded in custody.

Today (Monday) he was sentenced at the same court to 14 years in prison. He will also spend the rest of his life on the Sex Offenders’ Register and was given an indefinite restraining order.

Det Con Frank Cox of Northumbria Police, who led the case, said: "I'd firstly like to highlight the bravery of the victim-survivor in this case.

"The courage and determination she has shown throughout this process has ultimately led us to holding Toward to account for the attacks he carried out. While the sentence is no retribution for what the victim-survivor has been through – I hope it can provide some closure and help her move forward."

Det Con Cox added that Toward was a predator who had taken advantage of the victim. He added: "No-one should ever have to experience this type of abuse.

"Please know, if you've been a victim of any form of abuse – we are here for you and we will support you."

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A man has today, Friday, 17 April, 2026, been sentenced to 12 years in prison for a series of serious sexual and violent offences towards women.

Damien Harrier, 31, was convicted of nine offences following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh. Today at the same court he was sentenced and placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Harrier committed the offences, which included five counts of rape, against three women between 2018 and 2023.

One of the women met Harrier in his capacity as a personal trainer.

The trial heard that Harrier assaulted one of the women by grabbing her neck, restricting her breathing.

Harrier was the subject of a proactive investigation which was carried out by specialist detectives in 2023. He was subsequently charged with the offences in July 2023.

Detective Sergeant Kelly Paton said:

"Harrier abused these women both physically and emotionally and has been convicted of serious offences.

"I'd like to thank the women who engaged with police and told us what had happened to them. With their support we were able to bring this case before a court who ultimately found Harrier guilty of horrific abuse.

"Police Scotland will always thoroughly investigate, and we are here to listen and support victims. Anyone who is a victim of abuse or believes they know someone who may be a victim, please contact us or relevant support agencies."

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Rafael Nascimento was sentenced to 13 years on 17 April after the offence in Regent Hill in August 2025.

A tourist has been sentenced after he took a teenager to a property in central Brighton and raped him.

The 17-year-old victim was sitting on a bench in Dyke Road, Brighton in the early morning on 10 August 2025, waiting for public transport to restart.

He was approached by 38-year-old Rafael Nascimento, a Brazilian national who was visiting Brighton on holiday and staying at a property nearby.

Nascimento started a conversation with the teenager and asked where he could buy cigarettes at this time of night. The victim offered his help and took Nascimento to a nearby shop.

He then worked on gaining the teenagers trust and took him to a property in Regent Hill, where the rape occurred.

The offence was quickly reported, and Nascimento was arrested the same day after police intercepted him returning to the address.

He was initially charged with one count of rape of a male and appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 12 August. He was later further charged with three counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and causing a person to incite in sexual activity. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges and the case was sent for trial.

 On Tuesday 2 February, the jury in the two-week trial at Lewes Crown Court found Nascimento guilty of four counts of rape and causing a person to incite in sexual activity. They found him not guilty of the sexual assault charges. Nascimento was remanded in custody to await sentencing.

At his sentencing at Lewes Crown Court court on Friday, 17 April, Nascimento was sentenced to 13 years in prison.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Steve Cobbett, said:

"With sentencing now complete, we want to recognise the courage and resilience the victim has shown throughout. Their bravery in reporting the offence promptly played a crucial role in helping us swiftly identify, locate, and apprehend a dangerous predator.

"Nascimento was visiting the UK on holiday and was due to return to Brazil the day after the offence. Had the victim delayed reporting what happened, there is every possibility that Nascimento could have left the country before we had the chance to arrest him and bring him to justice. 

"While nothing can undo the trauma the victim has experienced, we hope this sentence provides some sense of closure and helps them to continue to heal.

"Sexual offences can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, and it is vital that all victims feel able to come forward. Offences against men remain under-reported, often because of fear, embarrassment, or stigma.

"We want victims to know they can report to us in confidence. You will be listened to, treated with respect, supported throughout, and your report will be taken seriously."

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A Metropolitan Police officer who abused his position to gain the trust of his victims has been found guilty of multiple counts of rape and sexual assault.

Dion Arnold, 33 (DOB: 15/3/93), was found guilty of four charges of rape, two charges of assault by penetration and two charges of sexual assault with the offences committed between March 2023 and March 2025.

Arnold targeted women by abusing his position of trust and making them feel that they had no choice but to submit to his sexual demands.

There is no indication, however, that Arnold met any of the complainants through his roles with the police.

One of the victims described herself as feeling defeated after an encounter with Arnold but told herself that it could not have been non-consensual because he was a police officer. His victims described him as “extremely persistent and demanding”.

Detective Chief Inspector Jon Smithers said:

“I would like to commend these women for their bravery in giving evidence against Dion Arnold during the investigation and at trial and ensuring that he has been brought to justice for his callous behaviour and crimes.

“Arnold deliberately targeted women safe in the knowledge that he could sexually assault and rape them against their consent and that they would not report him to the police for whom he worked.

“These women believed that they could trust Arnold because he was a police officer. It was clear from the victims’ interviews that they felt they should comply with, and even forgive, Dion Arnold’s behaviour.

“This does not mean they were not victims of his crimes.

“As a police officer, Dion Arnold abused his position of trust to commit crimes against these women.”

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A man from Merthyr has been jailed for historical sex offences against a child.

Phillip Harris, 58, committed the offences between 1989 and 1991 when his victim – now in his late 40s - was a child.

The victim reported the offences to South Wales Police years later in 2023 after confiding in his partner.

Harris was arrested and while he was in police custody officers searched his house. They seized a number of devices from which they recovered a number of indecent images including Category A images.

He was charged with six counts of indecent assault of a boy under 16, five counts of gross indecency of a boy under 14, committing buggery to a boy under 16, three counts of making indecent images of a child, and possessing an extreme pornographic image of a child to which he pled guilty. He pled not guilty to charges of indecently assaulting a boy under 16 and gross indecency of a boy under 14 but was found guilty following a trial in March, 2026.

Through his impact statement, the victim told the court how he felt ‘trapped by the memories and trapped by the constant, gnawing sense of loss’. He told the court how Phillips took something from him that can never reclaim - his childhood.

On April 17, 2026, Phillip Harris appeared at Newport Crown Court where he was jailed for 15 years. He is also made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be required to register as a sex offender.

Detective Constable Leah Williams, who led the investigation, said:

“I would like to commend the bravery of the victim in this case who was taken through a difficult trial process by a man who preyed on him as a child.

“Whilst the trauma of the experience all those years ago remain with him, I hope the justice he now has allows him to take important steps forward in his life.

“This case demonstrates that it is never too late to report a crime of this nature. We take all reports seriously and investigate them thoroughly, with the aim of securing justice for victims.”

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“It’s changed my identity and it has changed how I see myself” – Those are the words of a woman who was attacked by a registered sex offender in Leicester’s Frog Island.

The incident happened on the evening of 11 June last year while she was out for an evening walk along the canal towpath.

She was seen by Warren Laight, who began to closely follow her as she walked towards North Gate. During the walk Laight overtook her before stopping under a bridge.

The victim, who thought he might have been following her, tried to walk past him but Laight grabbed and sexually assaulted her. Struggling to break free, she managed to shout and attract attention which spooked Laight and caused him to run off.

The victim, who is in her 20s, provided a description of Laight to officers which assisted in identifying him through CCTV enquiries. Witnesses from nearby properties were also spoken to and provided a description of him.

On 13 June, Laight was arrested. In interview, he said he could not have carried out the attack as he was not in the area at the time and was staying with a family member.

Laight’s relative was spoken to by police and said Laight had been at her home address that day and had only left for 15 to 20 minutes to buy cigarettes.

However, officers were able to identify that Laight’s phone was not at her address at the time the incident occurred and was in fact at the scene of the attack.

Despite his denial Laight was charged. On 16 December, at Leicester Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to one count of attempted rape and one count of assault by penetration.

He was sentenced at the same court today (Friday 17 April) to a total of 13 years and six months in prison.

In her Victim Personal Statement, the victim said:

“The impact has gone far beyond the immediate incident. It has changed my identity, and it has changed how I see myself.

“I feel disconnected from who I used to be, I no longer find joy in the things that once defined me and feel I will never be able to do those things again.
“He has taken my life away from me the way in which I knew it. He has handed me a life sentence and now I am left to serve it.”

Detective Constable Josh Evans, the officer in the case, said:

“This is a deeply concerning case given the victim appeared to be chosen at random by Laight, who displayed predatory behaviour.

“She has told me how much the incident has impacted her day-to-day life and the way it’s changed her as a person. She’s afraid to go out alone and feels vulnerable when out in public.

“However, the fact that despite what’d just happened she was able to provide a description of him that allowed officers to identify him on CCTV and arrest him is a testament to her presence of mind.

“Despite initially denying he had any involvement – and a family member providing a false statement on his behalf – this evidence was key in leaving him with no alternative but to admit what he’d done.

“Hopefully today’s outcome provides the victim with a degree of closure and relief that Laight is back behind bars.”

• A 41-year-old woman was dealt with by way of a conditional caution for providing a false witness statement

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A prolific sex offender has returned to jail after touching himself inappropriately while staring at a child on a train, following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.   

Tajinder Sabherwal, 44, and of High Street, Bedford, appeared at St Albans Crown Court on 7 April where he was sentenced to two years and two months in prison having pleaded guilty to Outraging Public Decency. He was also handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

The court heard how, on 22 March last year, a mother and her 11-year-old daughter were on a train from London St Pancras to Peterborough when Sabherwal boarded the service and sat adjacent to them so that the child was in his line of sight.

The mother turned around and noticed that Sabherwal was touching himself over his shorts while staring at her daughter.

She turned around again and made eye contact with Sabherwal who, on realising he had been caught in the act, left his seat and walked down the train.

The mother texted 61016, BTP’s text-to-report service, and officers boarded the service at Biggleswade but Sabherwal had already left the train.

BTP detectives identified Sabherwal as the offender and he handed himself in at Luton police station before offering no comment to all questions put to him in police interview.

The 44-year-old has a long history of committing sex offences on the railway.

In 2021 he was jailed for 18 months for exposing himself to women and touching himself inappropriately on multiple occasions at stations and on trains across London and Surrey.

BTP Detective Constable Agata Barker said:

“This was an extremely disturbing incident for the victim and her mother. Sabherwal stooped to a new low, committing this vile offence while staring at a young child.

“He is evidently a repeat offender and poses a serious danger to women and girls, so I am pleased to see him return to jail where he can’t target the public with his repulsive behaviour.”