Latest Offenders

Description

A man who raped a vulnerable young woman he met in a Nottinghamshire Park has been jailed.

Sheraz Malik, now aged 28, met the girl on Sutton Lawn, Sutton-in-Ashfield, on the evening of Sunday 29 June 2025.

The victim, who was 18 at the time of the attack, was attacked after she was introduced by a friend to Malik and a group of other older men.

Birmingham Crown Court heard last year how she was first raped by another member of the group, before being led by Malik to a secluded area and raped for a second time.

Malik, a Pakistani national, was identified after the arrest of an initial suspect and was later traced to an address in Newcastle.

After his arrest on 18 July Malik gave no comment answers in two subsequent police interviews including when challenged about damning DNA evidence linking him to the victim.

During his trial he claimed to have had consensual sex with the victim.

The jury, however, rejected his account and in January this year convicted him of two counts of rape. He was cleared of a third count of rape.

Malik appeared at the same venue today (Thursday 11 June ) and was given an extended 14 year sentence - 10 years in custody and four on extended licence. 

Detective Inspector Nicole Milner said:

“This remains a complex and demanding investigation, and one that continues to be a priority for Nottinghamshire Police as we pursue our enquiries to locate and arrest a further suspect.

“Above all, my thoughts are with the victim, whose courage, resilience and bravery have been evident throughout both the investigation and the criminal justice process.

“Sheraz Malik has today received a significant custodial sentence, reflecting the seriousness of his offending and the profound impact of his actions on the victim.

“I hope this sentence brings the victim a sense of justice and reassurance that Malik no longer poses a threat to our community.”

Description

A man from Halifax has been jailed for 12 years for the serious physical and sexual abuse of a woman.

Neil Allsopp aged 48 of Ash Tree Road, Mixenden admitted to assault occasioning grievous bodily harm, sexual assault by penetration and intentional strangulation.

On Monday 8 June he was sentenced at Bradford Crown Court to 12 years; he was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register.  

The court heard how the victim suffered numerous fractured ribs, a fractured spine, a fractured sternum, and how bleach was poured over her.

In a victim personal statement read in court the victim said:

“The attack left me with physical, emotional, and mental affects. I constantly feel judged by what happened and if anyone says anything about what happened, I tell them that I survived; but I am not sure how.”

PC Alice Dalton of Calderdale District Police said:

“We welcome the significant sentence of Allsopp. He deserves to be in jail for a very long time.

“The victim has shown immense courage and bravery in reporting these crimes to us.

“West Yorkshire Police take all reports of this nature seriously and will thoroughly investigate to get justice for victims.”

Description

A man has been jailed for nearly five years after sexually assaulting a child and exposing himself in a charity shop.

Christoffer Thorkelsen, aged 30, was visiting Hertfordshire from Norway with family when the incidents took place last year.

At around 1.50pm on Wednesday 15 October, Thorkelsen exposed his penis to a member of the public inside the Isabel Hospice shop on Haldens in Welwyn Garden City.

A couple of days prior, the court heard how Thorkelsen also sexually assaulted a child under the age of seven in the county.

After reports were made to the police, Thorkelsen tried to flee the country before he was intercepted on the plane by police officers at Gatwick Airport.

Thorkelsen was arrested, charged and pleaded guilty to both offences.

At St Albans Crown Court last Friday (5 June), Thorkelsen was jailed for four-and-half years for sexual assault and a further five months for indecent exposure, to be served consecutively. He will be deported upon his release from prison.

Detective Sergeant Katie Stevens, from the Joint Child Protection Investigation Team, said:

“Thorkelsen is a dangerous and predatory offender and there is no doubt the world is safer with him behind bars.

“Thorkelsen committed these serious offences from the first day he arrived in the UK, and then attempted to flee the country when he knew police were investigating.

“I’d like to praise both victims for their bravery in reporting his crimes, and thankfully they were spared the ordeal of having to go through a criminal trial.”

Description

“You're not alone.”

These are the words of a woman to other victims and survivors after the man who violently raped her was jailed.

“If something like this has happened to you, simply report it to law enforcement,” she added. “I had very mixed feelings about the case, but the care and support I received was something I'll never regret.

“I felt cared for. I was offered psychological help, I was in constant contact with the police, they called me and asked about my well-being, and during the trial, I was guaranteed complete anonymity. It was a very difficult trial to prove, but the police gathered irrefutable evidence in this case.”

Tapiwanashe Sibanda was jailed for nearly 10 years at St Albans Crown Court on Friday 5 June after being found guilty at a trial last November.

The court had heard how he had invited a female sex worker to a street away from his home in Hatfield in August 2020.

After dark he took her to a secluded area of Ellenbrook Park. There he violently and repeatedly raped her, threatening her with a concealed weapon, before robbing her of her mobile phone.

The woman fled from the scene and was seen distressed and running away by a passerby who stopped to help her, and who also alerted the police.

Sibanda, now aged 27, formerly of Richards Street, Hatfield, was traced and arrested and in interview he said the sex had been consensual.

Detectives from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Sexual Offences Investigation Team investigated the case. Officers also pursued and secured a Sexual Risk Order against Sibanda in order, placing restrictions on his contact with women.

They built a case against Sibanda, and working with partners including Independent Sexual Violence Advisors, who provide independent support to victims and survivors, they earned the confidence of the woman to the point where she felt comfortable to support the investigation.

He was sentenced to nine years and 10 months in prison for rape, robbery and multiple breaches of the risk order. He was also given a sexual harm prevention order meaning he will be monitored by police on his release from prison, and he will be on the sex offenders register for life.

In sentencing Judge Andrew Johnson said the impact of Sibanda’s offending was “immense” and that he posed risk of “causing serious harm to women”.

He also commended the professionalism of the police investigation saying:

“The response of the police, demonstrates that the authorities will properly investigate allegations of rape whoever they are made by.”

DC Jon Holmes, investigating, said:

“My first thoughts are with the victim, who endured a terrible ordeal no one should face. With support from specialist officers, she saw this case through, and I commend her courage and determination to achieve justice and help keep our communities safe.

“I am also grateful to the member of the public who assisted her and to those who supported police enquiries.

“I encourage victims, particularly of sexual offences and within the sex worker community, to come forward to Hertfordshire’s specially trained officers. We will listen, take you seriously, offer support, and ensure your wishes remain central throughout the investigation to hold those who abuse or commit violence against others to account for their actions.

“Sexual offending is always a very serious crime. Any person considering or taking part in such activity can expect the police to investigate professionally and relentlessly to bring offenders to justice.”

Description

A sex offender has been sentenced to three and a half years, with an additional three on extended licence after he was convicted of making over 800 indecent photographs of children.

Daryl Stokes, 46, was already being managed by the Management of Sexual or Violent Offenders (MOSOVO) team following his conviction in March 2019 of making indecent images and pseudo images of children. During an unannounced visit from the team in August 2025, officers suspected him of committing further offences and he was arrested and recalled to prison.

This led to a more details investigation, following which Stokes was later charged and then convicted of making 409 category A indecent photographs of a child, making 117 category B indecent photographs of a child, making 294 category C indecent photographs of a child and two breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Stokes will now remain on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Detective Constable Jordan Pascoe, who investigated Stokes, said:

“The offences committed by Stokes were horrific and involved the degradation and humiliation of children. There are real children behind these images, who have suffered terrible abuse, that will have life lasting impacts upon them. They were the worst images I have had to view as a detective, and I am pleased this has been reflected in the sentencing handed to him.”

Temporary Detective Inspector Kayleigh Wilson, of MOSOVO said:

“This case highlights the proactive work conducted by the MOSOVO unit to identify offending.

“This case highlights the proactive work conducted by the MOSOVO unit to identify offending.

“DC Pascoe conducted a diligent and thorough investigation to ensure that Stokes was brought to justice for his offending. It was a difficult case due to the extent of abuse, but the dedication of the officers in the MOSOVO team made sure that a solid case was put forward for Stokes’ conviction to prevent him from further abuse.”

Description

A man from Winsford has been found guilty of rape, assault and two counts of controlling and coercive behaviour.

Damon Furmedge was found guilty of the charges following an eight-day trial at Chester Crown Court which concluded on Friday 29 May.

The 36-year-old, previously from Weaver Street, Winsford, has been remanded in custody and will appear at Chester Crown Court on17 July to be sentenced.

The case began in November 2024 when police received an anonymous call about Furmedge’s behaviour towards the victim.

The victim was spoken to on her own but was reluctant to give any information and said she was scared.

After gaining the women’s trust, she went on disclose how she had been raped, strangled and abused by Furmedge.

The woman told officers that the first time she was assaulted Furmedge threw her fully clothed into a bath-full of water and held her under the water by her neck. He did this twice and left her terrified she was going to die.

What followed was a catalogue of threats, violence and controlling behaviour which left her so scared that she considered taking her own life to escape.

She told officers that Furmedge had installed cameras and microphones at her home, he had also monitored her movements by tracking her phone and threatened to harm her.

DC Hannah Lamborn from Northwich CID said:

“The level of intimidation and violence was terrifying for the victim who wanted to report Furmedge but was scared of the repercussions.

“The anonymous call that night gave her the courage to speak out about her ordeal. I think that’s a vital example of how concerned friends and family can call out this horrific behaviour and help their loved-one break free. 

“I would personally like to thank the victim for her courage in supporting the Police investigation so that justice could be served.

“Our officers are here to help you, with the assistance of specialist agencies, to break the cycle of abuse and get the perpetrator away from you and convict them of their abhorrent crimes.”

Description

A young girl who stood up to her rapist has seen him jailed for ten years.

David McDonald raped the girl when she was 13 years old.

He was arrested when the girl bravely told a teacher what had happened, and an investigation was launched.

The 64-year-old was charged with several offences, including rape and several counts of sexual assault.

McDonald, of Newton Aycliffe, denied the offences and went on trial at Durham Crown Court earlier this year where a jury found him guilty of rape.

He was acquitted of the other charges.   

Appearing back at court last Friday (June 5), McDonald was jailed for ten years.

He was also handed an indefinite restraining order preventing him from contacting the girl, and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

In a victim impact statement, the girl said he has ruined her life.

The Officer in the Case (OIC) Samantha Geraghty, from Darlington Safeguarding Team, said:

“I’d like to commend the young girl for the immense bravery she has shown throughout this investigation and subsequent court process.

“By standing up to her rapist and having her voice heard, she has helped to get a dangerous man off the streets.”

Description

The courage of seven girls who bravely disclosed the sexual abuse they had been subjected to has resulted in the conviction of two men.

Bawan Hawre and Sharam Muhamadi were both found guilty by a jury today (Tuesday 9 June) of a number of offences against the girls, who were aged between 12 and 16 at the time, after a four-week long trial at Sheffield Crown Court.

They were charged following a thorough investigation, led by South Yorkshire Police’s Barnsley Child Exploitation Team which works collaboratively with Barnsley Council under the umbrella of the BSAFE team.

Through engagement with and support from officers and staff in the BSAFE team, the investigation began in August 2024, after one of the victims bravely made a disclosure during routine safeguarding after being reported missing from home. The girl disclosed she had been abused by a man she knew as being called 'Karo', and in contact with another man she knew as 'Jack'.

After building rapport with the victims, the multi-agency investigation team was able to establish that there were additional victims, and through careful and dedicated work over a period of time, identified 'Karo' as 28-year-old Hawre and 'Jack' as 21-year-old Muhamadi.

During the trial, the jury heard the offenders, who used the fake names in every encounter with the girls, initially made contact via a social media platform where they offered the girls vapes, e-cigarettes, and money.

Arrangements were then made to meet in person, where the girls were transported between Barnsley and Doncaster.

Six of the girls were given alcohol and drugs before being raped by Hawre.

Detective Sergeant Jude Proffitt, who works in the BSAFE team, said:

"These girls have demonstrated such bravery in testifying against these men who abused them. They will continue to be safeguarded and offered support by the force, Barnsley Council, and other services.

"We will continue to do everything we can to prevent and eradicate child sexual exploitation, acknowledging that the issue is evolving and there will always be more to do. We are, however, encouraged that the processes and procedures the police and local authority have in place to spot the signs and act on them enabled and empowered one of the victims to make the first disclosure which ultimately led to these convictions.

“We also commit to ensuring our response to child sexual exploitation is the best it can be, providing victims with the support they need to disclose incidents and bring cases to court in the hope of securing justice.

“While this conviction concludes these criminal proceedings, both ourselves and Barnsley Council will continue in our efforts to identify those at risk of child sexual exploitation and intervene at the earliest possible opportunity. If you or someone you know may have been subjected to this awful abuse, please report it to the police, BSAFE or someone you trust.”

Bawan Hawre, formerly of Hexthorpe Road, Doncaster, was found guilty of six counts of arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view of exploitation, one count of rape of a girl under 13, four counts of rape of a girl aged 13/14/15, two counts of adult meeting a girl under 16 years of age following grooming, and two counts of false imprisonment.

He pleaded guilty to one count of rape of a girl under 13 before the trial. One count of rape of a girl aged 13/14/15 was dropped during court proceedings.

Sharam Muhamadi, formerly of Hexthorpe Road, Doncaster, was found guilty of two counts of arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view of exploitation.

He was found not guilty of one count of rape of a girl under 13, one count of rape of a girl aged 13/14/15 and two counts of arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view of exploitation. A charge of sexual assault on a female was dropped during court proceedings.

Sentencing will take place on Thursday 11 June at Sheffield Crown Court.

Description

A man has admitted raping, strangling and suffocating a woman in Staffordshire.

Miles Phillips, 41, of Abingdon, Oxfordshire, pleaded guilty at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court yesterday (Monday 8 June) to four counts of rape, intentional strangulation, intentional suffocation and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour.

The offences took place between 2023 and 2025.

Officers from Staffordshire Police’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit (RASSO) worked tirelessly to support the survivor and build the evidence needed to secure the charges against Phillips.

Phillips has been remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on 31 July.

Detective Constable Josie Frost, from RASSO, said:

“I would like to recognise the immense courage and bravery shown by the survivor throughout our investigation.

“Phillips is a dangerous offender and officers and staff worked tirelessly to secure these convictions and bring him to justice.

“I hope knowing that he is behind bars awaiting sentencing provides some comfort to the survivor.”

Description

Sharam Muhamadi, aged 21, was today (Tuesday 9 June) found guilty today of two counts of arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view of exploitation.

He was convicted in his absence after failing to appear at Sheffield Crown Court from Monday 18 May.

Muhamadi had been remanded in custody between charge and the beginning of the trial, when his defence team’s application for bail was granted by the court.

Upon his failure to appear, South Yorkshire Police immediately began a manhunt but, due to the court’s reporting restriction, we have been unable to publicly appeal for help until today.

Officers are actively conducting extensive enquiries to find Muhamadi and have trawled through hours of CCTV, and phone records. These are just a couple of examples of the extensive work our officers have been completing.

These enquiries have established that Muhamadi has links to the West Midlands area, and we know he travelled to Birmingham via train between Saturday 16 and Monday 18 May. Our officers rushed to the Birmingham area where, working alongside West Midlands Police, they have conducted extensive enquiries over multiple days – patrolling the streets, officers have shown his photo to members of the public.

The last confirmed sighting of Muhamadi was at around 9pm on Monday 18 May in Birmingham city centre. He then travelled in a taxi from the centre towards Coventry Road and the Small Heath Park area, southeast of the city. We do not know where Muhamadi travelled from there, but we are determined to find him and are now appealing for the public’s help.

Assistant Chief Constable Hayley Barnett said:

“Our priority has been and will continue to be securing full justice for the victims tragically involved. They have shown commendable bravery throughout our full investigation and the complex trial which followed.

“We are wholly focussed on finding Muhamadi and ensuring his faces the consequences of his actions.

“Officers have been relentlessly pursing all lines of enquiries. We are keeping an open mind of his whereabouts. We believe he is still in the country, but if he is found abroad, we will seek the Government’s help in doing everything we can to extradite him.

“We will not stop until we find him, and we will ensure these young girls get the justice they deserve.”

Description

A sex offender from Ramsgate who targeted two girls enjoying a night out together in Canterbury has been jailed.

Harry Homewood, 22, formerly of Augustine Road, pleaded guilty to multiple sexual offences before Canterbury Crown Court.

His crimes were reported to Kent Police in the early hours of Saturday 14 March 2026.

Victims approached

The victims, two friends in their late teens, had been socialising in the city centre the previous evening.

At around 2.30am, whilst walking in Station Road East, the girls were approached by Homewood, who was unknown to either of them.

Repeated assaults

Homewood started speaking to the girls before touching them over and under their clothing. He carried out repeated sexual assaults and made inappropriate comments, despite the victims’ efforts to make him stop.

The girls were able to alert friends who were in the area and police were made aware of the incident. Officers attended and Homewood was arrested shortly afterwards.

He was charged the following day.

Offender jailed

After pleading guilty, Homewood was sentenced at the same court on Thursday 4 June to 3 years and 9 months’ imprisonment. He will be subject to police notification requirements indefinitely.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Kirsty Chilcott, said:

‘Every woman and girl has the right to feel safe while they are out socialising and the repulsive, aggressive behaviour of sexual predators such as Homewood will never be tolerated.

‘Homewood’s offending has had a significant impact on both of his victims, whose courage I would like to commend. I hope they can take some comfort in knowing that he is in prison, where he belongs, and that restrictions are in place when he becomes eligible for parole to safeguard against future offending.

‘Anyone who thinks they can offend in this way should know that they can expect to be tracked down by us and brought before the courts, where they will be made to answer for their actions.’

Description

A man has been jailed after he subjected his former partner to more than eight years of sexual assaults, controlling and coercive behaviour, strangulation and physical assaults.

Scott Herbert, aged 57 and of Bishops Walk in Forthampton, Tewkesbury, appeared at Gloucester Crown Court on Friday (5 June) and was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison.

Herbert had pleaded guilty to one count of controlling and coercive behaviour and three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and was later found guilty of one count of rape and one count of non-fatal strangulation following a trial which concluded in October 2025. 

Herbert will also be placed onto the sex offenders register and must comply with conditions of this when ultimately released from custody.

The court heard how Herbert had been in an intimate relationship with the victim for several years, having first met her in 2017 after accidentally crashing into her car.

On 14 March 2025, police were contacted by a friend of the victim who made a crime report on her behalf after becoming aware of Herbert's actions.

It was reported that he had been physically, sexually and mentally abusive to her and had assaulted her numerous times during the course of their relationship causing bruising to her body. As well as this it was also reported that Herbert had forced himself onto the victim and made her have non-consensual sex with him.

Herbert was arrested the following day (15 March 2025) and the victim took part in a video interview during which she detailed five different instances when she had been physically and sexually abused by him.

It was reported that Herbert had punched the victim in the face one evening in January 2022 after becoming violent whilst drunk. It is believed that he had broken the woman's nose however she retracted her statement to police after Herbert pressured her into doing so.

In December 2024 it was reported that Herbert had assaulted the woman by grabbing her hair and dragging her across the house before trying to throw her outside. During this incident Herbert took her mobile phone and smashed it damaging it and the assault caused bruising to the woman's legs and knees.

The victim then recounted an incident from 14 February 2025 stating she and Herbert had stayed at a hotel in London. Herbert had paid for the hotel room and so she believed he would expect sex. 

Once at the hotel Herbert told the woman that they couldn’t go for dinner or drinks until they had sex and when she expressed wishes against this Herbert sexually and physically assaulted her. He punched her three times and strangled her making her think she was going to die. 

Around a week later Herbert assaulted the woman following an argument and told her to "think of herself as lucky".

The last incident to be recalled took place in March 2025. The woman described how she had met up with Herbert and that he had bought a large amount of sex toys which he wanted to use. Herbert ignored the victim's wishes and once again made her have non-consensual sex with him.

During conversations with police the woman said that Herbert would body shame her appearance and that he had hit her multiple times, previously spat in her face and strangled her. This caused the woman to be frightened of Herbert and in fear that he would hurt her more seriously. 

She stated that there had been around 50 instances of assaults and threats throughout their relationship.

As part of the investigation Herbert's partner provided a Victim Impact Statement which explained the impact of Herbert's actions.

She said:

"You broke me, mentally, emotionally, physically and sexually. You knew this but continued to chip away anyway. You broke my peace of mind and my spirit with your systematic humiliations.

"Your belittling, your devaluing of me, your constant bullying and continuous mocking of me from how I looked, right down to what I wore and to the car I drove, nothing that I ever did or chose seemed to be good enough.

"Your body shaming of me went way above my comprehension and has left lasting damage to my confidence. You seemed to get some perverse kick and enjoyment from seeing my pain and sadness.

"You intimidated me, mocked me and even laughed in my face when you could see the effect your words were having. I felt like I was a game or a plaything to you and just to take your frustrations out on.

"I felt uncomfortable with your demands. You made me feel ugly and old. You took away my self-esteem and confidence. Made me feel stupid, worthless, not fit for purpose, irrelevant. I lost credibility. I felt insignificant. And it just dehumanized me."

At the conclusion of sentencing, Acting Detective Sergeant Jonathan Stokes from the Criminal Investigation Department said:

"I thank the victim for having the strength to initially come forward and report the abuse she was suffering and for then going through the entire judicial process.

"It takes a lot of strength and courage to put yourself under this level of scrutiny, especially when you have experienced prolonged abuse over a number of years.

"It's clear that Herbert subjected her to a variety of offences over a number of years and she has been incredibly brave in being willing to stand in court and give evidence of his violent actions against her.

"Crimes such as these often happen behind closed doors between partners and without the victim being willing to go through all the different stages and processes, some of which couldn’t have been pleasant, we would not have known about the true level of Herbert's offending against her.

"Herbert's crimes have had a long lasting impact on the victim and she is still processing how to move forward as clearly articulated in her impactful personal statement. 

"Hopefully now that he has been sentenced for the offences he committed against her, she can start to focus on the future and starting her life free from abuse and fear."

Description

Paedophile Avoids Jail After Directing Police to 100,000+ Child Abuse Images

A 59-year-old paedophile who “recognised his own interest in children” has avoided an immediate prison sentence after voluntarily telling police where to find his vast collection of child abuse images.

Carl Mitchell, of Shakespeare Street, Southport, had downloaded more than 100,000 indecent images of children. Merseyside Police executed a search warrant at his home on 30 September last year and seized several devices, but initially missed his computer tower.

During interview, Mitchell denied viewing or sharing the images but directed officers to the unseized computer. A second search recovered the tower and three external hard drives containing the material.

Analysis revealed 11,046 Category A images (the most serious), including 358 videos and footage of a baby aged six to 12 months being sexually assaulted; 10,483 Category B images; 95,248 Category C images; and 24 extreme pornographic images.

Mitchell, who has 15 previous convictions for 28 offences including indecent assaults in 1986 and 1988 but none since 2002, admitted three counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possessing extreme pornography. A charge of distributing the images was discontinued.

At Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, defence barrister Lloyd Morgan told the court:  
“Somewhat unusually, this is a defendant who has made full admissions about his sexual interest in children… He has struggled to come to grips with that interest. It shows that he is ashamed and appalled of his behaviour and has showed a desperation for help… Genuine remorse… is present in this case… There is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.”

Sentencing, Judge Brian Cummings KC highlighted four aggravating features: the “sheer volume” of Category A material (over 11,000 images including 358 videos), the inclusion of a baby victim, the huge additional volumes of Category B and C images, and Mitchell’s previous convictions for indecent assault.

The judge noted the “pattern of entrenched distorted thinking in relation to children” identified in the pre-sentence report, but accepted the “unusual… level of frankness” shown by Mitchell in recognising his sexual interest in children, describing it as mitigation that gave “greater cause for hope” of successful rehabilitation.

Mitchell was handed a 16-month prison sentence suspended for two years, with a rehabilitation activity requirement of up to 20 days, a programme requirement, and a 12-month mental health treatment requirement. He was also made subject to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must sign the sex offenders’ register for the next decade.

Description

A former assistant at a Halifax children’s home has been sentenced following her conviction for sexual offences against children in her care, after an extensive investigation by officers into abuse at Skircoat Lodge Children’s Home.  

Linda Brunning, aged 67, of Sowerby Bridge, Calderdale, appeared at Bradford Crown Court today (Monday 8 June) for sentencing after being found guilty in February of one count of indecent assault on a boy and four further offences of aiding and abetting serious sexual abuse carried out by the former manager of the home. 

Brunning was sentenced to 25 years for her role in the abuse, which took place between the 1970s and 1990s.  

She was also made subject to the Sex Offenders Register requirements indefinitely.  

The Judge also made final orders in respect of Malcolm Phillips, aged 93, formerly of Tyseley, Birmingham, who managed Skircoat Lodge Children’s Home during the period of offending.  

Phillips was deemed unfit to stand trial and therefore faced a trial of facts, a legal process which does not result in a criminal conviction or custodial sentence.  

However, a jury concluded that he committed the sexual offences against children in his care.  

At today’s hearing, the Judge submitted an order of Absolute Discharge in relation to Phillips. He was made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years, and also the Sex Offender Register requirements for the remainder of his life.

It was reiterated that, while a sentence could not be passed, the findings formally recognised the seriousness and scale of his offending and the harm caused to children.  

Speaking after sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Claire Smith of Calderdale District Police said:  

“Today’s outcome cannot undo the harm suffered by those children at Skircoat Lodge, but it does represent long overdue accountability. The bravery shown by the survivors in coming forward after so many years has been extraordinary, and we hope this brings some measure of acknowledgement and closure.”  

“We would encourage anyone who has suffered child abuse and exploitation to come forward and report it to us. No matter the length of time passed, you will be listened to and believed. There are also support services out there, that are on hand to support you when you are ready, if you don’t wish to contact police straight away.” 

Description

A 27-year-old man who raped a woman has had his sentence increased after a hearing at the Court of Appeal.

Aaron Akram, from Canton Acre, Painswick, had been found guilty of two counts of raping his ex-partner following a trial in November last year.

In December he was sentenced to four years imprisonment and given a 15-year restraining order.

The Crown Prosecution Service referred the sentence to the Attorney General's office under the Unduly Lenient Scheme, after liaising with the victim and police, and there was a hearing at the Court of Appeal in London on 14 May. Akram's sentence was increased to six years and six months.

During his trial, the court heard how Akram raped his ex-partner. She had tried to end their relationship but Akram would not accept that it was over, and he would turn up at her home uninvited and persistently ask her to have sex with him.

She repeatedly told him she did not want to and he ignored her refusals and raped her.

The victim reported what had happened to a support service and then the police.

Following an investigation by Gloucestershire Constabulary's Criminal Investigation Department, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised the charges.

After the sentence was increased, the victim said:

"I'm so relieved that the jury saw through Aaron's lies and that they believed the truth about what he subjected me to. I feel that he has always had a manipulative way of talking his way out of anything, and won't take no for an answer. For me to have been believed means everything, and it felt so empowering to hear the word 'guilty'.

"I want people to know who he is and what he did to me, so that he can't treat other women like this in the future. I felt forced to put up with his actions for years and years, but I got to a point where I felt like I was protecting him by keeping quiet about what was happening to me, and I started to speak to my friends and family about what he was doing.

"I was put in contact with a support worker at Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS), and she was so wonderful. After speaking with her for months and months, it got me into a position where I felt as though I could speak to the police as I realised that if I didn't report him, he will be in my life forever.

"By the time I went to the police there was already a whole file of evidence on him which GDASS could provide, which helped strengthen my case, and I had friends and family as witnesses who could speak for me in court.

"My advice to anyone who is in a similar situation is to please speak to someone. It doesn’t have to be the police, but a friend, relative or someone who can support you so that you are not isolated and feeling trapped.

"It's such a relief that this is over and done with now and although it has been really difficult, I’m glad that I went through with this and trusted the process. If I hadn't, I would still be putting up with his awful actions now."

The investigating officer, Police Staff Investigator Catherine Law, said:

"Throughout this long and difficult investigation, the victim has shown remarkable strength and resilience.

"Despite the emotional strain and challenges she faced over such an extended period, she remained courageous and determined throughout.

"I hope that the outcome brings her some form of closure and peace moving forward. Her bravery and perseverance stand as an example of strength for other victims, showing that even though hardship, it is possible to continue with courage."

Tessa Davis, Service Manager from Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) said:

"We are here to support those who are at risk of, or who have experienced domestic abuse. We recognise the courage it takes for survivors to seek help and navigate the criminal justice system.

"We understand the importance of being able to access specialist support whether you choose to report or not, and we encourage anyone to reach out when they are ready to do so."