Latest Offenders

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A man from Maesteg has been jailed after carrying out sexual offences against his victim.

55-year-old Stephen Jones, from Maesteg, was found guilty of one count of raping a woman over the age of 16 and one count of assaulting a woman 13 and over by penetration after a five-day trial at Cardiff Crown Court in July 2026.

During his sentence hearing on Monday September 7 at Cardiff Crown Court Jones was sentenced to five years and three months in prison. He was also given a 20-year restraining order and a sexual harm prevention order (Shopo). He will also be placed on the sex offenders register.

Detective constable Rebecca Evans said:

“The bravery it takes to come forward and reporting offences like these not to be underestimated.

“We hope that this sentence will go some way in helping the victim rebuild her life and heal from the awful events that took place.”

“We want to encourage victims to come forward no matter the length of time since it happened, we will investigate and we will take it seriously”

Description

A man who subjected four women to years of sustained abuse, sexual violence, and coercive control has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 16 years.

Jacob Berry (18/10/1991), of Brierley Road East, Swinton, was convicted of seven counts of rape, four counts of controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault by penetration, following a trial at Manchester Crown Court earlier this year.

The court heard how Berry abused, controlled, intimidated and sexually assaulted four women between 2018 and 2025.

The investigation began in April 2025 following a report from a concerned member of the public who witnessed a woman being assaulted by a man inside a vehicle.

When officers initially spoke with the victim, she was intimidated of Berry and reluctant to disclose the full extent of his offending. Evidence of some of Berry's behaviour later came to light after incidents were broadcast online.

The report prompted a wider investigation by Greater Manchester Police, leading to Berry's arrest. As enquiries progressed, detectives contacted three other women known to Berry, uncovering the full extent of his offending over a number of years.

Between 2018 and 2020, Berry subjected another victim to repeated acts of serious physical and sexual abuse. The court heard how he spat at her, strangled her, extinguished a cigarette on her face, and assaulted her on numerous occasions. During one attack, he broke her nose, requiring surgery.

The victim was also subjected to multiple rapes, which the court heard were particularly degrading and humiliating in nature.

In 2020, Berry raped a further victim after a party. The woman later learned from another individual that a drink Berry had given her may have been spiked. Despite attempting to resist him, Berry continued to force himself upon her.

Following the attack, Berry manipulated his way into the woman's life. During that time, he subjected her to a sustained campaign of controlling and coercive behaviour designed to isolate, intimidate and terrorise her.

The court heard how Berry spat at, bit and assaulted the woman. On one occasion he stood on her neck and forced her to remove her clothing because he believed she was concealing mobile phone SIM cards. The abuse culminated in a violent incident during which the woman's elderly grandmother attempted to intervene and was knocked into a wall.

Following this, Berry met another woman in 2022. She later disclosed to detectives the extent of the abuse she had suffered.

Berry displayed aggressive and controlling behaviour towards both the woman and her children. He took her money, damaged her property and made threats to distribute intimate and degrading images of her. He repeatedly accused her of possessing a secret mobile phone that did not exist and, on one occasion, threatened to burn down her home.

As part of his ongoing campaign of abuse and control, Berry also subjected the woman to repeated acts of serious sexual violence.

All four women provided comprehensive accounts to detectives and demonstrated considerable courage throughout the investigation and subsequent court proceedings, ultimately contributing to Berry's conviction.

In addition to his custodial sentence, Berry was made subject to lifetime restraining orders to protect his victims.

Detective Sergeant Stacey Nolan, of Greater Manchester Police, said:

"Berry systematically abused, controlled and terrorised these women, leaving lasting emotional and psychological trauma. It is difficult to comprehend the ordeal each of them endured at his hands.

"Throughout this investigation, the victims demonstrated immense courage and resilience in coming forward and speaking about their experiences. I hope today's sentence provides them and their loved ones with a measure of justice and closure.

"Their bravery has been instrumental in securing this conviction, and Berry is now rightfully behind bars, where he can no longer manipulate, control or abuse any more women.

"This has been a lengthy and complex investigation, requiring the meticulous examination of a substantial volume of evidence. Through the relentless efforts of numerous officers and staff, a dangerous sexual offender has now been brought to justice.

"I would urge anyone experiencing domestic abuse, sexual violence, controlling or coercive behaviour to come forward and speak to police. Preventing violence against women and girls and domestic abuse remains a priority for Greater Manchester Police, and we are committed to providing victims with the support, protection and assistance they need."

Description

A man from Bradford has been give an extended sentence of 12 and a half years after admitting to 36 child sex offences.   

Kasey Fitton aged 20, of Amundsen Avenue, was arrested in February 2025 on suspicion of engaging in sexual communication with four children residing outside of West Yorkshire Police Force Area. It follows an investigation initially by West Mercia and Lancashire Police.  

An investigation was then launched by Bradford Safeguarding Unit who uncovered large scale sexual offending against children.   

In February 2026 Fitton was charged with 16 counts of sexual communication with a child and 20 counts of making/possession of indecent images of children.  

Five child victims have been identified.   

At Bradford Crown Court Fitton admitted to all 36 counts.   

Today (7 September) he was jailed for seven and a half years, plus a five year extension on licence, he will sign the sex offenders register for life and was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 15 years.  

A statement was read in court from the mother of one of the victims:   

“I am a mother and it is my job to protect her, but I feel like I failed her massively, I felt like I didn’t protect her from the evil of this world. I spent many days and nights wondering where I went so wrong or what more I could have done.   

“In reality, it wasn’t me that that didn’t protect her, it was you, a predator that prayed on her vulnerability and innocence at the age of 14. You stole her light for a long time, but it was me as her mother that was there every minute of every day picking up the pieces you left her in.”  

DC Dominika Marcinkowska of Bradford District Safeguarding Team said:  

“I would like to thank the victims in this case for their courage in speaking to police and reporting these crimes to us.   

“This has been a lengthy and complex investigation, and I hope today’s sentence can bring them some closure.”  

Senior Investigating officer Detective Superintendent Alan Weekes of Bradford District Police said:  

“Fitton is a very dangerous individual to children, and we welcome the courts sentencing today.  

“There are further investigations ongoing and we would appeal to anyone who may have been a victim to come forward to us.   

“We are keen to speak to anyone who interacted with the Snapchat accounts Kaseyfitton23, Kaseyfitton24 and MyCroft110.  

“We take all reports of this nature extremely seriously and they are treated with sensitivity. We have specially trained officers who will guide you through the process and do everything we can to get justice.”   

Description

Former primary school teacher Joseph Haffenden has been jailed for sexually assaulting two children.

Haffenden, 32, pleaded guilty in July to six counts of sexual assault by touching and six counts of false imprisonment.

It followed a report on 12 February relating to two nine-year-old boys who had been sexually assaulted between January and February this year.

Both boys provided similar accounts of a what Haffenden labelled a ‘game’ whereby the victims were tickled under their clothing with his hands, a feather, and an electric toothbrush.

The offences were disclosed to adults who reported it to Sussex Police.

Haffenden, of High Street in Lindfield, was arrested and the victims and their families were supported by specialist officers.

Officers searched Haffenden’s property and found a number of items suggesting an interest in children and evidence which supported the victims’ accounts.

Haffenden was suspended from a teaching role and has subsequently been dismissed.

At Lewes Crown Court on Monday 20 July, Haffenden admitted the charges.

On Thursday (3 September), Haffenden was jailed for 51 months.

Detective Sergeant Ellen Jones said:

“Haffenden’s disturbing crimes suggest a clear sexual interest in children that jar alarmingly with his position as a teacher.

“Thanks to the bravery of his victims for reporting his offending, we have been able to bring him to justice and ensure he can pose no further risk to children.”

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Convicted sex offender faces new child sex charges

Jake Robertson, a convicted sex offender already serving a prison sentence, is facing 10 further child sex allegations involving communication with children, indecent images and threats.

The 25-year-old, of Station Road, Aylsham, appeared at Norwich Magistrates’ Court by video link from HMP Swinfen Hall in Staffordshire, where he is serving a seven-year, three-month extended sentence.

Prosecutors allege he told a girl from Wisbech he would share intimate photographs of her, with threats said to have been made between September and November 2024. He is also accused of making violent threats to the same youngster in 2023 and 2024, harassing a second girl from Wisbech, and grooming a child from Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex.

Robertson did not enter pleas to two charges of engaging in sexual communication with a child, two of harassment, and one of causing a child to engage in sexual activity. He is further accused of making 49 category A, 12 category B and 144 category C indecent images of children.

The case was sent to Norwich Crown Court. A preliminary hearing is listed for 2 October.

These are allegations. Robertson has not yet entered pleas to the new charges and has not been convicted of them.

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A registered sex offender from Lowestoft has been jailed for two years for possessing indecent images of children and for breaching the terms of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Brandon Stephenson, (pictured below) aged 25 and of Milton Road East, had been convicted in March 2023 of making and possessing indecent images of children. He was handed a 24-month community order after pleading guilty to the charges and was served with a five-year SHPO.

Following this conviction, he was managed by the Public Protection Unit (PPU).

On 17 June 2025 officers made an unannounced visit to Stephenson’s his home address and found a mobile phone he had not declared to police.

The phone was reviewed by a PPU officer, who found evidence of sexualised chats via a gaming chat app. On Stephenson’s computer, officers found a folder of images and evidence that he had downloaded data-wiping software.

The phone, computer and a tablet were seized for further analysis and Stephenson was arrested and subsequently charged for possession of indecent images and for being in breach of his SHPO.

He was released under investigation pending further enquiries, during which time he failed to notify the PPU of a change in address within a relevant time period.

On Friday 4 September Stephenson appeared at Ipswich Crown Court for sentencing after admitting to three counts of possessing indecent images of children, three counts of being in breach of a SHPO and one count of failing to comply with notification requirements of the sex offenders register, at a previous hearing.

He was sentenced to two years in jail and handed a revised SHPO for five years and placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

Public Protection Unit Sergeant Annmarie Mason said:

“Sexual Harm Prevention Orders are designed to protect the public, particularly children, from individuals who pose a risk.

“Brandon Stephenson was fully aware of the conditions he was required to follow and chose to ignore them.

“Suffolk Constabulary takes the management of sex offenders very seriously and we will take robust action against those who fail to comply with their court orders.”

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A man has been sentenced to 27 years in prison for the rape and sexual abuse of a child.

Krzysztof Biros, 52, of no fixed abode in Bristol, was sentenced for eight counts of rape against a child at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday 27 August.

He changed his pleas to guilty half way through the trial and will serve a 27-year custodial sentence with a further year on extended on licence.

He has also been given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and a restraining order, which will be in place for an indefinite period, to protect the victim and witnesses, as well as preventing him from having contact with children should he be released.

The offending came to light when the victim disclosed to her parents she had been raped by Biros, over a period of around four years.

The victim and her family have been supported and updated by officers during the course of the investigation, as well as being offered access to specialist support services they may benefit from.

Biros was arrested on April 7, 2024, to prevent further offending before he was charged on 22 April, 2025, before he went on trial from 17-19 August this year.

Judge Ambrose thanked the jury for their attention in what he described as a “disturbing and harrowing” case. And he also said to the defendant: “You told her it would be her word against yours and that no one would believe a child over an adult and if she told anyone, it would be in the media, and everyone would find out what she had been doing.”

A victim impact statement read out in court on behalf of the victim’s step-mother said:

“She often said she felt guilty about what had happened and felt like a bad person, and I always reassure her that she has nothing to feel guilty about. She is often crying when she talks about these experiences, and I give her a big hug when she has finished.

“She would have nightmares and flashbacks almost every night, and would often be afraid of leaving the house over fears of meeting Biros. He had a white van at the time, and she would often call me if she saw a white van in public as she was worried it may have been him.”

DC Joe White, officer in the case who is a member of our specialist child protection team, said:

“The defendant did not admit his guilt until half way through the trial, which put the victim and their family through unnecessary added stress and anxiety.

“He told the victim they would not be believed because they were a child, which delayed them reporting the offences for a number of years.

“This conviction shows that we will take children’s reports seriously and carry out a robust and thorough investigation. The strength of the investigation and evidence gathered has resulted in the defendant pleading guilty during the trial and the Judge’s sentence reflects the seriousness of his offending.”

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Wanted: Leroy Robinson, 40, registered sex offender accused of notification breach

West Midlands Police are appealing for information to trace Leroy Robinson, 40, after he allegedly breached a notification requirement as a registered sex offender.

Robinson, a former Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion youth prospect, previously lived in Shirley. Officers now list him as having no fixed address.

A force spokesperson said:

“Wanted.

“Have you seen Leroy Robinson?

“The 40-year-old, of no fixed address, is wanted after breaching a notification requirement as a registered sex offender.

“Anyone with any information is asked to call 101 quoting 20/358627/26.”

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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A man who sexually assaulted a woman in her twenties at an address in High Wycombe has been jailed for nine years.

Anthony Jones attacked the victim on the evening of 16 July 2022 before leaving the address. The victim immediately contacted police and Jones was arrested two days later.

Jones, aged 39, previously of Falcon Way, Harrow, was found guilty of one count of sexual assault and two counts of assault by penetration following a trial at Aylesbury Crown Court, sitting at Amersham Law Courts.

He was sentenced today (4/9) and given a victim restraining order and made subject to notification for life.

Detective Constable Sarah Simpson, of Buckinghamshire CID, said:

“This conviction reflects the courage and determination shown by the victim throughout the investigation and court process.

“I hope that this outcome provides some sense of justice and demonstrates Thames Valley Police’s commitment to supporting victims of crime and holding offenders accountable for their actions.

“I would like to thank the victim for her courage in coming forward and for the trust she placed in us throughout this investigation.

“Sexual offences have a profound and lasting impact on victims, and I hope this conviction reassures anyone who has experienced a similar offence that they will be listened to, supported and taken seriously.”

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A man has been jailed for four-and-a-half years after he admitted raping a woman in Stoke-on-Trent.

John Williams, 52, from Blurton, Stoke-on-Trent, was sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court yesterday (Thursday 3 September) after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing to raping a woman aged 16 or over.

It happened inside a house in 2021.

Afterwards, the survivor contacted us and told officers about what had happened.

We went on to secure all the evidence needed to charge Williams with rape.

DC Jessica Ness, from our rape and serious sexual offences unit, said:

“We’re determined to act against those responsible for sexual offences in Staffordshire and to support survivors.

“The survivor in this case has shown tremendous bravery in coming forward and telling us about what happened.”

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A man has pleaded guilty to 49 child sexual offences.

Mark South, 38, a Jamaican national from Ashford, Kent, appeared at Winchester Crown Court on Tuesday, where he was due to stand trial. However, he pleaded guilty to a total of 49 offences, including, engaging in sexual activity with a child, taking and distributing indecent images of children, blackmail, engaging in sexual communication with a child, inciting a child into sexual exploitation, and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

A large and complex investigation into South began in May 2023 after police were alerted to information by a safeguarding officer at a local school in Swindon.

An investigation carried out by Wiltshire Police's Major Crime Investigation Team, led by DC Geoff Newnham, uncovered extensive offending by South. He used several social media platforms, often operating under a multitude of aliases to contact young girls and arrange sexual encounters in exchange for money and other items, including vapes and trainers.

His victims were located across the country, from Essex to Cornwall.

Detective Constable Geoff Newnham, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said:

"South crossed county boundaries to commit some of the most serious offences imaginable against vulnerable children, emboldened by what he believed was the anonymity of the internet.

"Over a number of years, he used a complex network of social media aliases, burner phones and prepaid numbers to groom, manipulate and blackmail children into sexual exploitation across a wide geographical area.

"This investigation has involved specialist child abuse investigation teams, major crime investigators, digital forensic experts, victim identification officers and dedicated prosecutors from the Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit, all of whom have worked tirelessly to build a compelling case and bring South before the courts.

"We must not underestimate the profound and lasting harm his offending has caused to children and their families. It is thanks to the extraordinary courage of the victims that justice has been achieved. I am particularly pleased that they will not now have to relive their traumatic experiences by giving evidence at trial following South's last minute guilty pleas.

"I hope this case sends a clear message to anyone experiencing abuse that they will be listened to, supported and taken seriously. Equally, it should serve as a warning to offenders who believe they can hide behind a computer screen. The reality is that law enforcement has the capability and determination to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

"Finally, I would like to thank the victims, witnesses and their families for their patience, resilience and unwavering support throughout what has been a lengthy and complex investigation. Without their determination, we would not be here today."

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A Barnstaple man has been jailed for 32 months for sexual offences against a child.

Daniel Mansford, 26, of Rumsam Gardens, previously changed his plea to guilty on the day of his trial at Exeter Crown Court on Monday 29 June. He admitted to five offences of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged under 16.

The offences took place during a period of six months when the victim was 14 years old.

The court heard that Mansford had been aware of her age from the outset but continued to groom her, including on social media.

The offences came to light when the victim bravely confided in a teacher.

Mansford was arrested by Devon & Cornwall Police and provided no comment during the interview.

Police obtained screenshots of messages from the victim’s phone which showed the sexualised content Mansford had sent her.

Mansford was sentenced yesterday, Thursday 3 September, at Exeter Crown Court, to 32 months imprisonment and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and a restraining order.

Devon & Cornwall Police investigator Neil Young, of North Devon CID, said:

“The defendant knew that the victim was a child. As soon as Mansford became aware of the victim's age, he should have immediately ended all contact.

“Instead, he made a conscious decision to continue his pursuit, exploit the vulnerabilities of that young person and engage in sexual activity.

“This conviction demonstrates Devon & Cornwall Police’s commitment to protecting children and holding offenders accountable for their actions.”

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A rapist from Leominster has been sentenced to 10 years in prison following his appearance at Worcester Crown Court on Wednesday (2 September).

Jack Preedy, 31, of Ryelands Road, Leominster was found guilty of rape for which he was handed a 10-year prison term, ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, and made subject to an indefinite restraining order against his victim as well as to pay a £228 victim surcharge.

Preedy (pictured) was also convicted of intentional strangulation for which he was sentenced to two years six months to run concurrently, engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour – 12 months concurrent and assault causing actual bodily harm – six months concurrent. His total sentence was 10 years.

Detective Inspector Ben Pearson of Hereford CID said:

“We are pleased to get this prison term for Preedy whose appalling sexual, violent and coercive behaviour has caused so much harm to his victim.

“We hope this conviction gives them the chance to move on in some respects of their life, and we would like to pay tribute to their bravery in coming forward and reporting his disgusting actions and for working with us to secure his conviction.

“We hope this will encourage other victims of rape or sexual assault to come forward and speak to us. We will always listen to you, take your concerns seriously and protect you from predators like Preedy.”

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A man who sexually assaulted two children on multiple occasions has been jailed for 18 years.

William Lynas of Moons Green in Spalding appeared at Lincoln Crown Court on Thursday, 3 September for sentencing after he was found guilty of 13 sexual offences at an earlier hearing.

The offences involving the 84-year-old took place between the 1980s and 2023 in the Spalding area.

Both of his victims were underage at the time the incidents took place.

Lynas had denied the charges but was found guilty by jurors and will now face a lengthy period behind bars.

He was placed on the sex offenders register for life and also given an indefinite restraining order in relation to both victims.

Lynas will likely spend the rest of his life in prison.

Detective Constable Victoria Oaks, who led the investigation, said Lynas deserved a significant sentence for his actions and praised those who came forward.

She said:

"Lynas caused real harm and will deservedly spend a long time behind bars.

“I want to praise the victims at the heart of this case who bravely came forward to reveal what had happened to them and who was responsible.

“The period of time the crimes took place over, made this investigation complex, but the team did a great job gathering evidence to bring Lynas to justice.

“Lynas thought he was untouchable and attended court confident he could pull the wool over the eyes of the jurors in this case.

“At his trial he hobbled into court with a walking stick – but later left the building walking normally.

“He was caught out when the jurors left the building at the same time and spotted him – this demonstrates Lynas’ arrogance, he thought he could get away with it."

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Met says everyone has a role in tackling VAWG after security team stops rape.

The Met has praised security staff at Canary Wharf and called for more joint action to help tackle violence against women and girls after security helped stop a rape and bring a violent offender to justice.

Syed Imam, aged 30, (07.08.95) from Croydon Road, Beddington, was found guilty of attempted rape on Thursday, July 2, 2026, following a four-day trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court. Imam was sentenced to 6 years on Thursday, 3 September.

Imam was arrested in the early morning of Friday 14 March, following a report from the security team at Canary Wharf who witnessed Imam attempting to rape a woman in the underpass near the train station.

The security team had observed Imam acting suspiciously while on patrol and swiftly intervened when they saw him forcibly assaulting a vulnerable woman. The security team detained the man to prevent him from fleeing.

They alerted officers who made an arrest, secured vital evidence and progressed the investigation at pace – securing a charge within 24 hours.

The security team’s actions meant officers were able to arrest this dangerous offender within half an hour of the assault.

Detective Constable Madeleine Powell, who worked on this case stated:

“This case shows the important role everyone has to play in tackling violence against women and girls. If security staff at Canary Wharf had not bravely intervened, this violent offender could still be walking our streets, and the victim may have suffered even more harm than she already has.

“Everyone has a part to play in the joint action needed to protect women and girls and report concerning behaviour when they see it – you will be listened to and we will take action.

“I am proud of our officers who worked at an incredible pace to arrest Imam and present a compelling case, helping us to get justice for the victim and protect the public”

The investigation highlights the value of strong partnership working, with Canary Wharf Security playing a crucial role in identifying the offence, safeguarding the victim, detaining the suspect and carrying out extensive CCTV enquiries that enabled officers to quickly establish the suspect's movements.

Despite the victim having no recollection of what had occurred, the evidence secured through CCTV and fast-paced investigative work allowed the suspect to be interviewed, charged and remanded within 24 hours. The case was further strengthened through close collaboration between the officers, CPS and prosecution teams, ensuring the investigation progressed efficiently and without unnecessary delays.

Throughout the process, dedicated support from specialist officers helped the victim understand the proceedings, remain engaged with the investigation and navigate the significant trauma she had experienced. The case demonstrates how effective partnership working, victim-focused policing and swift evidence-led investigations can combine to secure justice in the most challenging circumstances.

Keeping women and girls safe is one of the Met’s top priorities and in the last year, the Met has more than doubled its positive outcomes, including arrests and charges for rape. The increases in positive outcomes are echoed across the board, with arrests and charges for general violence against women and girls (VAWG) offences up 71%. These statistics reflect the determination of officers and partners to pursue offenders and bring them to justice, whilst also suggesting that more victims feel able to come forward and report offences.