Latest Offenders

Description

A 63-year-old man from Dunstable has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for raping a child.

Stephen Byrne was arrested after the victim, now an adult, disclosed the abuse she suffered as a child.

He was found guilty of five counts of rape of a girl under 13 following a six-day trial at Luton Crown Court.

Byrne received an indefinite restraining order, a sexual harm prevention order, and will be required to register as a sex offender for life.

Victim's Statement

The victim spoke about the impact of the abuse, saying:

“At the time the abuse happened, I was far too young to understand what was being done to me.

“I trusted him, and he took advantage of my vulnerability and innocence. I was sexually assaulted and raped at an age where I should have been safe, protected and carefree.

“Instead, I experienced emotional and physical harm that no child should ever have to endure. My childhood was taken from me.

“It makes me incredibly sad that this abuse has affected me for so many years, but today I finally feel that I can begin to heal.”

Detective Sergeant Natalie Miller from the PVP team expressed admiration for the victim's courage in coming forward.

“Firstly, I would like to praise the victim for her bravery in coming forward and helping us bring another sexual predator to justice," she said.

“This was a lengthy and complex investigation, and I am pleased that Byrne was given such a significant sentence and hope that this outcome will help the victim get closure now he’s behind bars."

Detective Sergeant Miller highlighted the profound impact of sexual abuse on victims, adding:

“Sexual abuse is one of the most devastating experiences a child can endure. It not only shatters their sense of safety and innocence during their formative years, but its impact can echo throughout their entire life, affecting their emotional wellbeing, relationships, and sense of self well into adulthood."

Description

A 34-year-old man has been jailed for more than six-and-a-half years for raping a woman in 2023.

Ryan Kerr, of Wells, denied the offence but was found guilty by a jury in December before being sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Friday (6 March).

He raped the victim while she was sleeping at a house in July 2023.

The incident was reported to police and Kerr was subsequently arrested as part of the investigation led by our specialist rape and serious sexual offences team, Operation Bluestone, and later charged.

He denied the offence, claiming it had been consensual, but was found guilty by a jury at Taunton Crown Court in December.

On Friday he was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison and given an indefinite restraining order, forbidding him from contacting the victim.

DC Venetia Kelly said:

“I would like to commend the courage shown by the victim throughout the investigation and trial. She was offended against in the most heinous way and I hope that the sentence imposed provides her with some comfort as she looks to rebuild her life.

“Kerr’s refusal to admit his guilt only delayed this process and added to the significant harm he had already caused.

“I’m pleased that he has now been convicted and is beginning a lengthy prison sentence.”

Description

Following an investigation by our Major Crime Unit, a man has pleaded guilty to kidnap, rape and sexual assault following incidents in Wantage and Grove.

Najeebullah Arab, aged 39, of Mayfield Avenue, Grove, today (12/3) pleaded guilty to one count each of kidnap and rape and two counts each of sexual assault following a hearing at Oxford Crown Court.

On Wednesday 21 January this year, a woman in her late twenties was approached by Arab on Cane Lane, Grove, who followed her to Main Street and sexually assaulted her.

On Tuesday 27 January, a woman in her late teens was approached by Arab who was riding a bicycle on Grove Road.

After speaking briefly with her, he sexually assaulted her, and then took her towards an area behind Mably Way, where he raped her. 

Arab was arrested on Friday 30 January and was charged on Sunday 1 February. Arab is an Afghan national. He did not self-define his ethnicity when he came into police custody.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Stuart May said:

“Firstly, I want to acknowledge the victims in this case for the incredible courage they’ve shown in coming forward.

“Thames Valley Police take reports of sexual offences extremely seriously, especially those involving violence against women and girls.

“Our officers are committed to carrying out thorough investigations, supporting victims every step of the way, and working closely with our partners to help prevent further harm.

“The guilty plea in this case is a clear reflection of the strength and thoroughness of the evidence gathered by our officers in relation to these offences. Faced with the weight of that evidence, he had no option but to admit what he had done.

“We remain absolutely committed to protecting the public and ensuring offenders like Arab are brought to justice.”

Najeebullah Arab will be sentenced at a later date to be determined by the Court.

Description

A man has been convicted of the rape of a woman in Leeds nearly 50 years later thanks to a DNA breakthrough in the investigation.  

David Sharp, aged 66, of Copland Meadows, Totnes, Devon, was found guilty today (Friday 13 March) of one count of rape and one count of indecent assault following a trial at Leeds Crown Court. He has been remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on 23 April

The offences he has been convicted of occurred on 2 October 1977 on the victim’s first night in Leeds after moving to the city for university. She was woken up at around 3am to the sound of a window smashing and a man entering her room. The man, who she described as wearing a ski mask throughout the offence, sexually assaulted and raped her before leaving through the front door of the property.  

The offence was reported and investigated at the time, but no suspect was identified.  

The Major Investigation Review Team reopened the investigation as part of a cold case review in 2023, which included reviewing any potential forensic opportunities. They were able to get a DNA profile of the offender, but it wasn’t linked to anyone on police databases.  

Further enquiries were conducted to see if there were any familial links to any other samples held on police systems. A match came back for a close family member of Sharp. This led to a sample being taken from Sharp which matched the DNA profile.  

Officers have since confirmed that Sharp was living in Leeds at the time of the offence.  

Detective Sergeant Richard Ord, of the Major Investigation Review Team, said:

“At the heart of this investigation is a woman who has been scarred by the events of 48 years ago for her whole adult life. She has told officers that she remembers the crime committed against her on that day in 1977 like it was yesterday.  

“Sharp has consistently denied this offence and taken no responsibility for his actions. The evidence we were able to gather was compelling and has resulted in him being convicted of this offence.  

“No prison sentence can make up for the life term of trauma that the victim has been subjected to, but I hope that she feels that some form of justice has now been served.  

“This investigation is an example of the work that we do within the Major Investigation Review Team under Op Recall reviewing non-recent rape and serious sexual offence cases. Forensic science is continually developing, and we will utilise any available scientific advancements to solve cases, protect the public and get victims the outcomes they deserve.  

“We would encourage anyone to come forward who wishes to report an offence, no matter how long ago, you will be listened to, this case shows time is not a barrier to justice.” 

Description

A transgender woman has been jailed for nine years for a series of sex attacks on young girls.

Serenity Francis Johnston, 34—a biological male formerly known as David who now identifies as a woman—abused three children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, in Livingston, West Lothian, between November 2006 and April 2012.

Johnston targeted girls aged eight to 15, committing sexual assaults and rape.

At the High Court in Edinburgh, Lord Mulholland sentenced Johnston, noting the victims were "robbed" of their innocence and happiness, and that the sentences reflected Johnston's "lack of remorse" for the girls preyed upon.

He added: "The rapes of young children is a very serious matter and a lengthy prison sentence will be imposed on those who commit such crimes."

The jury heard how Johnston's first victim was nine when the abuse began, involving indecent and sexual assaults, and rape.

Between March 1, 2011, and September 30, 2012, Johnston raped a second girl at a house in Livingston.

In 2012, Johnston sexually assaulted a third girl, aged 15.

Johnston denied the charges but was convicted at the High Court in Livingston last month.

Post-conviction, Lord Mulholland said: "These are very serious offences to rape children. You'll pay a very heavy price for what you did."

Defence advocate Jonathan Crowe said Johnston had a "troubled childhood," takes medication for anxiety and panic attacks, endured serious bullying, is in a relationship with a woman, and has family support.

Lord Mulholland replied that the crimes' nature required jail: "What you did corrupted their innocence and early childhood years. You have robbed them of their childhood and caused them long lasting psychological damage."

He noted Johnston's lack of remorse and first-time offender status were considered.

Johnston was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Description

A former police officer has been jailed for secretly filming a young girl using the toilet and collecting a stash of indecent images of children.

John Bishop, 88, who served in the force for 30 years, invented bizarre excuses involving guitar lessons and diggers to explain the material.

The victim's father told him during sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday: "You disgust me. I hope the shame eats you up inside for the rest of your life." In a statement read to the court, the father called Bishop's actions the "vilest thing a person can do" and labeled him a "sick minded individual," adding: "We can only hope that, for the time you have left, you feel remorse for what you've done and understand how your actions have affected our daughter and continue to do so."

The court heard that police acted on intelligence linking Bishop's IP address to uploaded "indecent media," executing a search warrant at his Roby home on November 20, 2024. Eight devices were seized; a Samsung phone and PC contained 26 category A images and videos (the most serious, including rape), two in category B, and 243 in category C.

Fourteen images from 2017, taken by Bishop, showed a primary school-aged girl using the toilet. Under interview, he denied any sexual interest in children, claiming the material "popped up" during searches for guitar lessons and diggers after his cancer diagnosis. He has no previous convictions.

Defense counsel Emily Land said:

"This defendant is 88 years old, has no previous convictions and is a hard working member of the community. He has worked since he was 16 in the police force. He tells me that he continues to help out his elderly neighbours. He is currently looking after a 94-year-old woman, who he helps by taking shopping and doing jobs around the house.

"Your honour will be aware of his physical health and mental health issues, having been diagnosed with depression. This is clearly someone who requires rehabilitation. The suggestions [made by the Probation Service] might help him to identify the issues that are underlying. He does take responsibility for his actions. I would say that this is someone who can be rehabilitated, and prison is not the only option."

Bishop admitted taking indecent images of children, voyeurism, possession of indecent images, and three counts of making indecent images. Appearing in a purple and white pinstriped shirt and purple tie, he was jailed for 14 months.

Judge Stuart Driver KC said:

"You used a camera to film her on the toilet. You kept those images for 10 years or so. There is mitigation. At 88 years old, you are of previous good character.

"You have a long standing diagnosis of cancer of the eye, which seems, thankfully, under control. You have mental health problems of anxiety and depression and memory issues. You have made some effort to rehabilitate yourself.

"It is submitted that the sentence should be suspended. If the only charges were offences three to six [making and possessing indecent images], there may have been a strong case for that, notwithstanding that the author of the pre-sentence report finds you to be a high risk of serious harm to children.

"However, charges one and two [taking indecent images and voyeurism] are in a different category. They were a gross intrusion into the life of a seven-year-old child that was planned, deliberate and exploitative. Appropriate punishment can only be achieved by immediate custody."

Bishop received a 10-year restraining order, sexual harm prevention order, and must sign the sex offenders' register for a decade.

Description

A sex offender was found with indecent images of children after failing to comply with notification requirements.

Craig Stewart, 33, of Dalryple Way in Norwich, was placed on the sex offenders’ register for 10 years in 2016 after convictions for using an anonymous online chat site to groom and film young girls, and possessing hundreds of images and videos, some secretly recorded. He must update police annually on personal details, including his whereabouts.

Norwich Magistrates’ Court heard that officers visited his home after he missed the July deadline last year, seizing devices where downloaded photos of children (categories B and C) were discovered.

Stewart pleaded guilty to the non-compliance and possession charges. He will be sentenced on May 13.

The court was told he was undergoing a personal crisis and is working with support organization Stop It Now to address his ‘addiction’ to viewing photos.

Description

A man from Neath Port Talbot has been jailed after pleading guilty to child sex offences.

34-year-old Jamie Davies, from Port Talbot, used the social media platform Snapchat to offer to cook food for his 14-year-old victim in exchange for the child performing a sex act in front of him.

Davies also sent the child a photograph of his penis.

Davies pleaded guilty to causing/inciting a boy aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity, three counts of possessing an indecent photograph of a child and one count of engaging in sexual communication with a child.

Davies has been sentenced to 28 months in prison.

Detective Sergeant Kristian Burt said:

“Jamie Davies is a predatory individual who was under no doubt as to the age of the boy he was sending sexually explicit messages to. He is absolutely deserving of going to prison.

“Let this serve as a warning that such predatory behaviour will not be tolerated, and that we must remain vigilant in protecting our children.”

Description

Twenty years since his offending began, a child sex offender has been left facing the consequences of his crimes.

Nathan Glover was jailed for 15 years when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday 11 March).

His offending was brought to the attention of police in 2021 when one of his victims came forward to report what had happened. As an investigation progressed, two other victims also disclosed they had been sexually abused by him when they were children.

They told officers from our Child Abuse Investigation Unit’s (CAIU) non-recent team that Glover’s offending occurred between 2006 and 2011 in Leicester and Skegness.

In interview, 46-year-old Glover denied any wrongdoing but was subsequently charged with several offences.

He continued to maintain his innocence but on 27 November 2025, following a trial at Leicester Crown Court, was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 and two counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

Glover, of Ardbeg Road in Rothesay on the Isle of Bute, was also made subject to a restraining order and Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Detective Sergeant Anna Sherwin, from the CAIU, was the officer in the case. She said:

“The victims in this case have lives their lives knowing what happened to them for a considerable amount of time and had to re-live their ordeal in front of a jury.

“I hope the outcome of this case has provided them with a degree of closure and allows them to move on with their lives.

“If you’ve been a victim of sexual abuse, it’s never too late to come forward and seek justice.”

Description

Gerald Peck of York Villas, Brighton, who described himself as a body and energy therapist, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for two counts of assault by penetration and three counts of sexual assault of a female.

He also received a restraining order and was ordered to pay the victim £9,730 in compensation for therapy costs within 10 months.

The victim, a woman in her 40s, reported that Peck, 77, sexually assaulted her multiple times over an extended period during therapy sessions.  

She sought Peck’s services after he advertised himself as a private body and energy therapist. He claimed his treatment would alleviate her depression and physical pain.

During therapy, Peck told the victim that skin-to-skin contact was necessary and claimed that such contact was part of her treatment for trauma. He further stated that penetration and intimate touching would be the only way to relieve her tension as part of the therapy. By presenting this as legitimate therapy, Peck used his position of trust to justify behaviour that was inappropriate, abusive, and entirely outside any acceptable professional boundaries.

Peck was arrested, charged, and on Wednesday, 4 February 2024, at Lewes Crown Court Peck was found guilty on all five counts of sexual assault of a female. On Thursday (12 March), he was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court, to 11 years in prison.

Detective Constable Jazz Gannon said:

“The victim’s courage and determination were central to securing the sentence for serious sexual offences committed by a therapist against his client.

“Her strength has brought accountability and highlighted the critical importance of maintaining clear, ethical boundaries between therapists and those they are entrusted to support.

“We hope her bravery encourages greater awareness, accountability, and stronger safeguarding within therapeutic environments. Her resilience throughout this process has been essential in revealing the truth, and her willingness to speak out has helped raise awareness across services, ensuring similar reports are recognised and addressed more effectively in the future.”

Description

A sexual predator was caught attempting to rape a woman on a Brighton beach.

Bereke Russom, 32, from Eritrea, stalked the victim before attacking her around 3am on August 27, 2022. He was stopped by a beach patrol on a quad bike.

Russom was sentenced in absentia to eight years at Lewes Crown Court after failing to appear for sentencing, having fled bail during his January trial upon seeing CCTV evidence disproving his lies to police.

Prosecutor Richard Sedgwick said efforts to locate Russom had failed.

The court heard Russom traveled from Gatwick to Brighton. The victim, separated from her group after a night out, called a friend when alone. Russom snatched her phone, continued talking, refused to reveal their location, and hung up.

He dragged her to the beach, pinned her down, forced himself on her, and exposed his penis while pulling open her clothes. She told him to stop.

The patrol spotted him on top of the distressed woman and called police.

In her victim impact statement, she said: "After that night, I lost a part of myself I’m no longer sure I will ever get back."

Russom claimed they talked all night after she approached him in a bar, but he needed a translator and admitted forgetting his ID, preventing bar entry. CCTV showed her alone when he grabbed her phone and him leading her to the beach.

A jury convicted him after a five-day trial.

Defense barrister Steve Wedd apologized:

"In mitigation, I have a handful of nothings. I have no client and no expectation of him attending court any time soon or surrendering for sentence."

Recorder James Hay said: "He must’ve identified she was very drunk and alone. Made clear by taking control of her phone, refusing to answer questions, he must’ve formed the intention to rape her. It was only by sheer chance this was spotted by beach patrol on a quad bike."

Russom received eight years for attempted rape and six concurrent for sexual assault by penetration. Last seen in Leeds, West Yorkshire, he must serve at least two-thirds in custody before parole eligibility if apprehended, and will be on the sex offenders' register for life.

Description

A registered sex offender has been jailed for asking a sexually explicit question to two girls under the age of 16 near Bath.

David Blackwood, 58, of Trinity Road, Combe Down, pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual communication with a child, for failing to comply with requirements of the Sex Offenders’ Register, and for breaching a sexual harm prevention order and was sentenced at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 3 March.

As well as the immediate 12-month custodial sentence, he will remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for the next 10 years and must pay a £187 victim surcharge and £84 towards court costs.

On the afternoon of Wednesday 4 February, Blackwood approached two young girls who were walking home from school and asked them a question which was sexually explicit in nature, before running off.

The incident was then reported by the mother of one of the victims to police.

Following a swift investigation, led by acting Sergeant Cox, and PCs McFarlane, Osborne and Bush from the Bath Outers Neighbourhood Team, Blackwood was arrested, charged and remanded for court on Wednesday 11 February.

During his arrest, officers found Blackwood had not registered a new bank card in his possession and therefore breached supervision requirements which were already in place.

Neighbourhoods’ Inspector Dudley Bond said:

“This is an appalling incident involving two children, who bravely did the right thing by telling a responsible adult about what they experienced which was therefore reported to us.

“Our neighbourhood officers carried out a thorough investigation, which has resulted in a custodial sentence which will prevent harm to further young people in our community.

“We want to reassure victims that they will be listened to, believed, and supported. Reporting abuse is incredibly difficult, but nobody must face it alone. If you are worried about your safety, or the safety of a child, please reach out. We have dedicated teams who will act swiftly to protect you.”

Description

A man who sent explicit photos of himself to a child and arranged to meet her in Stafford has been jailed.

Paul Donaldson, 28, of Stafford, was arrested by officers at Stafford train station on 27 November last year when he arranged to meet what he believed to be a teenage girl there.

When we seized his phone, we found that he had been communicating with an online account of a teenage girl. Donaldson asked her for her age, which was 13, but he still persisted in sending an explicit photo of himself and arranging to meet her at the train station, where they would then go to a nearby hotel.

When he was brought into custody, Donaldson answered no comment to our questions. But, we still had all the evidence needed to charge him with a number of offences.

He pleaded guilty at an earlier court hearing to arranging the commission of a child sexual offence, attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and sending a photograph of genitals to cause alarm, distress or humiliation. He was sentenced to two-years-and-six-months in prison at Stafford Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday 10 March).

He was also put on the Sex Offenders Register for life and given a 20-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Constable Georgina Brotherhood, from our police online investigations team (POLIT), said:

“Donaldson was persistent in his pursuit of this person and has rightfully been brought to justice for his actions.

“We’re working extremely hard every single day in Staffordshire to build and action intelligence against those who pose a risk to children and vulnerable people in our communities, and this is another example of that.”

Description

A Margate man who subjected a child to repeated sexual abuse over a sevenyear period has been jailed.

Edward Watson, formerly of Garrard Avenue, Margate, began abusing his victim in 1990 when he was around 13 years old and they were much younger. Over seven years, he repeatedly assaulted them, often locking them in a room before carrying out the offences.

Investigation

The abuse came to light in September 2023 after the victim disclosed what had happened to a trusted relative, who encouraged them to report it to Kent Police. Detectives launched an immediate investigation, and Watson was arrested three days later.

He was later charged with 12 sexual offences including gross indecency, indecent assault and unlawful sexual intercourse.

Sentenced

Watson denied the offences but was convicted on all counts following a 10day trial at Canterbury Crown Court. On Thursday 5 March 2026, the 49yearold was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment. He will remain on the sex offenders register for life, and a restraining order has been imposed to protect the victim.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Susan Kingsnorth, said:

‘Historic cases like this demonstrate that it is never too late to seek justice. Kent Police will always listen, we will always investigate, and we will do everything in our power to bring offenders before the courts.

‘I also want to commend the bravery shown by the victim. Coming forward after so many years, recounting traumatic experiences, and supporting a lengthy investigation has ensured that this offender has been held accountable.’

Description

A Craven man has been jailed for more than 18 years after being found guilty of sexually abusing four girls.
 
Herning Thompson, 82, of Victoria Street, Skipton was arrested in January 2024 after the abuse was reported to North Yorkshire Police.
 
His heinous offending spanned four decades, between 1981 and 2020, when the victims were aged between five and 12, causing immeasurable harm to those he targeted.
 
Following an investigation led by the our Harrogate & Craven Safeguarding Investigation Team, Thompson was charged.
 
He stood trial at Leeds Crown Court , where a jury found him guilty of six counts of indecent assault on a girl under 16; four counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching; four counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by penetration with a part of the body or an object; and two counts of attempted rape of a girl under 13.
 
He was found not guilty of three counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching, and one count of assaulting a boy under 13 by touching.
 
Thompson appeared at Leeds Crown Court for sentencing today (11 March 2026) where he was ordered by a judge to serve an 18-year jail term, with an extended licence period of 12 months on release. He was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for life.
 
In her victim impact statement, one of the victims described how the sexual abuse has had a profound and lifelong impact on her, causing significant emotional distress and trauma.
 
She explained that what happened to her has deeply undermined her ability to trust others and feel safe around people. She said:

“Although many years have passed, the trauma of what happened has never left me.”

She went on to explain that the impact of the abuse did not end when the incidents stopped, but has continued for decades, affecting her ability to live without fear and anxiety, and still affecting her to this day.
 
Detective Constable Nicky Wareham of North Yorkshire Police’s Safeguarding Investigation Team, who led on the investigation, said:

“This case has been harrowing for everyone involved, and I want to pay tribute to the extraordinary bravery of the victims.
 
“Despite the trauma Thompson inflicted, and his attempts to deny his actions and force them through the ordeal of a trial, they stood firm and found the courage to speak out.
 
“Their strength has ensured that a dangerous and predatory individual has finally been held to account and is now exactly where he belongs. I hope that, in seeing justice be served, the victims are able to move forwards with their lives and begin a process of healing.
 
“We will always treat reports of child sexual abuse with the utmost seriousness, no matter when they happened, and we remain unwavering in our commitment to protecting vulnerable children and relentlessly pursuing those who cause them harm.”