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Record details

A 33-year-old man from Bristol has been jailed for 19 years after he was convicted of multiple sexual offences committed against young girls.

Patrick Luckett, of St George, denied the offences but was found guilty by a jury at Bristol Crown Court in July 2025.

He was sentenced at the same court on Monday 2 November.

Detectives began investigating Luckett following reports made by the mothers of the two young victims that they had been sexually abused by Luckett.

During the trial, the court heard Luckett sexually assaulted the two young girls, including raping one of them, between 2011 and 2021.

Luckett denied all of the offences, saying they had not happened. But a jury found him guilty of:

• Three counts of sexual assault of a child under 13
• Three counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity
• One count of rape of a child under 13

In powerful victim impact statements read out at today's sentencing hearing, the victims spoke of how the abuse they suffered continues to affect them.

One victim said:

"I have a constant fear of being assaulted again. I make notes about fearing it happening again or people that are close to me raping me. If I'm about and there is a stranger walking behind me, I get scared and think the worst, that they are going to hurt me. I am always thinking and assuming the worst.

She added:

"Ever since the incident I have felt guilty. I feel guilty about everything and blame myself for trusting him and that I should have known better. I'm ashamed that I trusted him and believed him so easily. I feel so confused about the shame. I can't explain the feelings of guilt."

The other victim said:

"I still find it uncomfortable to talk about what [Luckett] did to me and speaking about it in court even at the age I am now, made me extremely anxious.

"I feel upset that I was accused of making up a story just for attention. My account has not changed since I first told my mother and the stress and trauma that I have experienced all these years has had a profound effect on me.

"He told me that my mum would get into trouble if I told anyone and this has stayed with me all these years."

The mother of one of the victim's said: "Nothing will ever undo the damage he has caused to my child and myself. Nothing will ever rectify what he has done.

"I'm scared about how this is going to affect the rest of [my daughter's] life as well as my own.

"I just want the severity of what he has done to be acknowledged and how the last few years have been horrific and torturous. I don't want him to be able to do this to anyone else. I feel that he is a risk to the public and always will be."

On top of his extended prison sentenced, Luckett was handed an indefinite restraining order and an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

DC Alison Pilsworth, the investigating officer, said:

"As the officer supporting the child victims in this case, I have seen the impact that this offending has had on them.

"I applaud them for the strength they have shown in their continued support of the investigation and the ultimate sentencing of such a dangerous individual.

"Luckett abused their trust and violated the innocence of very young girls so that he could fulfil his sordid sexual desires.

"It is thanks to the extraordinary courage of his victims that he is now beginning a prison sentence for the crimes he committed against them."

Record details

A man has been jailed for the rape and sexual abuse of a woman and child in Bristol.

Suleman Aqeel, 23, of Elstree Road, Speedwell, Bristol, was convicted and sentenced to 17 years at Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday 30 September. He will serve 12 years in prison and a further five years on licence.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of rape and sexual assault by penetration of a woman aged 16 or over, the rape of a girl under 16, controlling and coercive behaviour with violence, taking indecent images of children, intentional strangulation, meeting a child following sexual grooming, and sexual activity with a child.

Aqeel used social media, including sites such as Snapchat, to arrange to meet young girls. He drove an orange BMW and would give his victims alcohol before sexually abusing them, sometimes when they were asleep.

On one occasion, he drove one of his victims to Baddock’s Wood, in Southmead, and persisted in his sexual advances against her wishes before raping her.

He would also frequently film his offending on a mobile phone and was either violent to his victims or made threats of violence against them, would damage property belonging to them, used a tracking device on one victim’s phone, used degrading and insulting language, and would also make threats to disclose intimate videos and images.

Aqeel was arrested on 4 June 2025 and was charged the following day ahead of his first court appearance on 6 June last year.

We have maintained contact with the victims throughout the investigation and have offered them access to specialist support services they feel they may benefit from.

His victims revealed the impact of Aqeel’s offending in statements which they bravely read in court. The first said:

“He disintegrated me as a human and treated me like an animal. He made me feel like I didn’t have a purpose. I feel like no one can ever shock me in the way they treat me now.

“He’s made me so scared of doing things wrong and I overthink everything I do. When I found out he pleaded guilty to some of the things he had done, some weight came off my shoulders. I couldn’t have lived with myself knowing he was out there and doing it to someone else. I wouldn’t wish that kind of relationship on my worst enemy.”

The second victim added:

“He made me do things a child should never be involved in. He took away my innocence which is something I can never take back. He got me at my most vulnerable position, so he had full control and was in a place of power to take advantage of me. Even though he changed my life in ways, I’ll never forget what he did to me. I work towards my goals and aspirations way harder now than I ever have. I’m motivated to do better every day.”

DC Sacha Hooper and DC Florence Dickinson, the officers in the case from Operation Bluestone, said:

“We would like to commend the bravery of the victims in reporting their ordeal to us, and for supporting an investigation into the abuse by Aqeel which has understandably caused them significant distress.

“We recognise the incredible strength they have shown in engaging with us and the criminal justice system. In doing so, these young women have helped us put a dangerous offender in prison for a significant period of time, therefore preventing him from causing further violence against woman and girls, and we hope it gives them the closure and justice they deserve.”

Record details

Three men and a 17-year-old boy who groomed and raped a teenage girl in Bristol last year leaving her “broken beyond resistance” have received custodial sentences.

• Awal Ahmadzai
• Mehrab Safi
• Salman Habibkheil

Mehrab Safi, 21, and Salman Habibkheil, 19, arranged for the victim to be brought into Bristol where they, together with Awal Ahmadzai, 19, and the 17-year-old boy, plied her with alcohol and raped her. 

They denied the offences but were convicted after a trial earlier this year and were sentenced to a combined 36 years at Bristol Crown Court today (6 October). 

The victim met Safi, of St Werburghs, on 25 November 2025 having visited the city to go Christmas shopping with a friend. 

Safi tried to persuade the pair to go to his home, offering them drugs and a place to charge their phones, but they declined and went back to their homes. 

However, Safi continued messaging the victim via Snapchat and requested indecent images from her. 

Less than a week later Safi and Habibkheil, of Lockleaze, arranged for her to be brought into Bristol by taxi. She was then taken to Safi’s house and given alcohol. 

The pair, along with Ahmadzai, of no fixed address, and the teenage boy, all of whom are Afghan nationals, then raped and sexually assaulted the victim over a period of several hours. 

She was found by officers at Safi’s home in St Werburghs having been reported missing by her mum. 

The teenage boy was arrested at the scene and the three men were arrested a few days later having been brought back to the UK after fleeing to France. 

Phones belonging to Habibkheil and Ahmadzai were found to have been used to search for news of the incident online and were also used to research court procedures relating to serious sexual offences. 

Court convictions

Safi, whose self-defined ethnicity is”any other Asian background”, was found guilty of two counts of rape and one count of arranging or facilitating the travel of a female with a view to exploitation. 

Habibkheil, whoseself-defined ethnicity is “any other Black background”, was convicted of one count of rape and one count of arranging or facilitating the travel of a female with a view to exploitation. 

Ahmadzai, whose self-defined ethnicity is “any other Asian background”, was found guilty of one count of rape and one count of sexual assault. 

The teenage boy, who cannot be identified because of his age, was convicted of one count of rape. 

At today’s sentencing hearing, a statement from the victim was read out. In it she spoke about the ongoing impact the offences has had. 

The victim said:

“When I think back to who I was a year ago, I can say that I am a different person to who I was before this all happened. I had a lot more friends, I would go out a lot more, I was happier – now I stopped going out, I don’t even leave the house in general.  

“My dream was to go to college, I wanted to work in a nursery with children, but because my anxiety now is so bad, I had to put a hold on to that dream. I do not know how I will ever be able to do that by myself.  

“When I heard that these men were found guilty, I was very glad and relieved. I knew they were guilty anyway, but I was still scared that they would get away with what they have done and I am relieved they will not be able to do that.” 

In a separate impact statement, the victim’s mother said she and her daughter had felt supported by police officers and a registered intermediary during the investigation and court process.  

She added:

“As a mum it was really hard for me to hear what had happened to my daughter and it is hard to think that my baby has gone through something so horrific, not just once but four times by four men who thought they could do what they wanted to her.  

“It is really hard for me to see how it has affected her and how she has withdrawn from the world around her. She hasn’t been able to go back into Bristol since.” 

Broken beyond resistance

Sentencing at Bristol Crown Court, Judge Cullum said the three men and the 17-year-old boy and left the victim “broken beyond resistance”.

“The victim was obviously vulnerable, and that’s why you all preyed on her,” he said. “She was, in my judgement, vulnerable from the moment you set eyes on her.”

He added:

“Having taken her by a convoluted route back to your house, you then all had sex with her when you wanted, irrespective of what she wanted.

“She was plied with drink until she was very significantly affected. You were getting her drunk to increase her vulnerability and to increase the prospect that she could not resist.”

Mehrab Safi was sentenced to 15 years in prison. 

Salman Habibkheil was sentenced to nine years’ detention. 

Awal Ahmadzai was sentenced to nine years’ detention. 

The 17-year-old boy was sentenced to three years’ detention. 

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Cable, the senior investigating officer, said:

“It’s impossible to understate how significant these offences were. 

“They took advantage of a vulnerable young girl, purely to fulfil their own sexual gratifications. 

“At no point did they give a second thought to the victim’s welfare and the trauma associated with that night will be with her forever. 

“Her bravery in standing up in court and telling her story is awe-inspiring. She has now seen them face justice for the crimes they committed against her. 

“The victim continues to be supported by a specially trained officer and support will continue to be available for as long as it is needed.” 

Georgina Broom of the Crown Prosecution Service said:

“The young victim in this case was targeted, groomed, and then lured to an unfamiliar city, miles from home in the dead of night.   

“Isolated and alone, she was plied with alcohol and then raped and abused over several hours by four different people. It was clear throughout that she did not consent. 

“Thankfully the three men who fled in such a cowardly manner were swiftly returned to the UK to face justice. 

“The CPS is committed to delivering justice for the victims of rape and sexual abuse, and I would encourage all victims to come forward to report offences to the police, so they can be investigated.” 

Record details

Three men and a 17-year-old boy who groomed and raped a teenage girl in Bristol last year leaving her “broken beyond resistance” have received custodial sentences.

• Awal Ahmadzai
• Mehrab Safi
• Salman Habibkheil

Mehrab Safi, 21, and Salman Habibkheil, 19, arranged for the victim to be brought into Bristol where they, together with Awal Ahmadzai, 19, and the 17-year-old boy, plied her with alcohol and raped her. 

They denied the offences but were convicted after a trial earlier this year and were sentenced to a combined 36 years at Bristol Crown Court today (6 October). 

The victim met Safi, of St Werburghs, on 25 November 2025 having visited the city to go Christmas shopping with a friend. 

Safi tried to persuade the pair to go to his home, offering them drugs and a place to charge their phones, but they declined and went back to their homes. 

However, Safi continued messaging the victim via Snapchat and requested indecent images from her. 

Less than a week later Safi and Habibkheil, of Lockleaze, arranged for her to be brought into Bristol by taxi. She was then taken to Safi’s house and given alcohol. 

The pair, along with Ahmadzai, of no fixed address, and the teenage boy, all of whom are Afghan nationals, then raped and sexually assaulted the victim over a period of several hours. 

She was found by officers at Safi’s home in St Werburghs having been reported missing by her mum. 

The teenage boy was arrested at the scene and the three men were arrested a few days later having been brought back to the UK after fleeing to France. 

Phones belonging to Habibkheil and Ahmadzai were found to have been used to search for news of the incident online and were also used to research court procedures relating to serious sexual offences. 

Court convictions

Safi, whose self-defined ethnicity is”any other Asian background”, was found guilty of two counts of rape and one count of arranging or facilitating the travel of a female with a view to exploitation. 

Habibkheil, whoseself-defined ethnicity is “any other Black background”, was convicted of one count of rape and one count of arranging or facilitating the travel of a female with a view to exploitation. 

Ahmadzai, whose self-defined ethnicity is “any other Asian background”, was found guilty of one count of rape and one count of sexual assault. 

The teenage boy, who cannot be identified because of his age, was convicted of one count of rape. 

At today’s sentencing hearing, a statement from the victim was read out. In it she spoke about the ongoing impact the offences has had. 

The victim said:

“When I think back to who I was a year ago, I can say that I am a different person to who I was before this all happened. I had a lot more friends, I would go out a lot more, I was happier – now I stopped going out, I don’t even leave the house in general.  

“My dream was to go to college, I wanted to work in a nursery with children, but because my anxiety now is so bad, I had to put a hold on to that dream. I do not know how I will ever be able to do that by myself.  

“When I heard that these men were found guilty, I was very glad and relieved. I knew they were guilty anyway, but I was still scared that they would get away with what they have done and I am relieved they will not be able to do that.” 

In a separate impact statement, the victim’s mother said she and her daughter had felt supported by police officers and a registered intermediary during the investigation and court process.  

She added:

“As a mum it was really hard for me to hear what had happened to my daughter and it is hard to think that my baby has gone through something so horrific, not just once but four times by four men who thought they could do what they wanted to her.  

 
“It is really hard for me to see how it has affected her and how she has withdrawn from the world around her. She hasn’t been able to go back into Bristol since.” 

Broken beyond resistance

Sentencing at Bristol Crown Court, Judge Cullum said the three men and the 17-year-old boy and left the victim “broken beyond resistance”.

“The victim was obviously vulnerable, and that’s why you all preyed on her,” he said. “She was, in my judgement, vulnerable from the moment you set eyes on her.”

He added:

“Having taken her by a convoluted route back to your house, you then all had sex with her when you wanted, irrespective of what she wanted.

“She was plied with drink until she was very significantly affected. You were getting her drunk to increase her vulnerability and to increase the prospect that she could not resist.”

Mehrab Safi was sentenced to 15 years in prison. 

Salman Habibkheil was sentenced to nine years’ detention. 

Awal Ahmadzai was sentenced to nine years’ detention. 

The 17-year-old boy was sentenced to three years’ detention. 

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Cable, the senior investigating officer, said:

“It’s impossible to understate how significant these offences were. 

“They took advantage of a vulnerable young girl, purely to fulfil their own sexual gratifications. 

“At no point did they give a second thought to the victim’s welfare and the trauma associated with that night will be with her forever. 

“Her bravery in standing up in court and telling her story is awe-inspiring. She has now seen them face justice for the crimes they committed against her. 

“The victim continues to be supported by a specially trained officer and support will continue to be available for as long as it is needed.” 

Georgina Broom of the Crown Prosecution Service said:

“The young victim in this case was targeted, groomed, and then lured to an unfamiliar city, miles from home in the dead of night.   

“Isolated and alone, she was plied with alcohol and then raped and abused over several hours by four different people. It was clear throughout that she did not consent. 

“Thankfully the three men who fled in such a cowardly manner were swiftly returned to the UK to face justice. 

“The CPS is committed to delivering justice for the victims of rape and sexual abuse, and I would encourage all victims to come forward to report offences to the police, so they can be investigated.” 

Record details

Three men and a 17-year-old boy who groomed and raped a teenage girl in Bristol last year leaving her “broken beyond resistance” have received custodial sentences.

• Awal Ahmadzai
• Mehrab Safi
• Salman Habibkheil

Mehrab Safi, 21, and Salman Habibkheil, 19, arranged for the victim to be brought into Bristol where they, together with Awal Ahmadzai, 19, and the 17-year-old boy, plied her with alcohol and raped her. 

They denied the offences but were convicted after a trial earlier this year and were sentenced to a combined 36 years at Bristol Crown Court today (6 October). 

The victim met Safi, of St Werburghs, on 25 November 2025 having visited the city to go Christmas shopping with a friend. 

Safi tried to persuade the pair to go to his home, offering them drugs and a place to charge their phones, but they declined and went back to their homes. 

However, Safi continued messaging the victim via Snapchat and requested indecent images from her. 

Less than a week later Safi and Habibkheil, of Lockleaze, arranged for her to be brought into Bristol by taxi. She was then taken to Safi’s house and given alcohol. 

The pair, along with Ahmadzai, of no fixed address, and the teenage boy, all of whom are Afghan nationals, then raped and sexually assaulted the victim over a period of several hours. 

She was found by officers at Safi’s home in St Werburghs having been reported missing by her mum. 

The teenage boy was arrested at the scene and the three men were arrested a few days later having been brought back to the UK after fleeing to France. 

Phones belonging to Habibkheil and Ahmadzai were found to have been used to search for news of the incident online and were also used to research court procedures relating to serious sexual offences. 

Court convictions

Safi, whose self-defined ethnicity is”any other Asian background”, was found guilty of two counts of rape and one count of arranging or facilitating the travel of a female with a view to exploitation. 

Habibkheil, whoseself-defined ethnicity is “any other Black background”, was convicted of one count of rape and one count of arranging or facilitating the travel of a female with a view to exploitation. 

Ahmadzai, whose self-defined ethnicity is “any other Asian background”, was found guilty of one count of rape and one count of sexual assault. 

The teenage boy, who cannot be identified because of his age, was convicted of one count of rape. 

At today’s sentencing hearing, a statement from the victim was read out. In it she spoke about the ongoing impact the offences has had. 

The victim said:

“When I think back to who I was a year ago, I can say that I am a different person to who I was before this all happened. I had a lot more friends, I would go out a lot more, I was happier – now I stopped going out, I don’t even leave the house in general.  

“My dream was to go to college, I wanted to work in a nursery with children, but because my anxiety now is so bad, I had to put a hold on to that dream. I do not know how I will ever be able to do that by myself.  

“When I heard that these men were found guilty, I was very glad and relieved. I knew they were guilty anyway, but I was still scared that they would get away with what they have done and I am relieved they will not be able to do that.” 

In a separate impact statement, the victim’s mother said she and her daughter had felt supported by police officers and a registered intermediary during the investigation and court process.  

She added:

“As a mum it was really hard for me to hear what had happened to my daughter and it is hard to think that my baby has gone through something so horrific, not just once but four times by four men who thought they could do what they wanted to her.  

“It is really hard for me to see how it has affected her and how she has withdrawn from the world around her. She hasn’t been able to go back into Bristol since.” 

Broken beyond resistance

Sentencing at Bristol Crown Court, Judge Cullum said the three men and the 17-year-old boy and left the victim “broken beyond resistance”.

“The victim was obviously vulnerable, and that’s why you all preyed on her,” he said. “She was, in my judgement, vulnerable from the moment you set eyes on her.”

He added:

“Having taken her by a convoluted route back to your house, you then all had sex with her when you wanted, irrespective of what she wanted.

“She was plied with drink until she was very significantly affected. You were getting her drunk to increase her vulnerability and to increase the prospect that she could not resist.”

Mehrab Safi was sentenced to 15 years in prison. 

Salman Habibkheil was sentenced to nine years’ detention. 

Awal Ahmadzai was sentenced to nine years’ detention. 

The 17-year-old boy was sentenced to three years’ detention. 

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Cable, the senior investigating officer, said:

“It’s impossible to understate how significant these offences were. 

“They took advantage of a vulnerable young girl, purely to fulfil their own sexual gratifications. 

“At no point did they give a second thought to the victim’s welfare and the trauma associated with that night will be with her forever. 

“Her bravery in standing up in court and telling her story is awe-inspiring. She has now seen them face justice for the crimes they committed against her. 

“The victim continues to be supported by a specially trained officer and support will continue to be available for as long as it is needed.” 

Georgina Broom of the Crown Prosecution Service said:

“The young victim in this case was targeted, groomed, and then lured to an unfamiliar city, miles from home in the dead of night.   

“Isolated and alone, she was plied with alcohol and then raped and abused over several hours by four different people. It was clear throughout that she did not consent. 

“Thankfully the three men who fled in such a cowardly manner were swiftly returned to the UK to face justice. 

“The CPS is committed to delivering justice for the victims of rape and sexual abuse, and I would encourage all victims to come forward to report offences to the police, so they can be investigated.” 

Record details

A rapist has been jailed for eight years after attacking a woman he met online in her own home.

Carl Thomson, 55, now of Portishead, appeared at Exeter Crown Court for sentence on Friday 2 October after being found guilty of rape, sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault.

Thomson must sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

During the trial, the jury heard how Thomson – then living in Paignton - met the victim online in March 2023.

In early April of that year Thomson and the victim went for a walk and then for dinner so she could show him the local area.

Messages from Thomson to the victim became sexualised and on 13 April 2023, Thomson raped and sexually assaulted her at her home.

The victim reported the offences to police on 18 April 2023, and Thomson was arrested at Bristol Airport.

She went on to tell police that she was forced to comply with Thomson’s advances as she feared for her own safety.

In interview Thomson stated the sexual contact was consensual.

During sentencing, HHJ Patrick told Thomson that the victim showed his kindness, but he took that as sexual and forced himself on her.

He added that the offences have caused her significant psychological harm.

Officer in the case Detective Constable Tia Smallridge, said:

“I welcome the sentence given to Carl Thomson at Exeter Crown Court.

“Thomson is a sexual predator who gained the trust of his victim before betraying it in the most horrific way.

“He abused the victim’s kindness and subjected her to a prolonged and sustained attack in a place where she should have safe from harm.

“He continued to deny his offending meaning the victim had to give evidence at court.

“I would like to thank the victim for reporting what happened to us, and then remaining engaged throughout the legal process.

“We hope she is now able to feel some form of closure and begin to move on with her life.

“Anybody who has been the victim of sexual offending is asked to report it to us via 101 or our website, or by 999 if in immediate danger.

“Our officers will investigate every report regardless of when the offence took place.”

Record details

A 24-year-old man who approached young girls and asked to sniff their feet in Yate has been sentenced.

Alexander Scott-Bowen, of Kingswood, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Friday (11 September) for seven counts of sexual assault.

We launched an investigation in 2022 following reports of a man accosting three young girls in Yate and was sniffing and touching their feet in January, March and May.

A media appeal including an e-fit was released where, despite possible suspects being identified, there was insufficient evidence to charge anyone in connection with the incident and the case had to be filed pending further reports or evidence.

In March 2025, we received two more reports from young girls being stopped in Kingswood in similar circumstances to the 2022 incidents.

A police investigation was launched and a new suspect was identified as Scott-Bowen, who was later linked to the 2022 incidents.

He was arrested on 11 March 2025, interviewed, and bailed while officers continued to carry out their enquiries and gather evidence.

While out on police bail, we received two further reports regarding two girls being approached in Cribbs Causeway on New Year’s Eve in 2025 and a woman being approached in Stoke Gifford on 21 January this year in a similar manner.

He was re-arrested three days after these incidents and the Crown Prosecution Service granted seven charges of sexual assault against seven victims. He was remanded into custody where he has remained.

In all incidents, Scott-Bowen would approach his victims, engage them in an innocuous conversation about their feet or shoes, often paying them compliments, before swiftly grabbing their foot and sniffing it.

Through our investigation, officers were able to link Scott-Bowden to the 2022 Yate incidents as he lived in the area at the time and, upon his arrest in 2025, distinctive clothes matching a description from one victim were located.

However, more evidence was required to link Scott-Bowen to the incident.

Following his initial arrest in 2025, his DNA was obtained and was found on the shoelace of one of the 2022 victim’s trainers.

He was then linked to one of the 2025 incidents when one of the victims positively identified him as their attacker. He was also captured on doorbell footage walking alongside the victim down the street.

When he was arrested for the final time in January 2026, his mobile phone was seized and, during a forensic examination, material indicative of a foot fetish was located on his phone.

He was brought before the court on 6 July this year where he entered guilty pleas to all counts against all seven victims and was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court yesterday.

During the sentencing hearing, Scott-Bowen was sentenced to 38 weeks in prison, however as he has been on remand since January this year, he has been released as the custody-period has been served.

A 10-year-long Sexual Harm Prevention Order was also granted and he has been added to the Sex Offenders Register for the next 10 years.

Det Sgt Mike Coleman said:

“These attacks caused considerable distress to the victims and the wider community and we are pleased Scott-Bowen has been sentenced for these crimes.

“Throughout this investigation, we were clear in our mindset to view these incidents for what they really were – a series of sexual attacks against predominantly young girls.

“Scott-Bowen carried out his offending over a long period of time and was not even deterred by being arrested and released with bail conditions, as he went on to commit further offences.

“In pleading guilty in the face of the substantial evidence presented, he has accepted that his motives for all these attacks was his own sexual gratification.

“We want to thank and recognise the brave victims who came forward, especially those from the 2022 incident who all positively re-engage when we contact them to inform them their cases were being re-opened.” 

Record details

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 victims 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 childrens 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 Judges sentence reflects the seriousness of his offending.

Record details

Martin Connelly, 45, of Unity Street, Bristol, was jailed by Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday 5 August after he was found guilty of assault by touching following a trial at the same court in June.

A man has been sentenced to more than three years in prison for the non-recent sexual assault of a child.

Martin Connelly, 45, of Unity Street, Bristol, was jailed by Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday 5 August after he was found guilty of assault by touching following a trial at the same court in June.

He was sentenced to a custodial sentence of three years and four months, and he will be the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for the rest of his life.

The charge relates to an offence where he assaulted his victim under clothing.

The victim read a statement outlining the impact the offending had on her in court, which said:

“There are songs I can no longer listen to, films I cannot watch, and people I struggle to look at because they remind me of you. You have shrunk parts of my world, but you have not brought me down to your level.

“While this has been one of the worst experiences of my life, it has also taught me grace. It has shown me that you truly never know what someone else is carrying. A younger me would’ve never imagined I could say that I stood up and defended myself.

“You have had years to show genuine remorse and to admit responsibility, yet you continue to hide behind excuses and self-delusion. I genuinely believe you have convinced yourself that you are something other than what you are.”

DC Kimberley O’Leary, from our specialist child protection team, said:

“The complainant did not choose for this to happen, but has shown incredible strength and courage to support this investigation, in part to prevent this trauma from being experienced again.

“I thank them for the bravery and resilience they have shown throughout this process, and I hope this will empower other victims of sexual assaults to come forward, because they will be believed and supported.”

Record details

A man who raped a woman in Bristol city centre has been jailed for six years. 

Nitesh Nitesh was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday 18 June after pleading guilty to being one of the people involved. 

The court heard the attack left the woman feeling ‘suicidal’. 

In a statement prepared for the court, she said: “Although, I am starting to do very well, I do not want to think about it as it sends me back to that place. 

“What kept me engaged with the investigation is also the thought that this could’ve happened to someone else, someone more vulnerable, or a young teenage girl.” 

The woman, who is in her thirties, was raped at about 3.10am on Sunday 29 March in the Assembly Rooms Lane area of Bristol.  

Passers-by helped the woman shortly afterwards, as those responsible left the scene. Police were called at 3.18am and the first officers arrived about seven minutes later. 

Nitesh, formerly of Redfield, was identified as being involved following a public appeal and was arrested on Thursday 2 April and subsequently charged. 

The 20-year-old, who is Indian and his self-defined ethnicity is ‘Asian Indian’, was sentenced to six years in prison.  

‘Victim’s courageous stance is inspiring’ 

 DI Simon Da Costa said:

“Nitesh is a dangerous sexual predator and the streets of Bristol are safer with him in prison for many years to come. 

“This crime has impacted the victim physically, emotionally and mentally in a way that is impossible to adequately explain. 

“She has been motivated to protect others by supporting our investigation and her courageous stance is inspiring. I hope in time she feels immense pride at how she’s played a key role in securing this sentence.” 

DI Da Costa added:

“Although we released details of this crime at the time, we know people will continue to be shocked and concerned by what happened. 

“When such crimes happen they will always be taken seriously and today’s sentencing outcome highlights that. Victims of sexual offences will be believed and we will help them access any support services they may need. 

“Night-time policing operations are regularly conducted in Bristol, using both uniformed officers and colleagues in plain clothes through Project Vigilant, as they will be this weekend. This work, alongside other agencies, helps to make Bristol a safe city.” 

Record details

A rapist has received a nine-year prison sentence and given a restraining order to protect the woman he attacked.

Bibak Singh, aged 37 of Stonebridge Park, Bristol, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Friday 8 May. He must serve a minimum of two-thirds of his sentence in prison before he can be eligible for parole.

He was found guilty of rape and controlling and coercive behaviour during a six-day trial at the same court in March.

The jury heard how Singh raped and emotionally manipulated the woman.

In a personal statement prepared for the court, she said:

“I feel as if I am living a life sentence because of what was done to me.

“What he has done to me has permanently changed who I am and how I live my life.

“By going through the police investigation and court, I hope I have shown how strong and resilient I can be after being put down and mistreated. I hope this shows others in my situation that you can be believed and that behaviour like this is not acceptable in any situation.”

Alongside the jail sentence, Singh was added to the Sex Offender’s Register and a restraining order granted for Singh not to have any contact with the victim.

Officer in the case, DS Matthew Beavis, said:

“The victim has shown remarkable strength and resilience throughout both the investigation and the court process.

“She has made clear her hope that others will feel empowered to come forward and stand up to those who seek to control and repress them.

“This was a deeply disturbing offence. Singh’s actions were calculated and sustained, and the victim has been left to live with the longterm effects of his manipulation, violence and control.

“This case underlines the importance of empowering victims, and I hope it gives others the confidence to speak out and seek justice.”

Record details

A man who raped, sexually assaulted, and psychologically abused two women has been jailed for nearly 20 years.

On Thursday, 12 March, Ethan Nolan, 24 (DOB: 13/10/2001), from Bristol, was sentenced to 19 years and six months after being found guilty of three counts of rape, two counts of controlling and coercive behaviour (CCB), one count of sexual assault by penetration, one count of sexual assault by touching and one count of intentional strangulation.

In 2022, Nolan raped a woman he was in a relationship with while she slept at her home in Bristol. He then tried to manipulate her and convince her it was normal.

In April 2023, he entered a relationship with a second woman in Surrey, began restricting her from seeing friends and changing the way she dressed. He also coerced her into giving him her bank cards and made her send him money.

His behaviour escalated from psychological to physical abuse. He would regularly beat the woman and on one occasion remarked: "If I leave bruises over you, people will know you are mine." Nolan then raped her twice in the space of a couple of months.

Following a six-day trial at Bristol Crown Court in January, Nolan was found guilty of all offences.

At sentencing, he was also handed a lifelong restraining order and put on the sex offenders register for life.

Detective Constable Nat Stone, from Surrey Police's Sexual Offences Investigation Team, said:

"Nolan is a dangerous man and his behaviour has impacted many lives. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the courage of both victims to come forward and tell Police what happened.

"Thanks to their bravery and support over the last two years, Nolan will now serve a significant amount of time behind bars.

"This investigation and court result is evidence of the hard work by numerous officers and staff members and that shows that we take every report of domestic abuse and sexual assault seriously. If you have been a victim of abuse or sexual violence, or you recognise any of these behaviours in a friend or partner, please contact police. You will be listened to, and we will do everything we can to support you.”

Record details

A man who “groomed and manipulated” his victims has been sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison for sexual offences against a child and a teenager.

Thomas Brewer, 60, of Whitefield Avenue, Speedwell, in Bristol, was sentenced to eight offences at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday 5 March after being found guilty by a unanimous jury following a trial at the same court in January this year.

He has been convicted of four counts of engaging in non-penetrative activity with a child, two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of sexual assault against a female.

Brewer is also subject to a criminal Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) which is in place indefinitely.

The court heard how Brewer would abuse his position of trust and repeatedly assaulted his victims by touching them. He assaulted his youngest victim over a period of around six months, and the oldest victim was assaulted during a party.

Officers maintained contact with both victims throughout the investigation and have offered them access to any support services they feel they may benefit from.

Brewer’s first victim, who was under the age of 16 at the time of the offending, detailed the ordeal in a statement which was read out at court on her behalf, which said:

“I hate Tom for what he did to me and the ongoing impact of it. This happening has made me grow up, and maybe quicker than I should have.

“I am not going to let this ruin my life. I have accepted it and can finally move forwards now.”

The second victim to come forward, who was under the age of 18 at the time of the offences against her, said in her statement:

“You show no remorse for your actions and it’s sickening. I really hope one day you realise what you did and how disgusting it is. The nightmares and social anxiety I get to this day are caused by you, but I want you to know you’ve not won and never will.” 

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A man has been found guilty of sexual offences against a child following a trial at Bristol Crown Court.

On Wednesday 4 February a jury found Matthew McKenzie, 47, of Totterdown, Bristol, guilty of one count of sexual assault of a child and two counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

He was remanded into custody pending a sentencing hearing at the same court on Tuesday 17 March.

The court heard that in June 2023 McKenzie stayed overnight with friends at an address in Bristol.

During his visit he touched a girl, then aged eight, with his penis, made her touch his penis, and offered to take her to the park if she would perform oral sex.

The child immediately told her mother, police were called and McKenzie was arrested from the address.

Record details

A “dangerous” 42-year-old man from Bristol who committed more than a dozen online sex offences against children has been handed an extended 17-year prison sentence.

Adam Pugh, of Southmead, admitted the offences and was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday 14 January.

Avon and Somerset Police’s investigation began in October 2025 after potential offences were identified by another agency.

Their referral identified indecent messages and images being shared by Pugh with a profile purporting to belong to a 13-year-old girl.

The account was traced to his home and Pugh was then arrested by detectives in Avon and Somerset Police’s Internet Child Abuse Team.

His home was searched by specialist officers who uncovered a number of mobile phones being used by Pugh, in breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order he was subject to.

A review of these phones uncovered further indecent communications made by Pugh and indecent images of children.

He was later charged before pleading guilty to the following 15 offences, which were committed between August and October 2025:

• Two counts of engaging in sexual communication with a child
• Two counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child
• One count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity
• Three counts of making an indecent photograph of a child
• One count of distributing an indecent photograph of a child
• One count of publishing an obscene article
• One count of attempting to arrange an offence of sexual activity with a child
• One count of causing a child to engage in sexual activity
• Three counts of breaching Sexual Harm Prevention Order

At Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday 14 January, Pugh was handed an initial nine-year prison sentence which was extended by a further eight years to a total of 17 years.

Extended sentences can be imposed by judges where an offender is deemed to be dangerous and further protection for the public from their harm is required.

Detective Inspector Laura Newton, of the Internet Child Abuse Team, said:

“Adam Pugh groomed children online for his own sexual gratification, exposing them to sexual acts and coercing them into sending indecent images. In doing so, he breached a Sexual Harm Prevention Order in place to protect children from further harm.

“He is a dangerous individual who poses a significant risk to children, as demonstrated by the lengthy prison sentence handed down in court.

“Safeguarding vulnerable young people remains our highest priority and we will continue to work closely with partner agencies to ensure offenders are brought to justice and victims receive the support they need.”