Latest Offenders Chester

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A former supply teacher from Greater Manchester has pleaded guilty to several child sex offences, including upskirting and voyeurism, following a GMP investigation.

Abusali Rahman (29/08/1989), a British national of Bangladeshi ethnicity from Salford, entered the following formal guilty pleas at Bolton Crown Court today (28/5/26):

• 12 counts of taking an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child (images obtained by upskirting)
• 4 counts of publishing an obscene article (AI-generated sexualised images)
• 3 counts of making indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child (making AI-generated images)
• 1 count of distribute an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child (sharing an upskirting image with another user)
• 1 count of operating equipment beneath clothing of another without consent (the act of upskirting)

He has been remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on 1 September.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between December 2023 and June 2025 against 13 girls at several secondary schools across the north west.

All affected schools and the victims' parents/guardians have been informed and necessary safeguarding personnel made aware of our investigation.

The guilty pleas follow an investigation by our Online Child Abuse Investigation Team (OCAIT).

Detective Chief Superintendent Rebecca McKendrick, head of GMP’s Public Protection Division, said:

“Our OCAIT team has painstakingly worked through the evidence to build a case against Rahman.

“The victims have been at the forefront of our investigation, and we have kept their parents and guardians and their schools informed and supported throughout this process.

“Protecting children remains our highest priority, and we will continue to work closely with and meeting the victims, schools and local authorities to ensure there is support in place for anyone affected.

“Anyone who wants to report an offence or has any information on this investigation can still call 0161 856 1737 where you can speak to specially trained officers, via 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting Operation Pomerie.”

Alex Mann, Senior Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, said:

“This was a horrifying case involving an abuse of trust that affected multiple young victims.

“Rahman fell well below the standards expected of his role – first by sharing sexualised deepfake images online, before escalating to upskirting and voyeurism offences.

“Following a comprehensive GMP investigation, prosecutors were able to piece together a compelling case that left the defendant with little choice but admit his crimes.

“The guilty pleas entered today means he will face the consequences of his appalling actions, without victims having to prolong their suffering by reliving their experiences at trial.”

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Two families have thanked Essex detectives for their investigative work - which ensured a dangerous child sexual abuser was jailed for his crimes.

Cosmin Cercel sexually assaulted and took indecent images of one child and used AI technology to make indecent images of a second victim.

The 30-year-old from Colchester was jailed for five years and four months when he appeared at Ipswich Crown Court for sentencing.

An investigation was launched in December 2025 after one young victim told their mum they had been assaulted by the defendant.

An initial interrogation of his phone revealed the full scale of his offending.

Due to the volume of content, an urgent specialist review of the defendant’s device was carried out and this intensive phone work identified a second victim and further offences.

Detectives were able to speak to the family of the second child, who were unaware of Cercel’s offending. They were supported by our officers as the scope of our investigation continued.

We discovered he had used AI technology to make images of the second child appear to look like they were not wearing clothes.

Cercel, of Winnock Road, was charged with:

• Attempted rape
• Four counts of Sexual Assault on a Child (Under 13)
• Causing or Inciting a Child to Engage in Sexual Activity
• Taking Indecent Images of a Child – Category A
• Taking Indecent Images of a Child – Category B
• Taking Indecent Images of a Child – Category C
• Making a Pseudo Photograph of a Child

He denied the count of attempted rape, but admitted the other nine offences when he appeared at the same court on 2 February 2026.

The count of attempted rape was left to lie on file.

families thank officers

On Tuesday 12 May he was jailed for five years and four months, placed on the sex offenders’ register and is subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order.

Following the case, the families of both children thanked the officers in the case for the efficiency and speed of the investigation.

Lead investigator Detective Constable Fiona Brodie said:

"This case involved a significant betrayal of trust by an individual who took advantage of young, vulnerable children.

"As the officer in the case, I am immensely proud of the swift, dedicated work of our team; by using advanced digital forensics, we were able to quickly uncover the full extent of Cercel’s actions and ensure he was held accountable for his crimes.

"Most importantly, I want to praise the incredible bravery and strength of the victims and their families.

"They have shown such dignity throughout this investigation, and I hope this sentence provides them with some sense of justice as they begin to move forward."

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Declan Marno appeared at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday 19 May where he was sentenced to six years imprisonment.

24-year-old Marno, of Peckforton Way, Chester, had previously pleaded guilty to one count of rape and one count of sexual assault.

On Friday 4 April 2025, when Cheshire Police were contacted via 101 by the victim in this case, an 18-year-old woman, who reported that on Friday 28 March she had been orally raped and sexually assaulted by Marno, who had joined her and a group of friends on a night out in Chester city centre.

The victim went on to say that following the night out, the group returned to the address of the victim’s friend, where it was agreed that Marno and the victim would sleep on opposite ends of a sofa overnight.

At some point during in the night, Marno pulled down the victim’s shirt and sexually assaulted her before going on to orally rape her.

The victim passed out during the incident, however, the following morning she challenged the behaviour of Marno, telling him she remembered what he had done.

Marno admitted to the assault and the oral rape and, following the victims’ bravery in contacting Cheshire Police, he was arrested and taken into custody.

However, he gave officers a pre-written statement denying any wrongdoing and refused to answer any questions put to him.

Despite this, he pleaded guilty to the offences at his first appearance in court in February 2026.

Detective Constable Emma Flanagan, of CID Reactive West, said:

"I cannot imagine how traumatising this experience will have been for the victim, a young woman who had enjoyed a night out in the city centre surrounded by people whom she believed she could trust to look out for her.

"Declan Marno abused this trust and acted upon his own selfish desires in the pursuit of sexual gratification, preying on her when she was at her most vulnerable and not once taking her feelings, wishes or consent into consideration.

"Whilst sadly, nothing can be done to turn back the clock on what has happened, I do hope that now Marno has been held accountable for his actions and has been put behind bars for the next six years, the victim can begin the process of healing.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank her for the bravery and strength she has shown throughout this entire investigation. Having to recount what had happened to her will have been an emotionally challenging endeavour, yet it was her evidence that proved vital in us securing this conviction against her attacker and getting her the justice she deserved."

Alongside his custodial prison sentence, Declan Marno has also been placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.

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On Thursday 14 May 2026 at Manchester Crown Court, Dean Clarke (13/01/2001), of Cannon Hussey Court, Salford, has been sentenced to five years in prison for sexual communication with a child and sexual activity with a child.

Clarke’s offences came to light on Friday 21 October 2022 when a report was made to police by the victim’s mother that a 21-year-old man was communicating with her 13-year-old daughter via an online video and messaging platform.

The victim’s mother had discovered the messages from Clarke sent to her daughter on a personal laptop used at home. Some of the messages implied they had had a sexual relationship as they also talked about pregnancy tests. 

An investigation was immediately launched and officers arrested Clarke that same day. He was taken into custody for interview, where he denied all offences. Clarke’s mobile phone was also seized to be examined for evidence. He was released under bail conditions while enquiries continued. 

Evidence retrieved from Clarke’s mobile phone provided evidence that he was communicating with the victim in a sexual manner. Communications were consistent between Clarke and the victim between August and October 2022.  

The messages also suggested that Clarke had a relationship with the victim that was of a sexual nature. Photographs found also showed the victim and Clarke hugging, and on one occasion, the victim kissing Clarke’s cheek.  

After mobile phone and other digital evidence had been reviewed, Clarke was arrested again. During interviews Clarke continued to deny all offences and said his accounts had been hacked. Regarding the conversations found on his phone between himself and the victim; Clarke either said he could not recall or remember, and that he would not send messages of that nature.

On the first day of trial in March 2026, Clarke pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of sexual communication with a child. 

On Thursday 14 May, Clarke was sentenced to five years in prison. He has been placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order. Clarke has also been issued with a restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim.

In a statement read in court, the victim’s mother spoke of how her daughter has been affected by the abuse, and of how it has impacted her life and education.  

Her mother said:

“She [the victim] explicitly said to me that she does not want to talk about it and does not want anyone to know about it. She was suffering with severe depression and anxiety at the time.  

“She did not attend school for four years. It is hard to put into words the impact this has had on her as she approaches her adult life. The loss of her education is by far the biggest impact on her in my opinion. 

She continued:

“The abuse [the victim] suffered has completely changed her as a person. She used to be quite fun and outgoing. She is not anymore. She is quite withdrawn now. She has trust issues. She cannot trust anyone. She struggles to build relationships.”  

The victim’s mother also spoke of how the abuse negatively affected her daughter's eating and sleeping habits. She added:

“She has isolated herself emotionally. She will not speak to me about it. I respect her views on this and hope she can move on with her life.” 

Detective Constable Robert Webster from GMP Salford’s Child Protection Investigation Unit, said:

“I’d like to thank the brave victim for sitting through interviews and helping us build a case against Clarke.  

“We understand it must have been very painful for her to revisit the abuse she was subjected to in order to help us with the investigation.”

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A teaching assistant from Bury has been sentenced after pleading guilty to multiple sex offences against a vulnerable boy of primary-school age.

Terri Cook (17/11/1987) of Masefield Avenue, Radcliffe, appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday, where she was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison for eight charges of sexual offences.

In September 2025, officers from our Child Protection Investigation Unit (CPIU) began in intense investigation into Cook after a member of the public reported seeing her out with a young boy. The subsequent investigation showed she had been grooming and manipulating him into engaging in a sexual relationship with her.

Officers found numerous messages on her phone where she had been inciting sexual communications with the boy and holding indecent images of him. Cook was also found to have been buying him expensive items, jewellery, and clothing during their relationship for a period of over nine months.

In a powerful statement to the court, the victim's mum shared:

"He [the victim] was a happy boy who was extremely kind and caring to everyone around him. Despite experiencing traumatic events earlier in his life, he continued to be positive and compassionate. He smiled every day and made us all laugh.

To Miss Cook,

I trusted you. You were in a position of trust and power. Your role was to help children and keep them safe. Instead, you abused your position and harmed [the victim], not once but repeatedly. You knew about his past and deliberately used his vulnerability to your advantage. You have taken so much away from him at such a young age. This will affect his life forever, and it will be him who lives with the consequences of your selfish actions."

The CPIU play a vital role in protecting the children and young people across GM, working tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable members of the community. In the last year, the CPIU have increased their solved outcome rate, up to 14.3%, signifying our continuing work to bring justice to children and young people who have been abused.

Detective Sergeant Adam Stanfield from Burys CPIU said:

"I'd firstly like to thank the immense bravery and courage of the victim, throughout these proceedings.

"It is no easy thing to go through, but his and his family's support throughout this case has enabled us to put a sexual predator behind bars.

"This case was a horrific example of calculated abuse of power, and Cook targeted a vulnerable child who put his trust in her.

"Grooming is a form of manipulation that can leave lasting emotional and psychological damage, and our priority remains protecting young people and supporting victims as they recover.

"This sentencing also emphasises our unwavering commitment to protecting male victims. They can be victims too and I urge anyone who believes they may have been through anything similar to please report to us.

"We will always listen. You will always be taken seriously. And we will always take action."

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A man has been jailed for 10 and a half years after being found guilty of three counts of rape and false imprisonment

Benjamin Wilson (03/08/1990) of Norwood Avenue, Chesterfield, was sentenced to over 10 years in prison after being found guilty of offences committed in Manchester city centre in June 2022.

Detectives carried out a sensitive, victim-led investigation after Wilson exploited an extremely vulnerable and intoxicated victim.

The victim plucked up the courage to go on a night out with friends in Manchester, however, she became separated from them and was later subjected to a serious sexual assault, linked to a suspected drink spiking.

During the evening, the victim and her friend believed their drinks had been tampered with. She later found herself alone, heavily intoxicated, and extremely vulnerable. She encountered Wilson near a takeaway, where he took advantage of the situation, guiding her into a taxi before repeatedly raping her at a flat in Manchester.

The following morning, Wilson dropped her near the hotel where she had been due to stay with her friend. She reported the incident shortly afterwards.

Due to the trauma she experienced and previous medical PTSD, officers worked closely with the victim’s parents and a trusted colleague to support the investigation and help identify, locate, arrest, and charge the offender.

From the outset, investigators faced significant challenges, including limited early forensic opportunities, issues securing CCTV footage and the need to prioritise the victim’s wellbeing.

Hundreds of hours of work went into analysing witness accounts, financial and phone data, intelligence checks, and overcoming cross-force barriers to make an arrest in Derbyshire.

Officers progressed the case carefully to avoid causing further trauma, using digital evidence, including phone data and social media, to establish key links and identify the suspect.

The case was ultimately built through meticulous investigation, persistence, and, crucially, the strength and courage of the victim’s testimony.

DC Phillip Sargeant of Longsight CID said:

“I am awestruck not only by the courage of the victim in coming forward, but also by her patience and resilience in waiting for justice.

“The impact on her, her family and her support network has been profound. I hope today’s sentence provides some measure of closure and enables them to move on from this traumatic experience.

“We have worked hard to support her throughout, allowing her to guide the pace of the investigation and how she engaged with the process.

“I hope this case reassures others that they will be taken seriously and supported sensitively by Greater Manchester Police, no matter how long it takes.”

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A man has been jailed for 13 years after Greater Manchester Police’s Cold Case Unit linked him to the indecent assault and attempted rape of a 74yearold woman in Stockport from more than 30 years ago.

The conviction follows a renewed cold case investigation and advances in forensic science that allowed evidence from 1992 to be reexamined.

Aron Traynor, 56, of London Road, Stockport, was sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court on Friday 8 May 2026 for the violent indecent assault and attempted rape of a woman in 1992.

The victim, who has since passed away, was attacked by a stranger while walking near her home. Despite extensive forensic work at the time, no suspect was identified.

The case remained under active review. In 2005, the Cold Case Unit commissioned further forensic analysis, producing a nearcomplete DNA profile that was added to the National DNA Database, but no match was found at that time.

A breakthrough came when a DNA sample taken from Traynor following an unrelated arrest for drink-driving in August 2023 matched the profile developed by the Cold Case Unit, finally bringing longawaited justice for the victim’s family.

 In October 2023, the Cold Case Unit was formally notified of the match, and Traynor was arrested shortly afterwards.

A fiveday jury trial in March 2026 found him guilty on both charges.

Detective Chief Inspector Cheryl Hughes said:

“Time is quite simply no barrier to justice.

“Today’s sentencing shows that we never close investigations into serious violent or sexual offences. DNA is crucial, but it’s the painstaking work of our officers - revisiting evidence, tracing witnesses, and rebuilding the investigative picture - that ultimately brings offenders to justice.

“Offenders should be in no doubt that forensic science continues to advance, and every interaction they have with the criminal justice system increases the chance of their crimes being uncovered.

“I’d like to thank the victim’s family for their support and cooperation in this case. Although the victim sadly has not lived to see justice served, I hope this sentence gives her family a sense of peace that the offender has been held accountable.”

A statement from the victim’s son was read in court, describing the devastating and lasting impact the attack had on his mother’s confidence, independence and wellbeing. He said the assault changed her life profoundly and affected the whole family.

GMP remains committed to tackling violence against women and girls and ensuring perpetrators are brought to justice — no matter how much time has passed.

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The 46-year-old of Wordsworth Crescent, Chester, had previously been found guilty of sexual assault and two counts of assault by penetration.

He had also earlier pleaded guilty to intentional suffocation and two counts of assault in connection with an unrelated matter.

The court heard how Griffiths attended a birthday party at an address in Blacon in November 2023.

During the evening, Griffith’s began making sexual comments to the victim, an 18-year-old girl, and touched her inappropriately.

The victim fell asleep at the address later that night and awoke to find Griffiths sexually assaulting her.

The incident was reported to Cheshire Constabulary the next day and Griffiths was subsequently arrested and charged.

Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Steve Popplestone said:

“During questioning, Griffiths denied any involvement and tried to undermine the victim’s account, claiming the allegations against him were simply a fabrication.

“He has shown no remorse for his actions throughout this investigation and even made the victim relive her trauma by way of a trial.

“In spite of this, he was rightfully found guilty by a jury thanks to the substantial casefile of evidence gathered against him – which included forensic analysis showing Griffiths’ DNA to be present on the victim’s underwear.”

In addition to his prison sentence, Griffiths was handed a 15-year restraining order and also ordered to sign the sex offender’s register.

DI Popplestone added:

“I would like to thank the victim for her bravery in coming forward and speaking about what happened to her.

“No-one should have to go through what she has been through, and I hope the conclusion of this court process will help to bring her some sense of closure. Although nothing will make her forget what this despicable man did, her evidence and courage has meant Griffiths is now behind bars for a significant length of time, where he can no longer pose a danger to women.

“We will continue to do all we can to tackle any incident of violence against women and take all reports of such crimes extremely seriously and will investigate thoroughly to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”

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A man has been jailed after sexually abusing a child and purchasing indecent images of children.

Ian Isherwood, of Shipton Street, Bolton, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday 27 April where he was sentenced to 15 years.

The 43-year-old had previously pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children (categories A, B and C), possession of a category C image of a child, and assisting the commission of an offence.

Isherwood had also been found guilty of sexual activity with a child under 13, inciting sexual activity with a girl under 13, inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13.

The offences occurred in the Warrington area.

Cheshire Police arrested Isherwood in March 2024 after officers received information relating to a PayPal account which had been used to purchase indecent images of children. This account was linked to Isherwood.

His devices were seized and hundreds of indecent images of children were recovered. An image of a girl was also uncovered, who was identified and safeguarded. She stated she had been sexually abused by Isherwood when she was around eight-10 years old.

Isherwood was ultimately charged with multiple offences.

On top of his custodial sentence, Isherwood must sign the Sex Offender Register indefinitely and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

DC Briony Shirley said:

“Isherwood is clearly a danger to children and has quite rightly been handed a significant prison sentence to reflect the severity of his crimes.

“Being in possession of indecent images of children is never a victimless crime, and on this occasion, officers identified and subsequently safeguarded a girl who Isherwood had previously abused.  

“The fact that he had then continued to look at images of children following this shows that he had absolutely no regard for anything other than satisfying his twisted and perverted sexual desires.

“I hope the victim in this case has been able to get some closure over what happened to her, knowing that Isherwood is locked up where he cannot do this to anyone else.”

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Thanks to the bravery of a survivor, a man who raped her has been jailed.

Muhammad Nasir, 18/12/1985, Stockport Road, Ashton Under Lyne, has today (Tuesday 5 May) been sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment with an additional four years' license at Manchester Crown Court after being convicted of rape, committed in July 2021.

The survivor and her mother courageously reported the offence via LiveChat on Tuesday 24 August 2021.

The court heard that on Saturday 24 July 2021, the survivor had been out with friends at a nightclub on Deansgate. She left alone and phoned her mother to let her know she was on her way home.

Outside the nightclub, she entered a taxi she had not prebooked, driven by Nasir.

While travelling along the A6 towards Longsight, Nasir diverted into a quiet, treelined culdesac off the A6, where he stopped the vehicle. He then sexually assaulted and raped the survivor.

Following the attack, Nasir drove the survivor to a cash machine for her to withdraw money to pay him. He took approximately £70 from her before dropping her at her home.

Detectives who investigated the taxi location at that time found that the journey that should have taken 20 minutes in fact took three and a half hours.

The survivor built up the courage to report the rape a month after the incident took place.

Detectives were able to retrieve CCTV footage from the nightclub which evidenced the survivor getting in a taxi.

The registration of the taxi was linked to Muhammad Nasir who was subsequently arrested on 15 September 2021 at an address on Ashton Road by Tameside response officers.

Nasir has also been handed a restraining order, a court order preventing him from ever becoming a taxi driver again and was told he would remain on the sex offender register for life.

In court today the survivor said:

“I am here today as a survivor of a rape that occurred when I was 20 years old. I want the court to understand the profound impact this crime has had on my life and the work I have had to do to rebuild it.

“The offender was a taxi driver - someone I should have been able to trust to keep me safe. Instead, he abused me. That betrayal has stayed with me and has shaped much of the fear and instability I have experienced since.

“Within the first year after reporting this offence, I was diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder.

“The trauma significantly affected my education; I missed a large number of university lectures, required extensions, and struggled daily to function. At times, I was unable to leave my room or remain at university.

“Beyond my studies, the impact left me anxious, withdrawn, fearful in everyday life, I struggled to feel safe leaving my home and had to make changes to my life to manage that fear.

“I felt as though I had lost my sense of self.

“Despite this, I have worked hard to rebuild my life by seeking support, committing to recovery and gradually regaining control. I now speak about my experience to raise awareness and support others and I have raised money for The Survivor Trust by completing a marathon - a charity I relied on heavily throughout the process.

“I know this experience will always be part of my life, but it no longer defines me.

“I am here today because I was believed by my family, friends and officers and charities who supported me throughout.”

Detective Constable James Adams from the Serious Crime Unit said:

“This was a truly heinous crime, and I want to pay tribute to the extraordinary strength and bravery shown by the survivor throughout this process.

“Coming forward, remaining engaged for more than four years and then choosing to raise awareness for others takes immense courage. Her determination to ensure that what happened to her does not define her is remarkable.

“Rape is one of the most serious and devastating crimes a person can experience. The sentence handed down today reflects the seriousness of Nasir’s actions and the lasting harm they caused.

“Greater Manchester Police will not tolerate sexual violence in any form, and we will always work to hold offenders to account.

“I would urge anyone who has experienced rape or sexual assault, no matter how long ago, to come forward. You will be listened to, believed and supported.”

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A man from Manchester has been jailed following an investigation carried out by the Constabulary’s Online Child Abuse Investigation Team.

Talha Ahmed was sentenced to four and a half years imprisonment at Chester Crown Court on Friday 1 May. He was also made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Ahmed, of Cranford Avenue, Burnage, Manchester, had previously pleaded guilty to five counts of attempting to cause a child aged 13 to 15 to look at images of sexual activity, three counts of making indecent photographs or pseudophotographs of a child and one count of attempting to incite a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity.

He also pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a prohibited image of a child and one count of possession of indecent images or pseudophotographs of a child.

The case against the 25yearold began on 17 September 2024 when officers from the Constabulary’s Online Child Abuse Investigation Team (OCAIT) executed a Section 8 warrant at Ahmed’s home address. This was in connection to offences relating to the possession, creation and sharing of indecent images of children.

Upon arrest, Ahmed told officers that illicit images had been sent to him by another person but claimed that he had since deleted them. During a subsequent search of the property, officers seized two mobile phones belonging to him.

While interviewed in custody, Ahmed was questioned about the possession and distribution of indecent images. He answered “no comment” to all questions and was later released on conditional bail while his devices were examined by digital media investigators.

Examination of the devices revealed the presence of Category A, B and C indecent images of children.

Further evidence showed that Ahmed had also committed additional offences by engaging in sexual communications with a child, requesting intimate images from her and sending sexual images of himself.

Ahmed was arrested and interviewed for a second time in February 2025, during which he was questioned about the sexual communications with the teenager and the exchange of images. He again chose to answer no comment to all questions put to him.

Digital forensic enquiries revealed that Ahmed had been communicating with the child across multiple social media and messaging platforms over a period of three years, from June 2021 to the point of his arrest in September 2024.

Ahmed was 20 years old when the offending began, and the victim was 14.

Detective Constable Faye Taylor, of the Online Child Abuse Investigation Team, said:

“Engaging in communication with young people solely for the purpose of sexual gratification is truly abhorrent, and I welcome the sentence handed down to Talha Ahmed today.

“Ahmed was fully aware that the person he was communicating with was an underaged child, six years his junior. Despite this, he chose to engage in sustained contact with her over a period of more than three years in pursuit of his own warped fantasies.

“Ahmed believed that hiding behind a screen would allow him to avoid detection. He was wrong.

“Officers from within the Online Child Abuse Investigation Team deal with some of the most harrowing investigations due to the serious nature of child sexual abuse offences and the content that is often involved in such cases.

“Despite this, OCAIT officers work tirelessly, 365 days a year, to secure convictions and preventative orders against dangerous offenders, helping to protect some of the most vulnerable members of our society, children, from harm and exploitation.”

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A 24-year-old man who raped a young woman in Wrexham has been jailed.

Gift Oladele, of the Manchester area and currently of no fixed abode, violently attacked the 19-year-old victim as she walked home following a night out with friends.

Oladele introduced himself to the victim and her friend in the city centre in the early hours of September 7 last year.

He insisted on walking her home, claiming he was heading in the same direction.

As they walked alone towards Mold Road, he raped her on an isolated footpath.

Following the attack, he warned her not to report the incident to police.

Oladele was arrested hours later and subsequently charged and remanded into custody following a thorough investigation.

He denied rape and sexual assault, claiming the victim had consented, but a jury found him guilty at Mold Crown Court in March.

At Caernarfon Crown Court on Thursday, 30 April, he was sentenced to a total of 25 years, including 17 years in prison, with an extended licence period of eight years.

He was also handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order to protect the victim for life. 

Wrexham Chief Inspector Caroline Mullen-Hurst said:

“Oladele is a dangerous predator who left a young woman fearing for her life as he subjected her to a disturbing and terrifying attack as she walked home following a night with her friends.

“He demonstrated no remorse for his crimes after forcing her to relive the traumatic experience through a trial.

“I would like to praise the dignity and courage she has shown throughout the investigation, and for her bravery in reporting this incident to us.

“Thankfully, today’s sentence has removed Oladele from the streets, preventing any further harm to anyone else. I hope it reassures the public that North Wales Police is committed to eradicating all incidents of violence against women and girls and is working tirelessly to bring perpetrators of sexual abuse to justice.

“I would urge any victim of sexual assault to get in touch with us. You will be listened to, your report will be taken seriously and fully investigated. We are here to support you.”

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Vijay Chawla (10/03/1959) of Rectory Lane, Bury has been sentenced to seven years at Manchester Crown Court today (24 April 2026).

Chawla was found guilty of rape and sexual assault against the same victim at a trial in January 2026.

On Saturday 18 March 2023, officers received a disclosure from a 72-year-old woman who reported she had been raped the night before at an address in Manchester.

Despite repeatedly telling him to stop, Chawla forced himself on the woman and subjected her to a terrifying ordeal.

Officers attended the scene, and the female victim was immediately supported by specialist officers and support services.

Chawla was arrested on the same day and later released pending further investigation.

Detective Sergeant Sam Cullen, of our Criminal Investigations Department, said:

“Firstly I would like to thank the victim in his horrifying incident to come forward and report their abuse to us, allowing us to conduct a thorough investigation.

“I commend the victim in this case for supporting our investigation, which has resulted in today’s sentence and sees justice served against Chawla.

“Our officers will provide support, conduct thorough investigations, and take firm action against offenders. Your allegations will be taken seriously, and you will be treated with dignity and respect."

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On Wednesday 22 April 2026 at Bolton Crown Court, Tayumur Raja (08/06/1996) of Abbeyhills Road, Oldham, was handed nine years in jail after he was found guilty of sexual assault by digital penetration. 

He is subject of the Sex Offender Register indefinitely. 

At around 4.15am on 25 September 2021 the victim - a 17-year-old girl at the time, now a woman - left a nightclub in Oldham and walked to St Mary’s Way junction with Yorkshire Street and got into a taxi. She got out a short while later and walked to the bottom of Yorkshire Street as she did not have cash and could only pay using her mobile device. 

She contacted another taxi using her mobile phone and a short while later, a vehicle pulled up next to her. The girl got into the car believing it to be her taxi. The driver was Raja. 

Raja drove her to a carpark on Park Road, with the girl as his passenger, before he sexually assaulted her. 

The victim managed to get free from Raja and ran from the vehicle to the safety of a nearby supermarket where staff helped her. 

In a statement read in court, the victim said in part:

“Before September 2021, I was a normal 17-year-old girl. I was going to college, working, learning to drive, and spending time with my friends. I was excited about my future and had plans to become a nurse. I was starting to gain independence and figure out who I was as a person. Life felt normal, safe, and full of possibilities.  

“Before that night, I always believed things like this happened to other people; not to someone like me. But that night, he turned me into someone that bad things happen to, and everything I thought I knew about safety changed. 

“After what had been a normal night out with friends, I got into what I believed was a taxi because I just wanted to go home. I had no idea that my life was about to change completely, through no fault of my own.  

“The fear I felt in that moment is something I cannot fully put into words. It was a fear I had never experienced before, a real fear for my life. He stole my safety from me. That fear didn’t end that night. It stayed with me for almost five years while I waited for something to be done and for justice to finally happen.” 

She continued:

“Over time, I became more and more isolated. Relationships with people close to me broke down because I struggled to trust anyone. Eventually, I left home and moved into a hostel because I felt disconnected from everything and everyone.  

“The anger, pain, and confusion I felt took over my life. I pushed people away because it felt easier than trying to explain how broken I felt inside. I tried to get mental health support several times, but nothing seemed to help at the time, and I felt completely stuck, like there was no end to what I was going through.” 

Throughout the investigation Raja showed no remorse for his actions and continually denied the offence.  
At one point during his interview, he laughed when it was explained to him that the allegation was a serious one and that there was a need to ask him questions about it. He declined to comment and claimed the victim had given consent.

The detailed account bravely given by the victim along with evidence gathered by the police showed this was not the case and the jury convicted him. On 6 March 2026, at Bolton Crown Court, Tayumur Raja was found guilty of sexual assault by digital penetration. He has been sentenced to nine years in prison. 

The victim added:

“I want to thank the police for taking me seriously and for not giving up on this case despite how long it has taken. Despite everything, this process has also helped restore some of my faith in people.  

“Although he has never admitted what he did or shown any remorse, I hope the sentence he receives allows him to reflect on the damage he has caused. What he did affected years of my life, and I hope he understands that. More than anything, I hope he never does this to anyone else.

“I hope my voice encourages others to come forward and seek help. Our voices deserve to be heard.” 

Detective Constable Paul Fay, Oldham CID, said:

“I commend the bravery of the victim-survivor. Thanks to her, a dangerous sexual predator is now behind bars. 

“I hope this gives the victim a sense of justice as she looks to move forward and rebuild her life. 

“I urge all victim-survivors of rape and sexual offences to please come forward and report them to us. You will be believed and supported. We can work at a pace that suits you so we can bring perpetrators to justice.” 

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A dangerous sex offender has been put behind bars after our officers found he was failing to comply with his sex offender requirements.

Sebastian Pavel Baltatu was tracked down by officers from our Sex Offender Management Unit (SOMU) after routine checks revealed he had unlawfully returned to the country, having previously been deported in 2020.

Baltatu (02/09/2001) was jailed for three years in 2019 after being found guilty of the rape of a child under the age of 13.

Following enquiries, officers confirmed Baltatu was living in Manchester and he was located after attempting to make a claim for Universal Credit.

Baltatu was arrested in March 2026 following a co-ordinated operation led by officers from SOMU.

After establishing his location, officers attended an address in Gorton, Manchester. He was arrested and taken into custody, where he remained until his court date.

At Manchester Crown Court on 17 April 2026, Baltatu was jailed for 18 months after pleading guilty to five breaches of his sex offender requirements and a breach of his deportation order. He now faces deportation for a second time.

Detective Sergeant Daniel Sanchez, from our Public Protection Department, said:

“Sebastian Baltatu poses a clear and ongoing risk to the public, particularly to children, and it was vital that he was located and brought before the courts.

“Despite having been deported following a serious sexual offence and being subject to strict requirements, Baltatu chose to unlawfully return to the UK and deliberately breach the conditions placed upon him.

“Officers are proactively reviewing sex offenders who are believed to be living overseas to ensure they have not returned to the UK.

"Where concerns are identified, swift action is taken to locate those individuals and arrest them where necessary.

“Through determined and methodical work by officers from our Sex Offender Management Unit, we were able to establish his whereabouts and ensure he was arrested safely.

“This case underlines our unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable in our communities and taking robust action against offenders who believe they can evade the law.

"We will continue to work closely with partner agencies to identify those who pose a risk and ensure they are dealt with decisively.”