Latest Offenders Gloucester

Description

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Description

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

After the sentence was increased, the victim said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Description

Superdry co-founder James Holder, 54, has been convicted of raping a woman.

A 54-year-old man from Cheltenham has been jailed for eight years for raping a woman in her home.

James Holder, of Cheltenham, was found guilty by a jury at Gloucester Crown Court last week of raping the woman in 2022.

He appeared via video link for the sentencing at Bristol Crown Court yesterday (Thursday 7 May).

The court had heard that Holder had gone back to the woman’s flat following a night out on 6 May 2022.

He had been sleeping in her bed while she slept in her living room, but he awoke in the night and attempted to get her to join him. When she refused, he then pulled her to the bed and raped her.

In a Victim Personal Statement, which the victim read to the court, she said:

“Four years to the day since you chose to take what was never yours: my choice, my dignity, my body. Four years since you raped me. I will not soften that word to make it easier for you or anyone else to hear; it belongs to the truth of your actions.

“I am still here, still standing, still reclaiming every part of myself you tried to take. The weight of what happened should be yours to carry, not mine.

“What you did to me did not end that day. It has followed me into my relationships, into the way I try to trust, into moments where connection should feel safe but doesn't. It has cast shadows where there should only be light. I have struggled to see the good in myself; at times I fail to recognise the value I bring.

“The pain and distress of reliving the rape throughout the trial was a stark reminder of the anguish I have been through. It forced me to revisit something I have been trying to rebuild from, again and again. But it also showed the strength it has taken to get to where I am today, and the strength it continues to take as I work towards finding peace with what you did to me.”

Recorder David Chidgey sentenced Holder to eight years in prison, of which he must serve at least two-thirds.

He was also ordered to pay £5,000 towards prosecution costs and a victim surcharge, which has yet to be calculated.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Elle MacLeod who had led the investigation for the Rape & Serious Sexual Offences team (RASSO), said:

“Holder took advantage of a woman in her own home, exploiting her vulnerability, and violating her privacy by committing one of the most devastating offences imaginable against her.

“I would like to commend the survivor in this case for her bravery in coming forward to the Police, her commitment to the investigation, and the way that she fearlessly gave evidence in front of a jury.

"The strength and courage she has shown throughout this process is remarkable; she has not only fought to achieve justice for herself, but she has potentially prevented other individuals becoming victims of sexual violence committed by Holder.

“Although no sentence will undo the damage done by Holder on that night, I hope it goes some way to delivering justice for her.

“I also hope it demonstrates that sexual violence will not be tolerated – no one is above the law, and regardless of your status, wealth, or power, you will be held accountable for your actions.

“I urge anyone who has suffered sexual violence to come forward. I do not underestimate how difficult it can be to report rape and sexual assault to the police, but we have a dedicated team of detectives within Gloucestershire Constabulary who tirelessly investigate these types of offences.

"We work alongside a specialist team of lawyers at the Crown Prosecution Service, and together we are committed to securing justice for victims and survivors of sexual abuse.

“If pursuing an investigation through the criminal justice system is not something you wish to do, please be reassured that support is available regardless. The Survivor Pathway is an online resource about sexual violence support services in the South West.

“Finally, to quote from the Victim Personal Statement of the survivor in this case, for anyone who has experienced such violence: your voice matters. Never let fear silence you.”

Description

A 74-year-old man has been jailed for 11-and-a-half years after he was found guilty of multiple sexual offences committed against children.

Martin Brunt, of Warmley in South Gloucestershire, denied the offences, which date between 1992 and 2024 but was convicted in January and sentenced today (1 May).

An investigation, led by specialist detectives, began in February 2024 after police received a report that he had committed a sexual act in front of a young child.

Brunt was arrested the day the report was received and detectives then received other allegations of similar offences he had committed. He was later charged.

He pleaded not guilty to each offence, but in January a jury at Bristol Crown Court found him guilty of the following:

• Sexual activity with a child
• Two counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity
• Sexual assault of a child under 13
• Indecency with a child
• Engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child
• Three counts of exposure

Speaking after Brunt’s conviction, one of the victims, who is entitled to life-long anonymity, said:

“It was a real relief to find out that Martin Brunt had was being investigated by police, as it gave me the opportunity to speak out about what he had done 20 years earlier.”

On top of the 11-and-a-half-year prison sentence, Brunt was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

DC Cheryl Aucott, the investigating officer, said:

“The investigation and court process has caused significant anxiety for the victims and their family members.

“They each deserve immense credit for their strength and bravery in helping to ensure Brunt faced justice for his horrendous crimes against them.

“Brunt was trusted by his victims, who were all children at the time of his offending, but he took advantage of their vulnerabilities to commit sexual offences against them, solely for his own sexual gratification.

“The fact that these offences took place over a period of more than three decades demonstrates how depraved he is.”

Description

A 36-year-old man has been jailed for 17 years for two counts of rape against one woman and sexually assaulting another woman, both while they were asleep.

Craig Winston, a former Gloucestershire Police student officer, was found guilty in December last year of several offences following a trial at Shrewsbury Crown Court.

After an investigation by Gloucestershire Constabulary's Criminal Investigation Department, on 17 December a jury found Winston guilty of four offences against one woman.

This was two counts of rape, one count of causing a female to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity and one count of engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour. He was also found guilty of one count of sexual assault by penetration relating to another woman.

The offences were committed off-duty, and he was found not guilty of four other counts.

His Honour Judge Anthony Lowe sentenced Winston on Friday (6 February) to 17 years in prison for the offences, and told Winston he must serve at least two-thirds before being released on licence. Judge Lowe also gave Winston 20-year restraining orders to protect both women.

During the hearing, it was said evidence presented at trial showed Winston had researched online about sexually assaulting people who were drugged or unconscious, along with the effect of various drugs on them.

The court was told his internet history indicated an interest in degrading and punishing through sexual abuse.

One of the survivors was in court and read a statement in which she described Winston as a "selfish, twisted, depraved bully".

She said Winston had threatened her by saying she would lose everything if she reported him to the police, and he said his career as a police officer would be jeopardised if she did report it and that it would be all her fault.

She added:

"Yet it was your and only your actions that brought you here, and those colleagues of yours that have helped and supported me to be able to stand here today, when so many woman are unable to do so with their abuser."

A statement was read to the court on behalf of the other victim. She said: "There is no statement that can truly describe the ways that Craig Winston ruined my life, but after today I can finally begin to walk the difficult road of moving on. I am indescribably relieved now that this process if over, and I can begin to move on with my life."

In mitigation, Winston's defence barrister said he was a relatively young man who was of previous good character, and that he had an awful childhood which may explain some of the ways in which Winston navigated his life. He said the impact of a custodial sentence on Winston would be profound.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Ed Garlick said:

"I do not underestimate how difficult it is for victims and survivors of sexual abuse to come forward and report crimes to the police, even more so when that offender is a serving police officer.

"Winston subjected both women to unimaginable harm, and although no sentence changes his horrific actions, I hope they find some comfort in knowing that by bravely coming forward, they have stopped his ability to harm anyone else.

"I commend both women for their courage in working with us, following this case through to court and giving evidence in front of a jury. It is due to them that Winston will now be behind bars for a number of years."

The court was told the crimes were reported to police after Winston had joined the service.

Judge Lowe said:

"Mr Winston was a probationary police officer and even the most scrupulous vetting system would not have exposed the matters."

Winston had been a student officer based in the Forest of Dean. He was arrested and suspended from duty as soon as the allegations came to light in October 2022 and resigned from the Constabulary in February 2023.

At the time the allegations were made he was still in his probationary period having joined the Constabulary in January 2022.

The Force referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and the IOPC returned it to the Force to investigate.

The case was then investigated by Gloucestershire Police's Criminal Investigation Department with charges authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service.

At the time of Winston’s conviction, Deputy Chief Constable Katy Barrow-Grint said:

"I am deeply shocked at the heinous crimes committed by Craig Winston, including some whilst he was a serving student police officer.

"The courage the survivors have demonstrated over the past four years is commendable and I'd like to thank them for their assistance in helping us hold him accountable.

"There is absolutely no place in policing for someone like him and we will now begin misconduct proceedings against him to ensure his name is placed on the police barred list.

"I hope this case reassures the public we will not hesitate to investigate allegations of criminal wrongdoing by our officers and staff and bring them to justice."

Gemma Kneebone, a Senior Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit, said:

"A thorough police investigation revealed that Craig Winston had a sexual interest in degrading abuse against women, and that he researched the use of various drugs to render people unconscious.

"This evidence, together with the accounts of two women who spoke of their personal experiences with Winston, enabled the Crown Prosecution Service to build a compelling case which resulted in his conviction and a very significant prison term.

"This prosecution would not have been possible without the evidence provided by these two women, and I would like to thank them for their bravery in coming forward and supporting this prosecution."

Description

A 27-year-old man who sexually abused two children more than 10 years ago has been jailed.

In 2013 Connor Parsons was 14 years old when he committed sexual offences against two six-year-old girls in a village near Cirencester.

This included him exposing his penis to both of the children, and him trying to persuade and force one of the girls to perform oral sex on him.

He also sexually assaulted both of the children by touching their bodies and kissing one of them at an age when they could not consent.

Years later in 2022, both victims separately disclosed to professionals at their schools about what Parsons had done to them, and police were informed.

In 2019, when Parsons was 21, he sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl. He had met the victim in a park in Cirencester and took her to a wooded area where he sexually abused her, at an age when she legally could not consent.

Following an investigation by Gloucestershire Police's Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team Parsons, who previously lived in Cirencester, was charged with several offences.

On 24 November 2025 at Gloucester Crown Court, Parsons pleaded guilty to causing or inciting a girl aged under 13 to engage in sexual activity – no penetration, two counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual activity with a child.

At Parsons' sentencing, one of the victims read a statement to the court. She said:

"From the age of six, until the age of 14, I would remember snippets of the day I was assaulted and remember how uncomfortable Connor's actions made me feel at the time.

"By the time I reached 14, the age he was when it happened, I started to think how unbearable the thought of someone my age doing what he did to children really was. And I realised that his actions weren’t just uncomfortable, they were wrong.

"I went through multiple counsellors to try and understand how I was feeling about what he had done to me, and I felt nothing but anger and like I had been violated with no control over being able to help myself out of the situation.

"The anger I felt towards Connor fuelled me to fight for justice, not just for me, but for [victim's name removed] and any other girl who has been victim to him. I wanted to stop him from being able to do this to anybody ever again."

The other victim who had been aged six at the time, also read her statement to the court. She said:

"To not truly know what Connor did to me during the times I was alone with him is really scary.

"I felt so relieved when Connor pleaded guilty. It felt good to know that he had admitted to what he did to me and [victim's name removed] and to know that he was in prison so he couldn't do it to anyone else.

"Connor Parsons probably changed the course of my life by what he did to me, and I will never truly know how different things would have been had he not abused me when I was six."

The third victim's statement was also read to the court. She said:

"What happened was such a turning point in my life. Had this not happened to me when I was young, I don't know where I would be, how different my life would be.

"Following what happened I didn't care for life or consequences of anything. It had a massive impact on my physical health and mental health.

"I felt so much relief when I found out that Connor had admitted to what he had done. It felt like a massive weight had been lifted off my shoulders for him to have taken responsibility for what had happened, that I wouldn't have to go to court to try and defend myself and him to admit that what he did to me was wrong."

In mitigation, it was said Parsons was of previous good character and he had lived in care as a child with disrupted experiences in education and accommodation.

At Gloucester Crown Court on Monday (2 February) Judge Rupert Lowe said Parsons had suffered significant neglect and abuse as a child and that this goes some way to explain the origins of the behaviour, but that this did not excuse any criminal behaviour.

He sentenced Parsons to four years in prison, and told him he must serve at least two thirds of the sentence before being released on licence.

Parsons was also given a 10-year restraining order to protect the victims, and a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which prohibits him from having any contact with a girl aged under 16.

The investigating officer said:

"These offences relate to a number of child sexual offences that took place, some when Parsons was a child, and some that took place when he was an adult.

"Parsons has clearly shown an unhealthy sexual interest in children much younger than himself from a young age, which has continued into his adult life.

"He targeted all of these girls, vulnerable due to their ages, isolated them and committed heinous sexual offences against them. Two of the girls were so young they didn't even know or understand what had happened to them until they were much, much older.

"I am pleased that Parsons has finally accepted that he committed these offences and that what he had done was wrong. By doing this he has spared the victims from further trauma in having to give evidence in court.

"This, however, does not take away from the trauma he has subjected all three victims to for a number of years, nor the fact that he had ample opportunity within the police investigations to admit these offences, which he chose not to do until what would have been the first day of his criminal trial.

"I am so grateful to all of the victims for coming forward to the police and supporting the investigation. It is a testament to them that Parsons had no other option than to plead guilty to the offences.

"All three have shown such courage and bravery through what has been an incredibly lengthy process and I am so proud of the resilience they have all shown.

"Reporting sexual offences to the police can be daunting, especially if a lot of time has elapsed. The Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Team in Gloucestershire Constabulary take every report seriously and will do everything in their power to get justice for any victim of sexual offences."

Description

A 26-year-old man who sexually assaulted a woman in Gloucester earlier this year has been jailed for two years. 

Abdulla Ali was sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court on Thursday (11 December).

The court was told that on 28 July this year Ali approached a woman, whom he did not know, when she was walking home at around 11pm after a night out.

Ali was seen on CCTV going up to the woman, who was unsteady on her feet, and he then led her away from her intended path home.

She collapsed out of view from CCTV, however Ali could be seen crouching over her. The court was told he left for a short time, returned, and then hauled her up and led her away a second time.

Prosecuting barrister Simon Burns said: "The defendant has taken advantage of a particularly vulnerable female, ejaculated onto her trousers and admitted in his pre-sentence report to touching her private parts."

Ali was later seen alone on CCTV heading in the direction of his home address on Cecil Road, Gloucester.

The victim woke up at home the next morning, and was unaware of what Ali had subjected her to.

She spoke to police a few days later on 31 July, and she was advised to go to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), which she did immediately.

Forensic analysis identified stains on the victim's clothing as semen, however there was no match on the database to the DNA profile.

Following an investigation by Gloucestershire Police’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team, detectives pieced together CCTV evidence from that night and Ali was arrested.

His DNA was compared to the DNA profile found on the victim's clothing, and it was found to be a match.

During police interviews, Ali denied sexually assaulting the woman and said his intention was to help her. When he was spoken to about his DNA on her clothing, Ali said he became aroused and involuntarily ejaculated. 

He was charged with attempted rape and on 8 October this year (2025) he instead pleaded guilty to sexual assault, with the facts including that he led the victim away against her will and that he deliberately masturbated over her. 

In a statement written by the victim, which was read to the court, she said:

"I feel overwhelmed with fear and anxiety and now constantly think 'what if' as I plan the day ahead. I feel as if my freedom has been taken away and this has caused me undue stress and worry, and I do not know how to manage this. 

"I have no recollection of what happened to me, but I question the morality of this man if he saw me potentially needing help, and instead took advantage of my situation, and the fact that I was a female of small build, alone and intoxicated.

"I wonder if this man has a mother, a sister or a daughter, and if he does, how he would feel if they were violated? Would he want justice for them or would he just show indifference?

"I don't feel indifference and I do want justice. I want him to know that he has ruined my faith in humanity and made me afraid for my future and what my future now looks like. I don't want to be defined by this incident, but I know that for the foreseeable future that the detrimental impact will be difficult for me to overcome.

"I want this man to see himself in my shoes. I want him to know how he has made me feel, I want him to understand the affect his actions have had on me and how I am struggling to understand why he chose to assault me. I want him to show remorse for the decisions he made and the actions he took on the night that cannot be undone."

After he was sentenced, Ali apologised to the victim.

The court was told Ali was an asylum seeker from Egypt with no previous convictions.  

His Honour Judge Rupert Lowe sentenced him to two years in custody. Ali will also be on the Sex Offenders' Register for 10 years and the court was told he would be recommended for deportation.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Simone Bowley said:

"Without this woman coming forward and speaking to police about her concerns from that evening, we would never have been aware of what this dangerous man had done.

"In police interview Ali claimed he was helping her, but what he did to her was sexual assault. She was in no position to be able to consent to anything.

"I commend the woman’s bravery in coming forward, working with us and making sure Ali is held responsible for his abhorrent actions."

Description

A 59-year-old man who groomed girls online before travelling to meet and sexually abuse them has been jailed for 15 years.

Gloucester Crown Court was told that Derek Johnson set rules for the children, and would punish them if they did not comply with what he demanded.

He would also film himself sexually abusing them, and groomed them into sending him videos of things he had asked them to do.

During his sentencing hearing yesterday (Monday 24 November), it was heard how he had persistently shown levels of abuse, degradation, control and manipulation against the children.

At a hearing on 5 September this year (2025) Johnson, of no fixed abode, admitted to 14 counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

He had committed sexual offences against at least three children between 2020 and 2023, who were all aged under 16 at the time and who lived in Gloucestershire, Cornwall and West Yorkshire. 

The court was told that a complex police investigation revealed he had also been in contact with other girls who had not yet been identified.

Gloucestershire Police's Child Exploitation Team launched an investigation in November 2024 after a victim from Gloucestershire came forward when aged 17 to report what Johnson had done to her.

She disclosed that Johnson first got in contact with her on the micro-blogging website, Tumblr, when she was 14 years old.

After grooming the child and communicating with her online for around a month, Johnson travelled to Gloucestershire to meet her in person by taking her to a hotel, and he went on to commit a number of sexual offences against her.

In police interview she described how Johnson tried to scare her and how she would cry when he used items to hurt her while he sexually abused her.

He then moved to the county to be closer to the girl and continued to abuse her for a further two years.

Johnson, who was not already known to police, was identified by Gloucestershire Police in January this year and arrested in February at his home address in Stevenage by officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary.

When his home in Hertfordshire was searched by police, numerous electronic devices were seized along with items which matched descriptions provided by the child.

To allow for further enquiries to take place, Johnson was released on police bail with strict conditions, however he breached those and then failed to answer police bail.

He was known to have links to multiple places around the UK and officers conducted extensive enquiries to locate him, including the publication of a wanted appeal.

Johnson was found to have travelled to the Republic of Ireland and on 6 May an extradition warrant was issued for him.

He was arrested the same month in Galway by the Gardaí and he appeared before the High Court and was extradited back to the UK on 3 June this year.

Johnson was arrested upon his arrival at Heathrow Airport and charged with offences against all three children.

Following a review of the devices seized from Johnson's address, officers from Gloucestershire Police's Child Exploitation Team subsequently identified two more victims outside of Gloucestershire. 

They too described how Johnson had made contact with them online when they were aged under 16, and had communicated with them for a period of time before meeting up with them and sexually abusing them. 

One of the girls, who was aged 13 at the time, thought Johnson would kill her if she did not meet him. The court was told that he picked her up in his car, took her phone off of her and then took her to a secluded woodland area in Dartmoor and raped her in a tent.

The child tried to end contact with Johnson afterwards, but he told her that he would show her family what had taken place if so.

Digital police forensic work carried out on Johnson's devices revealed folders titled with different female names which included videos of child sexual abuse, including 42 Category A videos of one of the girls, and six Category A videos of another girl.

Officers also discovered that Johnson had logged details of his offending in a calendar app on one of his devices.

Gloucestershire Police traced a third victim in West Yorkshire and she spoke with officers about how Johnson had sexually abused her when she was 14. She was visibly upset and shaking while describing what had happened.

Before Johnson was sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court yesterday, statements written by his victims, who were present in court, were read out. 

One said:

"I have struggled horrifically with my mental health since this man assaulted me, to the point I have tried to take my life multiple times as I couldn't and still cannot live with what he did to me.

"I have been diagnosed with PTSD as in every moment of my day and night I can see his face, hear his voice. I cannot look at myself in a mirror as I can see every single scar this monster gave me, physically and mentally."

Another victim said:

"I feel hatred towards Derek now that I have had time to process everything. I look back on things and he was not nice to me at all; very angry and vindictive.

"I occasionally get feelings of guilt, as though I have betrayed him but these soon pass when I realise that I was only a child and he took advantage of that. I did not deserve to go through what happened to me and was groomed into exactly what and who he wanted me to be.”

Another victim said:

"I felt like I couldn't tell anyone what was happening, as I was worried that he would kill me. Even after contact ended with him, I felt like he was there.

"At the time of what happened to me I felt stuck and made to do exactly what he wanted, not what I wanted. He made me feel like everything that was happening was my fault, a feeling I still carry to this day."

The court was told that Johnson, who had no previous criminal convictions, had written a letter to the judge. Johnson's defence barrister said that Johnson was very sorry for what he did, he wished that it had not happened and that he is aware that it was entirely his fault.

Judge Rupert Lowe, having read the letter, said:

"I've read many such letters and I'm afraid to say that your letter lacks any acknowledgement of the deep humiliation and degradation which you visited upon these teenage girls, with utter indifference to their wellbeing, and concern only for yourself.

"While you do express that you’re sorry for what you’ve done, and you propose to be a model citizen when released, I’m not convinced by the terms of that letter, which appear to me in places to be frankly rather glib, that you have fully appreciated the depth of the depravity of which you have fallen, and to which you have dragged these innocent victims."

Judge Lowe said:

"These are in my view the very worst examples imaginable of offences of this sort against children of that age. You were a fully mature man of advancing years who knew you were inflicting deep damage on already vulnerable girls and who you persisted in damaging again, and again, and again to satisfy your own perverted impulses."

Johnson was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment and must serve a minimum of 10 years before he can be considered for release on licence. He was deemed to pose a significant risk of serious harm to girls in the future and was given an additional extended sentence of five years to serve on licence.

He was also handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and given restraining orders against the victims.

Following sentencing, Detective Inspector Simon Goodenough from Gloucestershire Police said:

"Johnson is a dangerous man who groomed vulnerable children online, travelled up and down the country to meet them in person, and then repeatedly sexually abused them.

"Knowing his crimes had caught up with him, he then took the cowardly decision to flee the country and made every attempt to evade detection. He is now rightfully behind bars, where he belongs, to stay for a long time."

Detective Sergeant Bernadette Harding said:

"I would like to thank the victims for supporting a prosecution and I commend them for their immense bravery and strength for speaking out. With huge thanks to them, Johnson can no longer inflict any more harm on anyone else.

"We also owe a huge debt of gratitude to the partner agencies and police forces who supported us with our investigation and shared our determination to bring Johnson to justice - especially Hertfordshire Constabulary, the National Crime Agency, An Garda Síochána and the Crown Prosecution Service, who were all instrumental in helping us locate Johnson and secure convictions against him.

"I would also like to thank the team, especially officer in the case Detective Constable Rob Wilks, who did a huge amount of work on this case, including working with all of the victims throughout.

"We encourage anyone who has been sexually abused to please seek support. It is never the child's fault if someone sexually abused them, and it is important children know this."

Robert Readfern of the Crown Prosecution Service said:

"Derek Johnson targeted children for his own sexual gratification, subjecting them to appalling abuse.

"Thanks to one of his young victims coming forward to report what happened, a complex police investigation was able to identify other children he had abused.

"When he knew the police were investigating him, Johnson fled the country. The Crown Prosecution Service worked closely with Gloucestershire Constabulary and the authorities in the Republic of Ireland to bring him back and ensure he faced justice.

"I would like to thank the young victims and their families for their support throughout this prosecution."

Description

A 20-year-old man who sexually assaulted a woman in Cheltenham last year has been sentenced to 27 months.

Abdolrahman Banafsha, who was 19 at the time he committed the offences, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday 5 November. 

The court was told he specifically targeted a particularly vulnerable woman who had been walking home from a night out in Cheltenham in the early hours of 31 August 2024.

During the first day of his trial, the court heard how Banafsha walked past the victim, who was aged 18 at the time, and then he turned around and followed her at a distance.

Banafsha then got hold of the woman after she fell over in a side street and he picked her up off the floor.

They then walked by a nearby pub and the woman asked if she could gain entry to use their toilets, however she was told she was not allowed in as the pub was shut.

Banafsha then took the victim away by the arm and he escorted her back towards the address where he had been staying.

The court was told she had tried to walk away but his grip was tight, and she said she had a boyfriend and needed to go home. 

Once inside the address, she used the bathroom and tried to plan her exit, however Banafsha pushed her to the ground and sexually assaulted her.

The victim screamed and kicked him off, and she was then captured on CCTV fleeing from the address while screaming. 

Banafsha was arrested by police later that day and he has been in custody since then.

Following an investigation by Gloucestershire Constabulary's Criminal Investigation Department, Banafsha was charged with attempted rape and his trial started on 22 September this year.

During the first day of his trial, the CCTV was played to the court along with a video interview police had conducted with the victim.

He then entered guilty pleas the next day for two counts of sexual assault and this was accepted by the Crown, victim and the police.

One count of sexual assault related to Banafsha touching the woman's breasts under her clothing. The second count of sexual assault related to him touching the woman between her legs and over clothing. 

In a statement written by the victim, which was read to the court, she said:

"I never thought I'd be in a situation where I'd have to prepare myself for the worst possible scenario, having to think of how I can get out of this, will I make it out alive?

"The fear and anxiety running through my body. I couldn't breathe. Thankfully that fear gave me the strength to push you off my body, it gave me the courage to get out. I told myself no, I will not let this get worse.

"I had to change my whole life. The way I walked, I stopped going out, I only go out with my boyfriend, I don't drink unless it's in my own home. I used to go out all the time, I had a good social life with friends, but all I do now is stay in.

"I dyed my hair, started going to the gym, I got more tattoos. I completely changed myself because I refuse to look like the same girl you assaulted.

"I still don't understand why you chose to do this to me, I will never understand. To you I'm just another face, but to me, I will remember your face for the rest of my life."

The court heard how the probation service thought Banafsha was a high risk of harm to the public, particularly to females.

In mitigation, Banafsha's defence barrister said that he had changed his mind and pleaded guilty having watched the CCTV again. He said it was a pity that the victim did not alert the woman she spoke to at the pub when asking to use their toilets. 

The court was told that Banafsha was an asylum seeker from Iran who had travelled to the UK by a small boat in March 2024 as he believed his life was at risk.

He had been living in Home Office accommodation outside of Gloucestershire, and had travelled to Cheltenham for the weekend to stay with a friend. 

Sentencing Banafsha, His Honour Judge Julian Lambert said:

"The only thing to be said in your favour in respect of the plea, is the complainant did not have to endure cross examination, but she had to endure a great deal on the night in question, and waiting for trial.

"This was an utterly terrifying ordeal and victim impact is most profound. People often simply can't put something like this behind them.

"Assessing culpability, I note an element of predatory about you. I found that from the way in which you were stalking the streets and your persistence with your victim."

Judge Lambert sentenced Banafsha to 27 months in a young offender's institution for both counts, to run concurrently. He will also be placed on the Sex Offender's Register for 10 years and must notify police of his address during this time.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Helen Goode said:

"Banafsha targeted the woman in this case and after subjecting her to a horrible ordeal, he then denied any wrong doing.

"This was until the evidence was presented in court, and he had no real choice but to change his plea after seeing footage again of her fleeing in fear from that address.

"The victim in this case spoke to pub staff, while Banafsha held her by the arm, and she asked to use their toilets.

"We know some pubs and clubs in the county run the 'Ask for Angela' scheme, where someone who is in need of help can ask for assistance from bar staff.

"But people who need help won't always know about this scheme, or be in a position to openly ask for it, and so we encourage those working in the night-time economy to please also look out for this type of perpetrator behaviour in order to help prevent crimes like this from being committed.

"The victim has been so brave throughout this entire process, and I thank her for working with us.

"Everyone should be able to go about their daily lives without being targeted by perpetrators who want to commit crimes for their own sexual gratification.

"In Gloucestershire, we've been running Project Vigilant, a campaign in the night time economy which sees plain clothed police officers patrolling the streets in order to identify this type of behaviour, which is predominantly carried out by men against women, in order to intercept before a crime has been committed."

Description

A 20-year-old man who manipulated children into sending him intimate images and videos of themselves has been sentenced.

Tyler Allen, who was aged 17 and 18 when he committed the offences, threatened to kill and rape one of the girls when she refused to do what he demanded.

Following an investigation by Gloucestershire Police's Child Exploitation Team he was charged with 10 offences which related to five girls.

On 9 July this year Allen, of Vicarage Court in Brockworth, pleaded guilty to six counts of causing/inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, two charges of causing a child to watch a sexual act and two charges of engaging in sexual communication with a child. 

Allen was sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court yesterday (Thursday 30 October) to 22 months detention in a young offenders' institution and he was also made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years.

The court was told that Allen's offending followed a common pattern of him manipulating conversations with girls online to become sexual in nature.

He would then ask the children to send him naked photos and videos of themselves, including of them masturbating, and he would respond with images of his penis and videos of him masturbating.

The court was told that when he was met with resistance from the girls, he used emotional manipulation by saying he loved them or that he would harm himself if they did not comply.

Allen was aged 17 in 2023 when he was speaking online to a girl whom he knew was aged 12. They had met on an online platform and then communicated over SnapChat and text.

He asked her to send him images and videos, and Allen said that he wanted to buy her a train ticket for her 13th birthday so that they could meet in person. The girl made an excuse to not meet him, and he then threatened to rape and kill her. 

Police were informed and Allen was arrested and his digital devices were seized for examination and an investigation began. He provided no comment in interview.

With one 15-year-old girl he demanded images and then threatened to post them on social media platforms if she did not supply more. The court heard how she was really scared and so she sent Allen more images.

Other charges relate to online contact with children aged between 12 and 15.

Allen was rearrested and it was found that he had breached his bail conditions which prohibited him from having unsupervised contact with anyone aged under 18.

In his mitigation, Allen's defence barrister said that he was introverted and that he was not looking for young girls online but he was on the platforms for friendship. 

It was said that he accepted what he had done and that he regrets it, and Allen accepted that he would have harmed the girls by the pressure he put upon them. 

In sentencing Allen, Judge Rupert Lowe spoke to him and said Allen’s offending "does suggest you are a young man with a very serious ongoing problem and a very significant lack of control in the way you behave, with little knowledge of what your problem is".

Judge Lowe added:

"I have to sentence you today for 10 offences involving sexual communications with girls between 12 and 15 years old, which involved inciting them to take sexualised photos and videos of themselves masturbating, or revealing their private parts, and in which you sent images of yourself doing the same sort of things, including ejaculating.

"During the course of communications you used emotional manipulation in that if they seemed to not want to do what you wanted, by telling them you loved them, and that you would not love them if they did not do X, Y and Z.

"Then using threats if that appeared to you to be more effective. To harm themselves or them if they did not do what you asked, even including threats to rape and kill the first of these victims.

"I am not suggesting you ever would, but that is a very nasty threat to make to a 12-year-old girl.

"You also threatened to distribute some of the images which you had obtained from these girls. In one case in particular, using that as a lever to get her to send more indecent images of herself."

Investigating officer, Police Staff Investigator Amber Jones said:

"Allen cruelly manipulated and exploited children for his own sexual gratification.

"I welcome the Sexual Harm Prevention Order which has been granted which puts in place certain things which Allen is prohibited from doing, such as preventing contact with anyone aged under 16 and puts restrictions on the use of electronic devices.

"The victims in this case have shown great courage in coming forward, especially as what he did to them is an exceptionally difficult topic for people of any age to talk about.

"Our team works very hard behind the scenes in order to put perpetrators who pose a risk to children before the court and I would encourage anyone who has been subjected to similar abuse to please come forward and report this to the police."

Description

A 21-year-old man who raped a woman as she slept has been jailed for nine years after a jury unanimously found him guilty following a trial.

Kian Westcarr was jailed on Friday 24 October at Gloucester Crown Court for one count of rape, which he committed in 2022.

During a trial in August this year, the jury was told that the victim woke up to Westcarr raping her.

She reported the incident to Gloucestershire Police and officers arrested him that day. 

During police interview Westcarr, of Evenlode Road in Tuffley, Gloucester said that the woman was awake and that they had had consensual sex.

Following an investigation by the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised a charge of rape.

Sentencing Westcarr, Mr Recorder Donald Tait said: "You took advantage of the victim. She thought she was safe [with you], she obviously was not."

A statement written by the victim was read to the court in which she described how she had made two attempts to end her life after Westcarr raped her.

She added:

"I cannot remember some parts of the days immediately after the assault. My brain has blocked them out, perhaps to protect me. But the emotions remain: fear; grief; anger; and a deep sense of being robbed of who I used to be.

"This crime has taken so much from me: my trust; my peace of mind; my sense of safety in the world. It has coloured every decision, every relationship, every plan for the future. It has affected my education, my friendships and my mental health.

"I am trying to rebuild my life. Coming to court and seeing the process through has given me a small amount of hope that justice can help me move forward. But I know I will never be completely free of what happened. The memories and the scars, both physical and emotional, will always be part of me.

"I hope that the sentence given reflects not only the seriousness of what was done to me, but also the lifelong impact it has had. I want to be able to move forward, to regain my confidence, and to learn to trust again. More than anything, I want to live without the constant shadow of this crime hanging over me."

In mitigation Westcarr's defence barrister said that Westcarr was a polite and respectful young man with potential, and that he had made a decision that was entirely wrong and one he will very much regret. 

In sentencing Westcarr to nine years in prison, Recorder Tait said:

"You have no previous convictions, had a job and were well thought of. I agree that before you did this you were of positive good character, but I have a public duty to perform.

"Bearing in mind the messages you sent afterwards, you chose to fight the case and the victim had to give evidence and go through the ordeal of the trial.

"If you had accepted responsibility she would not have had to have done that. You get no credit for admissions, despite admitting it to her afterwards.

"Only a significant sentence is appropriate due to the effect this has had on the victim."

Investigating officer Detective Constable Laura Davies said:

"The victim in this case has carried herself with incredible courage and dignity throughout the investigation and trial process, and I would like to thank her for her bravery in reporting what Westcarr did to her.

"He has refused to accept responsibility for his actions and has shown no remorse.

"The victim has shown great determination during a lengthy process despite the devastating effect Westcarr's actions had on her. Her unwavering commitment has resulted in him receiving a lengthy custodial sentence.

"Our Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team are committed to investigating these horrendous crimes and bringing offenders to justice. I hope this result and sentence will encourage other victims who have been subjected to sexual abuse and violence to come forward."

Description

An 80-year-old man from Tewkesbury has been jailed for 17 years for child sexual abuse offences which he committed around 30 years ago.

Michael Thomas Davies, of Knights Way, was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court today, Thursday 16 October.

Following a four-day trial at Gloucester Crown Court in September, a jury unanimously found him guilty of one count of rape and four counts of indecent assault. 

The court heard that Davies sexually assaulted the child on a number of occasions and raped the same child on a separate occasion. 

When sentencing Davies, His Honour Judge James Townsend said:

"I have to sentence you following the conviction of these offences at trial for the most appalling sexual assault of a young teenage girl.

"The abuse started with sexual touching over and under clothing, progressing to penetration and finally rape.

"It's only through the courage from your victim in coming forward that you finally face justice, and I pay tribute to her for that.

"The harrowing victim impact statement which I've read and has been read in court shows the devastating effect that these events have had upon her.

"One of the tragic consequences of offending of this sort is it makes the entirely innocent feel profoundly guilty."

As well as being sentenced to 17 years in prison, which Davies must serve at least two thirds of, he will be ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register on his release. He was also given an indefinite restraining order to protect the victim.

A statement from the victim was read to the court on her behalf in which she said she had made numerous attempts to end her life.

She said:

"My name is [name removed] and I was sexually abused as a child. Although it may sound horrific, it is a relief that I can now say that.

"For 30 years I have been trying to understand why I felt like I did, why I couldn't concentrate at school, college and university. Why I hated the way I looked and made bad choices in relationships.

"Although I told people about the abuse, I never felt I would be believed.

"In many respects my life stopped at the point of the abuse, I have remained a child and have never been able to move on. The world kept spinning but I struggled to continue with my life.

"I couldn't focus on my education; I failed my GCSEs; struggled through college and dropped out of university. I was carrying his dark secret that took all my energy. I often wonder what I might have achieved if this had not happened.

"There have been numerous occasions where I have attempted to end my life, because I couldn't cope with what happened to me.

"I don't want anyone to feel as alone as I did all these years, for so long I have lived in the past. I want to escape the torture in my mind, I want to run away from it, but I cannot. I feel weak and guilty, I can never be anything.

"Over the years daily tasks have become impossible due to anxiety and fear. During periods of my life I have been unable to work. I then had the constant worry about money and loss of earnings, and so a vicious cycle ensued.

"I wish I had the strength, encouragement and support to seek justice years ago, instead of suffering alone. Having finally decided to go through the process I have to say it has been very stressful and I was extremely anxious in the time leading up to the trial. For 30 years I have been wondering if anyone would believe me."

Judge Townsend told the court that the abuse by Davies resulted in severe psychological suffering for the victim.

He thanked the victim and her mother for attending court and said:

"I can only hope that the conclusion of these proceedings will help to some extent in helping to reduce the extent of the suffering you’ve undergone over all of these years."

Davies had been charged with the offences after an investigation by Gloucestershire Police's Criminal Investigation Department.

He denied the allegations throughout the investigation and trial, and was convicted by a jury on 25 September. 

His defence barrister told the court during sentencing that Davies is "at heart a good man" and asked the judge to take mercy on him due to his age. He also said that Davies was frightened of spending his last years in prison. 

Investigating officer Detective Constable Emma Smith said:

"The victim in this case has been incredibly brave and I would like to thank her for her perseverance and courage in reporting what Davies did to her.

"When he was aged in his 50s he groomed her over a period of time, raped her and repeatedly sexually abused the victim when she was a child.

"Davies committed the offences around 30 years ago and this conviction shows that sexual abuse, no matter how recent or not, can still be investigated and perpetrators can have their day in court and face justice.

"The victim had contacted the police in the past but felt at that time she was not able to proceed with the prosecution. However, in 2022 she decided she wanted the investigation to go ahead and the case was reopened with Davies subsequently being charged.

"This case shows that you can report incidents or choose to proceed with a prosecution at a time when you want to and feel comfortable in doing so. It is about victims and survivors having a choice."

Description

A man from the Forest of Dean has been jailed for 20 years after he was found guilty of multiple counts of raping and sexually assaulting two children several years ago.

Matthew Alexander, aged 48 and of Lydney, was jailed yesterday (Thursday 2 October) after a jury unanimously found him guilty of 16 offences against the girls following a trial.

Gloucester Crown Court was told the investigation into Alexander's crimes began in July 2023 after the victims, now adults, contacted Gloucestershire Police to report that he had raped and sexually assaulted them multiple times.

The girls were aged under 13 at the time of the offences.

Following an investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department, Alexander was subsequently charged with the offences and although he denied them all, he was found guilty by a unanimous jury following a trial in July this year.

Before Alexander was sentenced, the court heard statements written by his victims in which they described how his crimes have impacted their lives.

One of the victims said:

“Alexander’s abusive behaviour has had a massive impact on me growing up, I felt that I had to grow up faster and I couldn’t be the child that I wanted to be. 

"It’s had a major impact on my ability to form relationships, trust people and open up. Specifically, I really struggle to trust men.  

"I will never be able to forgive him for what he has done to me. I have always felt that I am not good enough. I can’t look at myself in a positive way and my body image is very low.

"Whenever I go out, I always feel on edge and am looking over my shoulder. I have flashbacks of what happened, and I have to reassure myself that he is not there and that I am safe. 

"I was overwhelmed when I received the verdict that he had been found guilty of all 16 offences, however, I felt proud that my voice got heard and I was believed."

Another victim said:

“I struggled to make friends, this was because I did not know how to approach people and feel confident.  As I grew older, I always felt so nervous about new relationships and I felt ashamed of my body.

"I now find it hard to trust anyone to look after my child, especially men. What happened to me has made me so overprotective."

Sentencing judge Recorder Crooknorth told Alexander:

"The victims have both shown immense courage in the face of something you put them through. You have tried to escape the truth and now it has caught up with you. You continued to deny the offences and there is no remorse." 

Along with the 20-year jail term, the judge gave Alexander an extended sentence with an additional two years to serve on licence due to aggravating factors around his offences. 

He was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 30 years to protect the public and a 30-year-restraining order not to contact either victim. His name will also be added to the Sex Offenders' Register for life.

Alexander will serve at least two-thirds of his sentence behind bars before he is eligible for parole.

Detective Constable Smith from Gloucestershire Constabulary's Criminal Investigation Department said:

“We are committed to protecting children from sexual abuse and those who seek to do them harm.

“As the court heard, the impact of Alexander's crimes on his victims has been significant and long-lasting and I would like to commend them for having the courage to come forward and report his horrendous crimes. Alexander’s lengthy prison sentence is down to their determination and bravery.

“We have officers dedicated to investigating these horrific crimes and bringing offenders to justice and I hope this sentence encourages other victims and survivors who may have been subjected to similar offences to report them to us, even if the offences occurred many years ago.”

Description

George Renny was sentenced today, Wednesday 17 September, to 32 months in jail at Cardiff Crown Court.

The 56-year-old from Gloucestershire, previously pleaded guilty for offences including intentionally causing or inciting the sexual exploitation of a child aged 16, making and taking indecent images of a child and possession of extreme pornography.

The evidence from Renny’s phone revealed the full extent of the risk he posed with hundreds of indecent images of children – including, but not limited to, the victim in this case - being found.

DC Lyndsay Boulton, the officer in charge said:

“I hope this sentencing, not only provides reassurance and solace to the victim, but also serves as a message to perpetrators who exploit vulnerable people, that it absolutely will not be tolerated.

“Sexual exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse. It is not always recognised by, or obvious to victims, with perpetrators’ often grooming or convincing them they are in a loving or consensual relationship.

“This complex investigation began following a concern being raised by a member of the public and I would like to personally thank those who stepped forward in this instance. Their report played an important role in safeguarding children.

“The effects of being a victim of this crime can be longstanding. We will continue to support the victim and are committed to bringing perpetrators of child exploitation before the courts.”

Description

The man pictured is Bradley Hawkins and he is a violent child rapist.

When he was a teenager, he raped an eight-year-old girl in Cheltenham. He also assaulted the same victim, raped her again and caused or incited her to engage in sexual activity.

The victim, who now lives in Lancashire, stayed silent about what had happened to her for years through fear.

However, she bravely reported the offences to police in 2023 and we launched an investigation.

Hawkins, who is a career criminal, was interviewed in prison in relation to this offending.

Before the interview could start, he said he ‘doesn’t do these types of offences and he isn’t a nonce or a rapist’. He said that ‘all his life he has been robbing’ and that ‘no one wants this put to their name as this is scum of the earth stuff’.

However, 26-year-old Hawkins’ name will now be associated with sexual offending after he pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court earlier this year to two rapes of a girl under 13, causing or inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Hawkins, of no fixed address, returned to the same court today (1st September) where he was jailed for three years. Although he is now an adult, Hawkins was sentenced based on the age he was when he committed the offences – between 13 and 14-years-old - and the sentencing guidelines at the time.

He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

In an impact statement to the court, the victim wrote:

“Having the strength to open up about the abuse I endured as a child has been one of the hardest things I have ever done.

“I felt ashamed that this had happened to me. Before I finally managed to open up to my family and then the police, I had lived with this burden all my childhood and early adult life.”

She continued: 

“I struggle to put into words how these events have affected me now as an adult. I believe this is due to the behaviours I have as an adult, that I have always considered normal to me. Upon further self-reflection and evaluation, I now understand how some of my behaviours are not ‘normal’ and are in fact a result of the trauma I experienced as a child.

“To this day I dislike being touched by anyone, unless this is on my own terms. This also has effects on my personal relationship with my partner, due to the abuse suffered I have this behaviour where I have to feel validated and reassured by people I love, If I do not receive this then my mind starts to play tricks and I feel that I am either not loved or liked, realistically I know this is not the case however due to the abuse I suffered, I cannot move past how this makes me feel all the time and I hope that one day, I can heal from this and in my eyes, act normal.”

DC Dan Healey, of the East RASSO (Rape and Serious Sexual Offences) Team, said:

“Hawkins is a dangerous and violent individual who has a worrying sexual interest in children. His views towards females and his sense of entitlement are also of great concern.

“I am content that Hawkins has been convicted and is ultimately now held accountable for his abhorrent offending. I would ask any women or girls who believe the victim of similar offending to make contact with the police as soon as possible.

“I also want to place on record my thanks to the investigation team for their diligent work in bringing Hawkins to justice, particularly DC Sarah Andrews.

“Finally, and most importantly, I want to take this opportunity to praise the victim for the bravery and strength she has displayed throughout this process.  Hawkins’ offending has clearly had a profound and long-lasting impact on her, and her bravery has not only led to a dangerous individual being put behind bars, it may also lead to other victims coming forward.”