Latest Offenders Gloucestershire

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 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

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

Two women have waived their right to anonymity and encouraged other victims and survivors of rape to seek support.

The man who raped them, 23-year-old Michael Brown was jailed for two counts of rape after he admitted the offences against two former partners.

Following the sentencing, both Chelsea McPherson and Rio Wager waived their right to lifelong anonymity.

Chelsea, aged 22, said:

"Michael, coming forward about what you did to me was the scariest thing I've ever done. I didn't do it for me. I did it to make sure that you would never hurt anyone again. I only wish I came forward earlier."

Rio, also aged 22, said:

"Knowing I was doing the right thing I still felt scared having to talk to the police, but I knew I had to speak out as I could not let him continue to affect me or anyone else and to get away with this. I needed to have some kind of justice."

Brown, of Foundry Rise, Dursley had been in a relationship with one of the women for around a month when he raped her. He took her to a location near his address, and encouraged her to smoke cannabis, which made her feel unwell. Brown ignored her when she told him no, withdrawing any consent, and he raped her.

She visited a Sexual Assault Referral Centre and later chose to support a prosecution. The woman then took part in a video interview with police.

In a separate occasion, Brown had been having consensual sex with another woman he was in a relationship with when she began to feel uncomfortable and repeatedly asked him to stop. He ignored her and then continued to rape her.

The woman reported the incident to a PCSO a couple of weeks later, and she did a video interview with police.

Brown was arrested and interviewed in relation to both offences of rape, which happened in 2021. In police interview he said there had been consensual sex with one of the women, and that he had no recollection of the second incident.

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

Brown pleaded guilty the day before Chelsea was due to provide evidence to the court in a video-recorded cross examination hearing on 14 April this year.

On 14 May Judge Rupert Lowe sentenced Brown to four years in prison, and due to his guilty plea, this was reduced to three years and two months. Brown was told he must serve at least 19 months and he was given a 12-year-restraining order not to contact either Chelsea or Rio. 

Both women, along with the investigating officer and their support advocates, wrote to the Attorney General's Office to request the sentence be referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. However, this was not successful. 

After the sentencing, Rio said she wanted to waive her anonymity as she felt she should not have to hide due to someone else’s actions.

She said:

"For a week I sat there and thought what has just happened to me, who do I tell as this will make it even more real. I had to gain the courage to speak out and eventually I managed to talk to the woman that I was staying with at the time.

"Knowing I was doing the right thing I still felt scared having to talk to the police, but I knew I had to speak out as I could not let him continue to affect me or anyone else and to get away with this. I needed to have some kind of justice. 

"I find it difficult to describe my anxiety as this makes me feel low, vulnerable, and fearful. I’m unable to sleep at night due to the nightmares, flashbacks and triggers; leaving me with the trauma of reliving the events every day of my life.

"I would say to anyone who wants to report something to be mindful that the sentence might not turn out how you would hope, but that shouldn't stop you from reporting. If you report, you can also stop it from happening to someone else and that is one step closer to protecting others.

"I wanted to waive my anonymity as I did nothing wrong. I should not have to hide, and other victims and survivors should not have to hide either. Remember it is not your fault, nothing is your fault, and you do not have to hide away."

After the sentencing, Chelsea said she came forward and reported what Brown had done to her as she did not want him to hurt anyone else.

Chelsea said:

"Michael, coming forward about what you did to me was the scariest thing I’ve ever done. I didn’t do it for me. I did it to make sure that you would never hurt anyone again. I only wish I came forward earlier. 

"I don’t care for your apologies, if you are even remorseful. The damage is done.

"Although I feel the outcome didn’t fit the crime, I’m still glad I came forward, as you are now in prison and will be on the Sex Offenders' Register for life, preventing you from causing further harm.

"I would encourage anyone who has been subjected to sexual violence to please seek support, whether that's by reporting it to the police or an organisation who can provide you with support."

Chelsea also described the impact that Brown’s actions have had on her life.

She said:

"What has happened to me has destroyed my life, my family, my soul, my mental health.

"I began drinking heavily daily, staying out late, self-harming, trying to kill myself. I then thought I could go on with my life. I got a job, a car, starting attending college, socialising, hadn’t self-harmed or attempted suicide for just under a year, however after time the trauma of what you did to me caught up to me.

"What happened to me has affected my whole outlook on men. I walk up a street and I’m paranoid someone will rape me. If I’m left alone with a male I’m scared they will rape me and I’m looking for some way out. Four years later, I still get nightmares and flashbacks, have suicidal thoughts and engage in self-harm behaviours because of what you did to me. The fact you couldn’t even look at me in court speaks volumes."

Detective Sergeant Gareth Morgan said:

"Brown’s actions have had an immeasurable impact on the women in this case. I would like to thank them for supporting a prosecution which means Brown is now a Registered Sex Offender, and on his release from prison, he will be monitored by the police.

"Both of the women told Brown to stop and he ignored their pleas and then raped them - consent must be freely given, without coercion, manipulation, or pressure, and it can be withdrawn at any stage.

"In both of these cases reports were made to the police either in the weeks or months afterwards, and therefore this shows that no matter when someone has sexually assaulted you, police can and will still investigate these crimes and put rapists and other offenders before the courts."

In mitigation, Brown's defence barrister told the court that he was vulnerable, had a difficult background and that he was immature. 

Description

A 60-year-old man from Tewkesbury has been sentenced to eight years in prison for raping a woman multiple times.

Vernon Steele, who is from the Northway area, had previously denied four counts of rape, but following a trial at Gloucester Crown Court, a jury unanimously found him guilty of all charges.

It took the jury just 34 minutes to reach their verdicts on Monday 16 June.

The court heard how in June 2023, Steele had befriended the woman, who had significant learning difficulties. 

Steele began to visit the woman regularly and told her neighbours that he was helping her with household chores and keeping her company.

The following month Steele showed her a video of him masturbating and pornography on his phone. The woman did not like this and told Steele to stop.

A few days later Steele raped the woman in her bedroom.

Steele then raped the woman in her home on three more occasions over the next ten days.

His crimes were reported to the police after a neighbour found the woman distressed and crying in her flat. She disclosed that Steele had raped her on four occasions and that she had said no each time.

Officers attended and spoke with the woman and Steele was arrested on suspicion of rape.

When Steele was interviewed by officers, he denied having engaged in any sexual activity with the woman and he was released on police bail to allow for further enquiries to take place.

Steele was re-interviewed by officers in December 2023 following an investigation by Gloucestershire Constabulary's Criminal Investigation Department. He was shown forensic evidence which supported the woman's report that he had raped her.

Following this disclosure, Steele changed his account of events and said that he had consensual sexual intercourse with the woman on one occasion. 

Following a police investigation, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised charges for four counts of rape. After he appeared at court, the court released him on bail.

Steele failed to appear at Gloucester Crown Court on 22 November 2024 and a judge issued a warrant for his arrest.

Gloucestershire Police then published a wanted appeal on their social media channels and he was located in the Newent area following sightings from members of the public.

Steele was re-arrested on 20 December 2024 and remanded in custody to await trial.

As well as being sentenced to eight years in jail, Steele will be placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life.

Sentencing Steele, Judge Rupert Lowe said:

"You conceived that this vulnerable woman might be an outlet for your sexual frustrations. You showed her sexual video material on your phone but she didn't want to see it. 

"You were not to be deterred by her lack of enthusiasm for this and you got her into her own bedroom and removed her lower clothing and had sexual intercourse without her consent which is an offence of rape."

Investigating officer Detective Constable Jon Furse said:

"Steele raped the woman multiple times. He knew she was extremely vulnerable, and she had repeatedly told him no, but he ignored her and raped her. He subjected her to horrific crimes that will impact her for the rest of her life.

"Even though he denied the multiple charges of rape, the wealth of evidence we presented to the court meant his lies were uncovered with the jury returning a guilty verdict for all four counts in just 34 minutes.

"I would like to commend the victim in this case for her bravery and I would encourage anyone who has been raped to report it to us. Our specially-trained officers will listen and you will be believed and supported every step of the way." 

Description

A man who attacked and raped a woman in Bristol more than 23 years ago has been jailed for ten-and-a-half years.

Inderjit Singh Bains, 46, of Heneage Lane, Falfield, committed the attack on a woman after picking her up in his van.

The victim, now in her fifties, reported the incident to the police in January 2022 and had crucially memorised the offender’s number plate, which helped lead to his identification and arrest.

A jury unanimously found Bains guilty of rape and actual bodily harm following a trial at Bristol Crown Court in March.

At the sentencing hearing held earlier today (Friday 25 April) in Bains’ absence, Judge James Patrick said the offence involved “a degree of abduction” and the attack was “prolonged and persistent”, which had a “long-standing emotional effect” on the victim.

Bains picked up the victim, who was in the street sex trade, in his white panel van in the St Werburghs area of the city at around 1am on 10 January, 2002. The van had been circling the area and eventually stopped outside a pub, where Bains beckoned to the victim to go over.

After agreeing a fee, Bains drove towards Eastgate, where the victim had asked to go. But he didn’t turn off and headed up the M32 towards Frenchay, where he stopped in a secluded area off Stoke Lane.

The victim asked for payment first, which Bains pretended to reach for in his jacket pocket before punching her repeatedly to the face and body, causing her to lose and swallow a tooth.

He then raped her, without using a condom, before telling her to get dressed and driving her back into the city.

To protect others, the victim made a report to the One25 Project, which supports women in the street sex trade, soon after the attack. This report included a detailed description of the offender as well as his number plate

In an impact statement read to the court, the victim said: “The immediate impact of this crime on me was so traumatic that I used heroin to suppress any emotional impact, the physical impacts of the attack healed after time, but the emotional impact will stay with me forever.

“The flashbacks, panic attacks and nightmares I have continue to this day. I truly thought I was going to die that night, that kind of trauma is not easily fixed.

“There is still so much judgement and stigma around women who are trapped in the lifestyle I was, that it’s easier to let people think I’m crazy, as how do I explain what happened to me?

“For me to come forward again all these years later was the hardest decision I had to make, as I didn’t trust the police or the justice system to take me or the crime against me seriously…I didn’t realise how much emotional trauma I’d locked away about the attack.

“If it wasn’t for the empathetic, non-judgemental nature of my investigating officer, I would never have put myself through the retraumatising effects of a trial, but I am told this is also part of my healing process.

“Going to court was terrifying, especially having to face him, but I’m so glad I did as I see him not as a monster, but as a coward who preys on the most vulnerable people in society.”

Speaking afterwards, the victim added she also wanted to thank the jury for believing her and delivering a guilty verdict in this case.

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Andrew Shore (05/09/1987) of Croome Gardens, Bourton On The Water, Gloucestershire, was sentenced to seven years and three months at Manchester Crown Square Court today (Wednesday 26 March 2025).

On Thursday 27 February 2025, Shore was found guilty by a unanimous verdict of raping a female aged under 13 and indecent assault at the same court.

The offences took place in Rochdale in the early 2000s when the victim was only 11 years old and Shore was in a position of trust. Shore was 16 years old at the time of his offending.

He was also given a restraining order against the victim and lifelong sex offender requirements.

Description

An "opportunistic sexual predator" has been jailed for four years after sexually assaulting and attempting to rape a woman.

Mohammed Sanana denied approaching two women in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, before sexually assaulting and attempting to rape one of them on the steps near the library on Clarence Street.

The victim repeatedly told Sanana "no", told him to go away and pushed him, when the incident occurred on a night out in March at about 20:30 GMT.

Sanana, formerly of Ambrose Street in Cheltenham, was convicted by a jury following a week-long trial at Gloucester Crown Court.

During the trial, the 22-year-old claimed he knew the victim and said his actions were consensual.

However, the jury unanimously found him guilty on 11 November.

As well as the prison sentence, Sanana will be placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life.

He was sentenced on 6 December.

'Unforgivable attack'

In a statement provided by the woman, she said the court process was "very daunting", despite having support from a Sexual Violence Advisor.

"This entire court process did not need to happen and could have all been avoided if he had just admitted to what he had done instead of fabricating a whole story about meeting me before.

"I hope that he is able to learn from this process and will think twice about his actions in the future.

"I hope that him being convicted of this offence will help to prevent something like this from ever happening again to someone else in order to protect other people in the future," she said.

Det Ch Insp Dave Shore-Nye, of Gloucestershire Police, said:

"Sanana is an opportunistic sexual predator who is now rightly behind bars.

"He subjected a woman to a terrifying and unforgivable attack which has impacted her life significantly, and I hope his prosecution and conviction will bring her some sense of justice."