Latest Offenders Gwynedd

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A Welsh headteacher has been found guilty of sexual abuse involving four girls. Neil Foden, 66, who worked at a school in North Wales, was charged with 20 offences against five girls, who cannot be identified to protect their anonymity.

He stood impassively in the dock at Mold Crown Court as the jury foreman read out the guilty verdicts on 19 out of 20 indictments. The jury of seven women and five men delivered their verdicts on the defendant, of Gwynant, Old Colwyn, after a three-week trial.

The judge His Honour Rhys Rowlands called him "arrogant and controlling" man who was used to getting his own way. He said some explanations for his behaviour "beggared belief".

The court heard concerns about Foden were raised with Cyngor Gwynedd at an earlier stage. Judge Rowlands said: “When real concerns were first raised about the defendant with the county council they were simply dismissed, pretty much out of hand.”

He said no investigation was carried out and no notes were taken. He added: “We now know he continued to offend. That’s very concerning indeed.”

Foden was convicted of sexual activity with a child, using or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, attempting to arrange or incite sexual activity with a child by penetration, engaging in sexual communication with a child, two counts of sexual activity with a child by a person in a position of trust and possession of an indecent photograph of a child, North Wales Live reported.

He adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report to be made. Foden is due to be sentenced at Mold Crown Court on July 1. The judge told him to expect a sentence of some length.

Speaking after the verdict, Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Evans said: “We welcome the jury’s verdict following a difficult case and thank them for their diligent work.

“My thoughts remain with the victims and their families today, who have shown dignity and bravery throughout the trial and we will continue to support in moving forward.

“I will make further comment after the sentencing hearing.”

Foden’s offending came to light in September 2023 when the first victim made disclosures. As part of the investigation another four victims were identified, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.

The evidence presented included the victims accounts. Those accounts were corroborated by the evidence obtained by the police in the form of mobile devices, computers seized, forensic evidence and financial enquiries. Text messages and calls linked Foden to the victims. Foden denied all charges against him and choose not to answer any question during his police interviews.

Ceri Ellis-Jones of the CPS said: “These crimes were shocking as Foden was a trusted and well-respected individual, who used that to his advantage. He abused his position of trust and targeted the most vulnerable females he was entrusted to safeguard.

“The victims are to be commended for their bravery in coming forward and giving evidence. Their support for this prosecution has been key to Foden being brought to justice.

“I would also like to thank the specialist team at North Wales Police with whom we closely collaborated from the outset. We were able to present a compelling case to the jury, resulting in these convictions".

A Cyngor Gwynedd spokesperson said: "As a council, we welcome the court's decision. We are appalled by the nature of the crimes committed and commend and admire the remarkable courage and resilience the victims and their families have displayed throughout the process.

They said: "As a result, pastoral arrangements put in place for pupils at the start of the criminal proceedings will continue for the foreseeable future. From the beginning of this case, Cyngor Gwynedd has worked closely with North Wales Police to ensure that the Wales Safeguarding Procedures have been followed in full.

"Now that the criminal process has concluded, the task of reviewing work practices and establishing what lessons can be learnt will begin. Due to the serious nature of the case, arrangements are being made to carry out an independent review in accordance with national Child Practice Review guidelines. The exact form of the review is currently being determined.

"Until all relevant investigations and reviews have been completed, it would not be appropriate...to comment further."

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A rapist pretended to help a woman home before pocketing her keys and returning the same night to attack her. The victim was in no condition to consent.

Gareth Druce, 33, of Blaenau Ffestiniog, observed and followed the victim, who had become ill after drinking. Another man was helping her to walk home, but was struggling to keep her on her feet.

A sentencing hearing at Caernarfon Crown Court on Monday heard the defendant offered to help but upon entering the victim's home, he took her keys. After initially leaving with the other man, he returned later that night and raped the victim in her home.

CCTV footage showed Druce returning to the victim's home alone, a key piece of evidence which led to his conviction. Footage also showed the defendant's behaviour in the hours leading up to the incident, when he had been observing and following lone women.

It was also discovered he had carried out a sexual assault on another woman two months before the rape. Druce, of Church Street, was found guilty of rape following a seven-day trial. He also pleaded guilty to the sexual assault charge.

Recorder I Jones sentenced the defendant to 12 years imprisonment, with an extended licence period of four years, after being found to be a dangerous offender. He was also made subject to sex offender notification requirements, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and two restraining orders.

Following the hearing, Ceri Ellis-Jones of the CPS said: There could be no suggestion that the victim would have been in any position to give her consent to sexual activity. The defendant deliberately targeted the victim who was vulnerable and, under the pretence of helping her, was able to enter her property.

The police built a strong case against the defendant utilising the CCTV and digital enquiries. By working together, we were able to secure a conviction for the victim."

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A convicted rapist created a secret online dating username while on licence from prison.

Jay Humphries, 36, was jailed in 2018 under his previous name Jonathan Drakeford. He is the son of First Minister Mark Drakeford.

Caernarfon Magistrates' Court heard he used an unapproved profile name on the Fab Guys website and deleted internet browsing history from his phone.

Humphries admitted both offences and will be sentenced on 11 August.

Humphries was arrested in Bangor, Gwynedd in March after being released from prison on licence.

The hearing on Friday was told use of the Fab Guys account had been approved by police, but the name he used - naughty 5007387 - was not.

An agreed name was required to allow police to monitor his online activity.

The court was told he claimed deleting the internet history from his phone was an accident, but prosecutor Catherine Elvin said his guilty plea indicated it was a deliberate measure "to conceal" his actions.

While no individuals had been harmed by the breaches, Ms Elvin added: "Sexual harm prevention orders are put in place for a reason."

Defending Humphries, Gemma Morgan said he had been struggling to come to terms with his personal situation after being released from prison, and being forced to live in approved accommodation in north Wales away from his family.

The court was also told he was also dealing with the death of his mother Clare Drakeford in January.

"He was suffering emotionally," said Ms Morgan.

"He was speaking to other men on Fab Guys expressing his feelings."

The court was told those feelings and his actions were compounded by learning difficulties and being autistic.

Magistrates were told Humphries had since been recalled to prison in May after other breaches of his release licence, including leaving an abusive phone message for a probation officer.

In 2018, Humphries was handed an eight year and eight month sentence at Cardiff Crown Court after being found guilty of rape and inflicting actual bodily harm. He also admitted to a child sexual offence after messaging a girl on Facebook who he thought was 15 years old.

After Humphries's 2018 conviction, Mark Drakeford said it had been a "distressing period" for the family, adding "our thoughts are with all those caught up in it, especially the victim".

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A 34-year-old Dolgellau man has been sentenced to 11 years imprisonment for rape.

Thomas John Cato, of Bristol House, Smithfield Street, Dolgellau, was sentenced at Caernarfon Crown Court yesterday, Wednesday, 14 June, after being convicted of a rape that occurred in Dolgellau on 9 November, 2022.

He received an 11-year custodial sentence, with an extended period of six years on license following his release.

Cato was also made the subject of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), must register as a sex offender for life, and was handed an indefinite restraining order against the victim.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Bethany Clarke said: “Cato is a dangerous individual with a history of violent behaviour.

“The length of his sentence reflects the seriousness of the offence and the impact it has had on not just the victim, but on the local community.

“My thoughts are with the victim who has shown remarkable bravery throughout the investigation, and I hope that she can find closure and comfort in knowing that justice has been served today.”

Detective Inspector Chris Hargrave of the North Wales Amethyst Team said: “We continue to be committed to bringing perpetrator of sexual crimes to justice and I would encourage anyone who wishes to report a sexual crime to come forward and speak to us.

“The Amethyst team is made up of specially trained officers to support victims through the investigation. We work closely with the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) to provide confidential medical, practical and emotional support from specialist doctors, nurses and support workers.”

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A dad-of-two who kissed a young man with autism in a Wetherspoons toilet cubicle without consent was jailed for sexual assault today. Stephen Freer, 45, of Parciau in Mynytho, Gwynedd approached his victim at the pub chain's Pen Cob site in Pwllheli last March.

Prosecutor, Simon Mintz, said the young man in his 20s was out for a meal with his family and had been to the toilets at the pub three times during his visit. Freer, who was also there on every occasion cracked a joke that the pair must have "synchronised bladders".

The court heard how Freer stood in the doorway of a cubicle whilst the victim washed his hands during the third trip to the toilets. Freer, 45, then beckoned him into the cubicle before kissing him on the lips.

Mr Mintz said the victim was "too frightened to resist" and scared of what would happen if he didn't respond the way the dad-of-two wanted. A family member noticed the victim was "in a state of shock" after leaving the toilets alongside Freer.

Freer claimed the young man had just been sick, complaining to him about an "upset tummy". But the victim's relatives confronted the defendant, said Mr Mintz, who continued denied anything else happened in the toilets.

The victim only revealed to his family what really happened once they left the pub. The police were then informed.

Freer was arrested and at first continued to deny anything happened between the men but later admitted to the kiss but claimed to have "reasonable belief" it was consensual.

The victim's sister, through a victim impact statement, said her brother blamed himself for the incident. She went on to say that he is "reluctant to go out" and remains "anxious and distrustful" when in social situations.

Elen Owen, defending told the court her client had "no idea" of the victim's autism. She argued that this case did not involve a "significant degree of planning" of Freer's part, claiming that he was already in the toilets when the complainant arrived the third time, adding it was a "chance encounter" at the time the assault took place.

Freer accepted, through Ms Owen, that he'd been drinking "enough to loosen his inhibitions" that day. The barrister said that, in the sober light of day he accepted what he did was wrong.

She said: "He is not a danger to other people and has learnt his lesson. He will not repeat these out-of-character actions again."

Recorder Wyn Lloyd-Jones said he "would not be doing his job properly" if he did not send Freer straight to prison for his eight month sentence for what must have been a "frightening" experience for the victim. He told Freer that he'd also need to register as a sex offender for the next decade.

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A sex offender on a suspended sentence went back to his "old ways" and had indecent images on the Kik app. Sion Wyn Thomas, 43, messaged a man with supposedly similar interests but that man was an undercover Metropolitan Police officer.

Police also found small-sized women's clothes and underwear in his car. Caernarfon Crown Court heard Thomas, of Orme Road, Bangor, had been given a 12-month prison term, suspended for 18 months, for distributing indecent images of young children, and was also given a ten-year sexual harm prevention order, in December 2021.

He completed the requirements but his attitude was "superficial", according to the probation service.

Earlier this year, a Metropolitan Police officer investigating the sexual abuse of young children online created various Messenger accounts, including one on the Kik app, said prosecutor Elen Owen.

She said people with shared interests could join a group, which could have up to 50 members or more.

Ms Owen said that on April 18 this year the police officer using a certain profile name was contacted by someone using the "John Smith" profile, who said he was a 39-year-old man. It was Sion Wyn Thomas.

Ms Owen said after exchanges between them and further enquiries North Wales Police decided to go to Thomas's home. They searched his property and his car and found "small-sized women's clothing and underwear" in the vehicle.

Police also seized his phone and tablet and found 15 images of naked girls, images of girls aged between eight and 12 and chats about the sexual abuse of young girls. It was however unclear whether Thomas himself had contributed to those conversations, said Ms Owen.

Thomas admitted breaching a sexual harm prevention order and breaching the terms of a suspended sentence.

Anna Price, defending, said Thomas can't explain his behaviour. It was towards the end of the suspension of his sentence from 2021.

He did comply with the rehabilitation activity and alcohol treatment treatment requirement programme from that sentence, she added.

But the court heard today the probation service deemed his attendance at meetings "superficial".

Indeed the judge His Honour Rhys Rowlands told Thomas today the terms of his SHPO prohibited him from using social media without strict controls but he went onto Kik.

He had shown "unnatural and extremely worrying behaviour".

The judge added: "It shows you have learned absolutely nothing from your time on the suspended sentence." His non-compliance with the SHPO showed he was "seeking to revert to (his) old ways".

He said there was no prospect of rehabilitation and jailed Thomas for ten months for breaching the SHPO and six months to run consecutively for breaching the terms of a suspended sentence.

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A man tried to kill himself days before he was due to be sentenced for sexually assaulting an 18-year-old woman. Kenny Jones, 38, had denied the offence but was convicted after a trial. A judge at his sentencing hearing in Caernarfon Crown Court today was told Jones had been in hospital all week before his court appearance.

But the judge said the effect of the crime on his victim, who is still traumatised by the 2020 assault, was so serious he "would not be doing his job properly" if he didn't send Jones straight to prison, which he did for two years.

The court heard the victim had been at a property on Anglesey on November 22, 2020 when Jones grabbed her arms, "squeezed and bruised them", and asked her to kiss him. She refused but he tried to kiss her. He also made a lewd reference to her.

Then Jones, of Llwyn Onn, Amlwch, left and took a car without the owner's consent, even though he had no driving licence or insurance. The court heard he had committed the sexual assault for his own "selfish, sexual gratification".

In a statement, the victim said she used to be "bubbly and outgoing" but after the offence she felt embarrassed and guilty that "people would judge her for not trying to fight him off".

Her life was "shattered" and she doesn't go to the area where it happened as she is "terrified" she will see the offender. She now distrusts men and is seeking counselling. She added: "Kenny Jones is still ruining my life...Kenny Jones has no idea of the pain he has caused me."

Dafydd Roberts, defending, pointed out that Jones had lost his young son in 2010 and was seriously assaulted in 2017 and is still on medication. Then he tried to take his own life.

He said: "Mr Kenny Jones presents to the court in a very dark place. In the early hours of Monday this week Mr Jones did make an attempt on his life. He was admitted to hospital and has been in hospital all this week up until Thursday. He remains in a very low mood."

But he said the probation service believe that his client could be rehabilitated and asked the judge to suspend any prison sentence.

Mr Roberts added that Jones has taken to drink and drugs as a crutch to deal with his issues. "He desperately wants to break free from that cycle."

He would have fresh medication in prison which would make life difficult. He is not a lost cause and could do a drug rehabilitation programme as recommended by the probation service. He has worked to improve his accommodation and has the support of his mother.

But the judge Mr Recorder Wyn Lloyd Jones told the defendant he had sexually assaulted the woman "for his selfish, sexual gratification".

He said: "It's clear that this offence has had a significant effect on her mentally and emotionally. I would not be doing my job properly today if I suspend the sentence. An immediate prison sentence is appropriate for what you did and the effect it had on this victim."

He also imposed a ten-year restraining order prohibiting Jones from contacting the woman, who cannot be named to protect her identity.

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A convicted sex offender who set up as an online clairvoyant has been sent back to jail.

Under a false name, Llewelyn Buckland posted Tarot readings, some of which were sexual, a judge at Caernarfon crown court heard.

Appearing via video link from prison Buckland, 48, of Frankwell Street, Tywyn in south Gwynedd, admitted five charges involving downloading indecent images of children and of extreme porn, and breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

It happened soon after release from a previous sentence.

Simon Rogers, defending, said there had been no sophistication in the latest offences.

"It was inevitable he would be caught because his phone was not only monitored by software but checked by police," he added.

Jailing him for 16 months Judge Timothy Petts said : “The main aggravating feature was your previous offences.”

A sex offenders’ order remains in operation for life.

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A masked sex offender performed a sex act near a girl, 10 as she sat in her mum's car. The youngster had just been picked up from school and was waiting while her mum popped into the shops.

Gwion Griffiths, 32, appeared to be "waving" at the girl from a flat window in Dolgellau, Gwynedd, last December as he carried out the act. Griffiths, who had earlier pleaded guilty to exposure was jailed today Caernarfon Magistrates for 24 weeks a a danger to the public.

Prosecutor Sion ap Mihangel said the girl, who cannot be named to protect her identity, had been collected from school and driven to Dolgellau town centre. The girl was sitting on a booster seat on the front passenger seat while her mother left her for "five minutes or so" to pop to the shops, Mr ap Mihangel said. 

The girl saw Griffiths in a flat across the road from a shop. She noticed a Christmas tree and a male who "appeared to be waving at her".

But, the prosecutor said: "He was wearing a mask and a jumper" and was snaked from the waist down. She could see he was shaking his p**** or "p" as the girl put it. In other words he was performing a sex act, the prosecutor said.

The court heard the mother came back to the car and the girl told her "to just drive". "She had her hands up to her face as if she was blocking her vision.

"She told her mum she had seen a man in a window. He was holding his w**** and swinging it around," the prosecutor told the court. The court heard the woman and her husband discussed the incident and decided to tell the police.

Griffiths was traced and initially denied the offence of exposure. But he admitted his guilt shortly before his trial, meaning that his victim did not have to give evidence.

In fact, Mr ap Mihangel said the girl had been "totally unaware" that there was a possibility that she may have had to testify, with her parents revealing she had tried to blank out the entire incident. The prosecution had been told that a late guilty plea was likely.

Today the court also heard that Griffiths had moved from another Gwynedd town following a conviction in March last year for an almost identical offence. He received an eight-month jail term, suspended for 24 months, for that crime.

Carla Forfar, defending Griffiths, said the latest offence in Dolgellau had been "a chance matter". "He was in his flat. He had not sought out his victim. He has seen a chance and has overcome his inhibitions," she said.

He had been "playing with his p**** and would appear" to have performed a sex act. She said Griffiths, of Smithfield Street, Dolgellau, is isolated and the sort of person who stays in his flat most of the time.

Over the summer he managed to hold down a job in the hospitality industry. But he would very much like to get help. "He's not without saving," she added.

Earlier, the defence solicitor had argued that Griffiths had been "crying out for some help" and applied for an adjournment for a psychiatric assessment to be carried out. But the magistrates rejected that application.

Magistrates chairman Sarah Foskett imposed the immediate prison term, saying: "The reason it's not suspended is the risk and danger to the public." She told Griffiths his name would be placed on the Sex Offenders' Register, and he would have to register with the police, for the seven years.

He was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the next five years. On his release from prison he must pay a £128 surcharge.

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A convicted sex offender who pretended to be a 14-year-old girl on Snapchat has been sent back to prison. Kevin Hopson, of Abergwyngregyn, appeared before Caernarfon Crown Court after admitting breaching his sexual harm prevention order and making indecent photographs of children.

Hopson was previously jailed in July 2018 for three years after downloading and distributing indecent images of children. As part of his punishment, a judge ruled that the former Holyhead resident stay on the sex offenders register for life and his internet usage be monitored.

Prosecuting, Richard Edwards, told the court that the defendant found himself back in the dock having reverted to his old habits. He explained how the police became aware in June 2021 that a Snapchat account not known to them was connecting to Hopson's broadband account and was being used to share indecent images online.

The 46-year-old was discovered to have created the social media account under a false identity. He was found to be pretending to be a 14-year-old girl called Lexi, the court heard.

He was swiftly arrested but chose to answer no comment to the police's question when interviewed about the allegation. At this point, his mobile phone had been examined and just over a dozen still images of girls aged roughly 12 to 14 were recovered.

Mr Edwards said this was a "deliberate breach" of his court order. He would have been hiding this secret whilst completing a sex offenders course with the probation service.

The court heard that Hopson won't be helped by his previous convictions of a similar nature. These included him creating fake social media profiles where he both encouraged youngsters to send him indecent photos of themselves and then distributed those images by posing as a teenage girl himself.

Defending, Patrick Gartland, told the judge how there was no evidence that his client made any contact with children using the account. However, he said there was "limited mitigation" for the defendant's behaviour.

Judge Timothy Petts, jailing Hopson for two years and fours months, said he was "only superficially engaging" in the help being given to address his sex offending. He added that the "worrying" factor in this case was the fact the authorities will never know exactly what the account was used for as Hopson wiped data from the device.

He said: "You did risk causing very serious harm and distress as the only reason I can see why you would create a fake profile on Snapchat so you could offend in a way you have done previously. I bear in mind that you are not charged with that offence though."

The judge ordered that the mobile phone seized by the police be destroyed. He added that the lifelong sexual harm prevention order remains in force.

Speaking after sentencing, T/Detective Inspector Emma Gardner said: “I welcome today’s sentence, which underlines our commitment to ensuring that all perpetrators of sexual offences are relentlessly pursued and placed before the court. This sends a clear message that we as a force, and society in North Wales will not tolerate any acts of this nature, and we remain committed to making North Wales the safest place in the UK.”

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A man, naked from the waist down, asked Travelodge staff to place a bet on for him. Reginald Roach, 63, who was placed at one one of the chain's Gwynedd hotels by a council, went into a public area of the hotel on Saturday, a court heard today.

Defence solicitor Tudur Owen said Roach, 63 of no fixed address, had behaved bizarrely. He told a district judge at Llandudno court that his client suffered a serious brain injury when he was younger.

Mr Owen said there didnt appear to be a sexual motive to what happened. He said Roach had been a nuisance and had apologised to staff.

Roach admitted exposing himself and was given 16 weeks suspended jail term. Roach must pay 150 compensation to the worker disgusted by his behaviour. He has to register as a sex offender.

Judge Gwyn Jones said it was bizarre conduct at an hotel which catered for families and other visitors. Prosecutor James Neary said alcohol seemed to be Roachs problem.

Hed moved his hips - drawing attention to his naked area - and an hotel worker felt deeply uncomfortable, Mr Neary added.

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A school teaching assistant had sex with a 15-year-old boy after telling him: "Age is just a number." Rebecca Williams made contact with the teenager online and they exchanged flirtatious messages and told one another: "You're fit," a court heard.

Prosecutor Richard Edwards told Mold Crown Court the 21-year-old defendant had picked up the boy in her car one weekend and took him to her home. They watched TV before the defendant took him to her bedroom, he said. He described the first time as a little awkward.

The court heard the pair kissed and had sex and the boy stayed overnight. Mr Edwards said Williams had later messaged the boy asking to meet up again. They went straight upstairs to her bedroom and had sex. But the court heard Williams wanted more of a relationship and the victim ended up blocking her on messaging apps.

Mr Edwards said :Rumours started circulating among staff that the defendant had slept with a pupil. The head of the school questioned the defendant directly about the information. The defendant denied anything untoward had gone on.

Social services and police were alerted and the boy confirmed the pair had had sex. The prosecutor added that some of the messages between them must have been exchanged on school grounds.

Jemma Gordon, defending, said Williams had been quizzed early last year and confessed. But a postal requisition for the case was only sent in January. Williams admitted two offences of sexual activity with a boy of 15 and abusing a position of trust.

Williams had a new job in construction, working all over the country, and was doing well, the court was told. She was also receiving help for her mental health. She was described in a pre-sentence report as a low risk of re-offending. Miss Gordon added: Shes in a new relationship which has helped her.

Judge Nicola Saffman imposed a 12-month suspended jail term with rehabilitation and 150 hours unpaid work. Williams, who showed no emotion in the dock, has to pay 576 costs, must register as a sex offender for 10 years, and cant work with children again.

Judge Saffman said there had been grooming. She told Williams, of Gerddi Arfonia, Criccieth, Gwynedd: You knew what you were doing. You were working up to engage in a sexual relationship with him.

The boy broke off the relationship with her but the defendant was keen to carry on. Some of the messages were carried out on school grounds which is an aggravating feature, Judge Saffman said. But the judge acknowledged there was a delay in the case and she had rehabilitated herself.

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A convicted paedophile failed in his bid to evade justice by changing his name and moving to a different part of the country.

Donald Maxwell Boyle is now starting a second spell in prison after admitting to sexually abusing a child.

In April 2019 an investigation into the activities of Boyle was launched after a victim came forward to say she had been abused by him in Ormskirk in the 1980s.

At that time Boyle went by the name of Donald Maxwell Wells but changed his name by deed poll after being jailed for abusing a child in the late 1980s, later moving to Wales.

While abusing the girl in Ormskirk, Boyle would instruct her in detail of exactly what he wanted her to do to him. He also made threats towards her to ensure she did not tell her parents what had gone on.

When Boyle, 71, of Llewelyn Street, Aberffraw, Ty Croes, Gwynedd, Wales, was interviewed by police, he denied any wrongdoing.

Boyle appeared at Preston Crown Court earlier this year, where he pleaded guilty to charges of indecent assault and indecency with a child.

Last week he was sentenced to five years in custody.

He was also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and told to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

DC Kelly Rosenthal, of Ormskirk CID, said: "Boyle is a manipulative and controlling individual who abused his young victim for his own sordid sexual interests. He went to great lengths to try and evade justice, first threatening his victim and then changing his name after being released from prison.

"Thanks to the bravery of the victim in coming forward and the determination and dedication of all the officers involved in this case, Boyles past has well and truly caught up with him.

"I hope this case and its outcome will encourage other victims of sexual abuse no matter how historic to come forward. They can do so knowing they will be listened to, believed and that Lancashire Police will do everything in our power to keep them safe and bring the perpetrator to justice."

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A former special constable has been jailed for 19 years for a string of sexual offences against a woman, three girls and a boy.

Phillip Gregory, 67, from Llanegryn Street, Abergynolwyn, Gwynedd, had pleaded not guilty to all 14 charges.

He was jailed for six counts of indecent assault, five of rape, buggery, sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 and indecency with a child.

Mold Crown Court heard one victim said he had "stolen" her childhood.

In an impact statement, she added that as well as "inflicting suffering years ago", he had made his victims "relive the pain" by refusing to admit his actions and show remorse.

North Wales Police confirmed Gregory, who carried out the offences between 1975 and 2003, served as a special constable for a short period in the early 1990s but said this was not connected to any of his offences.

Another victim said she had not been able to form bonds with her own children as a result of what he had done to her.

'Still vivid'

Another of the victims said she had contemplated suicide and the memory of being raped by Gregory was "still vivid".

Judge Timothy Petts told Gregory he was a "dangerous offender" who had had taken advantage of the " vulnerability" of those he had abused.

He paid tribute to the victims for their "courage" in giving evidence and praised DC Gareth Wilcox Jones, of North Wales Police, who led the "long and complicated investigation" named Operation Blue Lichen.

Speaking afterwards, DC Wilcox Jones said: "Philip Gregory has damaged the lives of people he professed to care for and who looked to him for support and protection.

"He took their trust and abused it for his own sexual gratification.

"It is pleasing that the judge has sent a robust message that serial abusers like Philip Gregory cannot evade justice forever, and that survivors of childhood abuse can achieve justice no matter how long has elapsed."

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A voyeur who secretly photographed a woman in a shower and getting changed has been spared jail.

Harry Jeffrey Alfred Holland, 20, of Gwynedd, had pleaded guilty to two charges of voyeurism when he twice recorded a person doing a private act to obtain sexual gratification.

Caernarfon Magistrates today gave him a 24 week jail term, suspended for two years.

He must go on the Sex Offenders Register for seven years and pay 707 in costs and compensation.

However, bench chairman Julie Eddows said no amount of compensation would make up for the victims distress.

Prosecutor Diane Williams said the two offences took place last year.

There was an investigation and images of the woman having a shower and changing were found on a device.

In a statement, the victim said she wasn't sure whether to seek a prosecution but after "reflecting and absorbing'" what had happened she went ahead.

She said she wants Holland to face the "embarrassment and anxiety" that she has faced.

She said her life had been "turned upside down."

She feels "violated" and is now unable to shower without covering herself with a blanket.

She also said that she can't use public conveniences without checking for cameras.

The victim also says she doesn't feel that Holland believes he has "done much wrong."

Liz Jones, defending Holland, said her client insists he has not distributed any images.

The factory worker is of previous good character and feels "disgusted" with his behaviour. He has lost friends and become isolated. The court proceedings have given him a "steep learning curve."

Bench chairman Julie Eddows said the offences have had an "ongoing impact" on the victim, who cannot be named to protect her identity.

Handing down the suspended jail term, she also ordered Holland do rehabilitation activity for 80 days and go on a 45-session sexual offences treatment programme.

He must pay costs and 500 compensation to the victim.