Latest Offenders Manchester

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Shazad Mughal (13/11/1977) of Tansley Road, Crumpsall was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison on Friday 7 November 2025 after being found guilty of one count of rape and one count of sexual assault by penetration.

On Wednesday 10 August 2022, officers received a 999 call from the victim at 12:45am who said she had been sexually assaulted.

The victim asked Mughal, who was working as a security guard, for directions to Manchester city centre after their tram had terminated earlier than expected.

Mughal allowed the victim to use the toilet before sexually assaulting her in his security booth.

The victim managed to flee the scene and call the police, remaining hidden until an officer could locate them.

Detective Constable Luke Miller, of our Serious Crime Division, said:

“I would like to thank the victim for reporting this terrible incident to the police and allowing us to conduct a thorough investigation.

“Mughal abused his position of authority to sexually assault a woman who had asked him for help. Mughal claimed that the victim was advancing onto them whilst in the security booth and that he did not want to have any sexual activity with the victim, which was completely untrue.

“I commend the victim in this case for supporting our investigation, which has resulted in today’s sentence and sees justice served against Mughal, who will now spend a significant amount of time behind bars.

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

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Two people have been sentenced for modern slavery offences after women were trafficked from Romania to the UK to work as sex workers in West Yorkshire.

Costel Tambac and Mariana Iova were jailed today after being found guilty by a jury following a trial in July.

The pair, both Romanian nationals, were found to be responsible for controlling the lives of two female victims who were trafficked to the UK from Romania.

Both victims were told they were coming to the UK to work as agency workers in a meat factory.

But in reality, they were “sold” to Tambac and Iova who made them work as sex workers at brothels in the Harehills and Holbeck areas of Leeds, as well as in Dewsbury, Oldham and Nottingham.

The pair seized the money earnt by the victims, leaving them with as little as £10 a day to themselves.

Officers from West Yorkshire Police’s Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking team began the investigation in 2016 when one of the victims came forward.

She reported to police that she had been trafficked to the UK where she was ‘sold’ to Tambac and Iova. From then on, she was forced to work for them and sexually exploited.

The pair advertised their victims’ services on adult services websites, taking them to agreed locations to provide sexual services when requested.

They controlled their victims by retaining their ID documents and money as well as controlling their lifestyle. They enforced this control by using violence and threats.

Tambac and Iova were each found guilty of two counts of sexual exploitation of a female victim contrary to the Modern Slavery Act 2015, and two counts of controlling prostitution for gain contrary to Section 53 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

Appearing before Leeds Crown Court for sentencing today, Tambac, aged 50, formerly of Moorhey Street, Oldham, Greater Manchester was sentenced to nine years.

Iova, aged 35, also formerly of Moorhey Street, Oldham, was sentenced to eight years.

In 2018, Tambac and Iova fled the UK while they were still under investigation. Officers sought international arrest warrants, and the pair were traced to Amsterdam where they were arrested earlier this year and extradited back to the UK.

Speaking outside the court, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Helen Steele, said:

“First and foremost, my thoughts go out to the victims who suffered an horrendous ordeal.

“They were brought over to the UK under false pretences by organised criminals where they were sold as a commodity to be financially and sexually exploited through controlled prostitution.

“I hope the guilty verdicts together with the sentences handed down today will bring them some comfort as they continue with the process of rebuilding their lives.”

“I would also like to thank them for their bravery, their patience and their resilience as we pursued our investigation.

“Our investigation was complex and began nine years ago when one of the victims came forward.

“It was the first ever investigation for West Yorkshire Police to conduct as a Joint Investigation Team with the Romanian authorities, who I would also like to thank as it meant we could maximise all investigational opportunities.

“The Joint Investigation Team also led to the Romanian authorities convicting the people responsible for trafficking the victims to the UK.

“A successful prosecution would not have been possible without the assistance of colleagues in Romania.”

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A man has been jailed for committing a sex act in front of a child in a restaurant toilet.

Registered sex offender Christopher Taylor (pictured) was only allowed to use a public toilet if he was in a cubicle designed for individual use – a condition of a sexual harm prevention order.

But in June this year, Taylor, 46, stood next to the urinals at McDonalds in Rawtenstall and carried out a sex act in full view of a young boy who was washing his hands after using the toilet.

The boy, aged 11, was left upset and told his mum that ‘something’s happened in the bathroom that’s really weird’.

An investigation was launched and CCTV footage of Taylor’s car helped trace him to Manchester where he was arrested a few days later.

Taylor, formerly of Tenterden Walk, Wythenshaw, Manchester, appeared at Preston Crown Court for sentencing today (7th November).

He had pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under the age of 13, and to breach of a sexual harm prevention order.

Taylor was given an extended sentence of eight years in prison.

Det Con Adam Rainsbury of Burnley CID, said:

“This was disgusting behaviour by Taylor in front of a young boy who was using the toilets in McDonalds.

“Taylor is registered sex offender who had conditions place on him as part of a sexual harm prevention order.

“I welcome the prison sentence imposed on him and it shows that such behaviour will not be tolerated.”

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A man has been jailed after he was convicted of raping a woman at a restaurant in Frodsham.

Abdul Helim was sentenced to six years in prison at Chester Crown Court on Friday 7 November.

The 50-year-old, of Grange Avenue, Oldham, was earlier found guilty of rape and possession of indecent images of children following an three day trial.

The court heard how the victim met Helim at the India Garden Restaurant in Frodsham.

The pair formed a sexual relationship together and would meet at the restaurant.

However, in late 2022, Helim asked the victim to do something which she did not consent to. Despite her refusal, he went on to rape the woman.

The incident was later reported to police and In October 2023, after the launch of the investigation, Helim was arrested in relation to the allegations. During questioning he denied having a relationship with the woman, he claimed that they were just friends and had never had sex.

However, officers examined mobile phone data and recovered a catalogue of messages between the pair, which made clear, repeat reference to their relationship.

In addition, officers also discovered that Helim had possessed a number of indecent images of children.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Hannah Lamborn, who led the investigation, said:

“Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the bravery of the victim in this case who not only had the courage to report and speak about what had happened to her but also had to endure the stress of a trial and facing the defendant in the court room. I would also like to acknowledge the victim’s family and friends who supported her throughout the investigation and the court process.

“I hope that the sentence handed to Helim will provide them with some closure, knowing that he is now behind bars where he cannot do this to anyone else.

“Helim is clearly a danger to women, he was aware that the victim did not consent, but he chose to continue anyway to fulfil his own sexual desires.

“Throughout the investigation, and the subsequent trial, Helim has attempted to deny the offence put to him. Thankfully, the jury saw through his lies, and he is now facing the consequences of his actions.

“If anyone wishes to report a sexual offence, you can do so by calling us on 101, or please visit our website where you can find all the details you need to report it online.”

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Michael John Worton (b. 30/12/1951) of Moss Colliery Road, Swinton, has been sentenced to three years in prison and three further years on license after being found guilty by jury of 16 offences at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Tuesday 4 November 2025. He has also been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

The conviction follows disclosures from five courageous victim-survivors who came forward to report abuse they experienced as children during the 1970s and 1980s, when Worton worked on a farm and in a children’s home.

These men have carried the trauma of their experiences into adulthood and have shown immense bravery in helping bring Worton to justice.

The investigation revealed that Worton abused his position of trust to target vulnerable children in settings where they should have felt safe. We are also reviewing previous related investigations to ensure all non-recent offences are fully identified and addressed.

At his court appearance, Worton denied all charges and went to trial. He showed no remorse in court throughout the course of the two weeks and was subsequently found guilty by jury of the following 16 offences: five counts of indecent assault, three counts of indecency with a child, and eight counts of indecent assault on a male person.

We believe that there are other victims that were sexually abused by Worton, and officers are appealing for anyone who may have been subjected to sexual abuse by him, or who may have any information, to please come forward and help us with our enquiries. 

Detective Constable Nathan Roscoe, from GMP Salford district, said:

“It’s with thanks to the great bravery of these victim-survivors in coming forward and disclosing the abuse they were subjected to that we have been able to bring this despicable man to some long-awaited justice.

“Worton preyed on vulnerable young children while he worked in positions of trust in the local community. He should be ashamed of himself, and that shame lies solely with him.”

Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood, district commander for Salford, said:

“I pay tribute to the victims in this case for their courage to ensure Worton is finally behind bars.

“We believe there may be further witnesses and victims in relation to this investigation and want to take this opportunity to appeal for them to please come forward.  

“Whether it be abuse against the children of today or yesterday, our specialist officers are determined to make child sexual abusers ultimately face justice for the harm they have inflicted.

“You will be believed no matter the passage of time, and we will listen to you and work with you at a pace that is best for you. We have specialist officers who can support you and help you through the process.”

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Kevin Wyatt (25/05/1984), no fixed address, subjected the woman to two brutal attacks in Clayton, Manchester in June this year.

Wyatt was jailed for life at Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday 4 November 2025 and will serve a minimum of 12 years and six months, after pleading to rape, robbery, false imprisonment and threatening with a bladed article.

Wyatt had been at the woman’s house carrying out odd jobs when he carried out his horrific attacks.

He also made his victim withdraw £120 from a cashpoint so he could get a taxi home to Middleton.

Wyatt was arrested on suspicion of attempted theft by a neighbouring force however provided false details. Once in custody, his real details were established, and he was swiftly taken into custody by GMP.

Detective Constable Lucy Holland, of City of Manchester CID, said:

“This was an horrific crime where Wyatt has abused the trust of a vulnerable woman who invited him into her home.

“Wyatt is a dangerous man who is rightly now serving a long prison sentence.

“I want to take this opportunity to praise the victim - her bravery in reporting the incident and providing information to officers showed true courage.

“She has been supported by our officers throughout the case and will continue to be following his sentence.

“We know how difficult speaking out about sexual abuse can be however our officers will support you, investigate, and act robustly against perpetrators. We will take your allegations seriously and treat you with dignity and respect.”

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DNA obtained by police nearly 20 years ago has led to a former taxi driver being jailed for 12 years for rape.

Mahbubur Rahman has been brought to justice after his DNA was found to match that of a previously unidentified sample collected at the time of the offence in 2006 – against a then 19-year-old woman.

The connection was made in 2022 after Rahman was arrested for an unrelated matter. Despite the compelling evidence, he continued to deny the offence.

Today (Wednesday 29 October), the-now 50-year-old, of Jane Street, Chadderton, Greater Manchester, was sentenced following a trial at Leicester Crown Court last month.

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Two cousins have been found guilty of grooming and raping five teenage girls in an 'appalling' case of historic abuse from the late 1990s.

Manzorr Hussain, 54, and Imtiaz Ali, 53, abused the victimsoften from troubled backgroundsafter providing them with drink and drugs. The crimes occurred mainly in Bury, but also across Greater Manchester and in Wales, including in houses, hotels, cars, and vans.

Following a four-week trial at Minshull Street Crown Court, the pair were convicted and will be sentenced in December.

A third man, Hussain's brother Ghulam Hussain, 64, was charged with multiple sexual offences but fled the country; jurors were told not to decide his guilt.

Prosecutor Anna Pope opened the case: "It is a case about five teenage girls, who we say were groomed and sexually abused by three men. We say this took place in the late 1990s.

"We say that these sexual offences took place in houses, a hotel, sometimes in a car or a van. A number of the girls, we say, were particularly vulnerable.

"They had troubled backgrounds. The prosecution says that older men took advantage of their personal situations and groomed them with drink, drugs, lifts in a car and a place to spend time, as well as company.

"In reality, we say that this was part of a grooming process and the girls were made to feel like in return they owed something to these men. When sexual activity began and took place between these young teenage girls and much older men, we say that they weren't truly consenting to any of this."

Ms Pope described Ghulam Hussain as the 'main man' who abused girls and 'passed them around' to others, including his brother and cousin. The trio ran market stalls. 'Parties' at an address linked to Ali involved drugs, alcohol, and expected sexual services. One victim, raped by both men, was threatened with being left on the moors without clothes.

Prosecutors said Hussain took one victim to a flat with a dirty mattress, where she was abused by strangers sequentially. The case began when one victim reported her ordeal, leading police to contact the others.

Hussain, of Manchester Road, Bury, was convicted of seven counts of rape and seven counts of indecent assault. Ali, of Ainsworth Road, Radcliffe, Bury, was found guilty of five counts of rape, five counts of indecent assault, and one count of attempted indecent assault.

Claire Brinton, specialist prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, said:

"Manzorr Hussain and Imtiaz Ali exploited five vulnerable teenage girls, grooming them with alcohol and drugs before subjecting them to appalling sexual abuse.

The defendants deliberately targeted children they knew they could exploit and treated them as objects to be passed around for their own and others sexual gratification. They showed a callous disregard for the girls welfare and used manipulation, force, threats and fear to control them and make them comply with their sick demands.

"These women have demonstrated remarkable bravery in coming forward, remaining engaged with the legal process, and reliving deeply traumatic experiences from over two decades ago. I would like to thank all of them; I hope these convictions can bring them some comfort.

"Our Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit, in collaboration with Greater Manchester Police, was able to use extensive evidence to build a comprehensive picture of the offending to present to a jury who found the defendants guilty and delivered the justice these women deserved.

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A man has been sentenced following a detailed investigation from our dedicated Criminal Investigation Department into four years’ worth of offences.

Mobarak Almutairi (30/05/2006) of Whitworth Street West, Manchester was sentenced to three years and eight months at Manchester Crown Court on Thursday 16 September. Almutairi pleaded guilty to 20 counts of sexual offences, including sexual assault, outraging public decency and indecent image offences.

Earlier this year, in February 2025, Almutairi was arrested after he followed three young girls into a shop on Market Street where he inappropriately touched and sexually assaulted one of them.

Following this report, our officers were able to track Almutairi down using CCTV footage, arrest him and seized his electronic devices. Officers discovered not only a recording the offender took of the above offence, but thousands of indecent images of children made predominantly by Almutairi. Just under 4,000 indecent images were recovered from his devices, unveiling a history of sexual abuse against children both within and outside of the UK.

Our dedicated officers carefully sifted through this evidence to identify each of the children, some as young as eight-years-old, and ensure each of them and their families received protection and support.

In addition to his sentencing, Almutairi now has a lifetime order on the sex offender’s register list and has been issued with a sexual harm prevention order.

Detective Constable Emily Morton, of our Criminal Investigation Department said:

“Child protection is our utmost priority, and ensuring the victims identified in this case were fully supported was the first and most important task under this investigation.

“The level of offending and disregard for these children shows just how dangerous an offender Almutairi, and the streets are much safer with him in prison.

“We investigate all reports of sexual assault thoroughly and work relentlessly to bring perpetrators to justice, while providing the right care and support for all victims and survivors of these crimes.”

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A stalker "effectively blackmailed" and sexually assaulted a woman from Bolton over seven months.

Paul Keevil, 56, of Fairman Drive, Hindley, harassed the victim by sending "thousands" of social media messages, emails, and letters to her and her family. He drove past her home, parked outside, and followed her.

Keevil falsely threatened to tell her family and employer she was a sex worker—risking her job—unless she entered an intimate relationship with him.

During the period, Keevil sexually assaulted her in his car after driving to a car park and making unwanted advances. She "made her feelings clear," but he told her to "trust him," saying he was "just being romantic." The victim later recalled "focusing on the street lamp, waiting for it to be over."

In June 2022, Keevil tailgated her car, "getting right up behind" and "making his presence known." She evaded him via detours to Sainsbury's and Morrisons in Bolton, alerting staff at the latter. She soon reported him to police, leading to his arrest.

At Bolton Crown Court on October 8, prosecutor Tom Farr described Keevil's "relentless" pursuit, including post deliveries, emails, Instagram and WhatsApp messages, and "conventional stalking behaviour" like following her. Keevil admitted spying and stalking, saying he "wouldn't need to do so if she spent time with him." One drive was her "deliberate move to keep him away from her house," though "she did not want to do it."

The victim's impact statement revealed Keevil's actions "made her suicidal," caused her to lose a baby due to stress, and left her "scared" he might "rape or kill" her. She felt "I couldn't have a life anymore, he always seemed to know what I was doing and where I was going."

Keevil, with no prior convictions, pleaded guilty to sexual assault and stalking.

Defense lawyer Louise Cowen said he was "deeply sorry" for the "hurt and distress," and "did not fully appreciate" his actions. Diagnosed with autism, which she argued reduced his culpability and would make custody "deep and significant" for him, Keevil also cares for his wife, whom imprisonment would adversely affect.

Recorder Jeremy Lasker noted Keevil "literally bombarded her" with messages, "repeatedly stalked her at her own home," and "constantly refused to take no for an answer." Despite acknowledging impacts on her, "you were effectively blackmailing her by suggesting your conduct was not necessary if she would only submit to your demands."

Acknowledging Keevil's autism and its effects on his wife, Lasker said neither could "deflect from immediate custody." He sentenced Keevil to 28 months' imprisonment and 10 years on the sex offenders' register.

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Today, 25 September 2025, at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, Matthew Webb (21/09/1991) of Wythenshawe has been handed a 28-year jail sentence for several sexual offences against a child, including rape. 

Webb has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely. 

On Sunday 28 July 2024, the offences came to light after the brave victim disclosed that she had been raped by an adult man, and reported it to the police with support from a family member.  

An investigation was immediately launched and the victim agreed to be interviewed where, supported by officers, she bravely disclosed further abuse she had been subjected to by Webb between the ages of 11-15. 

On several occasions, Webb vaginally raped, and sexually assaulted her.  

On 28 July 2024, Webb was arrested on suspicion of rape of a female under 16. On 4 August 2024, he was further arrested on suspicion of the same offence based on new evidence obtained. 

During his interviews, he was uncooperative and answered "no comment" to all questions. 

Webb was charged with sexual offences against a child. He denied all charges and pleaded not guilty at his hearing. Throughout the investigation and his trial, he showed no remorse. 

Following a week-long trial at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, Webb was found guilty by jury on one count of rape of a girl under the age of 13, one count of rape of a girl under 16 on no fewer than five occasions, three counts of rape of a girl under the age of 16, two counts of sexual assault of a girl under the age of 13 by touching, and three counts of making indecent images of a child. 

He was sentenced to 28 years in prison. 

Investigating officer, DC Blackburn from South Manchester’s Child Protection unit, said:

“Firstly, I’d like to thank the victim for her courageous decision to report the abuse to police.  

“Webb is a disgusting predator who though he could use a child for his own gratification with total disregard. 

“I hope this sentence brings the victim a sense of justice and allows her to move on as she rebuilds her life. 

“I’d like to take this opportunity to reach out to victims of child sexual abuse and let them know that they are not alone.  

“We are here and will listen to you when you are ready. We have specialist officers who can support you and work with you at a pace that is comfortable for you.  

“If you are not ready to speak to police, there are several services available for you to speak to in confidence.”

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Today (Friday 19 September 2025), one of the most prolific child sexual predators even seen in the North West has been jailed for 14 years following investigations by Greater Manchester Police and Lancashire Police.

Stuart Latham, 22, from Wigan has been sentenced at Preston Crown Court to 49 offences including rape, sexual activity with a child, blackmail, sexual communication with children, inciting children to engage in sexual activity, and the creation, possession and distribution of indecent images, against 41 victims between the ages of 11 and 15, spanning the whole of the UK.

In 2023, Lancashire Police received a report that Latham, who was from Greater Manchester, had raped a girl in Heysham, who was aged 12 at the time of the offences.

He had met the girl on the social media app ‘Swiper’, where he had told her he was 15, despite being an adult. The girl had told him her age over messages.

Latham was arrested on suspicion of rape and a joint investigation with Greater Manchester Police later commenced.

Latham was arrested by GMP in April 2024, whilst on bail for the offences in Lancashire, following a referral made by US authorities via the National Crime Agency that a local man was having sexualised chat with children on Snapchat.

When officers arrived at his home address that very same day, Latham tried to conceal his mobile by throwing it to the back of his wardrobe. After our digital forensic experts were able to download and analyse this device, it was clear why he was keen to evade its discovery.

Despite denying all allegations in interview, his mobile revealed that he had ‘catfished’ a large number of young girls on Snapchat under the name ‘Josh’, posing as a 14-year-old boy. He would send mass messages to up to 200 girls at a time on the platform, initially asking for their help but not specifying what with, only to go onto request sexualised images and videos, sometimes offering cash and giftcards in return.

He would send them fake pictures, taken from the internet, to keep up this identity of being a teenager himself, and never paid any of the victims.

Once he had successfully lured the victims in, he would continue to demand more and more images, blackmailing them with threats to leak them or tell their parents, and exploiting their vulnerabilities if they didn’t send any. He would also send explicit videos and images of himself in response to what they had shared with him.

The chats with these children showed no care about their age or wellbeing, and were extremely explicit, graphic, and distressing in nature. He showed no remorse or accountability in any of his police interviews.

We were able to find Latham had spoken to 48 victims, bringing charges against him in 41 of those cases. Of the 41, eight of the children remain unidentified, but the rest we have been able to speak with and safeguard from further harm. That support will continue beyond today’s result.

Whilst we uncovered over 4,000 indecent images on Latham’s devices, we know that some data which had been deleted from his device before his initial arrest in Lancashire couldn’t be recovered, so the full scale of his offending could be much greater.

Detective Constable Emma Murtagh, from GMP’s Online Child Abuse Investigation Team, and who led this case, said:

“This is one of the most horrific cases I have ever had to investigate, not only due to the scale of the offending, but also due to the devastating impact and harm this this man’s behaviour and actions have had on these young girls and their families.

“We worked incredibly hard to identify as many victims as possible, listen to them, safeguard them and support them through this terrible ordeal. That has been our priority throughout and the victims living in very different locations has not been a barrier to this investigation.

“The impact has also been felt by all their parents and guardians, who understandably were very shocked and distressed to hear about what had been happening.

“This case demonstrates unfortunately the ease of which those looking to exploit children can target, manipulate and blackmail them online. 

“We encourage anyone who may find them in a situation like these young people to come forward to police. We are steadfast in our pursuit of holding child predators to account and protecting children, and will act on any information we receive.”

Detective Chief Inspector Dylan Hrynkow, of West Rape and Serious Sexual offences team said:

“This investigation was complex with cross border offending, due to excellent joint working we have been able to secure charges and  convictions for these horrendous offences.”

“This crime has understandably had a profound impact on the victim, who has shown incredible strength and bravery over a significant amount of time, throughout proceedings. I can only hope that the knowledge of Latham’s significant sentence will bring  some sense of closure in knowing he has been brought to justice.

“If you have been a victim of any sexual offending in Lancashire, I want you to know that we will listen to you, we will appropriately investigate, and we will do all we can to get you justice.”

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A man who took a 15-year-old girl to his home after meeting her in a town centre has been jailed for 11 years for rape and causing a child to engage in sexual activity. 

Rasseika Duncan (04/11/1984), of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Manchester Crown Square Court yesterday (Thursday 18 September) after previously being found guilty in June this year.

The court heard how on Saturday 1 October 2022, Duncan was in Hyde when he stopped a girl who was walking through the area, at around 8pm.

After a brief conversation, Duncan convinced the girl to go back to his address in the Stalybridge area. On the way, he bought a quantity of cannabis.

Once back at the address, he locked the door of the room, forcing himself on her and continuing his assault despite the girl attempting to stop him.

As a friend of the girl had previously reported seeing her with Duncan and raised her concerns, her phone was traced, with officers turning up to the address and arresting him later that evening.

Following a comprehensive investigation by GMP’s Tameside Child Sexual Exploitation team, Duncan was charged with the offences.

In addition to his sentencing, he has received an indefinite sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) and restraining order.

Detective Sergeant Michelle Davies, from GMP’s Tameside district, said:

“Duncan exploited a vulnerable young girl and took advantage of her, in what was a terrifying situation.

“I would like to thank the victim in this case for the immense bravery and courage she has shown throughout both the investigation and the trial.

“I hope today’s sentencing can provide some comfort to her, as she continues to rebuild her life following this awful ordeal.”

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A convicted rapist issued threats to a court before being handed a fourth life sentence for attempting to stab a prison officer's neck.

David O’Brien, 47, already serving three life sentences for attempting to murder inmates, appeared via videolink at Manchester Crown Court for the October 2022 attack at HMP Manchester.

He previously admitted attempting to murder inmate Danny Fitzsimons by attacking him with a metal bar in the gym at Ashworth Hospital.

He also admitted attacking inmate Peter Harris by approaching from behind and "slicing his neck" with an improvised knife made from a toothbrush and razor blade.

In another incident, after meeting inmate Dean Rawlinson the previous day, O’Brien asked for a cigarette, led him to a shower block, charged at him with a weapon from his waistband, and inflicted a 12cm laceration to his left cheek requiring surgery.

Prosecutor Virginia Hayton described preexisting tensions with the officer. On October 3, 2022, O’Brien went out of camera sight in the kitchen, armed himself with a sharp improvised weapon from cutlery, then struck the officer's neck as they left. He admitted aiming for the neck, but the injury was minor.

Interrupting, O’Brien said: “Are they [the victim] not waiting for me to get f***ing slammed by the judge?” He added: “I never used a weapon on a screw ever. When you’ve got screws been in the business two years, juiced out on steroids, bringing in mobile phones for me. Trying to get me kicked off the wing, assaulting me. There were five or six waiting for me.”

In a victim impact statement, the officer said the attack had a “profound effect,” causing fear, anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, night terrors, irritability, withdrawal, and strained relationships. “I used to be outgoing, now I only leave the house to attend work or if I’m prompted by my partner to engage in daily things.”

Ms. Hayton noted O’Brien’s “extensive and serious” record: nine years for two rapes, 49 months in 2015 for robbery, and life sentences for attempted murder in April 2017, December 2017, and January 2023.

Interrupting, O’Brien said: “Read them all out - I want to hear them all. If you’re going to read all my convictions, read them all." Later: “Get f***ing on with it, I am getting bored of it and I need a s**t. What’s the f***ing point in another life sentence when I’m already doing three. I should be on the streets, when there’s terrorists out there blowing our kids up. Sentence me, I’m getting bored. Next time you sentence me it’s going to be for something else. Hurry up. Taking three years to bring this to court and then three hours to sentence me.”

Defence barrister Matthew O’Neill said O’Brien, diagnosed with personality disorder, offered no personal mitigation. “The injury caused was not significant. He is currently serving three separate life sentences and the facts relating to this offence may not warrant life imprisonment.”

O’Brien interrupted: “I really don’t care - you know if you want to life me off, I don’t care. Before you do sentence me, I will be back, and it will get worse. On my mother’s life. Do what you are doing, making it f***ing worth it. Hope every one of them dies of f***ing cancer. I hope one of my people catches up with you, the CPS, judges. For the f***ing lies, giving me 25 years. Can’t do convictions properly, reading just the worst ones out. Your court is f***ing me over and f***ing me over. Vengeance will be sweeter. Give me a life sentence judge, I’m not getting out any time. It’s destroyed my life. Splashed all over the M.E.N. You’ve got people doing worse for murder and whatever else.”

Judge Nicholas Dean KC muted O’Brien’s microphone. He said O’Brien was convicted of attempting grievous bodily harm, claiming it was revenge over a betrayed prison deal. “During the course of the trial he displayed highly volatile behaviour as he has today in the course of this sentencing hearing. Mr O’Brien has expressed threats during this hearing, and so I am satisfied that he is classed as a dangerous offender. I am satisfied there is a significant risk of him committing further offences and a significant risk of causing serious harm. I am sure there is a risk it will likely carry on in the future.”

O’Brien received a life sentence with a minimum four-and-a-half-year term before Parole Board consideration. The judge requested the hearing record, including threats, be sent to the prison for future release evaluations.

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A man who groomed and sexually abused a vulnerable young girl over a prolonged period has been sentenced to sixteen-and-a-half-years in prison today (Friday, 5 September 2025) at Manchester Crown Court following a complex investigation.

Junedh Ahmed (11/6/1999) of Shield Close, Oldham Manchester was found guilty of 14 offences including rape of a child under the age of 13, taking incident photographs of a child, and causing a child to engage in sexual activity following a three-week trial, which concluded on 26th July 2025 with Ahmed being remanded into custody.

Ahmed must sign the sex offender registry for life and will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 20 years. He is also subject to an indefinite restraining order.

Our investigation into Ahmed began when the victim bravely disclosed the abuse to officers at Central Park Police Station. Detectives from our complex safeguarding team launched a detailed investigation, which uncovered a disturbing pattern of grooming, coercion, and sexual violence.

As part of sentencing proceedings, the girl bravely prepared a personal impact statement which was read aloud the court and included these words:

“Jay Ahmed made me lose pieces of my childhood I can never get back.

“There were times I felt like I was drowning in silence — too scared to speak, too ashamed to ask for help.

She continued to say: “It’s taken a lot of strength just to speak these words. But I’m speaking to them because I need the court — and the world — to understand what this kind of harm does.”

Her mother also provided an impact statement, which read:

“I have watched my daughter battle pain and confusion no child should ever know.

As her mother, I have fought every day to remind her she is not broken; she is strong, she is loved, and this was never her fault.

Jay Ahmed betrayed our trust, damaged a young girl's life, and many other young girls and shook our family to the core.”

A second girl was also identified as a victim in the case and in relation to her, Ahmed was found guilty of inciting a child under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity.

Investigators conducted a thorough digital analysis reviewing social media data, search history, and mobile phone downloads to build a strong evidential package.

This investigative work was conducted despite Ahmed refusing to provide the PIN code for his mobile phones. As such, he was convicted of a criminal offence under section 53 of RIPA for failing to comply with our investigation by preventing police from reviewing the data contained on his devices.

Through our investigation, we determined that offences took place between December 2020 and February 2022, during which time Ahmed gained the trust of the victim’s family and used his position to obtain unsupervised access to the child.

Ahmed proceeded to groom the girl with gifts, alcohol, and emotional manipulation, before subjecting her to repeated sexual abuse and recorded several instances on his mobile device.

Ahmed was arrested in February 2022 and again in August 2022. Cowardly, he gave no comment in both police interviews and pleaded not guilty to the charges he faced.

After a jury was presented with a package of evidence, they found Ahmed guilty

Detective Constable Emma Davidson, who led the investigation, said:

“Ahmed led a calculated and sustained campaign of abuse against a young girl. The courage she has shown — not only in coming forward to report what happened, but in going through the difficult process of a trial — has been extraordinary.

“Her strength has helped bring a dangerous offender to justice, and we hope this outcome brings her some measure of healing.

“Our complex safeguarding team was pivotal throughout this case and built strong relationships with the victims and their families throughout the investigation, as well as provided access to tailored support.

“Having co-located multiagency teams are central to our proactive approach to protecting children and preventing further harm.”