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A CONVICTED rapist has been jailed after he subjected a young girl to horrific abuse in a separate case. Paedophile Gad Evans, 55, from Newport, has been locked up for nine years following his guilty pleas to a raft of offences. They were committed in Caerphilly county between 2007 and 2011. He also admitted five counts of sexual assault of a child under 13. Jeffrey Jones, representing Evans, asked for his client to be given credit for his guilty pleas. Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke told the defendant he would have to serve two-thirds of his nine-year sentence in prison. Evans must register as a sex offender indefinitely and was banned from working with children for life. Following sentence, Detective Constable Alison Perry, the officer in the case, said: We would not have been able to bring Gad Evans before the courts to face justice without the courageous testimony of his victim. The bravery and resilience that she has shown throughout the investigation has been truly inspirational. Taking the first step to speak out about the horrific abuse they have endured is hard and we understand that is can be difficult for victims to make that initial call. We take all allegations of sexual assault, particularly against children, very seriously. "If a report is made to us, our officers will investigate them thoroughly. I want to reassure anyone considering doing so that there is a whole range of support out there; not only from Gwent Police but from partner agencies who can help you through the entire process. There are support services available for victims of sexual abuse, both non-recent and current and for both adults and children. "This help is also accessible to all genders. Sexual abuse can be reported to us via 101, or to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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A North Shields paedophile was found in possession of sickening indecent images that depicted children in "pain and distress".

Russell Liddell had already received a community order in 2011 after being found in possession of child sexual abuse images. But the 53-year-old was hauled back to Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday after being found with more indecent material after police went to his home on April 8, 2020, seized electronic items and found category A, B, and C images.

The court heard that children as young as three-years-old were found on his devices. Liddell appeared at the court to be sentenced for three counts of making indecent images of children. He had pleaded guilty to the charges at a previous hearing.

Neil Pallister, prosecuting, said an SD card, flash-drives and a hard-drive were seized when officers raided his home. A total of 17 category A, 10 category B, and 1,227 category C images were discovered, which depicted children between the ages of three and 16-years-old. Mr Pallister said some of the material included videos and showed children in "pain and distress".

The court heard that in 2011, Liddell, of Glendower Avenue, North Shields, was given a three year community order after being found in possession of indecent images. Mr Pallister said: "The defendant had left a mobile phone on a bus, which was found and examined. Indecent images were found and the phone was traced back to the defendant. His home was searched and 4,236 indecent images were recovered."

Adam Birkby, defending, said the "vast majority" of images that Liddell was found in possession of in 2020 were category C. He said: "This is a rather unusual case. He explained that some images had been downloaded as part of the last offending, not all of the images were new images." Mr Birkby said that the images had "triggered an addiction" and said he had a "complex mental health history". He added: "He leads a very isolated life and recognises he needs professional help."

The court was told that Liddell works from home for a call-centre and is a carer for his elderly father. Mr Birkby said that an immediate prison sentence would have an impact on him.

Sentencing Liddell, Recorder Ian Mullarkey said he had an "entrenched sexual interest in children" and handed him a 16 month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He ordered him to complete 55 rehabilitation activity days and made him subject of a four month electronic curfew. He must complete a sex offender programme and was made subject of a 15 year sexual harm prevention order. He will also be on the sex offender's register for 10 years.

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A FORMER karate coach caught with more than 100 indecent images was caught red-handed when he tried to talk to a minor online. Jordan McCarthy-Simmonette was arrested in October 2019 by officers from one of Northumbria Polices most specialist units the Paedophile Online Investigation Team (POLIT). Detectives acted after receiving information the 24-year-old had been talking to someone he believed was a 14-year-old male online but was actually engaging with a registered sex offender, who was the subject of a separate ongoing police investigation. When he was arrested his Newcastle home was also searched and a tablet and mobile phone were seized and taken for examination. Digital Investigators soon uncovered 109 Category C images stored on the devices, and McCarthy-Simmonnette was charged with attempted sexual communication with a child and possession of indecent images of children. Following his arrest, extensive partnership work was carried out between officers and partners from the local authorities to ensure McCarthy-Simmonette was removed from his role as coach and appropriate measures put in place. McCarthy-Simmonette, of Teviotdale Gardens, in Heaton appeared at Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday (April 20) where he was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment suspended for two years, after previously pleading guilty. He was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for seven years and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years. Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Rob Smoult from POLIT said: As a force we are committed to keeping children and young people safe from harmful and dangerous online predators. In this case, McCarthy-Simmonette believed he was engaging with a 14-year-old boy and unfazed by this. That behaviour is completely unacceptable. Thanks to a thorough investigation, a solid case was presented before the courts and McCarthy-Simmonette was left with little opportunity to deny his actions and I am pleased he has admitted his guilt. We know that cases like this can cause concern in our communities, but I want to reassure people that we are constantly working with our partners in the local authority and across a wide range of services to ensure the right measures and appropriate safeguards are in place to keep children and young people safe from harm. We will continue to work with schools, youth groups and parents to highlight the dangers which can be present across different platforms and would encourage adults to keep talking to their children about who they engaging with, and to keep promoting the use of privacy settings.

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A Southend man has been jailed after he admitted to the possession of indecent images of children.

Lionel Bryan, 43, of Hastings Road, will spend four and half years behind bars and three and a half out on licence.

He admitted to possessing indecent images of children and attempting to breach a Sexual Harm Prevention Order on two occasions at Basildon Crown Court earlier this month.

Already a registered sex offender, officers discovered more than 800 images on Bryan's mobile during a routine visit last year.

Acting Detective Sergeant Emma Chambers from Essex Police, said: Any person who possesses indecent images should be prepared to be brought to justice for this terrible crime.

It is not a victimless crime, there is always someone who has suffered at the hands of a perpetrator.

Bryan was a registered sex offender when he committed these offences but the court has seen fit to punish him accordingly.

Bryan remains on the Register of Sex Offenders and is subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

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A South Shields paedophile who thought he was sending sexual chats to a young girl was in fact messaging an uncover police officer.

Christopher Bullock believed he was speaking to a 13-year-old girl on the Kik messenger app and sent over pictures of his penis and initiated a perverted game. But the 39-year-old was actually speaking to an undercover police officer who had created a fake profile in order to snare perverts.

When Bullock was arrested, his home was searched and officers found indecent images of children in his possession. Bullock appeared at Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday to be sentenced for three counts of making indecent images and a charge of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. He pleaded guilty to the charges at a previous hearing.

Rachel Glover, prosecuting, said an undercover officer joined the Kik app and created a profile purporting to be that of a 13-year-old girl from London. Ms Glover said: "The profile received three messages from the defendant between June and July, 2019 where he said 'Hi gorgeous', and there was no reply. Four attempts were made on September 2, 2019, where a conversation followed. The defendant told her that he was 36, from Newcastle and worked as a delivery driver."

Ms Glover said that Bullock's messages quickly turned sexual and asked to play a game of "question and answer". She said some of questions were general, but many were sexual. "During the conversation the defendant said he would like to see her breasts and asked if she would like to meet", Ms Glover said. Bullock also sent a picture of himself, as well as of his penis.

The court heard that Bullock, of Whitehall Street, South Shields, was later arrested at his home and his electronic devices were also seized. A hard drive was examined and indecent images were found, including one in category A. The images had been downloaded between 2017 and 2019.

Gavin Doig, defending, said Bullock indicated guilty pleas early and had no previous convictions. He said: "Fortunately, it's a single conversation. It's something the defendant should never have done and is very ashamed of."

Recorder Ian Mullarkey handed Bullock a 10 month prison sentence, suspended for two years and ordered him to complete 55 rehabilitation activity days and a sex offender programme. He was made subject of a seven year sexual harm prevention order and will be on the sex offender's register for 10 years.

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A man sexually abused three children over a period of seven years in the New Forest, a court has heard.

Steve Oxborrow, 33, of Wilverley Road, Wootton abused the children on multiple occasions between January 2005 and June 2012.

This took place in Wootton and New Milton and he has since been charged.

After a three-week trial, he has now been found guilty of a string of offences.

Appearing at Southampton Crown Court yesterday (April 5) he was found guilty of five counts of sexual activity with a child under 13, three counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 and two counts of making indecent photographs of a child.

He was also found guilty of one count of possession of indecent image of a child and one count of rape of a child under 13.

He has now been remanded in custody and is set to appear at the same court for sentencing on May 26.

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A PAEDOPHILE illegally using his fathers Facebook profile to contact women was caught when one of them saw a report about him in the Argus. Convicted child rapist Louis Beagen was barred from going on social media under a false name under the terms of a sexual harm prevention order. The 28-year-old from Newport was getting in touch with women via Facebook Messenger by using the profile of his dad Gareth Beagen. Beagan told one woman, a stranger, he had gone to Hartridge High School before sending her a photograph of himself lying bare-chested on a bed. She recognised his picture from a court report shed read of about him in the Argus and contacted the police. Beagen was jailed for more than six years in 2014 for sexual offences, including rape, committed against underage teenage girls. Four years later he was locked up again after being snared by paedophile hunters when using his father's mobile phone and iPad to contact what he thought were three girls, one aged just aged 13. Beagans latest offence took place last Christmas and he appeared before Cardiff Crown Court for sentence. The defendant, of Ennerdale Court, Old Barn Estate, pleaded guilty to breaching a sexual harm prevention order. These orders are made by courts for the purpose of protecting the public from further offending by defendants convicted of sexual crimes. Judge Richard Williams told Beagen: You used a Facebook profile in the name of Gareth Beagen. Gareth Beagen is your father. Your basis of plea is that you did not create this account but made use of it and the prosecution does not seek to disprove that assertion. However, under the terms of your order you had to notify the police about it and you did not. You used that profile to contact women through Facebook Messenger. These were all adult women. One whom you contacted became suspicious and discovered that you had also tried to contact a friend of hers using a pseudonym and she also recognised from a newspaper report in the South Wales Argus that you were a convicted sex offender. This amounts to a series breach of the order and it caused some alarm. Julia Cox, mitigating, said: The defendant was not communicating with any individual under the age of 18. It wasnt an account he had created for deceptive purposes but there is no excuse for the offending. She added: Mr Beagen has now been predominantly in custody since the age of 19 and hes now 28. There is a risk, in my submission, of him becoming institutionalised. Beagen was jailed for 20 months and ordered to pay a victim surcharge after his release from prison.

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A CANNABIS farmer caught with 77,000 worth of the illegal drug and as well as indecent images of children has been jailed. Nezir Slemaj appeared at Newcastle Crown Court earlier this month where he was sentenced to 16 months behind bars. The 20-year-old first came to the attention of police when his home on Northcote Street, Newcastle was searched by officers back in August last year. A total of 68 mature plants and 134 others at various stages of growth were seized alongside equipment valued at around 10,000. When Slemaj was arrested, two mobile phones were also recovered and examined with detectives later uncovering a range of horrific indecent images and videos. Slemaj was later charged and appeared at Newcastle Crown court on December 16 where he was convicted of three counts of making indecent photographs of children, one count of possessing extreme pornography and producing a Class B drug and was remanded in custody. On March 16, he was sentenced at the same court to a total of 16 months behind bars, given a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for ten years. Detective Constable Dan Hall, from Northumbria Police, said: As a force we are committed to protecting our communities from any form of criminality and the ripple effects that can happen as a result. In this case, a simple house search led to the seizure and destruction of a large quantity of cannabis which could have made its way onto our streets and saw the profits reinvested into further crime. As part of our thorough investigation, a number of indecent images were also found on Slemajs phone and added to the solid file of evidence we were able to put before the courts. Slemaj had no previous convictions and what initially began as a drugs investigation has resulted in the conviction of a potentially dangerous sex offender who is now registered with law enforcement.

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A pervert found with sick images of kids claimed he'd been cured of his sexual interest in children.

Police found the vile photos on Jack Newton's mobile phone when they seized a number of electronic goods from his Throckley home.

A court heard that the 22-year-old had been sent the seven pictures, some involving children a young as five, in 2019 by an associate on Snap Chat.

When he was questioned about the sordid material, he told officers he "previously had a sexual interest in kids but no longer did".

Now, Newton, of Isabella Walk, in Throckley, is facing a possible jail sentence after he pleaded guilty to two counts of making an indecent image of a child.

Lillian Yanes Hellevik, prosecuting at Newcastle Magistrates' Court, said officers searched Newton's home on July 13 2020 and seized a number of devices.

She added: "The images found were on his mobile phone. There were seven category B and two category C.

"Samples of those images contained children between five and 11-years-old. The defendant accepted in interview to receiving the images.

"He accepted he may previously have had a sexual interest in children but stated he no longer does."

The court heard that Newton had no previous convictions and pleaded guilty on the basis he was sent the images without asking specifically for them.

Sophie Allinson, defending, said: "I submit these matters are suitable to be finalised here but I appreciate an all-options report will be needed.

"I will save my mitigation for the future sentencing hearing."

Newton was released on unconditional bail to next appear at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on April 11.

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A rapist has been jailed after his victim reported the attack to her local Boots pharmacy.

Northumbria Police praised the quick-thinking and incredible bravery of the woman after she was attacked in 2019.

Michael Henderson visited the victim at her home on June 14, raping her in a bedroom.

Too frightened to report Henderson to police, she visited a Boots pharmacy the following day in West Denton in Newcastle.

The woman felt safe to report the attack, knowing Boots are part of the Safe Spaces scheme, where businesses offer safe spaces for people experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Specially trained staff were able to make the victim feel safe and with her consent, they called Northumbria Police and reported the attack.Henderson, 39, was questioned by officers where he denied rape. He was convicted of the offence in December 2021, at Newcastle Crown Court.He was sentenced at the same court to six years in prison on Friday, March 11.

Detective Constable Victoria Threadgold, who led the investigation, praised the smart thinking and bravery of the victim reporting it at a Safe Space and hopes it will encourage other victims to do the same.Det Con Threadgold said: "This victim has suffered the most awful sexual violence and I can't commend her enough for coming forward to report to a Safe Space. It is with thanks to her quick-thinking and incredible bravery that Henderson is now behind bars and hopefully, she can begin rebuilding her life. "I also really want to praise the staff at the Boots pharmacy where the victim initially reported the rape. It is testament to their specialist training, empathy and support that she has had the strength to speak out."The charity UK Says No More is working with Boots UK, Morrisons, Superdrug and Well pharmacies, TSB banks and independent pharmacies across the UK to provide Safe Spaces in their consultation rooms for people experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence. Det Con Threadgold added: "We understand often victims of these awful crimes can be reluctant to report to police, but safeguarding is everyone's business and by having these excellent third-party reporting schemes in place can really help bring more victims forward. Safe Spaces really can help save lives. They are so vitally important to have in our communities."

Henderson of Bamburgh Walk, Gosforth will also have to sign the sex offenders register for life and has been handed an indefinite restraining order.

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Persistent pervert Colin Lowrie was back in court for breaching a sexual harm prevention order A judge has put a serial sex offender from South Shields "to the test" by delaying his sentence for six months after he was back in court. Persistent pervert Colin Lowrie was back in the dock at Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday after he breached a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO). Prosecutor Annelise Haugstad told the court that the 28-year-old was issued with a SHPO on May 9, 2019, as a result of his criminal past. On January 30, police attended his home address to carry out a home risk review that helped him to manage as a "high-risk sex offender". He was asked if he had any devices for review and he presented three devices that did not have the capacity to ring or text. After some discussions, Lowrie then presented a fourth device, a mobile phone, that was concealed in his pocket as he "tried to hide it from police officers". He told officers he had deleted social media apps including Instagram and Snapchat from his phone when he saw officers outside his address. The court heard how Lowrie's previous convictions include breaching a SHPO and incitement offences. His most recent conviction for breaching a SHPO involved him talking to a 15-year-old girl online through a chatroom having been told her age on three separate occasions and asking questions like would she date him. Ms Haugstad said it was a "deliberate breach" of the order and said there were a number of previous breaches. Vic Laffey, mitigating, said there was "no evidence" to suggest there was a "significant risk" in this particular incident. Judge Sarah Mallet deferred his sentence for six months until September 15 and told him: "Although your offence qualifies for a custodial sentence, you are in the middle of doing good work that might bring about a long-term good outcome for you stopping committing these sorts of offences you have already committed and so I want to put you to the test to keep out of trouble." Lowrie, of Belgrave Terrace, South Shields, must comply with a community order, and a SHPO. The judge also warned him not to commit any other offences otherwise she would have "no alternative" but to send him to prison.

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James Roberts, of South Shields, thought he was talking to a schoolgirl but it was actually an undercover police officer A perverted pensioner who wanted a 14-year-old girl to go his home and offered to "train" her how to have sex has been jailed. James Roberts, 70, began chatting to what he believed was a schoolgirl online and told her he didn't mind her age if she didn't mind his, which he said was 65. The profile was actually an undercover police officer but Roberts thought he was talking to a child. Newcastle Crown Court heard Roberts initially communicated with the profile on a chat app and then it moved to WhatsApp. He told her he was at home all day drinking beer and she was welcome to join him and told her he lived near South Shields Metro station and could meet her there. The conversation progressed to him asking about her sexual experience and he said they could have sex if she wanted to. An arrangement was made to meet the following week and Roberts told her: "You won't tell anyone," adding a winking emoji. He went on to ask if he would need to wear a condom and said he would get some just in case. Andrew Finlay, prosecuting, said: "He said she was the youngest he had been with. "They discussed what she was going to wear. He said he wanted her to wear a skirt. "He asked if she was a virgin and she said she tried but it didn't really work and he said 'I will take it for you'. "He then asked if she wanted him to train her." Roberts also told what he thought to be a child that he watched pornography and how big his penis was, saying he would be gentle with her when they had sex. After being sent a picture purporting to be her, he said she was beautiful and that he was thinking of her naked. The conversation developed and he asked how big her breasts were and described things he wanted to do. When she expressed uncertainty about meeting, he encouraged her. On November 12 2020, he turned up to meet her at South Shields Metro and was arrested by police. Roberts, of Green Place, South Shields, pleaded guilty to attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity and attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming. Judge Robert Spragg jailed him for 30 months and told him he must sign the sex offenders register indefinitely and he will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for 10 years. The court heard he has been married three times and has children he doesn't see and was "lonely and isolated" and was drinking at the time of the offences. Robin Turton, defending, said: "This was a regular chat site and she made the first move. "He was flattered and surprised she wanted to have a conversation with him given the age disparity." The court heard he has a number of health problems including arthritis and COPD. Roberts has 58 previous convictions but nothing for sex offences and his last conviction was in 1995 for drugs offending, for which he was jailed for 30 months.

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A MAN with a relatively low IQ failed to appreciate the seriousness of kissing an underage girl and sending her suggestive messages, a court was told. Questioned by police, after the girls mother raised concerns at his actions, having seen her daughters phone, Robert Joseph Lee claimed the kissing, even on the lips, was, not sexual. Durham Crown Court heard he admitted the follow-up messages, among which he told her he was looking forward to kisses and cuddles and he wished she could fill the empty space in his bed, may have seemed inappropriate, but again stated that there was no sexual intent. Lee told police it was, a silly little thing between him and the girl but claimed he would not have taken it any further, knowing her age. The 42-year-old defendant denied two counts of sexual assault and one of engaging in sexual communication with a child, but on the day his trial began changed pleas to guilty, at the court last October. Richard Herrmann, prosecuting, said by then the girl had given a pre-recorded interview, and her mother was at court expecting to have to give evidence In an impact statement read to the court, the girls mother stated she felt, disappointment, anger and sickness, at his exploitative activity, which she said had left her daughter, anxious and scared. She also stated that she was angry it went all the way to trial before Lee made his admissions, causing a great deal of distress. Following Lees late admissions, at trial, sentence was adjourned by Judge James Adkin for preparation of psychiatric and Probation Service reports on the defendant. Chris Knox, in mitigation, told the sentencing hearing what was clear from the reports was that the defendant, was functioning at a very low level. There was an apparent lack of appreciation how serious this was, and an apparent lack of him taking it seriously. We werent getting an entirely sensible response. Mr Knox said, the penny only really dropped with his client when the case came to trial. He added that the defendant, who has no previous convictions, had a good work record and, presents as affable. Mr Knox urged Judge Adkin to pass a suspended sentence, adding: Hes classically someone the Probation Service ought to work with. But Judge Adkin said: Its a dreadful case. Mr Knox agreed, but said: Its not clear what the defendants intention was. Judge Adkin replied: Thats only because the mother found the text messages. Imposing a 19-month prison sentence, he told Lee, of Thorntree Court, Forest Hall, Newcastle, the The clear inference was that you groomed her with a view to a sexual relationship. He added: I consider this to be sinister and very worrying offending. Lee was also made subject of a Sexual Harm prevention Order, registration as a sex offender and a restraining order, relating to the girl, all for ten years.

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A paedophile carried out sickening sex attacks on schoolgirls after opening up his home as a place where they could truant and be given drink and drugs. Colin Wright, who was already a convicted sex offender, gave teenagers alcohol and amphetamine as he groomed them so he could pounce. Newcastle Crown Court heard he even offered money for illegal sexual services he wanted from youths who would visit his home in Sunderland and knew him by the nickname "Cosh". Wright, now 61, denied 11 offences of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual activity with a child, sexual assault, attempted rape, supplying a class B drug and attempting to pay for sexual services of a child. The offences were in relation to three schoolgirls. He was convicted by a jury after a trial and has now been jailed for 16 years with an extended licence period of four years. He must register as sex offender and abide by a sexual harm prevention order for life. The court heard in 2020 Wright was jailed for offences dating back to the 1970s. Judge Amanda Rippon today said Wright has an "enduring sexual attraction to children and a willingness to offend against them if circumstances allow" andposes a "significant risk". The judge said in the more recent offences Wright's home was a "place to truant from school, smoke, be given amphetamine and alcohol". Judge Rippon said the impact on the victims "was and remains quite profound". The court heard Wright offered one teen 50 to strip before he sexually assaulted her. She was later given 20 in an envelope. He offered another teen 100 to have full sexual intercourse with him but his offer was refused. One of the victims said in an impact statement: "I have night terrors and see his face in my dreams." Another said she became an "angry young girl" after what Wright did to her and "began to disconnect with the world". Lorraine Mustard, defending Wright, now of Shields Road, Byker, Newcastle, said: "He concedes he has committed some of the offences. "He does not have a clear recollection of what exactly took place but he does take responsibility for his behaviour. "He is thoroughly ashamed of himself and apologetic for it."

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Adam Webb, of Newcastle, who has a history of sex attacks on young girls, made disturbing searches on a phone he wasn't meant to have A predatory paedophile had made a series of disturbing searches on a secret phone - including looking for "children's homes in Newcastle". Adam Webb was already subject to restrictions after committing serious sex offences, including against two girls aged six and eight in 2014. Having breached a sexual harm prevention order previously, he has now been back in court for doing it again. He had acquired one mobile phone without telling police, as he was required to do, then failed to provide the pass code for another phone. A search of the first phone uncovered a number of disturbing searches had been made. These included "teen porn", "schoolgirls", "British schoolgirl rape porn", "under skirt little girl" "children's homes in Newcastle", "famous paedophiles" and "how to clean your phone". Now Webb, 26, of Ozanam House Newcastle, who is classed as a danger to children, has been sent back to prison for three years at Newcastle Crown Court after admitting two breaches of the sexual harm prevention order. Recorder Geraldine Kelly told him: "How you behaved in relation to those phones, keeping possession of one from the officers and refusing to hand over the pass code, making those searches followed by a search of how to clean your phone, is entirely in keeping with how the probation officer finds you to be during your recent supervision by them. "They have noted how deceitful you are in order to avoid the consequences of that order. "The purpose is to keep children safe from your sexual offending and you seem to be determined in trying to avoid that order. "You are a high risk to children." The court heard he has 12 previous convictions, all for sex offences or breaches of orders aimed at stopping his offending and was on licence at the time of the latest offences. In the 2014 offences, he was convicted of sexual assault, causing a child to engage in sexual activity and sexual activity in the presence of a child. He approached the little girls, who were unknown to him, committed a sex act in front of them and asked them to touch him intimately, which they did not. He then sexually assaulted one of them. Mark Harrison, defending, said: "He says he was not the owner of the phone throughout the period and it was given to him by a friend to sell on."