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A sex offender has landed himself back in court after he set-up a Facebook account in a fake name.

Joseph Tudor, also known as Albert, was put on the Sex Offenders' Register in 2017, which means he must abide by a number of rules. One of those rules is that the 42-year-old must tell police of he uses a different name, including online.

However, in March this year, while officers performed a routine review on Tudor, they found he'd set-up a Facebook account under the name Joe Virgo, a court was told. Nothing untoward was found on the account but it did land Tudor, of Bewicke Road, in Wallsend, back in the dock for failing to comply with the notification requirements of the sex offenders' register. He pleaded guilty to the charge.

Paul Anderson, prosecuting, said officers conducted the review on March 25 this year. Mr Anderson continued: "He's set-up a Facebook account using a false name. He's subject to notification requirements and an annual review by police as a result of his past offending.

"As a result of one of those reviews, officers discovered the defendant hadn't told them that he had set-up a Facebook account in the name of Joe Virgo, which, of course, he ought to have done."

When interviewed, Tudor said he had been "absent-minded" when setting up the account and had forgotten to tell police. The court heard that Tudor created the account as he was getting death threats on an old one in his real name and had chosen to use his zodiac sign as his surname.

District Judge Kate Meek decided she needed a pre-sentence report before she finalised the case and adjourned it until September 6. Tudor was released on bail to appear back before the same court on that date.

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A predator wore a Christmas jumper to make himself look "endearing" before carrying out a terrifying public toilet sex attack on a schoolboy.

Patrick Livingstone, who is subject to a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order, sported the festive garment to make him appear "harmless" as he lurked around the lavatories in Newcastle in November 2020. When a teenager went in and used a urinal, he was targeted by the 54-year-old serial sex offender, ordered into a cubicle and subjected to a terrifying ordeal.

Prosecutor Andrew Espley told Newcastle Crown Court the youth "froze" and felt "powerless" during the attack. The victim said in a statement: "When it happened I was in total shock and panic. I was terrified the male was going to go further."

The boy said he felt "paranoid, scared and sick" afterwards. Mr Espley said charity shop worker Livingstone deliberately wore the Christmas jumper "in an attempt to make himself look endearing and no threat and harmless when in reality he's anything but."

Livingstone has convictions for sex offences in the 1990s and was jailed for attempted grooming and trying to incite sexual activity with two different underage boys in 2017. At the time of the toilet attack he was on bail for a child sex attack carried out on a boy over 30 years ago.

After staying silent for more than three decades about what Livingstone did to him, the brave victim spoke out when he saw a newspaper article about the 2017 offences. Mr Espley said: "He never told anyone until he reported it because he saw an article about Mr Livingstone being convicted for sexual offences."

The victim branded Livingstone a "monster" and said the attack on him had a "huge impact" on his life. He said: "Nothing will take away how I feel about this and it doesn't get any easier to deal with.

"I waited almost 30 years to tell the police what had he did to me, living in fear and shame. The newspaper article made me get in touch with the police about what he did. It was an article about how he had been sent to prison.

"That shows to me he will never change, he's a danger to children. Him being left to be free puts children at risk. I will never be free of what he did to me."

Livingstone, of St. John's Green, Percy Main, North Shields, admitted indecent assault in relation to the historic offence as well as sexual assault and engaging in sexual activity without consent in relation to the toilet attack. He also admitted three charges of breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order in relation to conversations with and messages sent to children.

Judge Robert Adams sentenced Livingstone to four years and eight months behind bars with a five year extended licence. The court heard probation officials assessed Livingstone as a "significant risk of causing serious harm to members of the public, particularly teenagers or adolescents, especially boys."

Judge Adams agreed with the conclusion and said: "He is dangerous." The judge told Livingstone: "You are a significant risk of serious harm to members of the public, particularly children and adolescent boys."

The court heard Livingstone has learning difficulties and is "lonely and isolated" but now has a partner. Helen Towers, defending, said Livingstone is "capable of rehabilitation".

Description

A young sex offender who 'loves little boys' and 'thinks rape videos are awesome' is back behind bars for his latest offences. James Cartwright, 21, has several offences on his record including making child abuse images, sexual touching and distributing indecent images.

In messages to other paedophiles, Cartwright previously described sex attack videos as 'awesome' and also said he loved little boys so much. He has been assessed as being a high risk of serious harm to male and female children.

Now Cartwright has been brought back before Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court and jailed for 27 months after pleading guilty to three offences of breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and breaching the notification requirements of the sex offenders' register. The latest prison sentence comes after he was jailed for 21 months in September last year for two offences of breaching the SHPO.

The court heard his latest breaches involved him having a virtual private network; using Snapchat to delete information; and contacting a child he knew to be under the age of 16. And he breached the notification requirements by failing to inform the police of social media names and aliases.

Stuart Muldoon, mitigating, said the defendant, of Albert Street, Newcastle, and formerly of Burslem, admitted in his police interview to having items on his phone which he should not have had. Mr Muldoon said: "He is still only 21. He recognises he has issues in relation to the way he conducts himself.

"At the moment he has not undertaken any programmes or approved courses to address these issues. At only 21 there is enough time for him to address issues and carry out approved courses and put himself in a position to comply with the orders of the court."

Judge Graeme Smith said: "This is a worrying case because at a relatively young age you have already amassed a number of convictions for very similar offences. You are now back in front of the court for having a virtual private network; setting up Snapchat to delete information; contacting a child you knew or believed to be under 16 - all breaches of the SHPO; and failing to notify the offender manager of social media names and aliases - a breach of the notification requirements.

"You know the police can and will attend without notice to check whether you are complying and you have been in custody on previous occasions because of breaches. These are very serious matters.

"You are still young. You have not had the opportunity to undertake any registered sex offender courses. It is to be hoped at some stage you will have that opportunity and you will take it."

Cartwright will serve half the sentence in custody with the rest on licence.

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Parents were horrified to discover a convicted sex offender had been having sinister contact with their children.

Daniel Sloan sought to ingratiate himself with youngsters, who thought he was being kind by buying doughnuts, showing off his double joints and telling them he did gymnastics. But in reality he was a paedophile with a disturbing sexual interest in children.

In April 2018 Sloan was jailed for three years for attempted grooming and inciting sexual activity of a child and he was given a sexual harm prevention order which banned him from having or seeking contact with a child unless their parent knew of his conviction, allowed such contact and it was supervised.

Having been released, Sloan had already breached the order when he went on to have prohibited contact with children in Hebburn. A mum of a ten-year-old girl noticed him watching the children playing on a grass verge and she also saw him speaking to one of the children.

One evening in June, the mother returned home to find her daughter playing in her friend's front garden and Sloan was speaking to them over a garden fence. The woman took her child inside and asked what he had been saying. She replied that he had been "really kind", showing them his double joints and how he could go cock-eyed.

Christopher Rose, prosecuting, told Newcastle Crown Court : "She said he had held a ruler above his head and her friend was trying to jump up for it. Her friend had taken off her shoe and soiled her feet and the defendant suggested she have a shower.

"The mum asked her daughter his name and when told she Googled him. She was shocked and alarmed at what she found out and informed other parents and the police."

The mum said in a victim impact statement: "I felt sick to the stomach at the thought of anything else happening to the children. I wish I had found out earlier, this has caused me distress, worry and anxiety."

A dad of a younger girl also saw Sloan talking to her. Mr Rose said: "On one occasion, he looked out of the upstairs window and noticed his daughter was not in the garden, where she should have been. He was concerned and went downstairs and saw his daughter step out of the defendant's front door. This happened on more than one occasion.

"The defendant denied any child had entered his house but the witness is adamant he saw his daughter exit the door of the defendant's flat."

The court heard Sloan had also bought the girl doughnuts and she was holding some as she came out of his door standing next to the pervert.

In June the man was in his home with his windows open when he heard Sloan talking to his daughter outside, telling her he did gymnastics and asking if she did. He also said to her: "I've got you more doughnuts, the ones you like, not jam".

The concerned dad was then shown a news report about Sloan's previous offending. Police were called and Sloan complained he no longer felt safe as people had found out about his past. He then resisted arrest.

The dad said: "She keeps waking up through the night having nightmares asking if he is coming back to get her and keeps crying in her sleep and is frightened of being in a room by herself and frightened to play outside.

"School have expressed concerns she has been drawing pictures of violent scenes showing Daniel Sloan with a knife and blood. She now knows what a paedophile is. He has ruined her innocence."

Sloan, 35, of no fixed address, whose previous convictions include two indecent assaults from 2005, the attempted grooming and inciting sexual activity offences from 2018 and two breaches of the sexual harm prevention order from 2020, pleaded guilty to breaching the sexual harm prevention order and resisting arrest.

Jailing him for 32 months, Recorder Tom Moran said he poses a very high risk and added: "The only sensible conclusion is you are unable to control your sexual attraction to children. This was not innocent, inadvertent or fleeting, it was clearly a lot more sinister than that . You were trying to ingratiate yourself with them."

Jamie Adams, defending, said: "He is not a man without intelligence and he is aware of the wrongfulness of this behaviour. He felt he had been doing well in the accommodation he was in.

"He feels he has got a label around his neck saying sex offender which makes it very difficult for him to think he can engage in a normal way in society with people around him."

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A rapist who carried out "vile and persistent" sexual abuse of a child over a period of years has been caged for 24 years.

Majid Rafizadeh perpetrated a "campaign of rapes" against a child over a period of around six years during a "sinister process" of grooming. The 46-year-old continues to deny the offences, despite being found guilty by a jury of three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault following a trial in May.

On Thursday, Rafizadeh, of Fenham, Newcastle, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court via link from HMP Durham to be sentenced for the four counts. He required a Farsi-Persian interpreter throughout proceedings.

Judge Tim Gittins said Rafizadeh carried out "vile and persistent sexual abuse" of the child and also carried out "random and repeated violence" against the victim. He said Rafizadeh also "began a sinister process of grooming" while undertaking a "campaign of rapes" at a time when he was addicted to opium. The court was told that Rafizadeh's crimes finally came to light when the victim grew older and reported the abuse to police.

Susan Hirst, defending, said Rafizadeh continues to deny the offences and said he had no previous convictions prior to his trial. She said Rafizadeh was born and raised in Iran and was a "productive member of society there" after setting up a small business selling car parts. She said: "He then became involved in political demonstrations against the government and had to flee the country. He arrived in the UK in 2000 and has always had a strong work ethic."

Ms Hirst added: "Once in the UK he found employment working on construction sites before training as a gas engineer. In recent years he was running his own company." The court was told that Rafizadeh had also suffered from depression and was "very vulnerable in his own right".

Judge Gittins jailed Rafizadeh for 24 years and made him subject of an indefinite sexual harm prevention order. He will also be on the sex offender's register for life. A restraining order was also imposed.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Nicola Wade, said the victim had shown exceptional courage speaking out against Rafizadeh and hopes it will help encourage other victims of abuse to speak out. She said: "This man is a predatory paedophile who has taken advantage of the victim and left them emotionally broken. They have suffered at the hands of this vile man but has been so brave throughout this investigation. I hope this sentence can bring some form of closure but also give others the confidence to come forward and report abuse of any form to police."

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A paedophile who was found in possession of hundreds of sickening child abuse images claimed he was compiling a "dossier" to hand over to police.

Lee Scott was found with over 460 category A indecent images, 451 of which were videos depicting horrific abuse, when police went to his home on March 3, last year. The 32-year-old was found in possession of 810 indecent images in total, as well as two prohibited images of children.

Scott, of Welbeck Road, Walker, Newcastle, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday to be sentenced for possession of indecent images. He pleaded guilty at a previous hearing.

Michael Bunch, prosecuting, said police went to his home address in March last year and was asked about indecent images. "He said 'yes, I did, I was sent some things and sent them on'", Mr Bunch said. Scott's cloud storage was also looked into and a Samsung mobile phone was seized. The court was told that 462 category A images, including 451 videos were found, as well as 157 category B, and 191 category C images. Two prohibited images were also found.

During the examination of his phone, 50 category A, 73 category B, and 147 category C images were found, which had been deleted by Scott. He was interviewed twice by police but on both occasions made no reply. The court heard that Scott initially claimed he had amassed the indecent material in order to create a "dossier for the police". Recorder Ian Mullarkey said this claim was "complete nonsense".

Mark Harrison, defending, said Scott, who had one previous caution dating back to 2008 for possessing an indecent image, had entered a guilty plea and had made good progress with the probation service although a "significant amount of work" still needs to be done. He said: "He doesn't find it easy to discuss how it was that he came to be in possession of the images." Mr Harrison added that Scott did not distribute any of the images and has a job. He added Scott was a "vulnerable young man who would struggle considerably if incarcerated".

Recorder Ian Mullarkey said Scott had a "long standing sexual interest in children" and handed him a 12 month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He must also complete 55 rehabilitation days and 100 hours unpaid work. A 10 year sexual harm prevention order was also made and Scott will be on the sex offender's register for seven years.

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A PAEDOPHILE groomed a schoolgirl before going on to abuse her after asking her to wear lingerie while having underage sex. James Brum, 39, from Newport, was condemned as selfish and self-centred for having abused the girl. He had intercourse with her on seven occasions and told her after the first time: You really wanted it. The defendant would manipulate his victim and said to her that she was in his secret club. Brum would also ask the girl to send him nude photos of her, Cardiff Crown Court heard. Rachel Knight, prosecuting, said: The defendant groomed his victim. He bought lingerie for her to wear during their encounters. She would wear these at his request. You used her to satisfy your sexual urges The victims impact statement was read out in which she said: I have flashbacks to the events that happened. He targeted me specifically for his sexual desires. I feel uncomfortable around men now. Nothing will change what James Brum has done to me and hes had a huge impact on my future. He has stolen my childhood from me and he has stolen my virginity. Brum pleaded guilty to seven counts of sexual activity with a child, two of causing a child to engage in sexual activity and one of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. He was a man of previous good character with no convictions recorded against him. Gareth Williams, mitigating, asked the court to take into account his clients guilty pleas. His barrister said: The defendant hasnt contested matters at trial and admitted what the victim said was true. He didnt deny what was going on. The evidence was overwhelming. He is sorry for what happened. Judge Michael Fitton QC told Brum: This was an appalling campaign of sexual abuse. You are a profoundly selfish and self-centred man. You used that child to satisfy your own sexual urges. This is a classic case of grooming. Brum, of Llanthewy Road, Newport, was jailed for eight years. The defendant will have to serve two-thirds of that sentence in custody before being released on licence. He will have to register as a sex offender for life and was made the subject of an indefinite sexual harm prevention order. Brum must also pay a victims surcharge after his release from prison. After sentencing, the officer in charge of the case, Detective Sergeant Mike Patterson said: The victim in this case has been incredibly brave throughout. It is their courage and strength that has ultimately led to the conviction of Brum who will now be sentenced for these horrific crimes.

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Alan Rothwell, of Heaton, kidnapped, robbed and tried to rape a woman in her 60s out enjoying a walk in a North Tyneside country park, but was jailed for less than nine years It was an attack that sent waves of shock and fear across Tyneside. When a woman walking alone in a the tranquil Rising Sun Country park was attacked by a sex predator in broad daylight an urgent manhunt was launched. Thanks to the 63-year-old victim's bravery police were able to identify and arrest evil Alan Rothwell within days. Rothwell, of Mowbray Street, Heaton, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to attempted rape, kidnap, robbery and two counts of sexual assault at Newcastle Crown Court. But today as he was sentenced for the March attack serial criminal Rothwell was locked up for just eight years and nine months, with an extended licence period of a further six years. The sentence has sparked anger among sex attack victims who believe Rothwell should be kept off the streets for longer. Wendy Forrester who was raped by evil double rapist Eric McKenna as she walked home, almost 40 years ago, said the victim will be living with the trauma of the attack long after Rothwell is freed. The 60-year-old, who has waived her legal right to anonymity, said: "It is a short sentence, but it's also average. It hard enough to report and go to court without them getting a short sentence. Things need to change, there should be a minimum of 15 years. "It's not something that you get over. She's going to have that fresh in her mind for the next 10 years and he will be walking the streets." The victim had been enjoying a pleasant walk in the Rising Sun County Park, in Wallsend when she was attacked from behind by evil Rothwell. The sex predator grabbed her so tightly she couldn't breathe before forcing her to the ground, pushing her hood over her head and forcefully trying to rape her. The woman, 63, bravely tried to fight off career criminal Rothwell, who has 152 previous convictions and was wearing blue clinical gloves to carry out the attack. She helped to snare him by scratching him, meaning she had his DNA under her fingertips. Judge Robert Spragg described the attack as "appalling" as he jailed Rothwell. However, rape victim Gemma Redhead, from Newcastle, said the sentence sends out the wrong message to both victims and perpetrators of sex offences. The 41-year-old said: "It's not a particularly positive message for other and future victims and also other perpetrators. That may seem like a reasonable sentence, but in reality you are looking at them serving half that. Then you are looking at four years for such a horrific crime. "It feels like a slap on the wrist to the offender and a slap in the face for the victim." Gemma, who has also waived her right to anonymity, suffered years of abuse at the hands of her violent partner, who went on to rape her at knifepoint in their home, in Cowgate, Newcastle. In 2011 Philip Kirby was jailed for eight years with a five-year extended licence, for his attack on Gemma. He was released after serving only four years, but was back in Newcastle Crown Court in 2015, having rung Gemma in breach of a restraining order. Kirby was then returned to prison and told he will not be released from prison until the end of his licence in 2023. Gemma fears short sentences like the one handed to Rothwell could put victims off reporting sex attacks, but she is urging women to continue coming forward "The the whole situation, the ongoing court case, then finding out the sentence is all very traumatic," she said. "Some victims might think; 'was it worth putting myself through that?' "But I would still like to push the message that it is worth it. You are taking back a little bit of strength and control from what's happened to you and you are also protecting other potential victims from these awful people. "

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A child rapist who thought he was untouchable has been branded an "arrogant predator" as he was jailed for 18 years.

James McEwen ruined the lives of two young girls by abusing them in separate attacks. Years later, they each plucked up the courage to report what he had done to them.

McEwen, 60, of Henley Gardens, Wallsend, continues to protest his innocence but a jury found him guilty of one count of rape, four counts of indecent assault and indecency with a child and he has now been locked up. He was also given an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and must sign the sex offenders register and he also got a restraining order.

One of the victims, now an adult, said in a victim impact statement: "I've been robbed of my innocence and the pleasure of my first kiss and first romance. Just because he has been found guilty this doesn't provide any closure, the trauma continues to be with me.

"I have trust issues and for the most part I don't trust anyone I meet and I have a fear of being left alone with other people, especially men."

The other victim said what should have been the happiest moments of her life were "covered in a black cloud" because of McEwen's "selfish actions". She said: "I felt alone and misunderstood and trapped by silence." The woman added that she "will never forgive" McEwen for taking her innocence.

Judge Robert Spragg, at Newcastle Crown Court, told him: "You acted as an entitled, arrogant sexual predator, preying on these two girls. "Your arrogance was such you clearly felt untouchable. It's had an awful effect on them."

Sue Hirst, defending, said: "He continues to deny the offences. These offences go back 20 years now. He has worked his entire life. Probation say he is a low risk of general offending and a low risk of further sexual offending."

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A pervert claimed he accidentally ended up with child abuse images on his computer while downloading a Marvel film.

Police found dozens of indecent pictures and videos on Christopher Dyne's devices when they searched his home. But he claimed they got there by mistake while downloading the movie Thor. A jury rejected his account and found him guilty of making indecent images.

The software worker, who lost his job the day after being found guilty, has suffered in his local community after being named and shamed, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

Police went to his home on Sedgemoor, Garth 16, Killingworth, North Tyneside, on the morning of August 3 2018 with a search warrant and seized various devices. Three hard drives contained indecent images of children and there was evidence he had searched for terms associated with those looking for child abuse material.

In total there were 85 of the most serious, category A images, 16 category B and seven category C. Elizabeth Muir, prosecuting, said: "He claimed any images must have appeared accidentally during the download of a film, Thor. He said he had accessed them and said he deleted them. He said he considered contacting police but didn't.

"The defendant's computer material had a number of films downloaded on them but in distinct files which would not be the case if he accidentally downloaded them with a film. There was no evidence of the film Thor having been downloaded at any time.

"He maintained that explanation at trial but it was rejected by the jury." Dyne also said he had cloned hard drives, which is why the images were on more than one but he couldn't explain why one of them had additional material on it.

The 40-year-old, who has no previous convictions, was found guilty of eight offences of making indecent images of children. He was sentenced to 18 months suspended for 18 months with 140 hours unpaid work. He must also sign the sex offenders register and be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years.

Tony Cornberg, defending, said: "A dozen or more people have submitted testimonials about what he is really like. He has always been a man of good character and in employment.

"The pre sentence report says he is still considered suitable for rehabilitative intervention despite him maintaining his innocence and there are no concerns from social services.

"Since his conviction he lost his job the next day and he has become, in his words, a financial burden on his mother and someone who feels worthless. The police displayed his conviction on their Facebook page shortly afterwards and it's caused him a great deal of shame. Being named and shamed is a form of punishment in society.

"He is utterly terrified and has genuinely suffered during the period since his conviction."

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A 'prolific' sex offender who targeted children in Woking has been jailed. Police launched an investigation into Anthony Holloman Senior after allegations came to light in 2018.

During the course of their investigations into the allegations, police identified a number of victims over a 40 year period. Officers say Holloman targeted both boys and girls.

They were then 'manipulated' into not speaking about the abuse they were subjected to. But Holloman was finally arrested in August 2018.

Holloman, 80, of Grafton Gardens in Lymington, has now been found guilty of 17 counts of sexual offences against seven different children. He was jailed for 16 years at Guildford Crown Court.

Detective Constable Andrew Whittle, who investigated the case for Surrey Police, said: I would like to commend the incredible bravery of the victims who came forward and showed formidable resilience throughout the investigation and court process. This was a complex investigation which relied on the testimony of the victims and the determination of the Child Abuse Team to hold Holloman to account for his actions.

Holloman is a dangerous and prolific sex offender who targeted children over a considerable period of time. He showed breath-taking arrogance throughout his offending and subsequent trial, and it is a relief that he will be behind bars for a long time to come. I hope that this case shows that it is never too late to report sexual abuse and that we will do everything we can to investigate reports, support victims and pursue perpetrators.

If you are thinking of reporting sexual abuse, please be reassured that your report will be taken incredibly seriously, and that we have specialist support in place to help you.

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A brave rape victim brought her terrifying ordeal to an end when she managed to punch her attacker in the face.

The woman, whose identity is protected, had fallen asleep on a sofa in a flat after a night out, and woke up to find Dean Graham raping her.

Her blow to his face stopped the attack, but Graham then pretended nothing had happened and asked her why she had hit him.

Graham, 42, of Kirkley Drive in Ponteland, denied rape and sexual assault but was convicted by a jury after a trial at Newcastle Crown Court.

Prosecutor David Comb told the court: "Mr Graham took advantage of the situation in which he found himself, for his own sexual gratification.

"When she went to sleep on the living room sofa, he approached."

The victim had been celebrating her birthday in December 2018 and had gone to a friends house in Newcastle to spend the night.

Mr Comb said she woke up when she realised what was happening to her and added: "At that stage she punched him in the face, which did succeed in causing him to stop.

"She was shocked and distressed and commenced a search for her mobile phone.

"As she did that, he followed her around, pretending nothing had happened and asking why she had punched him in the face."

Mr Recorder Tony Hawks sentenced Graham to six years and ten months behind bars and said he must register as a sex offender for life.

The court heard Graham had previous convictions for violence and disorder, but none for sexual offences.

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A sexual predator who plied his underage victim with alcohol before abusing her has been jailed after police uncovered how he groomed her over a long period of time.

Arron Gray, of Sycamore Place, Killingworth, meticulously-groomed his young victim into believing she was in a relationship with him.

He would invite her to his home and plie her with alcohol before sexually abusing her – fully aware she was under the legal age of consent.

In 2018, a concerned adult discovered sexualised messages Gray had sent to his underage victim and reported him to the police.

An investigation was launched by Northumbria Police's Safeguarding Department with specialist officers providing wrap-around care to support the victim and Gray was arrested.

The 21-year-old denied the allegations put to him but was later charged with six offences of sexual activity with a child and the case was sent to Newcastle Crown Court for trial.

In court, he was found guilty of all six offences.

He was sentenced to two and a half years behind bars.

Gray was also handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and will have to sign the sex offenders' register for life.

Detective Sergeant Amanda Harland led the investigation and has today praised the bravery of the victim and hopes it can help encourage others to speak out by saying: "know the law - there is no grey area when it comes to sexual activity with a child."

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Paedophile Keith Hollinshead has been locked up for 10 years after sexually abusing a young boy. The 65-year-old carried out the offences more than three decades ago.

But his seedy offending only came to light when the victim went to Staffordshire Police in 2018 after confiding in his wife. The OAP was convicted of six serious child-sex offences following a trial at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.

The court heard that the abuse lasted for five years.

Read: Dad-of-three hurled fearsome knife on roof in bid to avoid arrest

Sentencing Hollinshead, of Water Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Recorder Anthony Warner said: "What started with stroking his hair, his arms and his legs moved to touching his genitals under his clothing. He described your hand 'like a crab' moving down."

The victim realised the horrors of the offending when later attending sex education lessons at school. It has left him feeling suicidal.

Recorder Warner told Hollinshead: "I cannot say that there's no risk, or future risk, of you committing another serious offence. He said nothing to anyone for many years. He finally spoke to his wife in 2018. The police were called.

"While he was giving his evidence in court the pain he had suffered, and still suffers, was palpable. Even now there's rarely a day when he doesn't think of what you did. He said he felt worthless and it became a downward spiral. He has attempted to end his life.

"It left him feeling dirty making him want to scrub his skin clean. His wife has started to enable him to feel that he should be loved."

Police have welcomed the conviction and sentence.

Detective Constable Diane Sproston said: “I want to pay tribute to the victim and the tremendous courage and bravery he has showed in bringing this case to the courts. We will continue to do whatever is necessary to bring those responsible for these heinous crimes to justice, whilst ensuring the victims are given the support they need.”

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A grandfather sent sick messages to an online contact he thought was a 14-year-old girl but turned out to be a 'paedophile hunter'. Raymond Francis believed he was talking to a child when he fantasised about "fondling" her and "making love" in her mother's bed.

The 64-year-old from Newport started an online conversation last July with a profile for a fictional child, Tia Johnson. In reality he was messaging a member of Elite Solo Decoys a vigilante group which "identifies people who seek out children on the internet", Cardiff Crown Court heard on Monday.

Prosecutor Matthew Roberts said the conversation stretched across a 91-page chat thread in the space of a week as Francis became increasingly "persistent, determined and sexually explicit". The vigilante had from the beginning told Francis that she was 14, sending computer-generated images of an underage girl which prompted the defendant to compliment her "sexy figure".

"The defendant said he wished 'Tia' was 16 before going on to ask if she would like sex now," Mr Roberts added. "The subject turned to the issue of contraception in the form of the pill, and she said she had not yet had a boyfriend. He sent pictures of himself topless, which were taken a number of years ago when the defendant was a lot more youthful. He asked for pictures of her breasts in return. She did not send any. He told her he drooled over pictures of her with long hair. He then told Tia she should delete pictures of him from her computer in case her mother located them."

Francis talked of "fondling" Tia in the shower and sent her images of couples having sex. He told her to "hurry up and get on the pill soon" because he hated using condoms. He also told her: "Don't tell anyone at all Tia."

Mr Roberts said Francis sought to make arrangements for sex with Tia when her mother was away. The granddad-of-four discussed "making love in your mother's bed all night".

Francis was arrested at the Coldra Roundabout McDonald's restaurant after being duped into a meeting with a different decoy run by a separate paedophile-hunting group. While being recorded Francis told the vigilantes he had been "chatting, nothing more", before they passed evidence to police. No charges came from the McDonald's meeting because Francis had believed he was meeting an adult, according to his barrister Stuart John.

But the defendant, of Westfield Avenue, pleaded guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child over the Tia Johnson messages. Mr John said his client was already an "isolated man" and the publicity around the case has made him reluctant to leave the house as well as impacting his relationship with his children and grandchildren.

"He has never committed an offence like this before," said Mr John. "The one conviction he has goes back a significant period. He accepts he has to address his issues head-on. That's the only way to prove himself to his family, and if he can't do that his later years will look extremely bleak."

The judge, Recorder Duncan Bould, accepted Francis would be "extremely vulnerable" in prison due to his age and health issues. He said the defendant's actions were "insidious" and "designed to manipulate", but he was "just" persuaded that Francis should be spared immediate custody. He imposed an eight-month prison term suspended for two years and ordered the defendant to complete 30 days of rehab activity and a sex offender programme. Francis, who will be under a sexual harm prevention order for 10 years barring him from unsupervised contact with under-16s, must pay 700 in prosecution costs and a 156 victim services surcharge at a rate of 20 per week.