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Record details

21-year-old Bailey Harding has been jailed for sexual offences against a teenage girl.

Harding, who was 17 when the offending began, abused the victim over a period of 18 months. The victim, a girl known to Harding, was just 14 at the time the abuse began. In January 2024 the victim contacted police and disclosed offences of rape, sexual assault, being strangled and being threatened at knifepoint.

Harding was swiftly arrested, and during a subsequent search of his room two large zombie-style knives were found and seized. In interview he denied all accusations, and claimed the victim was making malicious allegations against him.

Following a trial in July, he was convicted of:

• One count of rape
• Three counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15
• One count of intentional strangulation
• One count of threatening a person with an offensive weapon in a private place
• Controlling and coercive behaviour

On Friday, 25 September Harding, (26/03/2005), of Bookham, was jailed for four years and six months at Chichester Crown Court. He was also issued a seven-year restraining order and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

The victim is now an adult, but the effects of Harding’s abuse continue to seep into her life. She said, “I often feel as if I can see him in big crowds or in dark places” and described regularly changing her appearance so he wouldn’t recognise her if she ever saw him in public. She reflects on how he used the fact that he was older and stronger to control her, and how “I felt he was my saviour but ultimately he was my tormentor.” She told the court that “I haven’t slept peacefully in two and half years.”

Investigating officer DC Helen Cridge said:

“I would like to recognise the victim’s remarkable courage in coming forward while she was still an extremely vulnerable child. Her strength and determination have been inspiring, and her actions have played a vital role in securing this result. I hope her bravery gives others experiencing abuse the confidence to come forward, knowing that they will be listened to and that they are not alone.”

Urging others experiencing similar offences to come forward the victim said, “I know how hard it can be to speak about something that has happened to you, especially when that person has made you feel like you should stay quiet. But please don’t be afraid to speak out. Don’t let anyone make you feel like your voice doesn’t matter, and don’t let anyone take it away from you.”

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A man has been jailed after a vicious attack on a woman in Bagshot in January.

39-year-old Craig Grace will spend the next 14 years behind bars after being found guilty of rape.

At the end of January, Grace attacked a woman known to him with a knife. He stabbed her in the hand and raped her, threatening to kill her if she tried to run.

The victim was eventually able to flee and reported the assault to police. Grace was arrested, charged, and remanded within 24 hours of the 999 call. At court he refused to take the stand, and following trial was convicted of:

• Two counts of rape
• One count of sexual assault
• One count of serious assault (GBH)
• One count of assault (ABH)
• Threats to kill

On Tuesday, 29 September, Grace (17/03/1987), of Bagshot, was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment at Guildford Crown Court. He will also be subject to a lifetime restraining order against the victim.

The victim lives with permanent reminders, both physical and emotional, of the attack. “I have a scar on my hand as a result of the injuries I sustained that night. Every time I see it, I am reminded of the violence I endured and the trauma I continue to live with.”

She does not shy away from saying that:

“The events of that night were horrific and have fundamentally changed who I am” but remains defiant and hopeful for the future. “I refuse to be defined solely by what was done to me. Instead, I choose to be defined by my courage, resilience, determination, and strength.”

Investigating officer DC Antonia Corbu said:

“I would like to pay tribute to the courage and resilience of the victim throughout this investigation. I hope that the sentence imposed will go some way to helping provide with the closure needed to rebuild her life.

“Within 24 hours of the 999 call reporting this horrific attack, Craig Grace had been charged and remanded and has not walked free since. I am grateful for the hard work from police officers across departments and forces that made this possible.

“After the attack Grace fled to Wiltshire, where he was swiftly located and arrested by our colleagues from Wiltshire Police. The first attending officers to the scene in Bagshot treated the victim with compassion and respect and helped secure vital evidence, and the investigating team worked flat out to bring charges against Grace and ensure he was held accountable for his crimes.”

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Clive Siddall jailed more than 40 years after raping and sexually abusing two young girls

A survivor of sexual abuse has spoken out after her abuser was jailed more than four decades later. In the early 1980s, Clive Siddall (born 03/05/1945), formerly of Oxted, raped one young girl and sexually abused another. Both victims knew him and long believed he would never face justice. He has now been imprisoned for those crimes.

In their victim impact statements, the women described the lasting harm. One said: “I had my life mapped out. I dreamt of joining the RAF and becoming a nurse.” She never returned to school after the abuse. “I was no longer able to concentrate and learning seemed pointless, as my future felt destroyed.” She added that the abuse left her life lacking “purpose, direction, and control.”

The other stated: “The feeling of having nobody to turn to or rely on has pushed me into making reckless decisions in my life.” Both struggled with mental health and turned to alcohol and drugs to cope. They described lasting difficulties forming relationships. One said: “I’m not sure I know what love is” and “I have built walls around me to protect myself from being hurt, but these walls also mean that nobody can get in.”

Both carried guilt into adulthood, fearing they had failed to stop Siddall from abusing others and blaming themselves for years.

In 2022, one victim disclosed the abuse to a medical professional, who reported it to police. Siddall denied the allegations when interviewed, responding “not true” and “no way.” He was charged in April 2024 with one count of rape, one count of indecent assault on a girl under 16, and four counts of indecent assault on a girl under 14.

A jury at Kingston Crown Court found him guilty of all six offences after a trial in March. On 14 July at Guildford Crown Court, Siddall was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment: 10 years for rape and two years for indecent assault (consecutive), plus a concurrent total of three years and three months for the remaining four indecent assault counts.

Investigating officer DC Fiona Clare said:

“Clive Siddall was in a position of trust in his victims’ lives, and he exploited this in the worst possible way. It is possible that he will now spend the remainder of his life in prison.

“Although this will not give the two survivors back the years of trauma they’ve lived through, I hope it brings them some relief to know that he is no longer able to hurt them or anyone else.

“Their courage is the reason Siddall is behind bars, and I hope that they can use this result as the starting point for the rest of their lives.”

If you have been a victim of sexual offences, it is never too late to report. Advice, information and a confidential online reporting form are available on our website. Every report is taken seriously.

Record details

A serial sex offender who exposed himself on trains twice in three days has been jailed, following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Oliver Shoesmith, 44, and of no fixed address, was sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment at Northampton Crown Court on Monday 13 July having pleaded guilty to two counts of Exposure. He was also handed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

The court heard how on Tuesday 20 August 2024 Shoesmith boarded a train at Guildford railway station bound for Farnham. He walked down the train before spotting a lone woman, opting to sit across the aisle from her despite there being many other empty seats.

The woman, who was reading her book, didn't initially notice as Shoesmith unzipped his jacket and trousers before exposing himself. As soon as she noticed, the woman stood up and moved down the train away from him.  

Shoesmith also got up, moving further down the train until he spotted another woman. He sat diagonally opposite from the woman, who was sat across from her husband, before exposing himself again and masturbating.  

Only two days later, on Thursday 22 August, Shoesmith boarded a train at Brighton railway station bound for Bedford and again sat across the aisle from a woman.

She noticed Shoesmith masturbating and exposing himself while looking directly at her and screamed. A member of railway staff came to the victim’s aid and Shoesmith moved down the carriage before getting off the train at Burgess Hill.

Shoesmith, who has previously been jailed in 2018 for three years for Exposure and Sexual Assault and again for two years and four months in 2024 for breaching his SHPO and Exposure, was linked to these two offences while he was in prison.

Shoesmith was arrested at HMP Five Wells on Thursday 6 November 2025 and taken to custody for questioning. In interview he admitted to both incidents and later pleaded guilty before being sentenced to a further 10 months' imprisonment.

BTP Detective Constable Ewen Roberts said:

"Shoesmith has repeatedly targeted lone women on the railway in deliberate and horrific acts. His behaviour, repeated time and again, is completely unacceptable and I'm pleased he’s back behind bars.

"There is absolutely no place for sexual offending on the rail network, and we're committed to securing justice for anyone who is targeted by the likes of Shoesmith.

"I'd urge anyone who experiences or witnesses a sexual offence on a train or at a station to report it to us by texting 61016. We take every report seriously, and will stop at nothing to put offenders before the courts.

Record details

A 28-year-old man has been jailed for seven years and six months for multiple sex offences involving a child in West Sussex.

Aiden Freeman, of White Star Close, Godalming, Surrey, pleaded not guilty to five counts of sexual offences on a girl under 13 which occurred between October 2012 and February 2016.

In interview, he claimed the victim – now a woman in her 20s - was making up her accusations for attention.

The victim, who was supported by specially trained officers, was just nine years old when the offending started.

On Monday, 30 March, at Lewes Crown Court, Freeman was convicted of two counts of assault of a girl under 13 by penetration, and three counts of rape of a girl under 13.

At the same court on Thursday, 4 June, he was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison

Detective Constable Sarah MacKnamara said: “This was a serious and prolonged pattern of sexual offending over many years.

“I would like to commend the bravery of the victim for reporting this matter to police, supporting the prosecution and helping to bring her abuser to justice.

“I understand how challenging investigations such as these are for victims, but thanks to her Aiden Freeman is now rightly behind bars where he poses no further risk to the public.

“If you are a victim of sexual abuse, or believe someone else may be, please report it to us. We will listen to you, we will support you and we will do all we can to get you justice.”
 

Aiden Freeman, of White Star Close, Godalming, Surrey, pleaded not guilty to five counts of sexual offences on a girl under 13 which occurred between October 2012 and February 2016.

In interview, he claimed the victim – now a woman in her 20s - was making up her accusations for attention.

The victim, who was supported by specially trained officers, was just nine years old when the offending started.

On Monday, 30 March, at Lewes Crown Court, Freeman was convicted of two counts of assault of a girl under 13 by penetration, and three counts of rape of a girl under 13.

At the same court on Thursday, 4 June, he was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison

Detective Constable Sarah MacKnamara said:

“This was a serious and prolonged pattern of sexual offending over many years.

“I would like to commend the bravery of the victim for reporting this matter to police, supporting the prosecution and helping to bring her abuser to justice.

“I understand how challenging investigations such as these are for victims, but thanks to her Aiden Freeman is now rightly behind bars where he poses no further risk to the public.

“If you are a victim of sexual abuse, or believe someone else may be, please report it to us. We will listen to you, we will support you and we will do all we can to get you justice.”

Record details

A trainee surgeon has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after being convicted at a retrial for raping two women in North Devon and Cornwall.

Salil Korambayil was jailed by Judge Simon Carr after being found guilty on three counts of rape.

Korambayil, aged 34, of Redhill in Surrey, attacked and raped the two victims in their own homes after meeting them on social media. He was previously convicted by a jury after denying three counts of rape, at Truro Crown Court in November 2023.

Following the first trial, Korambayil appealed against his convictions and the Court of Appeal quashed them and ordered a retrial.

Reporting restrictions were imposed until the conclusion of the retrial, but these have now been lifted following the guilty verdicts, so the details can be made public today, Thursday 25 June.

Korambayil was jailed for seven years in relation to each victim, to run consecutively. He must also sign the sex offenders’ register for life.

The victims of his crimes have been praised for their fortitude in remaining engaged throughout the investigation and judicial process.

One of the rape offences took place in North Devon in August 2020 and the other two relating to a second victim happened in Cornwall in March 2021.  

Korambayil had worked in hospitals as a trainee colorectal and vascular surgeon between 2016 and 2021, the court heard. 

In an updated victim impact statement, one of the victims described how the 2023 verdict brought to an end a period in her life haunted by flashbacks, nightmares and triggers.

She added that the rape disrupted every single corner of her life, but when Korambayil was sentenced the first time she was able to use the comfort of knowing he was in prison to try to move forward and heal.

She said:

“The appeal and retrial forced me back into the darkest period of my life.

“The distress I described in my first statement has not been left in the past. It has been reopened, revisited and prolonged, most acutely through the two and a half hours of detailed, relentless and sexually graphic cross examination, in front of a room full of strangers.”

The victim went onto describe how she watched the world around her move on while she remained battling with the aftermath of what Korambayil did to her.

Addressing Korambayil, she added:

“Although I will likely still be living with the consequences of your actions, long after your sentence has ended, I am grateful that I have been afforded a level of justice that many do not.”

Detective Inspector Daniel Massey, who led the investigation, under the name Operation Humilis, said:

“I want to praise the victims for having to go through the trial process a second time, I can only imagine the impact this has had.

“Their courage, resilience and perseverance is a testament to who they are. I am extremely grateful for their continued positive engagement over the past five years.

“I would also like to thank the investigation team, which includes our colleagues at the CPS and other partners, all of whom have worked very hard and remained focused to get to this point.”

He also said:

“As a Force, Devon & Cornwall Police remains committed to encouraging and supporting any victim of a sexual or abusive nature to come forward and report what has happened. 

“We will always actively investigate any such crime and seek to bring those responsible to justice.” 

Record details

A former Met officer has been sentenced for sexual offences against a teenage boy.

Former PC Grant Fulker, 32, was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, 29 May, after previously being found guilty of sexual assault and attempted sexual assault. He was jailed for 15 months.

This investigation into Fulker was led by Met’s public protection team and highlights the force’s determination to raise standards by holding officers to account and removing those who betray the public’s trust.

The offences took place from 12 into 13 February 2024 in a hotel room in Heathrow. Fulker, who was attached to Met’s Specialist Operations Command, had already been dismissed from the force in 2024.

He was convicted by a jury following a 5-day trial on Friday, 9 January.

At an earlier hearing, he also pleaded guilty to three counts of misconduct in public office. This relates to sexualised WhatsApp messages, which Fulker sent to the victim while performing his role as a Met volunteer police cadet leader. It was proven Fulker had also sent sexualised messages to a second victim – another teenage boy.

Commander Pete Stevens said:

“Former PC Fulker used his role to target and manipulate young people who should have been able to trust him. His behaviour was calculated, predatory and a gross abuse of his position.

“Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of his offending and the significant harm he has caused. He is now facing the consequences of his actions.

“I want to again commend the bravery of the boys who came forward to report his actions. Their strength ensured he was arrested, charged and ultimately brought to justice.

“Our volunteer police cadets do invaluable work across London. Following the emergence of these allegations, every cadet unit has been reviewed to ensure safeguarding policies are fully followed, with protecting the young people in our care remaining our utmost priority.”

The investigation

The Met was able to launch an urgent, fast-moving investigation, made possible by the courage of the victims who came forward to report Fulker. In February 2024, he was swiftly arrested and charged, and just a month later dismissed from the force.

The investigation relied not only on the victims’ testimony but also on witness accounts, digital evidence from Fulker’s phone and other corroborating material that established a clear pattern of predatory behaviour.

Investigators were able to reconstruct the timeline of offending and gather strong evidence to ensure a successful prosecution.

The outcome reflects our unwavering commitment to the highest professional standards and our readiness to root out officers who have no place in the organisation.

Former PC Fulker was dismissed at an accelerated misconduct hearing in March 2024 after indicating in court that he intended to plead guilty to misconduct in public office. He was found to have breached the standards of professional behaviour in relation to discreditable conduct and authority, respect and courtesy at the level of gross misconduct.

He was dismissed without notice and placed on the College of Policing's barred list, banning him from employment with the police, local policing bodies, the Independent Office for Police Conduct or His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.

He will remain on the sex offenders’ register for 10 years and received a 5-year Sexual Harm Protection Order (SHPO).

Record details

A man has been jailed for a total of 18 years for committing multiple sexual assaults on a young girl between 2009 and 2010.

63-year-old Alan Drake was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on Monday, 19 August after being found guilty at trial of 13 counts of sexual assault.

The court heard how the child was subjected to repeated sexual assaults over the course of a year when she was just nine years old.

The survivor was able to gather the courage to report Drake in May 2021 after she managed to get obtain a voice note of Drake admitting the offence. Armed with this evidence she finally felt brave enough to report these terrible crimes to the police.

Drake (03/10/1960), of Sunbury-on-Thames was arrested the following day. When interviewed, he accused the survivor of being a liar. He was charged with 14 counts of sexual assault and remanded until trial. He now faces both a significant custodial sentence and a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

When sentencing, the judge said that Drake’s crimes were “wicked offences against someone defenceless and against someone who you isolated deliberately.”

Investigating officer, DC Scarlett Watkins, said: 

“I am delighted with the outcome on the case. We have worked extremely hard and are proud of what we have achieved.

“I am in awe of the survivor, who has been so courageous in reporting this to police and has remained supportive throughout with what has sometimes been a difficult investigation.

“I would urge anyone else who has been subject to this type of abuse to take encouragement from this case and know that justice can be done.”

Sexual Offence Liaison Officer Roberta Jeffries said: 

“The survivor’s bravery throughout has been admirable and must be commended. The impact of this abuse has been life-changing; however, I hope that this outcome provides some comfort that justice has been achieved and she is able to move forward in time.”

The survivor said:

“This man has made me feel so ashamed of who I am and who I want to be. I shall live with the long-lasting effects of this abuse and suffer with PTSD, depression, and anxiety. My relationships have been severely damaged, and I am unsure if these shall ever be repaired.

“This man has robbed me of my childhood where I should have been happy and making childhood memories. However, I am determined that he shall not rob me of my future. One in which I deserve to be happy and loved for who I am.

“Today’s outcome is a monumental opportunity for me to move forward. I am incredibly proud of myself and, to anyone who has come out of abuse, it is hard, but we get there.”

Record details

A man who was found guilty of numerous offences of indecent assault against children has been sentenced to 21 years in prison following a hearing at Guildford Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday, 5 May).

John Maddox, 83 (DOB: 01/01/1943), of Farnham, was found guilty of 20 offences involving seven victims aged between eight and 15 at the time, including 19 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted buggery on 18 February 2026 following a trial at Guildford Crown Court. These offences took place between 1972 and 2004.

Maddox had already pleaded guilty to six counts of indecent assault between 1982 and 1999 relating to three victims aged between nine and 12 at the time at a hearing on 7 June 2024.

An investigation was launched in 2020 after two adults came forward to report non-recent allegations of sexual abuse which occurred when they were children. 

Maddox ran a dance school called ‘Gardenia School of Dance’, and he had made contact with the victims when they were children through family relations or the dance school. A significant number of the offences occurred at Maddox’s home address and involved both male and female children.

Following further enquiries, Maddox was arrested at his home address in September 2020. His house was searched, and various items were seized.

Maddox admitted to sexually abusing a number of children during initial interview. Further victims were identified as the investigation progressed, and a second police interview was conducted in June 2022, where he made several admissions to further abuse, but also denied several other allegations.

In November 2022, Maddox was arrested a final time in relation to additional allegations which had been made against him. During his third police interview under caution, he answered “no comment” to all questions. Maddox was charged via postal requisition in January 2024.

Six of Maddox’s victims were willing to share extracts from their victim impact statements, detailing the long-term effect this abuse has had on their lives:

“He was the adult. He was the teacher. He was the one entrusted with our care and safety. Instead of protecting us, he abused the trust placed in him and used his position of authority to harm the very children he was meant to guide and protect.”

“My childhood and innocence were taken away from me in a time and place where I was meant to be safe. There's no way to completely forget the very embedded emotional and physical trauma caused by John. The sexual abuse I suffered is now a part of me, no matter whether I want it to be or not.”

“Before this, I loved dancing, but that has now been tainted. There are certain songs that I cannot listen to without being reminded of him and what happened. I have thought about joining adult dance groups again, but the idea of dancing with a male instructor now makes me feel uncomfortable and puts me off completely.”

“I have not danced since, despite wanting to, because the thought of physical contact causes significant anxiety and discomfort. I am more wary around men and lack confidence in telling them when a touch or look is inappropriate.”

“I felt unclean and had low self-worth. Building close friendships was difficult, never feeling safe to explain what I'd been through. I also started to drink heavily from 18 and it has had a severe impact on my health and mental wellbeing, but I am now getting on with my life and I have closed that whole chapter.”

“I try to live everyday with an open heart, and with trust, but what happened to me does make it extremely hard. John does not have remorse. If he did, we wouldn’t even be here. One selfish, cruel man, has altered the lives of so many, for so long.”

Detective Sergeant Brendan Roberts, who investigated the case, said:

“John Maddox was a sexual predator who preyed on children, he manipulated and took advantage of situations to sexually abuse his victims, through family connections or the dance school he ran.

I would like to praise the victims for their courage in coming forward and giving evidence to help ensure that Maddox is behind bars where he belongs.”

Record details

A Metropolitan Police officer who abused his position to gain the trust of his victims has been found guilty of multiple counts of rape and sexual assault.

Dion Arnold, 33 (DOB: 15/3/93), was found guilty of four charges of rape, two charges of assault by penetration and two charges of sexual assault with the offences committed between March 2023 and March 2025.

Arnold targeted women by abusing his position of trust and making them feel that they had no choice but to submit to his sexual demands.

There is no indication, however, that Arnold met any of the complainants through his roles with the police.

One of the victims described herself as feeling defeated after an encounter with Arnold but told herself that it could not have been non-consensual because he was a police officer. His victims described him as “extremely persistent and demanding”.

Detective Chief Inspector Jon Smithers said:

“I would like to commend these women for their bravery in giving evidence against Dion Arnold during the investigation and at trial and ensuring that he has been brought to justice for his callous behaviour and crimes.

“Arnold deliberately targeted women safe in the knowledge that he could sexually assault and rape them against their consent and that they would not report him to the police for whom he worked.

“These women believed that they could trust Arnold because he was a police officer. It was clear from the victims’ interviews that they felt they should comply with, and even forgive, Dion Arnold’s behaviour.

“This does not mean they were not victims of his crimes.

“As a police officer, Dion Arnold abused his position of trust to commit crimes against these women.”

Record details

A man has been sentenced after being found guilty of one count of rape, two counts of sexual assault by penetration and six counts of sexual assault, after he appeared at Guildford Crown Court last Monday (16 March).

Scott Brand, 22 (DOB:20/03/2004), of Epsom was sentenced to five years and six months in prison and was also given a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order. 

Brand committed a series of serious sexual offences against three victims using different names to conceal his identity.

The investigation began in June 2021 after a 17yearold girl reported that Brand had sexually assaulted her at his home, choking her with a metal object during the attack. She immediately disclosed the incident to a friend and later reported it to Metropolitan Police. Brand was arrested shortly afterwards.

She said: “I was sad, angry and scared; constantly on high alert, whether this be in public, or whether it was to do with the severe trauma I was trying to cope with.”

A second victim, also 17, came forward days later. She reported repeated violent sexual offences involving choking, hitting and assaults that occurred while she was unconscious or asleep. She said, “My views on how relationships are formed are now very distorted due to what happened.”

Her allegations related to the same period and showed clear similarities in Brand’s behaviour, methods and use of false names.  Both girls told police that Brand went by the name “Oskar” during the time they spent with him.

During further interviews, both victims disclosed additional offences, including oral rape and attacks at an abandoned golf course.

A third victim, aged 16 at the time, was later identified. She reported that Brand, who had introduced himself as ‘Damon,’ had forcefully sexually assaulted her at her home after pressuring her throughout their relationship.

She said: “Having someone I initially felt safe with breaking my trust at 15 has indubitably shaped the way I view both romantic and platonic relationships involving a male partner, and the way I view myself.”

Following advice from the CPS, Brand was charged with 11 offences, including two rapes, sexual assault by penetration and multiple counts of sexual assault.

At his first trial in June 2025, he was convicted of one count of sexual assault by penetration relating to the third victim, though the jury could not reach verdicts on the remaining counts.

A retrial was held in December 2025, where Brand was convicted of rape, sexual assault by penetration and multiple sexual assaults against the first two victims. He was found not guilty of one count of rape and one count of sexual assault.

Reading out her impact statement at the sentencing hearing, one victim said:

“No woman should ever go through something like that, no woman should ever be afraid that they will be assaulted by their next partner, no woman deserves to feel isolated or alienated because someone thought it was within their right to take something without asking for consent.”

One of the victims also praised the case officer, DC Jamie Vernon, for his exceptional empathy, professionalism, and unwavering dedication throughout the investigation and court process.

DC Jamie Vernon said:

“I would like to pay tribute to the victims. They were young girls when this investigation began, and the serious crimes they suffered had a profound impact on their formative years, disrupting both their education and home lives.

“The nearly five years it took to finally secure justice was extremely traumatic, but they showed remarkable bravery and resilience.

“I am incredibly proud of them and have watched them grow into strong young women.”

Record details

A 24-year-old sexual predator has been jailed for more than seven years after admitting grooming a 14-year-old child online and coercing her into sexual activity.

Vitor Soares de Oliveira, a Brazilian national who was living in Surrey at the time of his offending, initially denied all charges against him before changing his plea on the second day of his trial at Swindon Crown Court in January.

He admitted five counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of making indecent images of a child (Category A).

Appearing before Swindon Crown Court on Friday (20/03), he was handed a total custodial sentence of seven years and six months.

He must also be registered as a sex offender indefinitely, be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years, and pay a surcharge of £228.

The court heard how offences came to light after the victim bravely confided in a friend in June 2025 - which led to the matter being reported to the police due to concerns that she was missing from her home, and in company with the defendant. 

The court heard how Soares de Oliveira gave his teenage victim drugs, alcohol, vapes and food in an effort to maintain the sexual grooming of her.

At the time of the offences, the victim believed the defendant to be 19 years old as he attempted to conceal his true age.

T/Detective Constable Samantha Martin said:

"This has been a long and traumatic ordeal for the survivor of this abuse, who has had to balance personal challenges alongside a complex police investigation. Despite this, she has displayed extraordinary strength and resilience throughout.

"Soares de Oliveira is a predatory offender who targeted the victim online and – whilst in full awareness of her age being only 14 years old – has travelled into Wiltshire repeatedly in order to pursue her for his own sexual gratification.

"Due to the evidence gathered, the victim’s courageous statement and numerous witness testimonies, the case against Soares de Oliveira was extremely strong and resulted in his guilty plea.

"Whilst nothing can undo the harm that the victim has experienced, I hope this sentencing outcome offers her some reassurance and closure so that she can move forward with her life in the way that every child deserves. 

"Wiltshire Police’s Missing & Exploitation Unit is dedicated to working directly with children who are at risk of exploitation and to help make them feel safe, believed and supported in reporting what has been happening to them, with the ultimate view of bringing offenders to justice."

Record details

Detectives have praised the bravery of victims for coming forward and helping to bring a sexual health doctor to justice for sexual assault and voyeurism offences.

An investigation was launched by Dorset Police after an allegation was received in August 2023 in relation to Timothy Girling, who was a practising sexual health doctor in Bournemouth.

A male patient had reported that during an examination he noticed Girling recording on his mobile phone. The victim took the doctor’s phone and Girling fled the scene.

Officers attended and Girling was located nearby. The victim was also spoken to and further reported that he had been touched inappropriately.

Further investigations also identified two further patients who had been sexually assaulted, one of whom was also recorded.

An examination of the defendant’s digital devices uncovered further recordings, including covert ones from a residential bathroom, involving as yet unidentified victims as well as indecent images of children.

Following a trial at Bournemouth Crown Court, Girling was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault, six charges of voyeurism and one of attempted voyeurism. He also subsequently entered guilty pleas to three offences of possessing indecent images of children.

Girling, aged 55 and of West Molesey in Surrey, returned to court on Thursday 5 March 2026 and was sentenced to six years in prison.

Detective Constable Kit Little, of Dorset Police, said:

“Timothy Girling was in a position of trust as a sexual health doctor and exploited this by inappropriately touching and making recordings of his victims.

“We have worked tirelessly since the initial report was first made in August 2023 to investigate Girling’s offending, identify further victims where possible and bring him to justice.

“This would not have been possible without the strength and courage of the victims, who supported our investigation and the court process to ensure Girling was ultimately held to account.

“I want to thank them as well as the health services involved who have supported our comprehensive investigation.”

Lucy Paddick, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said:

“A doctor’s duty is to care for patients, not exploit them, and Timothy Girling repeatedly violated that fundamental trust.

“These sexual offences, carried out under the guise of legitimate medical practice, were deeply calculated.

“He manipulated vulnerable individuals and exploited them in clinical sittings – a place where they should feel safe and secure.

“In court, we showed how he used his professional position to facilitate this offending and secretly record intimate examinations.

“We hope these convictions demonstrate that such abuse of authority will be robustly prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service.”

Dorset HealthCare has set up a dedicated phone number – 01305 363075 – for anyone who was treated by Dr Girling to contact them and discuss any concerns they have or access support if they need it.

Record details

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been jailed for raping and sexually assaulting a woman in Berkshire.

Farai Maumbe, aged 43, of Nightingale Avenue, Chertsey, was convicted by a unanimous jury of two counts of sexual assault by penetration, as well as one count each of rape, intentional strangulation and sexual assault, following a fiveday trial at Reading Crown Court ending on 12 December last year.

Returning to the same court on Friday 13 February, Maumbe was sentenced to eight years in prison.

On 20 May 2023, Maumbe went to the victim’s home and sexually assaulted her.

Despite the victim telling him to stop and trying to resist, he continued to sexually assault her, rape her and strangled her while doing so.

The following day, when the victim confronted Maumbe about what happened, he told her that “no means yes to me”.

Maumbe was arrested on 22 May 2023 and was charged on 21 December the same year.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable William Blundell, part of East Berkshire’s CID, said:

“I welcome this sentence, which reflects the gravity of these offences and the ongoing risk the defendant poses.

“Just as he did when confronted by the victim the day after the attack, Maumbe continued throughout the trial to deny responsibility and showed no remorse for his actions.

“Thames Valley Police treats all reports of sexual offences with the utmost seriousness. Our officers are dedicated to conducting thorough investigations, supporting victims through every stage of the criminal justice process, and working closely with partner agencies to help prevent offending.

“We remain resolute in our commitment to identifying, arresting and bringing to justice those who commit sexual violence.”

Record details

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been jailed for sex offences in Maidenhead. 

Kyran Smith, aged 29 of London Road, Staines, was sentenced to seven years and six months imprisonment, at a hearing at Reading Crown Court on 23 January 2026.  

Smith was found guilty, following a four-day trial at the same court on 11 November 2025, of one count each of trespass with intent to commit a relevant sexual offence and sexual assault. 

In December 2022, Smith and the victim, a woman who is now in her thirties, attended the same party. After the party, they and others left to stay the night in a hotel.  

When the victim, and others, retired to their own individual rooms at around 2am, Smith went to the reception and obtained – by deception – the victim’s hotel room key.  

The victim, who was asleep, awoke to Smith carrying out his sexual assault in her bed.  

She shouted at Smith to get out and he did, after putting his clothes on. Smith returned the room key to reception and went to his own hotel room.  

The next morning, the victim reported what had happened to the hotel staff and her acquaintances.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Arshid Ali said: “I welcome the sentencing which reflects the seriousness of the offence and the dangerous nature of the defendant.   

“Thames Valley Police treat all sexual offences with the utmost seriousness, particularly those committed against women, which fall within the national framework of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).   

“Our officers are committed to investigating these crimes thoroughly, supporting victims throughout the criminal justice process and working with partner agencies to reduce offending.   

“We will continue to prioritise the identification, arrest and prosecution of those who commit sexual violence.”