Latest Offenders West

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Horsham man Keith Clifton has been jailed for a string of rapes and sexual abuse against a young girl over several years.

Clifton, 58, of Tanyard Close in Horsham, first began abusing his victim when she was four years old, subjecting her to sexualised behaviour and sexual assaults.

On her 5th birthday, Clifton began to rape her, continuing on a regular basis until she was around 13 years old.

Clifton was arrested at his home in 2018 after the victim, who is now a woman in her 20s, approached Sussex Police.

She was given support by specialist officers while a thorough investigation was launched.

He was subsequently charged with six counts of rape of a girl under 13, five counts of assault by penetration, four counts of assault by touching, two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child and one count of causing/inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

Following a two-week trial at Hove Trial Centre concluding on Friday, 23 January, Clifton was convicted of five counts of rape, four counts of sexual assault by penetration and five counts of sexual assault on a child. The remaining charges resulted in a hung jury.

At the same court on Monday (23 February), he was jailed for 22 years and subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order significantly reducing his ability to reoffend.

Detective Sergeant Ellen Jones said:

“This significant custodial sentence reflects the immense harm caused by Keith Clifton to his victim.

“While he will now spend a significant portion of his life behind bars, the trauma this courageous woman must live with is nothing short of a life sentence. The strength she has shown to support this investigation cannot be overstated, reading out her own victim impact statement in court to say she feels ‘she has her life back’.

“I also commend the investigating officer for their diligence in a complex, distressing investigation that has resulted in a successful outcome and another dangerous offender off the streets of Sussex.

“If you are a victim of sexual offending, no matter how long ago, please report it to us. We will do all we can to get you the justice you deserve.”

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A landscape gardener from Horsham who sexually abused a girl over several years has been jailed.

Robert Aynsley, 56, of Windrum Close in Horsham, began abusing the victim when she was 12 years old, regularly subjecting her to sexual assaults until she turned 17.

The abuse was reported to police in May, 2022, and the victim was given specialist support by specialist officers while an investigation was launched.

Aynsley was arrested the same month and subsequently charged with five counts of sexual assault on a child and two counts each of assault by touching, inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and attempted assault by penetration.

He denied all the offences, but was convicted on all counts on 11 November, 2025, following a trial at Lewes Crown Court.

At the same court on Tuesday, 3 February, he was jailed for 12 years and given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, designed to significantly limit his opportunity to reoffend.

Detective Sergeant Ellen Jones said:

“Robert Aynsley’s crimes are appalling, sustained and will have a lasting traumatic impact on the victim that she must navigate for the rest of her life.

“I cannot thank her enough for the strength and determination she has shown to first report Aynsley’s offending, then support the investigation and attend court to give evidence. Her resolve has helped put her abuser behind bars.

“If you are a victim of sexual offending, no matter how long ago, please report it to the police. We will listen, we will support you and we will do everything we can to get you justice.”

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A man from Bognor Regis has been jailed after sexually assaulting two women while they slept. 

At Lewes Crown Court on Monday 19 January, Harry Triggs, 24, from Merton Close, Bognor Regis, was handed a 36-month sentence - 18 months to be served in custody, 18 months on extended licence - after pleading guilty to multiple sexual offences. He was also made subject to a 10-year restraining order, protecting both women.

The court heard how in August 2021, Triggs sexually assaulted a female friend at her home while she was asleep.

In a separate incident in July 2022, Triggs sexually assaulted another woman by penetration while she was in a vulnerable state and asleep.

Triggs was first arrested in August 2022 in connection with the July 2022 offence. He was later released on bail while police carried out further enquiries. 

The two women knew of each other, and it was the victim-survivor of the July 2022 assault who first came forward. This led to the victim-survivor of the August 2021 offence reporting what had happened to her. 

Following a thorough investigation, on 1 September 2025 Triggs was charged with two counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual assault by penetration. Triggs was subsequently arrested again on 30 September 2025 after failing to attend court.

Triggs pleaded guilty to all charges in November 2025, avoiding the need for a trial. Sentencing took place on 19 January 2026.

Investigating officer, DC Frances Block, said:

“By coming forward the victim-survivors showed immense courage and bravery.

“Triggs abused his friendship with two young women, sexually assaulting them while they were asleep and unable to consent. Violence against women and girls must stop.

"If you have any concerns or have experienced a sexual offence, please come forward and report it. Support is available.”

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A 27-year-old man from the midlands has been jailed after being found guilty of multiple sexual and violent offences.

Daniel Lander, of Charlemont Avenue, West Bromwich, appeared for sentencing at Mold Crown Court earlier today (Monday, 8 December).

Previously, he had been found guilty of two counts of rape, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, assault, and criminal damage.

Shortly after 8.30am on Saturday, 29 March, officers attended a reported disturbance at the Ty Mawr Caravan Park in Abergele.

Upon their arrival at a caravan on the site, Lander was quickly arrested on suspicion of assaulting a woman who was also located inside.

She had sustained significant injuries as a result of the assault, which included a fractured eye socket, and bruises to her back, ribs and arms.

Lander's sexual crimes were subsequently disclosed by the victim in a police interview, during which she reported rape offences that had occurred between October 2024 and March 2025.

Following his conviction, Lander was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with a further two years to be served on licence.

Detective Constable Catherine Farrington said:

"Today's sentencing reflects the severity of the horrific offences committed by Lander.

"This man inflicted brutal violence on a woman, leaving her physically injured and emotionally distressed.

"I want to commend the victim in this case. Her courage, and the detailed accounts of the abuse she has suffered, have been vital in securing this conviction.

“We hope this outcome provides some measure of reassurance as she continues her recovery.

"Tackling violence against women and girls remains a foremost priority for North Wales Police. We are committed to identifying perpetrators, pursuing justice, and ensuring that victims receive the protection and support they need.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to hold offenders to account and to keep our communities safe."

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A man has been jailed for 10 years for serious sexual offences in West Lothian.

Steven Mitchell, 41, was found guilty of multiple offences, including rape, following a trial at Livingston High Court.

These crimes were carried out against two women in the West Lothian area between 2016 and 2022.

Mitchell has also been given a non-harassment order for an indefinite period.

He appeared at court on Wednesday, 26 November, 2025, for sentencing after previously being convicted on Wednesday, 29 October, 2025.

Detective Sergeant Peter Baxter said:

“Mitchell’s abhorrent actions have caused significant harm to his victims, and we hope this outcome brings them some degree of reassurance.

"We remain committed to investigating reports of sexual abuse and ensuring that responsible face the consequences of their actions.

"We would encourage anyone who is a victim of sexual assault to report it. They will be treated with sensitivity and supported by specially trained officers."

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In July, 2022, police received a report from Social Services that the victim had been sexually abused by Steven Smith in June of that year.

The victim and his family, who were known to Smith, were supported by specialist officers while an investigation was launched.

At the time of the report, Smith was already subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) relating to a conviction for child sex offences in 2017. The order prohibited Smith from having contact with male children under 18.

Smith, 28, of Lower Street in Pulborough, was arrested and charged with rape of a male child under 13, attempted rape of a boy under 13, sexual assault by touching of a boy under 13, and breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

At Lewes Crown Court on 21 August, 2024, Smith pleaded not guilty to all charges, but later admitted the breach of the SHPO.

He was convicted of the remaining offences following a trial, and at Lewes Crown Court on Monday, 3 November, he was sentenced to 12 years and nine months in prison.
Smith was also made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will remain a registered sex offender for life.

Detective Inspector Harry Doyle said:

“The child involved has shown immense bravery in coming forward to report this horrific abuse. Their courage, and the support shown by their family, have been vital throughout this process, which I know has been extremely challenging.

“Smith’s actions were appalling and represent a profound breach of trust. Such crimes cause lasting harm and have no place in our society.

“He will now spend a significant period behind bars, where he can no longer pose any threat to children or the wider public.

“We take all reports of abuse extremely seriously. If you believe you may be a victim, or know someone who might be, please come forward. We will listen, and we will support you.”

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A registered sex offender has been jailed after police discovered him sleeping in a van with an underage girl.

Brandon Slater – who has an interim Sexual Risk Order – was outstanding for a court warrant, therefore police made enquiries to locate him.

At about 11.30pm on 5 September, officers from the Specialist Enforcement Unit (SEU) attended Chesswood Road in Worthing, where a Ford Transit van was discovered.

Despite repeated calls to make himself known and exit the vehicle, Slater refused.

Officers therefore began to force their way into the van, at which point Slater opened the rear doors, jumped down and sprinted away from the scene.

But his efforts were short-lived, as SEU officers equipped with Tasers and a Police Dog detained him within a matter of seconds.

Slater, 19, of no fixed address, was arrested and charged with two counts of breaching a Sexual Risk Order.

Specifically, the order prohibits him from contacting any female under the age of 18.

Slater pleaded guilty to both offences at Worthing Magistrates’ Court on 14 October, where he was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment.

Sergeant Tom Mills, of the Specialist Enforcement Unit, said:

“This case demonstrates that our officers are multi-skilled to respond to a variety of incidents and in this instance, they helped to remove a registered sex offender from the streets.

“He was found to be in the company of a 17-year-old girl – who was not aware of his interim order – and she was given the appropriate safeguarding advice.”

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A man who was sentenced for the rape of three vulnerable teenage girls in West Sussex can now be revealed.

Sahil Ali used social media to contact the girls, using violence and threats to rape and sexually abuse them between 2022 and 2024.

The offences were often committed in his car, where he would overpower the vulnerable girls.

The 21-year-old stood trial and was found guilty at Lewes Crown Court on 6 March this year for seven counts of rape, one count of intentional strangulation, and one count of sexual assault by penetration.

Ali, a British national, formerly of an address in West Sussex, was sentenced to 18 years in prison, with a further five years added on licence for dangerousness.

This means he will not be released automatically half way through serving his sentence, but must serve a minimum of two thirds of his sentence before he can be considered for parole.

He was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, restricting his access to children and computer equipment, was also imposed until further order.

The sentencing hearing was made on 26 June at Lewes Crown Court and initial reporting of the case outcome was delayed for legal reasons, but can now be revealed.

Following the sentencing, Detective Superintendent Andrew Harbour said: “Ali preyed on vulnerable teenage girls, making demands on them and using violence to make them comply.

“The case has had a profound impact on the three victims, and I commend them for their courage to come forward and report their experiences to the police.

“We take reports of rape and sexual assault extremely seriously, and encourage anyone impacted by these offences to come forward to us and report what has happened.

“After a trial, Ali was found guilty of the offences, and he is now serving a significant custodial sentence.”

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A man from Lancing has been jailed for stalking a woman and then raping her teenage relative.

James Green, 37, of Brighton Road in Lancing, subjected a woman in her 30s to a sustained campaign of stalking and harassment for over a year.

He destroyed her property, covering her clothes and bedding with bleach and stealing her jewellery, before moving into a property very near to the victim’s house.

Green also damaged the woman’s car, stuck offensive posters to her garden fence and tried to encourage her teenage relative, his second victim, to steal her phone for him.

Green’s contact with the young relative continued and he began grooming the girl, sending her sexual messages while claiming to be part of a gang.

In August 2023, Green raped the girl in his home – this was reported to police, and he was arrested.

While on bail, despite having conditions not to contact the girl, he continued to do so, intercepting her in the street and giving her a phone to use to contact him.

Over four months, Green made more than 1,600 calls and messages to the girl, sending her sexual videos of himself, encouraging her to take her own life and to give a false statement to police claiming the rape had not happened. If she refused, he threatened her with repercussions from his fictional gang.

In December 2024, Sussex Police secured charges against Green, and he was remanded in custody.

He faced trial at Lewes Crown Court and, on Tuesday, 24 June, was found guilty of rape of a girl, two counts of sexual communication with a child, stalking involving serious alarm and distress, two counts of causing a child to watch a sexual act, criminal damage, theft, inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and perverting the course of justice.

At the same court on Thursday, 11 September, he was sentenced to 18 years, with 12 to be spent in custody and six on extended licence. He was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life and restraining orders against both victims.

Detective Inspector Harry Doyle said: “James Green subjected both of the victims to the most appalling ordeals.

"I would like to thank them both for the incredible courage and resolve they have shown to support this investigation and help put a dangerous man behind bars.

“I also commend the investigative team for their diligent work in bringing Green to justice and supporting the victims throughout.”

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A man has been jailed after exposing himself at Bognor beach.

Olegas Podolianko, 53, was seen by witnesses near a children’s play area.

He exposed himself and was challenged by parents before later being arrested by police.

The 53-year-old admitted exposure and appeared for sentencing at Portsmouth Crown Court on September 26.

He was jailed for six months, and will be a registered sex offender for seven years.

The court was told how the incident happened on 27 April this year.

Witnesses described seeing Podolianko, formerly of Elmer Road, Middleton-on-Sea, exposing himself.

He was near a children’s play area at Bognor beach, and was confronted.

Speaking after the case, Arun District Commander William Keating-Jones said:

“This was a distressing incident seen by parents with their children.

“We take reports of exposure extremely seriously, and Podolianko was arrested soon after the matter was reported to us.

“We are pleased that this offender is now serving a custodial sentence.”

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A former police officer has been spared jail after admitting he downloaded a video featuring children as young as nine being sexually abused.

George Voisey was branded "a disgrace" at Lewes Crown Court on Friday after he admitted downloading the Category A footage, the most serious classification for that type of material.

The 24-year-old, from Horsham, was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 18 months.

He will also be on the sex offenders' register for seven years and will have to attend 20 rehabilitation days and put in 150 hours of unpaid work.

Voisey had admitted downloading one Cat A video and two counts of downloading indecent images between 22 June and 24 October last year.

He was arrested and suspended from duty after Sussex Police were alerted to his activity by the National Crime Agency in October.

Investigators found five Category B indecent images and seven Category C indecent images of children on his mobile phone.

Voisey had downloaded the Category A video from the Telegram app and sent it to himself on Snapchat.

He was not on duty at the time of the offences and resigned from the force on 1 March this year.

Judge Stephen Mooney told Voisey:

"Up until now you were of good character and had a promising career, all of which you have thrown away.

"You have chosen to seek out images and a video of children being abused.

"Each image or video you look at is a permanent record of a child's life that has been ruined.

"Each is a child in torment and you have contributed to that.

"You are a disgrace."

Sussex Police has referred its investigation to the Independent Office of Police Conduct and will now consider misconduct proceedings against Voisey.

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A depraved Scots predator has been caged after being convicted of raping two women as they slept.

Craig Dodds subjected a woman to horrific repeated sexual attacks 'several times a week' between April 2020 and April 2022.

During that time, Dodds, 25, from West Lothian, also slapped the woman on the body, issued threats of violence and repeatedly punched walls and himself on the head while blaming his actions on her.

Dodds was also convicted of raping the woman on various occasions at an address in West Lothian between September 2020 and April 2022.

He was also convicted of raping a second woman in Falkirk in 2018, Edinburgh Live reports.

While handing down a sentence of seven years and six months at the High Court in Edinburgh at the end of June, Lord Harrower told how, while living with his victim in West Lothian, he raped her several times a week while she slept.

On one occasion, the woman woke to find him engaging in sexual intercourse with her and locked herself in the bathroom and had a shower before sleeping on the sofa for the rest of the night. Despite this, Dodds continued to sexually assault his victim on several occasions.

Dodds also engaged in a course of abusive behaviour towards her including slamming doors, punching walls, directing abusive and derogatory remarks towards her and shouting at both her and a child.

On one occasions he assaulted the woman by slapping her leg to her injury.

The depraved abuser was also convicted of the rape of a second woman in Grangemouth in August 2018. On that occasion Dodds had driven her home after an evening socialising.

The woman had been drinking and woke to find Dodds having sexual intercourse with her in her own bed. Despite protesting, Dodds did not stop.

At the High Court in Edinburgh Dodds was sentenced to seven years and six months imprisonment and placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

The sentence was backdated to May 15, 2025, when he was remanded in custody. A non-harassment order was also imposed, preventing Dodds from contacting, approaching or communicating with either victim for an indefinite period.

Lord Harrower said: "So far as harm is concerned, I have had regard to the complainers’ evidence and to their personal statements which bear witness to the devastating psychological impact which your offending has had upon them. As regards culpability, I bear in mind that these are your first offences.

"Although you are now aged 25 and the guideline for sentencing young persons does not apply, I have taken account of your relative youth and immaturity at the time these offences were committed. Rehabilitation is an important consideration, and I bear in mind also that you have responsibilities as a father. But for all these considerations the sentence I am about to impose would have been significantly longer.

"Had I been sentencing you separately in relation to these offences, I would have sentenced you as follows. In respect of charge 1, the offence is aggravated by reason of the fact that it occurred in the victim’s own home, while she was asleep or unconscious, and therefore in a vulnerable state.

"Your culpability is mitigated by youth and immaturity more for this offence than for the others. The term of imprisonment would have been 4 years and 6 months. In respect of charge 2, I would have sentenced you to a term of imprisonment of 1 year, 3 months of which would have been attributable to the child aggravation.

"In respect of charge 3, not only was the complainer asleep at the time of your offending, but it occurred repeatedly over a lengthy period, during much of which she would have been particularly vulnerable as a result of the course of abusive behaviour you inflicted upon her.

"Your offending was further aggravated because you risked causing an unwanted pregnancy. In respect of this charge, I would have sentenced you to a term of imprisonment of 6 years, 6 months of which would have been attributable to the domestic abuse aggravation."

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A teenager has spoken bravely of the ordeal she suffered, as the man who raped her was sentenced to a total of 24 years in prison.

Carl Houldey, from Tipton, was arrested after we were contacted by the girl alongside members of her family – when she reported that she had been attacked.

Specialist officers carried out extensive enquiries including a sensitive video recorded interview with the girl, interviews of Houldey, forensic analysis of clothing, and analysis of his phone.

He was subsequently charged with four counts of rape and a number of other sexual offences.

However, following a trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court, the 65-year-old was found guilty by a jury and was sentenced on Thursday 3 July to 24 years in prison, with a minimum of 16 years to be served before he is eligible for parole.

Houldey, of Shakespeare Road, was also put on the sex offenders register for life, given a sexual harm prevention order, and a restraining order against the girl he abused.

The girl has been supported by our officers throughout the court process, and as a survivor of sexual assault, has life-long anonymity by law.

In her victim personal statement, which she read from behind a screen in court, she said she wants people to be aware of what she went through: “Before this happened, I used to feel happy and safe. I liked going to school, playing with my friends, and spending time with my family.

“But after what he did, everything changed.

“At the beginning I felt upset and worried about what was going to happen next. I keep wondering if it was my fault, even though people tell me it wasn’t.

“I wish this had never happened to me. I just want to feel normal again.

“I am proud of myself that I told someone about it.

“I’m trying to be strong, even though I don’t feel strong. I have some good friends, and I am going to try and enjoy my life that is now different because of what you did to me.”

Investigating officer, DC Adrian Jackson, from our Public Protection Unit, said:

“Hearing that statement was incredibly powerful.

“By bravely speaking out and explaining what happened to her, a dangerous rapist has been put behind bars.

“She talks of moving forward with her life and that is something we all hope for, as well as knowing that by speaking out she has potentially protected others.

“The girl’s school safeguarding team must be commended for providing invaluable support to her during the investigation.

“For anyone reading this who has suffered abuse – support is available in a number of different places, and we are here for you.”

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A 20-year-old man convicted of serious sexual crimes has been jailed for eight years.

Riley Kirk was sentenced to prison at the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, 30 June, 2025, and placed on the Sex Offenders Register.

He was found guilty at the same court on Monday, 26 May, 2025. The offences, which included rape and sexual assault, took place in the Falkirk and West Lothian areas between October 2019 and January 2023.

Detective Constable Marc Lunn said:

"Riley Kirk is now facing the consequences of his abhorrent actions.

"This outcome was made possible thanks to the victims who came forward and reported him. I commend them for the strength they have shown during the investigation and court proceedings. Our thoughts remain with them, and I hope this sentencing offers them some comfort as they move forward with their lives.

"I would also like to reassure our communities that we are committed to investigating all reports of sexual crimes and remain determined to bring those responsible to justice. I urge anyone who has been the victim of any offence of this nature to contact us - you will be fully supported by our officers and partner agencies."

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A rapist from Worcester who duped a man into visiting his flat then raped him in 2009 has today (Monday 12 May) been sentenced to nine years at court.

Steven Ronan Wilson, 55, (pictured) previously known as Stephen Dorr, of Penncricket Lane, Rowley Regis, was handed the term at Worcester Crown Court, after he was previously found guilty of rape and sexual assault on 4 April.

Wilson’s victim had been on a night out in Worcester city centre in 2009 when he left his friends to go home and went to a taxi rank on The Cross to wait for a taxi.

There, he was approached by Stephen Wilson - who he did not know and had never seen before - and was asked whether he wanted to go back to his flat in Worcester to attend “a party where there are lot of girls.”

However, when the victim arrived at the flat there was no party and no girls. As he entered the flat, Wilson locked the door behind him.

Wilson put some pornography on the TV and told him to perform oral sex on him.

Believing he had no choice and fearing for his safety, he carried out the act for which Wilson was charged with rape. Wilson then sexually assaulted his victim.

Detective Constable Chris Hawkes, who led the investigation, said: “Wilson’s victim was incredibly scared during his time trapped in his flat and feared for his safety as he did not know Wilson, or what he was capable of.

“His awful ordeal lasted for three or four hours as it was light outside when Wilson eventually allowed him to leave the flat.”

The victim recognised Wilson – previously known as Stephen Dorr - after his picture appeared in the local press in 2011 in connection with a conviction for grooming offences involving boys in similar situations.

Today at court, Wilson received a nine-year custodial sentence for rape with a concurrent two-year custodial sentence for sexual assault. 

Wilson was also ordered to remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

DC Hawkes added: “We are pleased to get this court result for Wilson who subjected his victim to a degrading and humiliating ordeal back in 2009.

“The victim only came forward in 2021 having seen local press articles online about sexual offences committed by Wilson - formerly called Stephen Dorr - in 2011.

“We hope this shows that we will always take reports of sexual assault and rape seriously, no matter how long ago they occurred and always investigate them thoroughly.

“The victim in this case showed incredible bravery and strength to come forward about Wilson’s crimes, and we hope his conviction will go some way to help him move forward with his life.”