Latest Offenders West

Description

A man has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 13-and-a-half years for the religiously aggravated rape and assault of a Sikh woman in her home in Walsall.

John Ashby, 32, of no fixed address, was sentenced today (24 April 2026) at Birmingham Crown Court. He pleaded guilty on the second day of his trial, having previously denied the charges.

On 26 October 2025, Ashby was on the same bus as the victim, who was a stranger to him, after she finished work and travelled home. CCTV footage captured him following her off the bus and all the way to her address. 

A short time after arriving home, she went upstairs to change and then to the bathroom, which was unlocked as she believed she was alone in the house. She heard a noise and, thinking her flatmate had returned, rushed to lock the bathroom door.  Ashby forced his way in before she could do so.

He ordered her to remove her clothes, struck her with a stick, put his hands around her neck and strangled her, before demanding she climb into the bath and raping her.

During the attack, Ashby directed Islamophobic abuse at the victim, whom he believed to be Muslim, telling her she was dirty. He fled after being was disturbed by a noise outside.

Building the case

The Crown Prosecution Service worked closely with West Midlands Police to build a strong case based on multiple strands of evidence.

CCTV footage showed Ashby following the victim from the bus, surveying her property before gaining entry, picking up a stick, along with his fingerprints and DNA on a vape and a toothbrush left in the bathroom.

The victim provided a detailed video-recorded interview describing the full extent of the offences, including the religiously motivated abuse used throughout the attack. Three days later, she attended an identity parade and positively identified Ashby as her attacker, leading to his arrest the same day.

Senior Crown Prosecutor Rav Dhillon from the Crown Prosecution Service said:

"This was a deeply disturbing attack driven by religious hatred, carried out against an innocent woman in her own home – where she had every right to be and feel safe. 

"John Ashby targeted a complete stranger, subjected her to prolonged violence and religiously motivated abuse, and left her traumatised. The CPS worked closely with West Midlands Police to present a robust case based on CCTV footage, DNA evidence, and witness testimony. The fact Ashby initially denied these charges before changing his plea part-way through the trial reflects the strength of the evidence against him.

"We invited the court to treat the religious hostility shown throughout this offending as an aggravating feature. No one should be subjected to violence and hatred because of their background – perceived or otherwise. 

“Our thoughts remain with the victim, who showed remarkable courage, and we hope today’s sentencing brings her some measure of justice.”

Description

Three men have been convicted of the rape of a woman on Brighton beach in October, 2025.

• Abdulla Ahmadi
• Ibrahim Alshafe
• Karin Al-Danasurt

Police received a report on Saturday, 4 October, that a woman in a vulnerable state had been taken to the beach by three men and attacked at around 5am that morning.

The victim – a woman in her 30s – was able to escape and raise the alarm, triggering an urgent police investigation while she was supported by specialist officers and our partners.

CCTV footage from a nearby nightclub identified all three suspects, who had scanned their ID cards on entering the club as part of the venue’s own security measures.

They were identified as Abdulla Ahmadi, 26, Ibrahim Alshafe, 25, and Karin Al-Danasurt, 20, located and arrested.

Footage of the attack was found on the phone of Al-Danasurt, who sought to claim in his defence he had not been an active participant in the rape.

Alshafe and Ahmadi were subsequently charged with two counts of rape, while Al-Danasurt was charged with four counts of rape and sharing intimate images. All three were remanded in custody.

Ahmadi, an Iranian national from Crewe, and Al-Danasurt and Alshafe – both Egyptian nationals from Horsham, all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following a trial at Hove Crown Court concluding on Thursday (23 April), a jury found all three defendants guilty of all counts of rape. The charge of sharing intimate images against Al-Danasurt was removed.

They have been remanded in custody to appear for sentencing at the same court on Wednesday, 15 July.

Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh said:

“These three predatory men took advantage of an extremely vulnerable woman, subjecting her to a prolonged, harrowing ordeal.

“I do not underestimate the strength and courage it required to report this to the police and support the investigation as she dealt with the lasting impact of that morning’s incident. Thanks to this woman’s resolve, we have been able to bring her attackers to justice.

“My thanks also extend to the investigative team for their diligent work and our partners for their support to the investigation and the victim.

“Women and girls should be able to feel safe in public and in private, at any time of the night or day.

“Brighton is a safe place, but incidents such as this serve as a sobering reminder of why we and our partners work so hard to prevent people from coming to harm, and tirelessly pursue perpetrators should the worst happen.”

Description

Three men have been convicted of the rape of a woman on Brighton beach in October, 2025.

• Abdulla Ahmadi
• Ibrahim Alshafe
• Karin Al-Danasurt

Police received a report on Saturday, 4 October, that a woman in a vulnerable state had been taken to the beach by three men and attacked at around 5am that morning.

The victim – a woman in her 30s – was able to escape and raise the alarm, triggering an urgent police investigation while she was supported by specialist officers and our partners.

CCTV footage from a nearby nightclub identified all three suspects, who had scanned their ID cards on entering the club as part of the venue’s own security measures.

They were identified as Abdulla Ahmadi, 26, Ibrahim Alshafe, 25, and Karin Al-Danasurt, 20, located and arrested.

Footage of the attack was found on the phone of Al-Danasurt, who sought to claim in his defence he had not been an active participant in the rape.

Alshafe and Ahmadi were subsequently charged with two counts of rape, while Al-Danasurt was charged with four counts of rape and sharing intimate images. All three were remanded in custody.

Ahmadi, an Iranian national from Crewe, and Al-Danasurt and Alshafe – both Egyptian nationals from Horsham, all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following a trial at Hove Crown Court concluding on Thursday (23 April), a jury found all three defendants guilty of all counts of rape. The charge of sharing intimate images against Al-Danasurt was removed.

They have been remanded in custody to appear for sentencing at the same court on Wednesday, 15 July.

Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh said:

“These three predatory men took advantage of an extremely vulnerable woman, subjecting her to a prolonged, harrowing ordeal.

“I do not underestimate the strength and courage it required to report this to the police and support the investigation as she dealt with the lasting impact of that morning’s incident. Thanks to this woman’s resolve, we have been able to bring her attackers to justice.

“My thanks also extend to the investigative team for their diligent work and our partners for their support to the investigation and the victim.

“Women and girls should be able to feel safe in public and in private, at any time of the night or day.

“Brighton is a safe place, but incidents such as this serve as a sobering reminder of why we and our partners work so hard to prevent people from coming to harm, and tirelessly pursue perpetrators should the worst happen.”

Description

Three men have been convicted of the rape of a woman on Brighton beach in October, 2025.

• Abdulla Ahmadi
• Ibrahim Alshafe
• Karin Al-Danasurt

Police received a report on Saturday, 4 October, that a woman in a vulnerable state had been taken to the beach by three men and attacked at around 5am that morning.

The victim – a woman in her 30s – was able to escape and raise the alarm, triggering an urgent police investigation while she was supported by specialist officers and our partners.

CCTV footage from a nearby nightclub identified all three suspects, who had scanned their ID cards on entering the club as part of the venue’s own security measures.

They were identified as Abdulla Ahmadi, 26, Ibrahim Alshafe, 25, and Karin Al-Danasurt, 20, located and arrested.

Footage of the attack was found on the phone of Al-Danasurt, who sought to claim in his defence he had not been an active participant in the rape.

Alshafe and Ahmadi were subsequently charged with two counts of rape, while Al-Danasurt was charged with four counts of rape and sharing intimate images. All three were remanded in custody.

Ahmadi, an Iranian national from Crewe, and Al-Danasurt and Alshafe – both Egyptian nationals from Horsham, all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following a trial at Hove Crown Court concluding on Thursday (23 April), a jury found all three defendants guilty of all counts of rape. The charge of sharing intimate images against Al-Danasurt was removed.

They have been remanded in custody to appear for sentencing at the same court on Wednesday, 15 July.

Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh said:

“These three predatory men took advantage of an extremely vulnerable woman, subjecting her to a prolonged, harrowing ordeal.

“I do not underestimate the strength and courage it required to report this to the police and support the investigation as she dealt with the lasting impact of that morning’s incident. Thanks to this woman’s resolve, we have been able to bring her attackers to justice.

“My thanks also extend to the investigative team for their diligent work and our partners for their support to the investigation and the victim.

“Women and girls should be able to feel safe in public and in private, at any time of the night or day.

“Brighton is a safe place, but incidents such as this serve as a sobering reminder of why we and our partners work so hard to prevent people from coming to harm, and tirelessly pursue perpetrators should the worst happen.”

Description

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.”

Description

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.”

Description

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.”

Description

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."

Description

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."

Description

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.”

Description

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.”

Description

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.”

Description

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.”

Description

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.”

Description

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.