Latest Offenders Yorkshire

Description

A dangerous rapist who denied his “nasty and vile” crimes in a “vicious” way has begun an extended 16-year sentence.

Samuel Payne, 35, formerly of Keighley, will serve 13 years in custody followed by three years on licence. Sentencing him at Bradford Crown Court, His Honour Judge Roger Thomas KC said: “The offence of rape triggers this question that I have to answer: are you somebody who should be regarded as a significant risk of causing serious harm hereafter to others? My answer to that question is a resounding ‘yes’. There is no other sensible conclusion that I can reach.”

He added: “You quite clearly have a very deep and intractable side to you that is sheer nastiness, in simple terms. That’s reflected in these offences [which] is persistent and determined conduct of a nasty, vicious sort over a long period of time.”

Payne was convicted after trial of multiple offences, including raping one victim whom he threatened with an iron bar, held a knife to her throat, and told: “I’ll twist your neck off.” He also threatened a second victim with rape and murder.

In victim impact statements, one said “fear still lingered in her mind” and that Payne had “erased her emotions,” leaving her “broken.” The other described constant anxiety, panic attacks, and her body in “constant fight or flight” mode.

In mitigation, his barrister argued Payne had suffered “significantly,” living a “miserable life” with mood swings and inability to manage stress: “It may be that his offending is in part a product of that rather than a malevolent characteristic. [The court] is obliged to consider whether this is a cruel and sadistic history or whether there may be other factors in play.”

Judge Thomas, describing mobile phone recordings of Payne’s behaviour as “very nasty and indeed vile” and providing “a very real insight and snapshot into you,” ordered him to register as a sex offender for life. Payne, who appeared via video link from HMP Leeds with arms folded, is also subject to indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention and restraining orders.

The judge noted Payne’s “lack of empathy,” citing his refusal to engage with Probation and persistent denial: “It’s to be hoped that as the years pass by now you make some productive use of your time in prison, and you become a better man when you are released than so far you have been.”

Description

The bravery of two women has led to an abuser being jailed for nearly two decades.

Emma Clarke, 34, came forward in 2021 to report Luke Anderson had raped her in 2015 and she has now waived her right to lifelong anonymity, saying: "I hope my story and my voice can help towards stopping the stigma related to survivors of sexual abuse."

Anderson, 33, and previously of Halifax in West Yorkshire, was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on Monday (10 November) for five counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault. He was jailed for 18 years and told he must sign the sex offenders' register for life.

He had been found guilty of the crimes in August after a court heard Anderson abused Emma and another woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, between 2015 and 2019.

In a statement given to South Yorkshire Police [SYP] following the sentencing hearing, Emma said:

"One of the first emotions we learn as a child is shame. The same emotion that is drilled into us when we are abused.

"I hope that my story, and my voice, can help towards stopping the stigma related to survivors of sexual abuse. I was silenced for a long time doing what I thought was right to protect myself from judgement and the fear of what would happen if I spoke out.

"It took me years to build up the courage to speak up, and if my story can encourage one person to speak up, or even stop feeling shame, then it's worth it.

"The process of speaking out isn't easy. The interview and court process is traumatic, but getting justice makes it all worth it and I'd like to thank Barnsley Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Services, South Yorkshire Police, and my family and friends who have supported me through this journey. 

"I hope that my story is a reminder that this can and does happen to anyone. My truth is out to protect my daughters, my sisters and my friends, as well as your loved ones.

"My name is Emma. I was raped. This is my voice. My story. No shame."

A second survivor of Anderson has also provided a statement to SYP. She said:

"I am releasing this statement to take control of my story. While the verdict brings a sense of justice, it does not erase the pain or the lasting impact of what I have endured.

"However, it does bring an opportunity for truth - and for me to stand as someone who has survived, fought, and finally been heard.

"I want to make it clear that no one should ever have to suffer in silence. I also want to say that I could not have gone through this without the incredible support I received from SYP, my ISVA, and my family and friends.

"Their belief in me and their constant support have carried me through some of the darkest times.

"If my decision to come forward helps even one other person find the courage to speak out, then it will have been worth it."

Detective Sergeant Matthew Mellor, whose team led the investigation into Anderson's abhorrent offending, said:

"The bravery shown by both of these women throughout every stage of this deeply difficult process has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I want to start by thanking them for it.

"Their decision to report the abuse inflicted by Anderson has led to a dangerous offender being put behind bars for almost 20 years.

"By law, Emma Clarke would have been entitled to lifelong anonymity as all survivors of sexual abuse are. But she has bravely waived this right in the hope that her story will lead to more people feeling empowered to come forward and report abuse to us.

"We are 100 per cent committed to tackling all forms of sexual abuse in South Yorkshire and every single report is thoroughly investigated.

"If you have been raped, sexually assaulted, or sexually harassed, you can report to us in confidence online or by calling 101. If you don't feel able to report to police, try and talk to someone you trust. You can also seek specialist and confidential support via the 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line." 

Description

A voyeur from West Yorkshire who hid a camera in a bathroom to record females has been jailed for over two years.

Leon Gresswell, 39, of Ovenden, Calderdale, had his "planned, devious, and perverted" behavior exposed at Bradford Crown Court.

He must register as a sex offender for 10 years and adhere to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the same period.

Prosecutor Camille Morland explained that Gresswell's phone, dropped in nearby woods, was found by a neighbor who discovered "of concern" images while identifying the owner. Police were notified, and Gresswell admitted recording the images for sexual gratification.

Victims' statements described feeling disgusted, dirty, and paranoid, saying his actions "made their skin crawl."

Mitigating, Michael Collins noted voyeurs often struggle emotionally with admissions, and Gresswell's late acceptance reflected "the seriousness with which he views this offence and the shame and embarrassment that comes from it." He added: "He has behaved in an appalling way and he accepts that."

Sentencing for four voyeurism counts, Recorder Simon Jackson KC called it "an entrenched pattern of deviant behaviour" showing no remorse or insight. He added: "It was planned. It was devious. It was perverted. It was more than what you in fact saw. It was what you hoped to see."

Gresswell received 18 months concurrent on three counts, plus eight months consecutive for the fourth, totaling 26 months in prison.

Description

A man who committed multiple sexual offences in Kirklees more than 50 years ago has been jailed. 

Graham Ramsden, aged 69, of Kirk Close, Dewsbury, was sentenced to 11 years and two years on licence at Leeds Crown Court today ( Thursday 30 October) after being convicted of committing ten indecent assaults in the 1970s.

The 69-year-old had previously been found guilty by a jury of eight counts of Indecent assault contrary to section 14(1) of the sexual offences act 1956.

Jurors also found he had committed two offences of indecency with a child contrary to section 1(1) of the indecency with children act 1960.  

The offending took place between the years 1970 and 1977 in the Kirklees area starting when the victim was a very young child.  It was reported to Kirklees child safeguarding detectives in 2020.

Following a complex and lengthy investigation Ramsden was summonsed to appear before Leeds Magistrates Court.

Detective Constable Paul Campbell of the Kirklees District Child Safeguarding Unit, said:

“Ramsden’s sentencing today is another clear demonstration that the passage of time can be no barrier to justice, no matter how many years ago criminal activity took place.

“He has been brought to justice thanks to the bravery and determination of his victim, who has made him answer for the crimes he committed when she was a very young child.

“Thanks to her courage Ramsden has had to answer for the serious sexual abuse he subjected her to and is now behind bars.”

He added:

“We continue to urge victims of sexual offending whether recent or, as in this case, many years ago to come forward and contact us.

“We remain dedicated to recording these offences, investigating and doing all we can to seek justice with the needs of the victim at the heart of our investigations.” 

Description

A convicted rapist who assaulted a woman after she refused sex with a man he had paid remains at large.

David Morrison, 44, was sentenced to ten years in prison in his absence at Teesside Crown Court on Friday (October 24) after failing to appear.

The victim had previously criticized the justice system for allowing him to walk free pending sentencing, despite his conviction by a jury. A warrant was issued earlier this month when he missed another hearing, and his whereabouts are unknown.

The court heard Morrison paid the man to have sex with the victim, telling him to "do what you want." When she refused, Morrison raped her.

In her victim impact statement, the mother described feeling ashamed and reduced to a shell of her former self, having lost her career and now suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Fighting back tears, she said: “He has turned my home into a prison and my body into something that I fear. He pushed me to the point of despair where I was ready to end my own life.”

She added that delays and inaction left her in constant fear, battling complex PTSD and nightmares. She previously told the Echo: "I feel like a prisoner — while he’s out living his life like nothing happened."

Morrison, of Wilton Castle Lane, Wilton, near Redcar, was found guilty of rape and assault by penetration. His defense noted he had no prior convictions and had waited years for trial.

Recorder Paul Reid imposed the sentence, stating: “I’m persuaded by the great distress experienced by the victim that it is appropriate to proceed to sentence so she can start to put this behind her.”

Morrison received a lifelong restraining order and must register as a sex offender for life.

Description

Police have renewed an appeal to locate a convicted Dewsbury man who was convicted in his absence for sex offences.  

Kirklees District Police would like to speak to anyone who has information about the whereabouts of Asif Ghafoor Butt, aged 43, formerly of Selbourne Avenue in Dewsbury, who fled from authorities in 2016.    

Butt was sentenced in his absence to 11 years in prison on 24 May 2017 after being found guilty of sexual offences committed in the Wakefield area against a then 13-year-old girl.

The offences were attempted rape, sexual assault, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and two other serious sexual assault offences.

Extensive enquiries have been ongoing to trace him locally and abroad with policing partners.  

Is thought he may have at some point travelled to Pakistan but police have kept an open mind as to his whereabouts.    

Butt is described as Asian, 5ft 6ins tall and of average build.    

Detective Inspector Angela Francome of Kirklees District Police, said:

“Substantial enquiries have been ongoing since 2016 to locate Butt who was convicted in his absence in 2017 of serious sexual offences.  

“Those enquiries have taken place in the UK and in Pakistan and have involved joint investigations with partner agencies.  

“For the sake of his victim we remain determined to find this man and put him back before the courts to face the prison term he was sentenced to his absence.  

“In the rare occasions where someone has fled justice the force never gives up efforts to locate them, and we will not be doing so in this case.  

“I would appeal to anyone who knows of his whereabouts to contact Kirklees Police on 101 referencing police log number 287 of the 28/03/2017.“

Description

A woman who was raped in Calderdale has told a court: “I no longer feel like the same person. I don’t sleep at night. I have constant flashbacks. I am always scared.”   

Her attacker, Philip Walsh, was jailed for more than a decade yesterday after admitting rape and sexual assault partway through a trial at Bradford Crown Court in May.  

The 66-year-old, of Brooksbank Gardens, Elland, assaulted the victim in Elland in September last year and was arrested later that day.  

He was sentenced to 11 years behind bars and will be added to the Sex Offenders Register for life.  

His daughter Lynzi Walsh also appeared at Bradford Crown Court where she admitted perverting the course of justice after she gave a false statement to cover for her dad.  

The 40-year-old, of Kingsley Road, Mablethorpe, was given a suspended sentence of 12 months.

In her own words, the victim told the court: 

“I never go out alone. I feel like I’ve lost my sense of safety. I used to be a bubbly person who loved going out with my friends, laughing, and being social. That side of me has been taken away.  

“This experience has affected every part of my life. This will stay with me forever, it has broken me, and it’s changed the future I thought I would have.”

Detective Constable Katy Wilson, of the Calderdale Adult Protection Team, said: 

“I would like to commend the victim in this case for her immense bravery in coming forward to report this horrific crime.  

“It has clearly had a huge and lasting impact on her, and I hope the fact that Walsh is now behind bars can bring her some level of comfort as she tries to move forward with her life.  

“I would urge anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence, whether recent or not, to please report it to us so we can take action.  

“We have specialist officers to support you through the justice process and we are determined to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.”  

Description

Maxx Stobbs, also known as Max Hinchley, 24 from Staithes, was sentenced at York Crown Court on 19 September 2025.

After being reported to us in March 2023, an investigation began into the sexual abuse of an underage teenage girl. Stobbs was then arrested in April 2023.

Stobbs pleaded guilty on 18 July at York Crown Court to four counts of penetrative sexual activity with a girl. For these offences he has been jailed for three and a half years, and ordered to pay a surcharge of 190. Stobbs has also been ordered to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely.

The investigation has been led by Detective Constable Matthew Edwards, from our Scarborough and Ryedale Safeguarding Investigation Team.

He was able to support the victim throughout the investigation, and ensure she received professional care and support, including from an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA).

The following are quotes from the victim's personal statement, that was read out in court by the prosecuting solicitor:

"The defendant targeted me at a time when I was young, vulnerable, just starting to discover my identity and learning to navigate the world. The defendant used my naivety and innocence against me; and I can never get these things back.

"Every day feels like a mountain to climb, as I constantly carry the weight of what the defendant did to me.

"I am working hard to rebuild my confidence and self-worth, but I will forever grieve for the girl I was, and the woman I could have been, before I met the defendant."

DC Edwards said:

"The victim in this case is to be commended for her bravery in coming forward to the police, and for her strength in re-building her life after the long-term offending by Stobbs, who is now a convicted sex offender.

"The impact of this type of offending should not be underestimated and I urge victims to come forward to police. No matter when the abuse took place, you will be listened to."

Description

Kristian John Franks, a man with a extensive criminal record dating back to his early teens, was convicted of rape on September 18, 2025, following a trial at York Crown Court.

The conviction stems from an incident in which he allegedly raped a woman within hours of meeting her for the first time. Below is an overview of his criminal background, leading up to the recent trial and its outcome.

Early Criminal History

Franks first came to police attention as a juvenile. At age 13, he was convicted of assaulting a police officer in the course of duty. During his teenage years, he committed multiple vehicle-related offenses, including dangerous driving and taking cars without the owner's consent.

By age 19, Franks had begun using drugs and committed his first burglary. Two years later, at 21, he was convicted of burgling a house.

Escalating Offenses in Adulthood

In 2016, Franks harassed a former partner, resulting in a restraining order designed to protect her. He subsequently breached this order.

In 2019, he was involved in a road rage incident where he tailgated another vehicle and, when confronted, claimed, "I can drive however I want, I don’t have insurance." He attempted to deceive authorities about the event, leading to an eight-month prison sentence for perverting the course of justice.

Even after serving this sentence, Franks continued offending, with convictions for drug driving, going equipped for theft, and failing to appear on bail.

Prior Sexual Risk Concerns

In December 2023, after being acquitted of raping Leah Bedford, Franks was subjected to a sexual risk order by York Magistrates' Court. This civil order aimed to restrict activities of individuals posing a sexual risk to the public.

By January 2025, police issued a public appeal for help locating him, suspecting he had breached the order's conditions.

The 2025 Rape Charge and Trial

In April 2025, Franks was charged with raping a woman shortly after their first meeting. He was sent on bail to York Crown Court.

Complications arose in May 2025 when Franks was arrested at Fulford Road Police Station but escaped custody. He was later apprehended and charged with escape from lawful custody. After failing to attend a subsequent court hearing, he was arrested on a warrant and remanded in custody.

On July 18, 2025, Franks admitted the escape charge.

The rape trial commenced on September 9, 2025, at York Crown Court. After deliberations, the jury found him guilty of rape on September 18, 2025.

Franks is scheduled to be sentenced for both the rape conviction and the escape from lawful custody on October 30, 2025.

Description

A rapist has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after being found guilty of a series of serious sexual offences against children.  

Michael Abass, aged 48, from Heckmondwike was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court today (16 September) for sexual offences described by detectives as some of the worst they have ever seen.

The 48-year-old was found guilty of 16 offences against two girls and a boy.  They  included seven offences of rape against one of the victims, with other offending including sexual assault and coercive and controlling behaviour.  

He also admitted an offence of sexual assault by touching on a female child under 13.  

The offending took place between 2015 and 2024 when some of it was reported to Kirklees District Police in August of that year by one of the three victims.  

The report initiated an investigation by specialist detectives from the Kirklees District Child Safeguarding Unit.  

Abass was arrested straight after the initial report was made and was charged on 19 August.

He will have to sign on the sex offenders register life on his release from prison and was made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order

In sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court today, his honour Judge Doig commended the bravery of the victims and  stated that Abass acted in a depraved manner towards children, and was a dangerous offender.

DC Yvonne Brear of Kirklees District Child Safeguarding Unit, said:

“The monstrous offences committed by Michael Abass against his three victims are quite simply some of the worst I have seen in a 14-year career in child safeguarding.

“Six of the rapes he was found guilty of represent rape offending which took place on at least ten occasions, illustrating the sheer scale of the awful sexual abuse he committed.  

“Frankly it is hard to comprehend how anyone could act in this way, and treat young children as nothing more than objects for their gratification.

“What is equally apparent in this case is the bravery of the three victims in reporting Abass and then supporting a prosecution, despite being put through the ordeal of a trial .”  

DI Paul Greatorex of Kirklees District Child Safeguarding Unit, added:

“Abass’s depravity and the courage of the victims in this case were also commented on in court by His Honour Judge Doig.    

“I hope those victims can take some comfort from knowing their steadfast support of this prosecution has been instrumental in making Abass answer for his crimes.  

“The depth of his offending against them was also very much reflected by the sentence imposed by the court today.

“We do, of course, continue to urge victims of any form of sexual offending in Kirklees to come forwards and speak with us.  

“You will be listened to by specialist officers who will do all they can to investigate and provide the support you may well need.” 

Description

A ‘perverse’ man who abused his position of trust to groom and sexually abuse an impressionable and vulnerable child in the late 70s and early 80s has been sentenced to a total of nine years and handed a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order following his appearance at Hull Crown Court last week (Friday, 12 September 2025).

Robert Carter, 70-years-old, of Widop Street in Goole pleaded guilty to nine counts of non-recent sexual offences including rape, four counts of indecent assault, three counts of making indecent photographs of a child, and possessing a prohibited image of a child on the first day that was set for his trial in June 2025.

He was subsequently sentenced at Hull Crown Court on Friday, 12 September.

In December 2016, we received a call from a man disclosing that he had been subjected to years of non-recent abuse in Hessle, Hull. At the time, there were no charges brought against the suspected perpetrator due to not being able to formally identify or trace the individual from retained records.

However, in 2020, the investigation was reviewed and progressed after new information came to light from a neighbouring police force whom the victim had spoken with, allowing our Child Sexual Exploitation Team to carry out extensive enquiries into the initial report leading to Carter being identified.

Carter was subsequently arrested in June 2020 on suspicion of Gross Indecency, and following a thorough search of his property, a laptop was seized and examined by officers from our Digital Forensics Team uncovering indecent images of children.

Whilst in custody, Carter replied no comment to all questions asked and denied any involvement in the allegations made against him.

Detective Constable Rick Brackenbury from our Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, leading the investigation said:

“This has been an extremely lengthy and complex investigation involving cross-border enquiries with colleagues from neighbouring police forces, and it is thanks to the courage, determination and perseverance shown from the victim that we were able to stack up a significant amount of evidence against Carter, ultimately leading him to plead guilty on the first day of trial.

“Carter is a perverse individual who befriended a vulnerable, impressionable child, abusing his position of trust to groom and commit abhorrent sexual offences over a prolonged period of time, all for his own paraphilic tendencies.

“It is never the victim’s fault, and we would strongly appeal for any child who is or has been manipulated into doing something they don’t want to do, or anyone who suspects crimes of this nature are taking place, to please speak to a trusted adult or friend, and report it to us, when you are ready.

“It doesn’t matter if the offences happened five hours or 50 years ago, we take all reports of this nature extremely seriously and will do everything we can to bring individuals like Carter to justice.”

Description

A ‘perverted’ and ‘abusive’ man has been sentenced to a total of 25 years behind bars for his crimes and will be on the sex offenders register for life following his appearance at Hull Crown Court on Friday, 5 September 2025.

Richard Oaten, 53-years-old, of Fletcher Close in Hessle, was found guilty of six counts of rape of a girl aged between 13 and 15, four counts rape of a girl under 13, two counts of assault of a girl by penetration, two counts of assault of a girl by touching, assault of a girl over 13, and attempted rape of a girl under 13, following a two week trial at Hull Crown Court that began on Monday, 21 July 2025.

An investigation was launched in September 2020 after we received a report concerning non-recent sexual abuse of a child over an eight-year period.

Oaten was arrested and taken into custody to be interviewed by detectives, during which he denied all allegations. He was subsequently charged.

Leading the investigation, Detective Sergeant Katharine Paddock said:

“Oaten is a perverted man who took advantage of an innocent girls trust in him and subjected her to years of abhorrent abuse, all for his own sexual gratification.

“No amount of prison time will take away the trauma Oaten has inflicted, but I hope this sentence offers some reassurance that he is facing the consequences of his actions and will be behind bars for a very long time.

“I would like to praise the victim for coming forward and for the bravery and courage they have shown throughout this investigation.

"We take all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously and will continue to do everything possible to ensure offenders are brought before the courts and seek justice for those who have suffered at the hands of such incomprehensible crimes.

"It is never the victim’s fault, and I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual offences to report it to us.

"When you are ready, we will listen to you, we will believe you, and we will support you."

Description

Update

Received a further eight years for multiple indecent assaults and sexual assaults against six other children between 1989 and 2018.    

Davies, who was initially jailed in 2021, was also given an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

2021-09-18

A Calderdale man has been jailed for 18 years after being found guilty of multiple sexual offences against young children.

John Davies, 58, from Sowerby Bridge was branded as a danger to children by Kirklees safeguarding detectives following his sentencing at Leeds Crown Court yesterday (Friday).

Davies was found guilty of three sexual assaults and two sexual touching offences following his trial in June.

The offending took place in Calderdale and Huddersfield areas against four girls between 2014 and 2020.

He will be placed on the sex offenders register and be subject to a sexual harm prevention order.

The 58-year-olds abuse first came to police attention in 2020 after one of his victims disclosed what had happened to her.

An immediate investigation was launched which resulted in Davies arrest shortly afterwards, with further enquiries made by both Calderdale and Kirklees specialist detectives.

At his sentencing, Davies was described by the judge as a dangerous offender who posed a high risk of serious harm to very young children.

Detective Constable Yvonne Brear, of the Kirklees Child Safeguarding Unit, who led the enquiry, with assistance from Detective Constable Ameira Blight, said: John Davies abused the trust of others and took advantage of young victims in a truly dreadful way.

It is no exaggeration to say he poses a real danger to children and we welcome the substantial sentence handed down to him today.

He chose to compound the suffering of his victims and their families by taking the case to trial, and that has been reflected in the sentence imposed.

West Yorkshire Police is committed to investigating all reports of child sexual offending with the needs of victims at the heart of every investigation.

Description

A ‘VILE’ man from East Yorkshire has been jailed after he attempted to groom someone who he believed to be a teenage girl online.

Phillip Buckingham, 61, of Dunhill Road, Goole, pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and was sentenced to nine months in prison.

He was also given a sexual harm prevention order and will be placed on the sex offenders' register for 10 years.

An investigation was launched into Buckingham in November 2022 after he used messaging apps under the username ‘funtimefred’ to contact a social media profile which he believed belonged to a 13-year-old girl.

Over the course of several days, between Sunday, November 6 and Wednesday, 9 November 2022, he sent a series of sexually explicit messages, including an indecent image of himself, and encouraged the recipient to send a photo in return.

But the profile was a decoy operated by an undercover police officer, set up to identify and stop individuals attempting to talk to children online.

Following further enquiries, officers observed Buckingham using his phone outside his place of work. He was then arrested on suspicion of engaging in sexual communication with a child and taken into custody to be interviewed.

Officer in the case, Detective Constable Paul Twidale said:

“Buckingham is a vile individual who sought to exploit who he believed to be a vulnerable child.

“When questioned, Buckingham denied his intentions, stating that if those he had spoken to online had turned out to be under 18, he would have ended the chat.

“Thankfully no child was harmed as Buckingham was talking to a decoy social media account, and I am pleased he is now behind bars and facing the consequences of his disturbing behaviour.

“I’d like to commend the dedication and professionalism of our undercover officers, whose efforts play a vital role in protecting children and bringing offenders to justice.

“We take reports of sexual offences extremely seriously and we will continue to do everything we can to bring offenders before the courts.”

Description

A transgender woman who failed to disclose her gender status to a male sexual partner has been found guilty of sexual assault today at Teesside Crown Court.

Ciara Watkin, 21, of Walton Street, Stockton-on-Tees, was found guilty of multiple charges relating to sexual acts that she performed on the 21-year old man over a number of days in June 2022. The sexual assault charges were brought after Watkin failed to disclose her transgender status to the man, which meant that he could not have given informed consent to the sexual activity between them.

The court heard how the pair had initially met over Snapchat, exchanging messages over a couple of weeks before meeting at a house in Thornaby. After drinking and chatting, the pair went to the bedroom of the property where Watkin told the defendant that she was on her period, preventing him from touching her below the waist as she performed sexual acts upon him. A few days later, Watkin attended the victim’s home where further sexual activity took place.

Following this, Watkin initially blocked all contact with the man but eventually got back in touch with him, before telling him during an exchange of text messages that she was transgender and that she had male genitalia.

Sarah Nelson, Senior Crown Prosecutor at CPS North East, said:

“It is clear from the evidence in this case that, prior to engaging in sexual activity with the victim, Watkin had made no attempt to inform him of her transgender status.

“The Crown Prosecution Service has shown that, by failing to disclose this to him, it would not have been possible for him to give informed consent to sexual activity.

“The victim has made clear in police interview that he would not have engaged in sexual activity had he known that Watkin was transgender and, consequently, these events have had a significant impact on his mental wellbeing.

“We hope that he can take some comfort from seeing Watkin convicted for these serious sexual offences today.”

Watkin will be sentenced on 10th October at Teesside Crown Court.