Latest Offenders

Description

A rapist who subjected his wife to decades of abuse before trying to murder her has been jailed for 27 years.

Trevor Smith, 61, of South Brink, Wisbech, habitually raped, beat and controlled the victim throughout their 40-year relationship.

Officers were called to their home in the early hours of 22 January last year.

They discovered the victim had up to 20 puncture wounds to her neck and arms after being stabbed by Smith in an unprovoked attack.

Smith had approached her from behind in the kitchen, grabbed her by her T-shirt and attacked her with a knife.

The victim had managed to block Smith trying to slash her throat and three family members, who had heard her screams, managed to pull him off.

As they pinned him to the ground waiting for police to arrive, Smith could be heard saying he was “trying to finish her off”.

While the victim was being treated for her injuries, she said Smith had been raping her, usually weekly, for years.

When their now adult children were young, he would order her into a caravan where he would sexually assault her.

He would say, “you know it won’t take long, just get it done then you can get back to them.”

Due to Smith’s controlling behaviour, the victim never sought medical help for her injuries and was sometimes in pain for weeks.

In a bid to stop the victim and their children leaving the home, he would bolt the door closed and if they went out, he followed them.

Smith controlled all the finances, barred the victim from owning her own phone and any money they had was spent on him, leaving the victim sometimes relying on food parcels.

Following a trial last September, Smith was found guilty of attempted murder, six counts of rape, attempted rape, three counts of assault by penetration, two counts of controlling and coercive behaviour, assault by beating and two counts of child cruelty.

He appeared at Cambridge Crown Court on 12 June where he was sentenced to 27 years in prison.

DC Chris Herring, who investigated, said:

“Firstly, I would like to pay tribute to the woman at the heart of this case who was subjected to the most appalling abuse for so many years, yet she has shown incredible strength in supporting the investigation all the way through.

“Smith arrogantly thought he would always get away with carrying out this cruel, monstrous behaviour for so long. I welcome this sentence, and I hope this case sends a clear message to those who commit violent and sexual offences - we will do all we can to bring them before the courts.

“It can be hard for victims to know what to do when incidents happen behind closed doors, but I must stress there is help and support available.

“I would encourage anyone who thinks they might’ve been a victim of a sexual offence to contact us on 101 or via web chat on the force website. We take all reports of sexual offences very seriously.

“We have a dedicated team of specially trained officers ready to investigate allegations promptly, fully and professionally, and a network of partnership agencies and support services to offer assistance and support.”

Description

A Fife paedophile has admitted downloading footage of children as young as one being sexually abused.

Luke Ramage from Lochgelly pled guilty to downloading indecent images and videos of children over an six-month period.

Description

Arlanzo Sherwood was found guilty of child sexual offences and voyeurism following a nine-day trial at Basildon Crown Court.

The jury convicted the 46-year-old on two counts of assault of a girl by penetration, one count of sexual activity with a child and one count of voyeurism.

He was cleared on two counts of assault by penetration and one count of sexual activity with a child.

Essex Police’s Quest team, who investigate sexual offence reports where the victim was a child at the time of the offence but is now an adult, started making enquiries in July 2019 after receiving reports from a family friend of the survivor.

Following a two-and-a-half-year investigation, where Sherwood either refused to comment or denied the allegations, he was charged in October 2021.

In court the survivor, who is now in her 20s, told the jury about the abuse she had suffered at the hands of the defendant.

She had kept it a secret but told a friend and then her mum what had happened to her. Sherwood was confronted by her horrified mum, and the allegations were reported to police.

Jailed

On Thursday 26 June at the same court Sherwood, of Clayburn Circle, Basildon, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for both assault charges, which will run concurrently.

He was sentenced to eight years in prison for the sexual activity offence and 18 months in prison for voyeurism. These will run concurrently with the 11 years sentences.

He was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and given a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

After the victim impact statement was read to the court HHJ Judge Richard Conley thanked the survivor for her bravery and noted the arduous trial.

He also acknowledged the “professionalism” “hard work” and “diligence” of Detective Constable Chris Sedgwick.

Investigating officer Det Con Chris Sedgwick said:

"I would firstly like to pay tribute to the survivor in this case.
"She has shown incredible fortitude and bravery throughout the investigation and the protracted court process.
"Not only did she come forward and tell someone what had happened to her but managed the process with incredible dignity.
"Sherwood committed heinous offences against a vulnerable child and is now rightly serving a long prison sentence.
"At Essex Police we will fully investigate all allegations reported to us and I hope this case helps encourage others who have suffered similar offences, recent or not, to come forward.
"You will be listened to; you will be supported and specially trained officers will be there throughout the process.
"We do not underestimate how difficult it is to come forward and I want to assure all survivors of abuse that we will do all we can to secure justice."

The survivor in this case added:

"Telling the right person has made all the difference to my life. I never thought I would tell anyone, but I have had incredible support.
"The independent sexual violence advisors were there throughout this horrendous time and I’m really grateful to them for their understanding and patience."

Description

A 39-year-old man has been jailed for 19-years with an extra eight years on extended licence after admitting multiple sexual offences committed against two girls in Bristol.

Mark Manship, of Cardiff, raped, sexually assaulted and shared indecent images of a “very young” girl online. He was also convicted of taking an indecent picture of a teenage girl in 2011.

He was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court today (27 June) where he was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, a restraining order and added to the Sex Offenders’ Register.

The court heard Manship was caught after exchanging sexually-explicit messages describing child abuse, as well as indecent images of children, with an undercover FBI agent in December 2020 who then informed police in the UK.

He was arrested by Avon and Somerset Police and a search of his devices uncovered hundreds of indecent images of children.

He was charged with the following offences:

• One count of rape of a child under 13
• Four counts of sexual assault of a child under 13
• Two counts of taking indecent photographs of a child
• Two counts of distributing indecent photographs of a child
• One count of making indecent photographs of a child

He pleaded guilty to each offence when he appeared at Bristol Crown Court last month.

In a victim personal statement, the court was told of the significant impact of his crimes and that it “continues to echo through every part” of their lives.

It said they “no longer feel safe in their own world,” and that there is now “fear where there used to be comfort; suspicion where there used to be ease”.

Sentencing Manship, the judge said: “The facts of this case are extremely distressing. They are nothing short of revolting or horrific.”

He handed him a 19-year prison sentence with an extend licence period of eight years. He also granted lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention and Restraining orders and added Manship to the sex offenders’ register.

DC Elizabeth Howell, the investigating officer, said: 

“Mark Manship is a manipulative man who committed truly abhorrent crimes to fuel his own grotesque sexual desires.

“He took advantage of very young girls and shared his horrific abuse of one of them online – giving absolutely no thought to their wellbeing or the devastating long-term effects his crimes will have on them and their families.

“The impact of his offending has been immense and I don’t underestimate how horrendous these last few years have been for them.

“They deserve enormous credit for their dedication in helping us bring Mark Manship to justice and for the bravery and strength they have shown.

“I’m very pleased they have been able to see him handed a significant prison sentence today.”

Description

A man who forced his way into a woman's home and raped her on two occasions has been jailed for 14 years.

Peter Stone, of Thirlmere Gardens, Doncaster, denied two charges of rape and one of controlling or coercive behaviour.

But following a trial at Sheffield Crown Court in May, during which his victim testified against him, a jury found the 52-year-old guilty on all counts and he was jailed at the same court on Wednesday.

Following the sentencing, Det Con Cameron Vernon, from South Yorkshire Police, said:

"Stone is a dangerous individual who caused this woman immeasurable pain."

Stone had carried out a "campaign" of controlling behaviour towards his victim, during which he raped her twice at her own property in 2024, according to police.

His victim reported the rape offences on 9 November, and officers arrested him on 14 November.

Det Con Vernon said he wanted to recognise Stone's victim's "incredible bravery" in facing him in court, and providing evidence "crucial in convicting him of these despicable crimes".

"I am very happy to see Stone jailed for 14 years, and I hope this sentence encourages other victims of sexual violence to report these crimes to police," he said.

"We will investigate every report and take action to see justice done."

Description

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been jailed for two rapes, an assault by penetration and drug-dealing in Wantage. 

Dylan Sims, aged 21, of St Marys, Wantage, was sentenced to nine years and six months’ imprisonment, with a further three years and six months on an extended license, at Oxford Crown Court today (24/6).

A jury unanimously found Sims guilty of two counts of rape and one count of assault by penetration at the same court on 8 May this year, after a seven-day trial. The jury also unanimously found Sims not guilty of a third count of rape.

Sims pleaded guilty to one count each of being concerned in supplying a controlled drug of classes A and B, namely cocaine and cannabis, and supplying a controlled drug of class A to another, namely cocaine, at the same court in May last year.

In October 2022, a 17-year-old girl and a woman told police about Sims’ sexual offences and cocaine and cannabis dealing, all of which was committed in Wantage from 2021 to 2022.

Sims was arrested on 14 October 2022, and charged on 22 February last year.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Jennifer Gibbons said: "I am pleased with the sentence given out to Dylan Sims, one that fits his abhorrent crimes.

“Sims has never shown any remorse for his actions; he lied in his police interviews and denied the offences, even when faced with overwhelming evidence.

“Sims later changed his account at court – admitting drug offences but denying rape.

“Thankfully, the jury was able to see through this and after only four hours deliberation, found him guilty of two rapes and a sexual assault by penetration.

“I would like to thank both victims for their courage coming to police, as well as all the witnesses who came forward and supported the investigation.

“I hope this conviction gives those who have been affected by sexual offending the confidence to stand up and know they will be listened to. This conviction highlights not only our commitment to tackling these crimes, but also our commitment to support violence against women and girls, as well as all victims of sexual violence.”

Description

A paedophile who groomed, exploited, and coerced two teenage girls into sex work in the early 2000s has been sentenced to 13 years in prison today (Wednesday 25th June 2025) at Manchester Crown Court.

Christopher Oates (28/11/1979) of Tannock Road, Stockport, has been brought to justice after he subjected vulnerable girls to a campaign of violence and sexual abuse twenty years ago.

He groomed one of the survivors from when she was 14 years old. He provided her with a false sense of security, paid her compliments, and pretended to be her boyfriend.

The court heard how this relationship progressed, as Oates plied her with drugs, gifts, and affection, using the trust and control he gained to persuade her to start sex work on the streets of Manchester.

When she began to doubt his intentions and asked to go home, Oates dragged the teenage girl down an alleyway, violently attacked her, and threatened her with a gun, stating: You do as I say, youre mine now, commanding her to go to her spot.

While Oates had frequently been abusive towards her, this incident was the catalyst for change.

She confided in her mother and support services and found the strength to move forward with her life, while courageously supporting our police investigation.

In a victim impact statement, that was read out in court, she said: One of the hardest pills to swallow has always been how, how can one human being make another do something so extreme.

To have to read letters I wrote idolising this man, professing my love for him, and telling everybody that would listen he was my boyfriend is heartbreaking. The trust I remember feeling, the love and how special I must have felt at a time when I felt completely alone in the world is what Ive had to accept is the how I would have done anything, and you used that for your own sick advantage.

You groomed me, you put a gun to my head, and not only did you abuse me, but you let other men too. The fear, the pain and confusion I felt I cant begin to put into words. And the impact of this?

Even now I struggle to trust my own judgements 20 years later; I cant make simple decisions without feeling wrong, overwhelmed, and panicked. I still dont trust me.

Detectives investigating this case were able to identify a second victim, who was 17 years old when Oates coerced her into sex work.

This girl only knew Oates by the nickname Nails due to his long fingernails. It was through this recollection and viewing images of Oates at the time, along with similar victim accounts, that we were able to identify Oates as the offender.

The two victims recall Oates taking them to a designated spot in central Manchester at least once a week to carry out sex acts in cars for money. One night, he organised for them to have sex in a room with a man while being recorded on video.

Oates would supply both victims with cocaine and alcohol and pressured them to take crack cocaine and heroin, aiming to build an addiction and increase their dependency on him, but they declined and managed to escape.

The second victim in this case also provided an impact statement, which stated: I was bullied and manipulated and the person responsible for this was Christopher Oates.

At the time when the exploitation was happening, I felt ashamed, embarrassed, and pressured by Oates. I felt absolutely vile during and after the incident involving the video camera and also when I stood on street corners, I felt scared about who would be in the next car that stopped, and I was terrified.

Since this time, I have regularly had to pass the location of where this happened when travelling on the train, and I have had to look away and look out the other side, so I did not need to see it.

Operation Green Jacket

This case formed one of 15 live investigations running under Operation Green Jacket, led by our Child Sexual Exploitation Major Incident Team, dedicated to securing long-awaited justice for victims of non-recent child sexual abuse in Manchester.

Since Operation Green Jacket was launched in 2019, we have arrested 73 suspects and conducted over 1,300 interviews.

Identifying, tracing, and pursuing our suspect

Oates is the first offender to be sentenced following a long and complex investigation. Our enquiries commenced in November 2012 when a warrant was executed at his property in relation to drug offences.

Oates was not present, and three days later he flew from Heathrow to Bangkok. However, his mobile device was seized, and digital examinations revealed it contained 130 indecent images of children alongside searches for related content.

In 2021, detectives investigating Operation Green Jacket wanted to speak with Oates. His passport records indicated he remained in Thailand. Through extensive enquiries, the investigation team was able to establish that Oates had been living in the Dominican Republic and returning to the UK intermittently before moving back.

In November 2023, Oates was arrested at an address in Stockport where he was cultivating cannabis and in possession of a significant quantity. He also had a passport with his photo and a false name, as well as a matching driving licence and bank card. Oates had travelled using this documentation on at least five occasions.

Officers seized his tablet containing indecent images of children and evidence that Oates was sending sexualised messages to a child through social media.

In April 2024, on what would have been the first day of trial, Oates pleaded guilty to two counts of making indecent images of children, taking indecent images of children, and attempting to engage a child in sexual communication. He also pleaded to the production of cannabis and two counts of possessing an identity document with improper intent.

Oates was remanded into custody. On 5th September 2024, he was postal charged with possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, three counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13 15 years old and two counts causing / inciting a child aged 13 17 years to prostitution.

In March earlier this year on the fourth day of his trial, Oates admitted to the offences.

Today (25/06/2025) he was sentenced to 13 years in prison for all his crimes.

Description

An aspiring Rothwell Buddhist who sexually abused two women and hoarded indecent images of children has been jailed.

Harvy Tak targeted two women between 2016 and 2023, filming both of them as they performed sex acts, Leeds Crown Court heard on Friday.

The court heard that Tak's first victim was handcuffed and blindfolded and was unaware he was filming her at the time. It was also said that she had set boundaries for the consensual sexual activity, which Tak ignored, leading to him being convicted for rape following a trial.

Her Honour Judge Rayfield told Tak as she sentenced him: "She made it clear to you and you made a promise...You were not entitled to ignore the caveat she asked of you but you continued to ignore it knowing that she didn't want that. I can't be sure whether you planned to do that from the outset.

"I will give you the benefit of the doubt that it was impulsive."

The court heard the young woman did not know that Tak had filmed the sexual activity. The judge said: "She was horrified and asked you to delete it but you wouldn't, demonstrating you put your own sexual needs and desires above hers. Over the years, you oscillated between agreeing to delete it and blackmailing her, telling her you wouldn't delete it until she agreed to meet your sexual demands."

It was said that when police arrested Tak in 2023, they seized a number of devices and discovered indecent images of children at categories A, B, and C.

He was released under investigation and it was found he had targeted another young woman. He again filmed them taking part in consensual sexual activity. The judge told Tak: "While she knew you recorded the act for your own personal use, what she didn't know is you retained that until the police found it.

"She was very upset that you still had that image of such a private act in your possession and describes one occasion where you showed her an image of a five-to-eight-year-old engaging in sexual activity with an adult man and you enquired whether this was the kind of activity she would be interested in.

"You told her you had accessed images from the dark web which enabled you to hide your IP address."

The court heard police discovered more indecent images at category A, B and C when Tak was arrested.

Prosecutor Michael Greenhalgh summarised the first victim's impact statement, in which she said she had suffered from anxiety between the offences taking place and her initial report to police. She said she was "ashamed" and "felt dirty."

She added: "Because I felt so low I believed at the time that by letting him abuse me in that way I was protecting others. It made me feel I wasn't worthy. When I reported this, my anxiety increased. I was scared he would turn up at my house. At times it would cause me to shut down.

"I was afraid of bumping into him and I get seeing him in my nightmares where he was oblivious about what he did to me, which made me more anxious about sleeping. I didn't want to sleep and would go to sleep very late and wake up early to avoid it. Sometimes I crash out where I am. I started drinking more caffeine."

In her statement, the second victim said: "This has caused my to develop severe anxiety and PTSD. I find it distressing to go to where the crime occurred. The crime has overall affected every manner of my relationships and has caused me to become very paranoid and not trusting of those around me.

"I find it difficult to connect in a healthy manner and I don't let people get too close. It has affected my ability to work, especially during the proceedings in the case and has left me with no choice but to be unemployed for the near future. My anxiety makes it extremely difficult to perform in work places."

Mitigating, Jane Brady, told the court Tak has a diagnosis of autism. She said: "He was [at the time of the offending] a much younger man who was deferential to authority. He is from a strict Chinese, Buddhist family who intended him to become a Buddhist."

It was said Tak was bullied at school and "isolated" due to being from the "only non-white family in Rothwell."

Ms Brady said: "The [pre-sentence] report acknowledges he had an isolated childhood which resulted in him being ill-prepared for relationships...His feelings are of great shame and reluctance to engage in the process but he will unequivocally not offend again."

Judge Rayfield jailed Tak for eight years and made him the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order until further order.

Description

A man who described himself as Cheshire’s very own Kardashian has been pleaded guilty to fraud and theft.

Jack Watkin, 26, formerly of Wilmslow Road, Alderley Edge funded his fantasy Instagram influencer lifestyle by defrauding businesses and individuals to a total value of more than £200,000.

Watkin appeared at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday 24 June where he pleaded guilty to eight counts of fraud by false representation.

He has been remanded in custody and is set to be sentenced for the fraud and indecent images offences on Wednesday 3 September at Chester Crown Court.

The court heard how Watkin used the lure of designer handbag brand Hermes as a ruse to trick people into giving him the money he needed to afford his extravagant lifestyle.

The sought-after handbags can’t be purchased over the counter. You must be invited to buy a Hermes handbag which makes it a lucrative investment as the resale value can be much higher than the original price.

The victims were told by Watkin that he had the contacts that could give them access to the handbags and that they could split the profits made on resale. They handed over their money in good faith, but when no bag or sign of any money from the investment opportunity arose, they would begin to ask for their money back, but he always had excuses.

He duped one woman into handing over thousands thinking she was investing in the much sought after luxury handbag when she was in fact paying his bills at the Dorchester Hotel in London.

She, like the others never received the handbags or their share in the profits of their resale.

The investigation was launched after the woman who inadvertently paid for his luxury hotel bill contacted the Metropolitan Police back in 2022 when she became suspicious of Watkin’s continued excuses.

The case was subsequently referred to Cheshire Constabulary’s Economic Crime Unit, who launched a full investigation.

Their enquiries unearthed a string of victims and a breath-taking amount of luxury goods, and hotel bills that Watkin's afforded by swindling his six victims.

During the investigation detectives also found indecent images on his mobile phone for which he was found guilty at a previous hearing for possession of indecent images, extreme pornography and prohibited images.

Description

A paedophile who asked a 13-year-old girl to call him “daddy” has been jailed for more than four years.

Mickey Boots, 28, of London Road, Yaxley, began speaking to the victim from Lancashire on 18 March 2023 when he added her on Snapchat.

They also spoke on Whatsapp, with Boots claiming he was 17 and the girl repeatedly telling him she was 13.

Boots encouraged her to touch herself and asked to see inappropriate images of her.

He also sent her some inappropriate photos in return and asked her to save his number in her phone as “daddy”.

Boots called her while touching himself and the conversations ended on 21 March 2023.

The victim reported Boots to Lancashire Police and Cambridgeshire officers attended his home to arrest him and seize devices.

In interview, Boots became agitated and accused officers of “antagonising” him when phone recordings of him speaking to the victim were played. 

On Monday (23 June), at Peterborough Crown Court, Boots was jailed for four-and-a-half years, having pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual communications with a child and cause/incite a girl to engage in sexual activity.

He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.

Description

A Stirling creep who secretly photographed a teenage girl as she bent over her schoolbag had been engaging in sickening chats with other perverts.

Gerard Deery had three images of the girl – who was known to him but not related – plus one of her friend, hidden in a locked folder on his phone.

Description

A former junior school teaching assistant has been jailed for sexual offences against a child.

Geddes Abbott, 34, of no fixed address, admitted seven counts including assaulting a girl under 13 and causing or inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity.

He was sentenced to 10 years and eight weeks in prison at Norwich Crown Court on Tuesday.

Abbott had previously worked at George White Junior School in Norwich, which said it was "appalled and saddened" but that the offences did not relate to any pupils or the school.

The Inclusive Schools Trust said: "We are saddened that a former colleague could be capable of such awful offences."

"At Inclusive Schools Trust, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is of paramount importance to us.

It added all of the correct recruitment and safeguarding processes were followed before Abbott joined the school.

Description

A man has been jailed for raping a 13-year-old girl following an investigation led by specialist detectives at the Metropolitan Police.

Sorosh Amini, 21 (14.11.2003), of Station Road, Croydon was sentenced to 7 years in prison on Friday, 27 June at Croydon Crown Court, after previously being convicted of rape and sexual assault.

He was also issued with a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Amini was arrested and charged following a thorough investigation which utilised CCTV footage and specially trained forensic dogs to place him at the scene.

He left his home address in London the day after the offence. Officers then used phone data and CCTV to locate him in Liverpool and arrested him 5 days later.

Detective Inspector Donnett Oseni, who led the investigation, said:

“Amini’s attack on this vulnerable girl was predatory and calculated. He has demonstrated himself to be a dangerous sexual offender and this sentence prevents him from harming anyone else.

“I want to commend the victim for her courage in coming forward and reporting this offence to us. I hope today’s verdict will bring her and her family some semblance of closure.”

In August 2024, Amini approached the victim in broad daylight on North End Road in Croydon, persistently tried to engage her in conversation and would not leave her alone when told. He then followed her down North End Road and into an alleyway.

Here, he forcibly kissed her and tried to put a cannabis joint into her mouth. He also told her that he was friends with someone who recently stabbed a person in the area, making the victim scared that he may have a knife. Amini then raped her.

The victim reported the assault to police and received safeguarding and support from specialist officers.

Amini was convicted on Thursday, 1 January following a two-week trial at the same court.

Description

A vile County Durham man with a fantasy for sex attacks on women tried to rape a teenage girl walking alone in woodland.

Christopher Bates is the living embodiment of every woman and girls nightmare, a judge said as she jailed him for life on Thursday (June 26).

The 37-year-old, locked up in 2006 for attempted rape, pushed the girl into bushes and tried to rape her while she desperately fought him off and screamed for help.

It happened earlier this year when the high risk sex offender, who was living in a secure unit near Spennymoor after his release from prison, managed to escape while being taken to a dentist appointment.

Teesside Crown Court heard the teenage victim was walking alone when he approached her pretending to be lost. It was the first time he had been unsupervised in years.

Prosecutor Mr Paul Cleasby said: He asked her whether she was alone and whether she had a mobile phone.

The child gave directions but his mannerisms made her feel awkward and she decided to leave the woods.

But Bates chased her, catching up and saying he was going to do her before performing a sex act on himself.

Desperate, his teen victim lied saying she was only 10-years-old in a bid to deter his interest but he told her he didnt care, the court heard, and pushed her into thorny bushes before trying to rape her.

She managed to stop him for long enough until a passing dog walker came to her aid and he fled. The court heard her dad had previously taught her how to defend herself in case of such an attack.

Police arrested him a short time later. In bodycam footage he could be heard telling officers: To be honest I dont know what I was doing. I just lost my head.

He made no comment in two police interviews meaning the girl had to identify him from a line-up.

In an impact statement, read by the prosecutor, the girls mum said: She used to go for walks for hours. I am lucky if I get her out of the house for ten minutes.

When were out shopping if a man comes past her she starts to get scared, hiding behind her dad.

We cant go into the woods anymore. The woods where the offence occurred used to be her safe place.

The attempted rape bore a stark resemblance to the crime he had been jailed for 15 years for in 2006 when he pushed another girl into bushes before trying to rape her. His licence period ended just 17 days before he struck again.

Judge Jo Kidd jailed Bates for life, telling him: You are the living embodiment of every woman and girls nightmare.

You are the reason why from a young age we tell our girls how to defend themselves.

I have no doubt that the advice given by [the victims] dad to his daughter saved her from the most appalling and unthinkable, sadistic crime.

"You immediately set about to put a plan in place where you would relive your fantasy to drag a female into bushes."

He admitted attempted rape at an earlier hearing but was back before the court for sentence on Thursday.

He must serve six years and eight months before a parole board can consider him for release, and if he ever leaves prison he will remain on license for life.

Bates was also handed a restraining order against the victim and placed under a sexual harm prevention order which a judge said will prevent him contacting anyone under 18 if he is ever released, and even ban him wearing certain clothing.

He previously pleaded not guilty to a charge of exposure which was left to lie on file.

Detective Constable Dave Taylor, from South Durham CID, who led the investigation said:

This was an appalling and horrific crime that will have a significant and profound impact on the young girl for many years to come.

Christopher Bates targeted a young, vulnerable girl in a secluded, isolated area in a very predatory way which showed clear evidence of pre-planning.

He poses a significant risk to lone women and girls which is reflected in the sentence passed today.

I would like to take this opportunity to praise the bravery of the young girl who has shown remarkable courage throughout this investigation, which will have had a profound impact on her both mentally and physically.

I only hope that she, her family, and the community as a whole can take some comfort from the significant sentence imposed and that she is able to move forward with her life again.

Description

William Woods was found guilty of 57 offences at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday 24  June, including inciting children under the age of 14 to commit an act of gross indecency, incite boys aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity and attempted rape.

In addition, he was found not guilty of one count of sexual assault and one count of neglect.

The 67-year-old of Lawton Street, Congleton, has been remanded in custody and is to be sentenced for his crimes on Friday 15 August.

During the course of his eight-week trial, it was heard that between 1976 and 2006, Woods had sexually abused eight children across the Northwich and Crewe areas of Cheshire.

Woods was football coach over the course of his offending and used his connections with family friends to build a position of trust and influence over the children, isolating them from their loved ones before sexually abusing them.

Woods also encouraged the young people to abuse one another, bringing multiple children together at his home to act out his warped sexual fantasisies.

Alongside his campaign of sexual abuse against these children, Woods was also physically abusive, with the court hearing how he had locked one of his victims in a cupboard for a prolonged period and burnt them with cigarettes and a pan that was being used for cooking.

In 2018, officers from Cheshire Police were approached by one of Woods’ victims. Subsequent enquiries into this victim’s case resulted in officers uncovering seven more victims, all of whom had been sexually and physically abused by Woods between the late 1970s and early 2000s.

Woods was interviewed on several occasions throughout the entire investigation before being formally arrested in 2022, outright denying any abuse - going so far as to tell interviewing officers that he had never even met several of the victims and that the ones he had previously met were lying about being abused.

The 67-year-old would be charged with 59 offences in January 2024.

Police Constable Emma Hughes, who oversaw the investigation, said:

"While on the outside William Woods looked to be a respectable member of the community; a coach of the local youth football team who had a good relationship with the children of family friends, he is, in reality, a malignant and opportunistic sexual predator who has already served a six-year sentence for sexual offences against young people in his care prior to our investigation into him in 2018.

“Being taken on holidays and camping trips are meant to be experiences that children should look back on with positive memories, but instead, Woods used the trust instilled in him to abuse the young people in his care, isolate them from their families and force them to act out his warped sexual fantasies over a period of 30 years.

“Despite the overwhelming amount of evidence against him, Woods refused to accept any responsibility for his own horrific actions. However, their abuser has now, at long last, been served justice and I hope that today marks the end of a very turbulent chapter in their lives that will allow them to find some sense of closure and begin to heal.

"Today's result is the culmination of over seven years policework and working alongside Woods' eight victims in bringing almost three decades of horrific abuse to a conclusion.

“Coming forward to disclose offences of this nature takes a huge amount of bravery. So, I would like to take this opportunity to commend each of the victims in this case whose evidence was vital in helping us build a case against William Woods, as I know it will not have been easy for them or their families to process.

“I would like to stress that, as this case has shown today, we take all reports of historic sexual abuse extremely seriously and we thoroughly investigate every report we receive, placing the victim's needs at the heart of the case, regardless of how long ago the offence occurred.”