Latest Offenders

Description

A man from Luton has been sentenced to 21 years in prison after being found guilty of raping and sexually abusing a child over a prolonged period.

The offences were reported after the child disclosed the abuse to school staff.

Ashfaq Khan, 26, of The Oaks, Luton, was found guilty of 13 offences, including rape and sexual assault. He was sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Friday 27 June. He is also subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Constable Sophie Andrews from Bedfordshire Police said: “I would like to praise the victim for their bravery in coming forward and helping us bring another sexual predator to justice.

“We work hard to tackle all forms of abuse against children and would urge anyone who has concerns that a child is being sexually abused, or has been a victim themselves, no matter how long ago, to come forward.

“I hope this case sends a message that it is never too late to report to us and we will do all we can to support the victim and bring the perpetrator to justice.”

Description

Oliver Wade, 37, abused the victim throughout the 1990s and 2000s.

He came to the attention of officers in 2020 when the victim, who is now an adult, bravely reported it to police after years of suffering at the hands of Wade.

Following the report, Wade was voluntarily interviewed in 2021 where he denied all allegations put to him.

However, after a lengthy investigation, he was charged in December 2023.

In April this year, Wade of Sunridge Avenue, Luton, was found guilty at Luton Crown Court of four offences, which included attempted rape and sexual assault and on Friday (27 June) was sentenced to nine years and eight months in prison.

He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Detective Constable David Widdicombe said: “This has been a horrific case, and we hope this sentencing has brought some closure to the victim.

“Wade’s 10-year campaign of abuse is shocking and something nobody should ever have to go through. We will continue to do what we can to support the victim.

“We know that a victim can carry the burden of being abused for years before they’re ready to open up about what happened to them.

“It is never too late to make a disclosure. We know it can be so difficult to report abuse, but we are here to support you every step of the way.”

Description

A man found guilty of the sexual abuse of young girls has been sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment, after the brave survivors revealed his repeated assaults.

Martin Prior, aged 36, targeted the children in the mid to late 2000s, but it wasn’t until 2020 that his offending came to light, when the survivors disclosed his abuse to police officers as part of a separate investigation.

As a result, Northamptonshire Police’s Child Protection team began an investigation into Prior, identifying at least three victims.

Prior, of Crestline Court, Northampton, went on to be charged with one count of rape of a girl under 13, six counts of sexually assaulting a girl under 13 by touching, one count of sexual assault of a female, and one count of causing/inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity – no penetration.

Following a trial at Northampton Crown Court, on May 8 Prior was found not guilty of the rape and sexual assault of a female charges but found guilty of the remaining seven offences.

On Friday, June 27, he returned to the same court where he was sentenced to a total of nine years in prison. Prior will have to serve two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for parole.

Prior was also made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, designed to prevent future offending, and was placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

Speaking afterwards, investigating officer Detective Constable Laura Beeby said: “Martin Prior is a sexual predator, who as an adult deliberately targeted children for his own sexual gratification.

“All of these children were vulnerable due to their age, and the repeated abuse Prior subjected them to has caused them significant and lasting harm and distress.

“Their courage in finally revealing Prior’s abhorrent offending cannot be overstated, and it is thanks to their bravery that he has been proven to be an abuser and a liar.

“The only shame and guilt in a case like this lies with the offender, and I hope this outcome can provide some small comfort to the survivors as they continue to heal.”

Description

New police technology which makes it easier to see bruising in darker skin has snared two rapists.

“A game-changing” device - known as Project Archway - which allow officers to better assess victims’ injuries by making it easier to photograph and visualise bruising was used in the case against him.

Samuel Keys convicted thanks to Archway, 26, from Corby, Northamptonshire, admitted five counts of rape against a woman and faces a lengthy jail term in September.

Description

New police technology which makes it easier to see bruising in darker skin has snared two rapists.

Ashley Bramble, 36, sexually assaulted a 13-year-old schoolgirl after picking her up at Hackney Carnival.

The victim and a friend missed their last train home but Bramble offered to let the pair stay at his property in Portland Rise, Finsbury Park.

The sex predator carried out a string of attacks on one of the girls overnight.

She revealed details at school and Metropolitan Police detectives were able to track down Bramble in north London last September.

A game-changing device - known as Project Archway - which allow officers to better assess victims injuries by making it easier to photograph and visualise bruising was used in the case against him.

At Wood Green Crown Court, Bramble was jailed for 15 years having been convicted of two counts of rape, sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault.

Description

A baby-faced pervert has avoided jail after being caught with hundreds of child abuse images. 'Reclusive' John Jenkins became engrossed in a disturbing online world, sparking his twisted desires.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard the 24-year-old soon began viewing and downloading hundreds of images of children as his depravity ‘spiralled’.

The defendant, of Spoutfield Road, Cliffe Vale, went on to plead guilty to three charges of making indecent images of a child and possessing 386 prohibited image of a child in September last year. And in his sentencing remarks, the judge said Stoke-on-Trent and the rest of the UK is experiencing an 'epidemic of child porn'.

Prosecutor Anthony Longworth detailed how Jenkins had stored a variety of Category A, B and C images on his computer. Now the pervert has been handed a two-year suspended sentence.

Catherine O’Reilly, mitigating, reminded the court that ‘there were no suggestions he has made attempts to reach out to anyone under the age of 16’, adding: This is a young man who falls foul of some serious offences. But he is taking serious work to avoid further offending.

“As soon as he was arrested, he did seek help. He sought the guidance of counselling agencies recommended to him by the probation service and engaged in one-to-one sessions.

"He has no previous convictions. It’s clear he has shown genuine remorse and shame for his actions. He has also closed down his online accounts to reduce the risk of potential harm.”

Jenkins was handed a 34-week prison sentence - suspended for two years - along with 60 hours of unpaid labour. He was also handed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, requiring him to keep police up to date with his personal information and any online accounts.

Judge Graeme Smith told Jenkins: “Tragically, this court has to deal with cases like this every day of the week. There is an epidemic of child porn in this city and across the country. While you haven’t created any of this material, your consumption of it creates a demand and perpetuates its production.

“As you descended further into this online world, you became more and more divorced from reality. You freely admit that you went down a rabbit hole.

“Fortunately, you didn’t have as many pictures of children as others who have stood before this court. Many were animated and generated images. Although these are still illegal, they thankfully don’t depict real children.”

Description

Tony Drewitt (18/06/1948) of Hazon Way, Epsom, Surrey was jailed for 12 months at Manchester Crown Square Court.

On Tuesday 28 January 2025, Drewitt pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a child.

The victim was 13 years old when they met, and Drewitt was aged 69. Drewitt groomed his victim and engaged in sexual activity with her over a one-year period whilst she was aged 14.

Some of the offending occurred in Oldham.

Drewitt was also made to sign the sex offenders register for five years and has an indefinite restraining order against the victim.

Detective Sergeant Andy Barrett, of our Oldham Complex Safeguarding Hub, said:

“Firstly, I would like to thank the victim and their family for being brave enough to come forward and report this abuse to the police.

“Drewitt engaged in a prolonged period of grooming a young girl, who should have been free to enjoy her childhood. Instead, she was abused by a man who denied her of her youth.

“I hope today’s sentencing can provide the victim and their family some comfort knowing that Drewitt is behind bars and can no longer harm them.

“We encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault, or knows someone who has, to come forward and speak to the police. We will listen to you and we will investigate.”

Description

A paedophile who raped a toddler has been jailed for 15 years after the judge described his actions as ‘deplorable’.  

Jahsiah Semper, formerly of Paddock Road in South Ham, appeared at Winchester Crown Court on Tuesday, July 1.  

The 24-year-old appeared in the dock from Winchester Prison wearing a grey t-shirt and a gold chain around his neck.  

He was arrested in November 2024 after police officers searched his home and found indecent photographs and videos on his mobile phone.  

One video was of Semper assaulting a child aged between one and two years old, at some point between January 2022 and November 2024. 

He was charged by police in March 2025, and later pleaded guilty to nine counts including taking Category A indecent photographs of a child, making Category A and Category B indecent photographs of a child, assault of a girl under 13 by touching, possessing extreme pornographic images, and rape of a girl under 13.  

Following the discovery of more evidence, on June 25, three more charges were presented against Semper: Voyeurism by recording a private act, making Category B and Category A indecent images of children. He pleaded guilty.

The court heard that Semper does not remember making the video of the toddler and could not provide any explanation for the incident.  

Mitigating, Adreinne Knight, said: “He is 24 years old with no previous convictions. He is so ashamed of his actions, he cannot face his actions.  

“He knows he must have done it because of the evidence, he is ashamed, and above all else, he is sorry for what has happened.  

“He has been suffering from depression, and he is overwhelmed by what has taken place.”  

Describing Semper’s actions as ‘deplorable’, Judge Paul Dugdale refused to accept the defendant couldn’t remember the incident.  

Judge Dugdale said: “The concern I have is he has failed to get to grips with this.

"The treatment cannot start until he accepts he has done these things, and he needs help with it. He cannot say because he says he does not remember any of it.”  

He further dismissed the defendant's former good character and lack of previous convictions as mitigating factors against the sentence. 

Addressing the defendant, the Judge said: “The victim will grow to understand the catastrophic impact that your appalling behaviour will have on her for the rest of her life.  

“There will be devastating damage from what has been done. Mr Semper, this will haunt her for the rest of her life.  

“You remain a very dangerous person, and you pose a very significant risk to children until you accept what you have done."

Semper was sentenced to 15 years in prison plus five years on license and will be ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register, which he will be on for life. 

He must serve a minimum of 10 years in custody before he is eligible for parole. 

Judge Dugdale also issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life and an indefinite restraining order.

Description

A man from Neath Port Talbot has been jailed after he was found guilty of rape and several other offences.

29-year-old Curtis Evans, from Glynneath, raped his victim on three occasions in June 2024. He also strangled her, and on another occasion bundled the victim into his car whilst telling her he was going to kill her.

After pleading not guilty to all charges, Evans was found guilty of three counts of rape and one count of intentional strangulation as well as one count each of kidnapping, threats to kill, ABH and stalking.

Evans has been handed a sentence of three years and six months’ imprisonment, followed by an extended sentence of 18 years comprising a custodial sentence of 15 years and a three-year extended license period.

He has been made subject of a restraining order against the victim and will be on the sex offenders register for an indefinite period.

Detective Constable Jack Stannard, of the Rape Investigation Team, said:

“Curtis Evans is a particularly nasty and dangerous character who made his victim’s life a living hell.

“He cared nothing for consent or for the welfare of the victim, and was surely going to commit further crimes towards her had it not been for the intervention of police.

“We laud the victim for her bravery in speaking up about her abuser Curtis Evans. We hope that they can finally achieve some piece knowing that Evans is going to prison for over a decade.”

Detective Inspector Sharon Gill-Lewis said:

“If you are in a situation where you are a victim of any kind of sexual offence, report it to us straight away. Nobody should have to suffer in silence – any victims will be fully supported through their ordeal by our officers.”

Description

Following a Warwickshire Police investigation, a 35-year-old man has been sentenced for child sex offences.

Justin McGarry of Emscote Road, Warwick appeared at Warwick Crown Court yesterday (Monday 30 June).

In 2020, we received a report of sexual offences against a child in the Leamington area over a five year period.

An investigation commenced and McGarry was arrested and subsequently charged.

Last week, he was found guilty of eight counts of sexual abuse of a child under 13 years of age. He has now been sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment and will be on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.

Following the outcome, Det Sergeant Stephen Barr said: “Justin McGarry caused suffering to the victim and their family which is lifelong, and it is because of their courage to come forward that we have been able to see him brought to justice.

“We are grateful to everyone who worked to support us from the point of receiving the initial report through to the day of sentencing.

“I hope this conviction demonstrates that Warwickshire Police are determined to bring offenders to justice, serving and protecting our communities with compassion and a victim focus. To anyone who has suffered sexual abuse, please do not suffer in silence and do not be afraid to tell someone.”

Description

Police have welcomed the conviction of a sex offender who stripped naked and then touched a 'screaming' little girl in a Stoke-on-Trent street.

Daniel Clift was completely nude when he spotted the six-year-old child getting out of a car in Fenton on New Year's Eve.

As the youngster tried to get back in the vehicle, 36-year-old Clift touched her on her head and shoulder and grinned and laughed as he did it. Police arrived and found him still naked talking to people outside a pub.

He was arrested and later told probation he was under the influence of monkey dust at the time. Clift was jailed for three years at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.

Speaking after the case, PC Daniel Crank, from Stoke-on-Trent South local policing team, said: “We do not underestimate the affect that Clift’s offending had on the victim and I am pleased he has been convicted of his crimes. We are committed to keeping communities safe in Stoke-on-Trent and wider Staffordshire.”

Prosecutor Antony Longworth said the incident happened at 9.40pm on December 31 as a mum was taking her child to a shop. The girl got out of the car as the mum was getting her purse from the passenger seat footwell.

Mr Longworth said: "She saw the defendant naked walking on the street. She shouted to her daughter to get back in the car. The child was standing by the front window of the car.

"She was making her way into the car and had one hand on the door handle when the defendant placed his right hand on the child's head and moved his hand down the side of her shoulder. He was seen to be grinning, smiling and laughing as he did it.

"It was a deliberate act. The mum called 999. The child was upset and screaming, 'When can we go home? Why did he touch me? Is it safe for me to get out of the car?'.

"Police went to the scene. They found the defendant naked. He was arrested. He was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. His eyes were very wide and his pupils dilated."

Clift,who has 69 previous convictions for 135 offences - pleaded guilty to exposure, breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and common assault. The court heard the defendant, of no fixed address, has numerous previous convictions for exposure.

Adam Watkins, mitigating, said Clift lost his parents when he was aged five and six and he grew up in the care system. He has significant mental health issues and has been diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic.

Judge Richard McConaghy said: "This is the 70th time you have found yourself in front of a criminal court. This is the fourth time that you have been convicted of an offence of exposure.

"I take the view that this is a very serious breach of the SHPO. Not only did you have contact with a child. You did so by approaching the child while you were naked and you committed a criminal offence of assaulting her."

The judge placed Clift on the sex offenders' register for 10 years and made him the subject of a new SHPO for the same period.

Description

A registered sex offender has been jailed for breaching an order after he was found in possession of extreme pornography.

Michael Sutherland, aged 31, of no-fixed address, was handed a two-year prison sentence at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Tuesday (24 June) after admitting breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) three times between December 2020 and January 2022.

The order prohibited Sutherland from deleting his internet usage and using any software which does not record internet history.

There were  a total of three images and two moving images of extreme pornography found on his device.  

Sutherland had previously been convicted in December 2017 for sexual grooming and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and was jailed for 20 months. As part of this conviction, he was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for ten years and made the subject of a SHPO for the same period.

Officers from our sex offender management unit seized his phone in December 2022 and it was sent for forensic examination. Following this, alongside the pornography, we spotted that Sutherland had deleted hundreds of messages from Facebook and instant messenger. He had also accessed Snapchat. Officers also found an encryption app on the device. 

Following Sutherland’s sentencing, PC Kate Callaghan of our sex offenders management unit, said: “Sutherland knew his activities were in clear breach of his order and acknowledged this in interview. 

“I am pleased he admitted his offending in court and was handed a custodial sentence. 

“Officers continue to work tirelessly to monitor and assess those convicted of sexual crimes to ensure we do all we can to prevent re-offending and protect the public from harm.”

Description

Jonathan Wright, 35, was issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order after he was jailed for three years in 2019 for sexual activity with a male.

Description

A PAEDOPHILE who moved the underwear of a child to take photos while they were sleeping has been jailed.

Daniel Burridge, 38, of Newbury Road, Enham Alamein, pleaded guilty on March 27 to several offences, including a child under the age of 13 by touching, and creating indecent images of children in Category B and Category C.

During his sentencing hearing in Winchester Crown Court on Friday, June 27, the court heard the Burridge's offending was discovered by his friend who briefly borrowed his phone and found indecent images of children.

The court heard that Burridge had moved a child's underwear while they were asleep in order to take a photo of their genitals.

Burridge was in possession of three phones, all of which had indecent images of children on them.

In sentencing, Judge James Newton-Price KC noted that the appropriate punishment was immediate imprisonment.

Burridge was sentenced to 22 months behind bars and must comply with all instructions given to him.

A Sexual Harm Prevention Order was also imposed.

An order for the forfeiture and destruction of Burridge's three mobile phones was also made.

Description

A RAPIST who systematically groomed and abused eight vulnerable young girls over the course of 16 years has been jailed.  

Gary MacPherson, 58, committed the crimes over the course of 16 years between 2005 and 2022 in Paisley, Glasgow and Orlando.

The majority of his eight victims were children when the abuse began and continued into adulthood.

MacPherson was sentenced to 13 years in prison at the High Court in Paisley on Monday, 30 June, 2025.

He had previously been found guilty at the High Court in Paisley on Monday, 12 May, 2025.

Paedo, Gary MacPherson was jailed in Glasgow for 13 years for abuse of children (Image: Police Scotland)

Gary MacPherson was found guilty of 22 charges. The 58-year-old of Saltcoats committed the offences at various locations, including at his former home in Paisley.

The prosecution led evidence from the victims, which detailed a pattern of offending behaviour by the accused as he tried to gain their trust.

The court heard how MacPherson kitted his home out with things that children enjoy, including a pool, a hot tub, a cinema room, a trampoline and various pets.

He lured in one of the victims after sending her messages about his dog Bonnie on social media.

He told several of the victims not to disclose the abuse as they would get him into trouble.

The offending also included taking pictures of the girls without their consent and stalking behaviour.

The youngest child was six-years-old when the abuse began.

On 30 June 2025 at the High Court in Paisley, MacPherson was given a 17-year extended sentence with 13 years in custody.

His name has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Non-harassment orders, banning MacPherson from contacting or attempting to contact seven of the victims, were also granted for an indefinite period.

The messages sent to lure one of his victims.

Fiona Kirkby, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, said: “Gary MacPherson inflicted unimageable trauma as he systematically moved from victim to victim.

“The evidence led by our specialist prosecutor demonstrated a clear pattern of grooming behaviour that allowed him to gain access to these children.

“It is thanks to them reporting their experiences that MacPherson will now face the consequences of his depraved actions while also protecting others from harm.

“This prosecution sends a clear message to those who commit this type of offending - you cannot hide from justice, and we will do everything within our power to ensure you are held accountable.

“I would urge anyone affected by sexual abuse to report it, regardless of how long ago it took place. You will be listened to and supported as we seek to protect communities in Scotland by prosecuting those responsible.”

Detective Inspector Euan McMillan said: “MacPherson is an abusive individual who subjected his victims to a prolonged period of abuse showing an utter disregard for the impact this would have on them.

"We acknowledge how difficult it can be for victims of sexual abuse to come forward and I hope this outcome provides them with some sense of closure.

“I would also like to thank my team of officers whose perseverance and dedication has ensured MacPherson has been brought to justice.

“We continue to be committed to bringing all perpetrators of sexual abuse to justice. Time is no barrier to our enquiries. I would urge anyone who wishes to report a sexual crime, regardless of when it happened, to contact us so we can conduct a thorough and professional investigation.”