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Police have released an image of a homeless sex offender jailed for breaching court orders.

Steve James, of no fixed abode, failed to inform police of his whereabouts in breach of a court order to do so every seven days.

James, 30, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on Monday, October 13.

He pleaded guilty to the breach.

James was first convicted in 2017 and placed on the sex offenders register.

He then breached his order four times in 2020 and in 2021, he was convicted for using violence to enter a property in Botley Road where there was someone present who opposed his entry.

In 2022, he failed to comply with notification requirements before the breaches in December last year.

His charges also put him in breach of a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, issued on October 30, 2023.

In 2024, he was jailed for 36 weeks for a further breach.

On the most recent occasion, the court heard he found himself homeless on May 4, and would have had to notify police of this on May 11.

However he didn't do that and was next found outside a pub in Margate, Kent, on June 6.

The court heard he admitted the offence in police interview.

In mitigation, it was heard that James had become an 'avid reader' in custody and had ambitions to become a personal trainer.

James was jailed for 12 months.

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The man pictured is Muhammad Zahid, he is 59 and in 2021 he attempted to rape an 11-year-old girl in Burnley. 

On Tuesday, 7th October, he was given a sentence at Burnley Crown Court totalling 10 and a half years. That consisted of nine years and six months custody and a further one year on extended licence after the trial Judge deemed Zahid to be a dangerous offender.

Despite forcing his victim to give evidence, Zahid went on the run halfway through the trial and is now wanted on a Bench Warrant.

If you see Zahid call 999. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to email [email protected] or call 101, quoting log 349 of 28th November 2022.

In an impact statement to the court, the victim’s mum said: “Before it came out, my daughter was quiet and withdrawn – both at home and at school. She would stay in her room which she didn’t normally do. She then told the school, but she was fearful still. She was having nightmares and waking up at night. For this reason, she started sleeping with me.

“After disclosing it, it seemed like it had hit her again and she became further distressed. During the process of the investigation and having to talk about it, the incident became fresh for her and that caused her distress.

“Now that she’s got justice, she’s managed to move on with her life and she’s happy.”

Zahid, from Burnley, denied a single count of attempted rape but was found guilty by a jury at Burnley Crown Court earlier this year. As well as being given the custodial sentence, he was made subject of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

DC Hannah Brown, from Lancashire Police said:

“Zahid is a dangerous individual saw an opportunity to rape a child and attempted to take it. It was only because of her bravery that he was unsuccessful in his sordid behaviour.

“I want to take this opportunity to praise the victim for the bravery she has shown, first in reporting what had happened to her and then giving evidence in court.

“Despite his denials, Zahid knew exactly what he had done and the conclusion the jury would come to. I am convinced that’s why he took the cowardly choice of not staying around to face justice and instead chose to go on the run. He should know that Lancashire Police will never stop looking for him and I would ask anyone with information on his whereabouts tells the authorities, so he can face justice for what he did to his child victim.”

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Clelland engaged in hours of vile innuendos via chats but was confronted by a group at his home before arrest.

He quit his Scotrail job after sting footage went viral online.

Clelland, of Airdrie, Lanarkshire, denied wrongdoing and stood trial at Hamilton Sheriff Court.

A jury convicted him of sexual communications with the girl between April and September last year.

In evidence, he claimed the warped messages were sent to make her cut contact.

He told the court he used the app to communicate with others while his partner was at work.

The 37-year train driver admitted sending the messages but said there was no truth to them.

In one, he told her she would be 'stunning when older' and he could not wait to think about her being 17 or 18.

He said he was branded a 'blue collared paedophile' and 'f*****g nonce' during the sting.

Sheriff Colin Dunipace deferred sentence on the first offender until next month for reports and continued bail.

But he warned: "Be under no illusion you have been found guilty of an extremely serious matter but given you have no previous convictions I will continue bail at this stage."

Clelland was placed on the sex offenders' register.

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A married man groomed what he believed to be a 14-year-old girl online, booked a hotel room stocked with alcopops, condoms, lubricant, sex toys, and a copy of the Kama Sutra sex book, then arranged to meet her at a 10-pin bowling alley, where he was confronted by a paedophile hunter group, a court heard.

Rodolfa Galvao, 49, was arrested after arriving with a rose and Dairy Milk chocolate, saying he "wanted to make a good first impression." Police found the hotel room in Mumbles with additional tequila and Champagne.

At Swansea Crown Court, Judge Paul Thomas KC said there was "only one reason" for booking the room and items, and he had no doubt Galvao intended penetrative sexual activity with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old. He called the gifts "bribes" and noted the pre-sentence report showed no real remorse, only "self pity," with "highly imaginative excuses, none of which had any credibility."

Prosecutor Helen Randall said contact began on Facebook with a decoy profile run by Dank Dragon volunteer. The decoy stated she was 14, but Galvao continued, exchanging numbers and chatting on WhatsApp. He called it "our little secret," said "age is just a number," discussed massages and a hotel, and reassured her he'd be gentle on her "first time," claiming he'd found his "true love."

Galvao, of Dowsell Way, Yate, Bristol—a Brazilian national who moved to Portugal in his 20s, then UK a decade ago—pleaded guilty to attempting to meet a child under 16 following sexual grooming. He has no prior convictions, works delivering baked goods for his wife's business while studying accountancy, and volunteers at a food bank.

Defense barrister Hannah George noted the stigma and difficulties on remand due to prison views.

With a one-third guilty plea discount, Galvao was sentenced to 14 months' imprisonment, serving half in custody before licence release. He'll be a registered sex offender for 10 years and subject to a sexual harm prevention order.

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A man has today been sentenced to 32 years in prison, following a string of violent and sexual offences dating back as far as the 1990s.

Edwin Youll was today sentenced at Teesside Crown Court, after he was found guilty of 26 charges following a trial in July this year.

63-year-old Edwin Youll, of Bexley Drive, Normanby, targeted vulnerable women and children and became violent towards them if they did not do as he commanded. He used his job as an unlicensed taxi driver to drive women around and target them, and on occasion used knives to facilitate his offending.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Stuart Hodgson said:

“Firstly I would like to thank the brave victims who came forward and gave harrowing accounts of the horrendous sexual abuse carried out by Edwin Youll.

“I commend the bravery of these women, and all witnesses involved in this investigation, for coming forward and speaking to us, and for their patience throughout the investigation and judicial process.

“Whilst the experiences will stay with them forever, I am pleased that this chapter has now come to a close and that justice has been served, and Youll will now spend a significant time behind bars.

“Violence against women and girls is not acceptable and we will always urge anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence to contact Cleveland Police.”

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A 55-year-old man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl.

Christopher Waby, of Chapel Lane, Keadby, near Scunthorpe, committed the offence against the vulnerable teenager in the Market Rasen area, in May 2023.

He was sentenced today (13 October) at Lincoln Crown Court, and a restraining order has also been imposed, to preventing any future contact with the victim.

DC Marie Williamson of our Protecting Vulnerable Persons Department said:

“The victim in this case has been extremely brave in speaking out about this offence which was committed against her when she was at her most vulnerable and unable to protect herself.

"Waby was entrusted to take care of her, but instead of doing so, for his own depraved sexual gratification proceeded to subject her to a horrific sexual assault which has had a huge detrimental impact on his victim’s life.

"This custodial sentence sends a message that this type of offence will not be tolerated.

"Although the victim will never be able to forget what happened, we hope that this sentence will give her some conclusion and go some way to help the her start to re-build her life."

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A man who incited and recorded thousands of children engaging in sexual activity online from his Croydon home has been jailed following a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation. 

IT specialist Robert Chown, 49, captured photos and videos of the abuse and shared them with like-minded paedophiles.

He appeared at Croydon Crown Court today (3 October) where he was sentenced to 25 years, with seven to be served on licence, having pleaded guilty to 41 charges at a previous court hearing. 

Chown was also handed a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and will be on the sex offenders register for the rest of his life.

In April 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) launched an investigation into a private online messaging forum dedicated to the sexual exploitation of children.

It was named ‘The Sanctuary’.

Chown was identified as a key contributor to the forum and the individual behind the ‘FredHasFiveToes’ username.

Upon joining the group in 2019, his introductory message read:

“Preferences…girls 8-11”.

He went on to share hundreds of abuse images in the forum that he’d captured over years of sexually exploiting children online.

Chown also posted an indecent photo of a 12-year-old girl that he had taken in person. She was identified and safeguarded by the NCA and child protection services.

From his home in south London he masqueraded as a teenage boy online to target thousands of children across the world.

Girls and boys as young as six-years-old were groomed by Chown to live stream sexual acts at his instruction, which he would capture and share with other paedophiles on ‘The Sanctuary’ and the dark web. 

NCA officers arrested Chown at his home address in September 2023 and seized two mobile phones from him.

Across both devices, investigators found over 2,000 indecent images and videos of children in categories A-C.

They also discovered 204 entries into Google Translate of sexual instructions translated from English into Russian and Polish.

These phrases were used by Chown on live streams to incite children around the world to perform sexual acts on themselves.

In interview he admitted to using the persona of a teenage boy online to watch live streams involving children, directing and instructing them to carry out those acts.

NCA Senior Investigating Officer Phil Eccles said:

“Chown poses a significant danger to children, and our thorough investigation exposed him as a prolific offender who carried out depraved sexual abuse over a number of years.

“While this case is extremely distressing, we hope it reassures the public of our commitment to unmasking paedophiles who think that can operate anonymously online.

“Work with our international partners in the FBI and Europol has been key to this investigation.

“Today’s result is testament to the hard work of our investigative team and it is only right that Chown received a lengthy custodial sentence given the severity of his offending.”

Robbie Weber of the Crown Prosecution Service said:

“The lifelong physical and emotional trauma caused to victims by men like Chown cannot be understated. 

“Chown has himself admitted to having a long term extreme interest in child sexual abuse imagery. He was a prolific presence on the dark web, gaining notoriety amongst likeminded individuals who would access and share such vile and indecent material.  

“He was a key player in coercing children to engage in being filmed or photographed committing non-consensual sexual acts.

“I hope this conviction and sentence sends a clear message that the CPS will continue to relentlessly prosecute and pursue justice for those who sexually exploit children, whenever and wherever that abuse took place.

“I encourage any victims of child sexual abuse and sexual violence to report the crimes committed against them to the police. You are not alone and there is always help available.”

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A stalker "effectively blackmailed" and sexually assaulted a woman from Bolton over seven months.

Paul Keevil, 56, of Fairman Drive, Hindley, harassed the victim by sending "thousands" of social media messages, emails, and letters to her and her family. He drove past her home, parked outside, and followed her.

Keevil falsely threatened to tell her family and employer she was a sex worker—risking her job—unless she entered an intimate relationship with him.

During the period, Keevil sexually assaulted her in his car after driving to a car park and making unwanted advances. She "made her feelings clear," but he told her to "trust him," saying he was "just being romantic." The victim later recalled "focusing on the street lamp, waiting for it to be over."

In June 2022, Keevil tailgated her car, "getting right up behind" and "making his presence known." She evaded him via detours to Sainsbury's and Morrisons in Bolton, alerting staff at the latter. She soon reported him to police, leading to his arrest.

At Bolton Crown Court on October 8, prosecutor Tom Farr described Keevil's "relentless" pursuit, including post deliveries, emails, Instagram and WhatsApp messages, and "conventional stalking behaviour" like following her. Keevil admitted spying and stalking, saying he "wouldn't need to do so if she spent time with him." One drive was her "deliberate move to keep him away from her house," though "she did not want to do it."

The victim's impact statement revealed Keevil's actions "made her suicidal," caused her to lose a baby due to stress, and left her "scared" he might "rape or kill" her. She felt "I couldn't have a life anymore, he always seemed to know what I was doing and where I was going."

Keevil, with no prior convictions, pleaded guilty to sexual assault and stalking.

Defense lawyer Louise Cowen said he was "deeply sorry" for the "hurt and distress," and "did not fully appreciate" his actions. Diagnosed with autism, which she argued reduced his culpability and would make custody "deep and significant" for him, Keevil also cares for his wife, whom imprisonment would adversely affect.

Recorder Jeremy Lasker noted Keevil "literally bombarded her" with messages, "repeatedly stalked her at her own home," and "constantly refused to take no for an answer." Despite acknowledging impacts on her, "you were effectively blackmailing her by suggesting your conduct was not necessary if she would only submit to your demands."

Acknowledging Keevil's autism and its effects on his wife, Lasker said neither could "deflect from immediate custody." He sentenced Keevil to 28 months' imprisonment and 10 years on the sex offenders' register.

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An East Malling sex offender injected a child with drugs during a campaign of horrific abuse which included multiple rapes.

Lee Balchin has now been sentenced to prison after he also forced his young victim to consume cannabis, suspected ecstasy tablets and alcohol.

Balchin repeatedly preyed on the child between 2000 and 2004. He carried out the abuse in several locations, which included ‘hideouts’ in remote places.

The offences were initially reported to Kent Police in 2018 and Balchin was arrested.

An investigation revealed he regularly plied the child with drugs, which included injecting her with amphetamine. The substances and alcohol would sometime render his helpless victim almost unconscious. 

Court trial

Balchin, 55, of Carnation Close, East Malling was charged with multiple offences but denied any wrongdoing.

A lengthy court process led to a trial in August 2025 when he was found guilty of two charges of rape and two further counts of indecent assault. 

On Monday 13 October 2025, Balchin was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to 15 years' imprisonment.

He will have to serve at least two thirds of the sentence before he can be considered for parole.  

Callous depravity

Detective Constable Lisa Roots said:

‘Balchin is an extremely dangerous individual who subjected his young victim to a truly harrowing catalogue of appalling and terrifying abuse.

'It is certainly rare to encounter a case where an offender has demonstrated levels of such callous depravity. He took her to isolated areas where he knew he wouldn’t be disturbed and also made threats to kill her.

‘The impact of Balchin’s offending is incalculable, and yet the victim has summoned such tremendous courage to come forward. Their strength has been instrumental in helping us bring him to justice and I do hope this sentence will provide some comfort.’

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Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man from Hungerford has been sentenced to prison for a sex offence.

Mark Jones, aged 34, of Radley Bottom, Hungerford, appeared at Reading Crown Court today (10/10), where he was sentenced to two years in prison.

Following a four-day trial earlier this year, a jury unanimously found Jones guilty of one count of sexual assault by penetration.

Jones has also been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.

In December 2022, Jones entered the victims’ room, hid beside her bed and sexually assaulted her whilst she lay asleep.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Daniel Pullen, said: “I want to commend the incredible bravery of the victim in coming forward to report this crime and for remaining engaged with the police throughout what has been a long and emotionally challenging process.

“Her strength in the face of such trauma is admirable.

“The actions of Jones were calculated and predatory. He knowingly committed this offence while the victim was asleep and unable to consent, demonstrating a deliberate and deceitful intent.

“We are committed to supporting victims every step of the way and doing everything we can to secure justice.

“This case highlights our determination to hold offenders accountable and to protect women and girls from harm.

“By removing perpetrators from our communities, we help prevent further offences and reinforce our commitment to public safety.”

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An image of sex offender David King, 63, of The Street, Crowmarsh Gifford, has been released after he was jailed for 22 months at Oxford Crown Court on Friday, October 3.

King pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to comply with notification requirements and one count of breaching a sexual offences prevention order. He was also ordered to pay a £187 victim surcharge.

In 2021, he was jailed for 16 months for similar breaches.

King was previously sentenced to a decade in prison in 2010 at Reading Crown Court for nine rapes, plus another five years in 2011 for raping a six-year-old girl in the 1970s.

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A 19-year-old paedophile, Marley Bracher from Barry, was caught with child rape videos on his phone during a meeting with his MOSOVO officer at the town's police station.

Bracher, previously convicted of similar offences, breached his SHPO by contacting a 15-year-old girl who sent him a photo in her school uniform. The SHPO, imposed after a suspended sentence at Cardiff Crown Court in March for making indecent images of children, prohibited contact with anyone under 18.

His June phone search revealed two category A images (the most serious), one category B, and 23 category C. One category A was a three-and-a-half-minute video of a girl aged seven to eight being raped by a man.

He gave a no-comment interview. Further evidence showed he deleted 170 web searches and created Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat accounts under false names.

Bracher, of Holton Road, pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images and three SHPO breaches.

Defence barrister Richard Ace described a "deep-seated problem" and urged community rehabilitation over custody.

Judge Eugene Egan said:

"You present a high risk of reoffending and you breached your order soon after it was made. You only have yourself to blame – you were given a chance in March and you didn’t take it."

Bracher was jailed for 16 months at a young offender institution and must register as a sex offender for 10 years.

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A disgraced former Dundee cafe boss is now subject to stringent conditions restricting his access to children after being sentenced for his crimes.

Omar Sohail was also ordered to perform unpaid work for sending a slew of sexual messages to what he believed was an underage schoolgirl.

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Police believe a former Catholic priest who sexually abused children over decades may have additional victims yet to come forward.

Dennis Finbow, 77, who served in Peterborough and St Neots, Cambridgeshire, was jailed for 11 years on Friday for 15 indecent assaults on five victims, most under 16 at the time.

Finbow, formerly of Martlesham near Ipswich, was already serving a six-and-a-half-year sentence for abusing a young girl in the 1980s.

"I believe people are out there who perhaps have been offended against, who have not come forward because they may be following this case intently, perhaps seeking some closure," said Det Con Annette Renwick.

"Some are going to be parents, grandparents now. We're talking decades ago that this happened for some people. I think they've no intention of unlocking that box and that trauma that comes with it… and that's OK."

Renwick, who led the investigations, noted one accuser died before justice was served.

Finbow was a prominent community figure in the 1980s and 1990s, known for work in schools, hospitals, charities, and children's social clubs.

"So, a very well-known and respected figure. But there was a darker side as well," she added.

"As we found out… with that role of respect and trust, unfortunately, there was a side where he was able to exploit that trust with children that he came into contact with."

Finbow left active ministry in 2001. He initially denied the allegations, calling the investigation a "witch hunt," claiming grudges, insisting he was a "good priest," and alleging a conspiracy, per Renwick.

After a January 2023 trial at Huntingdon Crown Court, he was placed on the sex offenders register for life.

In December 2024, Pope Francis removed his clerical status following the convictions.

The Diocese of East Anglia stated it fully cooperated with police and safeguarding authorities.

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A man who committed a string of child sex offences in the 70s and 80s has been convicted following a trial.

Andrew Davies, 58, of Penkhull, Stoke-on-Trent, went on trial at Stafford Crown Court this week after he was charged with the offences following our investigation.

The survivors bravely came forward in 2023 and told police about what had happened to them. Our specialist officers from our public protection unit worked tirelessly to gather all of the evidence and to support them as much as possible.

When Davies was brought in for questioning in July 2023, he answered no comment to all of the questions.

Following a trial that ended on Wednesday (9 July), Davies was convicted of 10 sexual offences. The jury found him guilty on one count of rape of a female under 16, four counts of sexual assault of a girl and one count of inciting a girl to commit an act of gross indecency. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of inciting a girl to commit an act of gross indecency and two counts of sexual assault of a girl.

He will be sentenced at Stafford Crown Court on 29 September.

Detective Constable Lily Rowley, from our rape and serious sexual offences unit, said:

“I’m pleased that we’ve been able to deliver this result for the survivors, who have shown immense bravery in coming forward and telling people about Davies’ heinous crimes.

“No matter how long ago or recent offences of this nature may have been, we want survivors to know that we are determined to support you and to act robustly against those responsible.”