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A 42 year old man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison following his conviction for the rape of two teenage girls in Deal.

Steven Biggs, of Owen Square, Deal, was found guilty of multiple offences following a three day trial at Canterbury Crown Court.

The incident took place in the early hours of 4 August 2020 when Biggs encountered two girls, aged 13 and 14 outside of a residential property on Freemans Way, Deal. The victims had approached him in the front garden and asked him for a cigarette.

Upon inviting them into the house, Biggs coerced one of the girls into a bedroom and raped her. When the victim attempted to leave with her friend, who had been waiting outside the property, Biggs forcibly brought both girls back inside, where he carried out further rapes.

It was reported to Kent Police on 3 September 2020 that two teenage girls had been subject to a violent rape, after one of the victims disclosed the assault to a family member.

Following the report, detectives launched an immediate investigation into the allegations, which led to Biggs being arrested on 29 November 2020. He was later charged with 10 sexual offences, including three counts of rape.

During his three day trial at Canterbury Crown Court, Biggs refused to take the stand and declined to give evidence. The jury returned a unanimous verdict on 24 September 2025, and he was found guilty.

He was sentenced to 18 years in prison and will also be subject to sex offender notification requirements indefinitely and restrictions imposed by a 25-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Constable Linda Gavin said:

‘This was a deeply disturbing crime involving the violent abuse of two young girls. Steven Biggs showed a complete disregard for their wellbeing and inflicted life changing trauma through his actions. I want to commend the bravery and courage that both victims have shown throughout this investigation, their contributions have played a vital part in delivering justice.

’Biggs is a violent criminal, and I am pleased that he has received a lengthy prison sentence that will prevent him from causing harm to any other potential young victims.’

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“You lost your power the moment I stood back up, the moment we stood back up. Now you are condemned to a life where the world moves forward without you, your name rotting into silence, while every survivor you tried to destroy walks free, carrying a victory you’ll never taste.”

These are words taken from the victim personal statement of one of two victims of a man who has now been jailed for the sexual abuse he subjected them to. The other told him:

“You have taken so much from me, for so long. I am choosing now to take back the voice you stole; you will not hurt me anymore. You will never hurt anyone ever again; you will die in prison where you belong.”

Ronald Nicklin, aged 78, of Mill Dam Lane, Pontefract, admitted a catalogue of abuse against the two victims and appeared at Leeds Crown Court yesterday (Thursday, 25 September) where he was sentenced to 18 years and nine months imprisonment, with an extended licence period of one year. He was also put on the Sex Offender Register for life.

The officer in the case, Eve Goodier, of Wakefield District Child Safeguarding Unit, said:

“It is difficult to imagine what Nicklin’s victims have gone through, with the horrific offending against them starting from the age of five.

“The police investigation began after one of the victims came forward to report what had happened to her out of genuine fear of another child being subjected to the sexual abuse that she had experienced.

“I do not underestimate how hard it was for both victims to have to relive what happened to them but the courage they have shown and the detailed statements they have given have ensured that Nicklin has been made to face justice for his actions.

“No sentence will give his victims their childhoods back or take away the memories of the awful abuse that Nicklin put them through, but I do hope that they can take some comfort in knowing that their actions have ensured that other children are now safe from this sexual predator.”

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A Brampton man whose dog bit a police officer during an arrest attempt has been jailed for that and related offenses.

Henry Taroni, 31, was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including being in charge of a dog that caused injury while dangerously out of control in a private place.

He also admitted affray—threatening violence that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety—two common assaults, and breaching his sex offender registration terms.

The breach occurred between March 13 and May 6, when he failed to report to "suitable accommodation" after prison release and did not inform police of his living arrangements.

All offenses stemmed from a May 6 incident at Moatside in Brampton, where police responded to reports of an altercation involving a man—believed to be Taroni—yelling from a window.

A lone female constable arrived and encountered Taroni with his partner. As the officer approached to handcuff him, the partner intervened by pushing Taroni behind her, creating a brief standoff.

During this, the couple's greyhound attacked, biting the constable twice, including on her leg.

Prosecutors alleged Taroni used the dog as a "weapon," while defense counsel argued at an earlier hearing that the greyhound was nervous and acted to defend its owner in a stressful situation.

The attack had a "profound and lasting effect" on the officer, both personally and professionally. In her statement, she said she is trained for challenging situations but did not expect to be physically assaulted or placed in fear on duty.

Nor did she expect to be "confronted with an aggressive and volatile individual" and obstructed by another, then attacked "not only by an individual but also by a dog, being 'used as a weapon.'"

"I genuinely feared for my safety," she added. The suspect had repeatedly lunged at her in a "frightening situation." She left the flat after the injury and required antibiotics to prevent infection.

Psychologically, the incident replayed in her mind, eroding her confidence with volatile individuals, especially alone. "I have always taken great pride in my role serving the public… this has left me feeling vulnerable."

Taroni received a 34-month jail term and a 10-year dog ownership ban. His partner, sentenced earlier, got four months in jail. The dog received a control order, requiring it to be leashed and muzzled in public.

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Today, 25 September 2025, at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, Matthew Webb (21/09/1991) of Wythenshawe has been handed a 28-year jail sentence for several sexual offences against a child, including rape. 

Webb has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely. 

On Sunday 28 July 2024, the offences came to light after the brave victim disclosed that she had been raped by an adult man, and reported it to the police with support from a family member.  

An investigation was immediately launched and the victim agreed to be interviewed where, supported by officers, she bravely disclosed further abuse she had been subjected to by Webb between the ages of 11-15. 

On several occasions, Webb vaginally raped, and sexually assaulted her.  

On 28 July 2024, Webb was arrested on suspicion of rape of a female under 16. On 4 August 2024, he was further arrested on suspicion of the same offence based on new evidence obtained. 

During his interviews, he was uncooperative and answered "no comment" to all questions. 

Webb was charged with sexual offences against a child. He denied all charges and pleaded not guilty at his hearing. Throughout the investigation and his trial, he showed no remorse. 

Following a week-long trial at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, Webb was found guilty by jury on one count of rape of a girl under the age of 13, one count of rape of a girl under 16 on no fewer than five occasions, three counts of rape of a girl under the age of 16, two counts of sexual assault of a girl under the age of 13 by touching, and three counts of making indecent images of a child. 

He was sentenced to 28 years in prison. 

Investigating officer, DC Blackburn from South Manchester’s Child Protection unit, said:

“Firstly, I’d like to thank the victim for her courageous decision to report the abuse to police.  

“Webb is a disgusting predator who though he could use a child for his own gratification with total disregard. 

“I hope this sentence brings the victim a sense of justice and allows her to move on as she rebuilds her life. 

“I’d like to take this opportunity to reach out to victims of child sexual abuse and let them know that they are not alone.  

“We are here and will listen to you when you are ready. We have specialist officers who can support you and work with you at a pace that is comfortable for you.  

“If you are not ready to speak to police, there are several services available for you to speak to in confidence.”

Description

A celebrity baker who crafted cakes for Hollywood stars and royalty faces jail after being caught in a Scottish police pedophile sting.

David Duncan, 41, responded to an online ad for female escorts but was informed the girls were 14 and 15 years old. Unbeknownst to him, he was communicating with an undercover officer in Operation Overview, a 2022 initiative that has arrested dozens of high-harm threats to children.

The married father of two, who employs nine at his cake business, designed a 10-tiered wedding cake featured at the UK premiere of "You're Cordially Invited" alongside Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell. He also created replica cakes of HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, and was photographed with the late Queen and then-Prince Charles.

Duncan traveled to Motherwell, Lanarkshire, where police confronted him. He claimed no intent for sexual activity and planned to expose the operation.

At Hamilton Sheriff Court, he denied wrongdoing but was convicted by jury of attempting to obtain sexual services from a child under 18. Duncan admitted to regular escort use due to lack of intimacy with his wife, telling jurors: "I know the moral situation and how this all looks and the fact that I'm a married man with two kids and I know its awful.

"We've been together for a long time and we are best of friends but when it comes to that side of things then it's not there but if the person I had met had been above legal age then it wouldn't have mattered."

He added: "My worry was that these girls had potentially been trafficked and I had to get the address.

"I came across this as if it was real, I thought it was a real situation."

A phone search revealed a note: "I'm going to meet a blonde 15-year-old. I will not take part in any sexual services but will give them the money as if I'm playing along. I will say ill and then leave and then report the address to the police."

Depute fiscal Rebecca Clark told jurors:

"He wants you to believe that he is some modern day hero who is far better than the police and that only he could save those children.

"David Duncan clearly thinks he is a very clever man and that by taking 60 seconds to write a note on his phone is all that it would take to convince the police, me and all of you that he was not trying to buy a child but I was not buying his story, the question is are you?"

Defense counsel Kieran Clegg said: "It is a serious offence and custody will be at the forefront of the court's mind."

Sheriff Louise Gallacher deferred sentencing on first-time offender Duncan until November for reports, continued bail, and placed him on the sex offenders' register.

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A dangerous Exeter sex offender who changed his name to hide his identity has been jailed again for sexually assaulting a boy.

Casper Jax, 59, squeezed the teenager's genitals while hugging him, Exeter Crown Court heard.

Jax, formerly from Bideford and originally named Simon Rockey, was jailed for 13 years in 2015 for grooming and raping a 12-year-old boy. He adopted the name Jax upon release in 2021.

On Thursday [September 25], he admitted one charge of sexual assault and two breaches of his sexual harm prevention order from the prior conviction. He was sentenced to four years in prison, plus four years on extended license to manage his risk.

Prosecutor Rowan Jenkins said Jax befriended a woman and her family in 2022 without disclosing his convictions or ban on unsupervised contact with boys. She cut ties in horror after he confessed love for her 16-year-old son.

He then befriended another woman with a 14-year-old son. Alone one evening, he hugged and groped the boy, who was shocked and told his mother.

Mr. Jenkins added: "In both cases the diligent mums looked on the internet to find details of Jax but they would never have known about his past because he had a different name."

The boy's mother read a court statement describing her son's resulting anger and wariness of older men.

Defense attorney Francesca Whebell said Jax sought friendship post-release without adequate support and fully accepts needing help for his sexual interest in boys.

Judge Stephen Climie stated: "From the point of your release from prison you embarked on a deliberate and dishonest targeting of people with children."

Description

William Davidson, 46, a violent predator, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for raping and sexually assaulting two women over 23 years in Cowdenbeath, Lochgelly, and other locations. 

At the High Court in Edinburgh, Judge Norman McFadyen described Davidson’s actions as an “appalling campaign” of abuse, noting he posed a “significant danger to women.” Despite no prior imprisonment, the judge ruled prison was the only suitable punishment, adding three years of supervised release and indefinite placement on the sex offenders’ register.

Davidson denied the charges but was convicted of 15 offences, including four rapes and assault endangering life, committed between 2000 and 2023. He abused his first victim with aggressive behavior, molestation, rape, and throttling. The second victim faced controlling behavior, isolation, social media monitoring, and violent rape attacks, with Davidson breaching a non-harassment order. A third woman was targeted in 2023 with abusive threats and uninvited visits.

Defence solicitor Gordon Martin KC noted Davidson’s claim of innocence and a gap in offending from 2011 to 2020. Detective Inspector Frank Keegan called Davidson a “violent, sexual predator,” expressing hope that the sentencing brings closure to the victims. Police Scotland urged reporting sexual crimes via 101 or Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

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A former Fife College lecturer is on the sex offenders register after brazenly trying to pass off sleazy messages as insightful sexual health guidance.

Andrew Zelaya stood trial at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court and was convicted of indecent communication after sending messages to a student with whom he had struck up a friendship.

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A sex offender, Sean Yearnshire, previously jailed for attempting to meet an underage girl after online grooming, has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for new offenses.

Just months after completing his licence period from a 27-month sentence in January 2023, the 26-year-old sent sexualised messages, including explicit images, to an undercover police officer posing as a 13-year-old girl on TikTok between August 14 and 21, 2025. 

He also attempted to solicit intimate images and declared his love for the "girl." Yearnshire, who breached a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), admitted to attempting to cause a child to watch sexual activity and engaging in sexual communication with a child.

Arrested on August 26 at his workplace in Consett, County Durham, he confirmed ownership of seized devices but gave mostly "no comment" responses in interviews.

Durham Crown Court heard Yearnshire had completed a probation-led Horizon course to address his sexual offending, yet reoffended shortly after.

His defense noted he responded to the officer’s initial contact while feeling lonely in supported accommodation in Byker, Newcastle, and expressed remorse for letting himself and the court down.

Judge Nathan Adams highlighted the severity of reoffending soon after release and in violation of an SHPO, imposing the 20-month sentence and a new ten-year sex offender registration period, alongside the existing SHPO, which continues for seven-and-a-half years.

Description

A Carlisle sex offender, Paul Robertson, 48, was caught with 38 extreme pornographic videos depicting women being shot with guns and crossbows before being sexually abused.

Previously jailed in 2013 for downloading indecent child images and causing death by dangerous driving, Robertson admitted five offences at Carlisle Crown Court: possessing extreme pornographic images, two counts of failing to comply with the Sex Offender Register by not disclosing online usernames, and two breaches of his sexual harm prevention order by not reporting internet-connected devices.

Police, alerted by monitoring software, found a hidden PlayStation 5 and a USB stick containing the illegal videos, downloaded in 2023, during a search of Robertson’s home. Prosecutor Andrew Evans said Robertson claimed he thought the videos, which he found “too much,” were not illegal and believed he couldn’t delete them. Defence barrister Marion Weir acknowledged the “serious and shocking” nature of the content but noted Robertson’s ADHD diagnosis, which affects his memory and impulse control. She highlighted his willingness to address his behaviour and that the videos included a disclaimer suggesting no harm was caused.

Judge Nicholas Barker called the videos “deplorable, depraved” and condemned the “disturbing and immoral” concept of such imagery. He sentenced Robertson to a 14-month suspended jail term for two years, including 25 rehabilitation activity days, 180 hours of unpaid work, and a Building Better Choices Programme. The existing sexual harm prevention order remains indefinitely.

Description

A sex offender, Paul Holmes, was jailed for 16 months after being caught with 97 indecent images of children.

Previously convicted in 2011 for similar offenses, the 69-year-old from Newcastle breached a sexual offences prevention order by using an app to delete his internet history.

Police also found 15 undeclared internet devices at his home. Despite no other convictions and a military background, Recorder Tom Moran sentenced Holmes, who expressed motivation for rehabilitation, at Newcastle Crown Court.

Description

A man has been jailed for eight years after being found guilty of non-recent sex offences against a child.

Christopher Brooks, 74, of Bishopsworth, Bristol was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday 18 September.

Brooks was convicted by a jury to two counts of indecent assault against a child, two counts of inciting a child to commit an act of gross indecency, three counts of making an indecent image of a child, and one count of possessing an extreme pornographic image at the same court on June 17.

As well as a custodial sentence, Brooks will be the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years after his victim showed great bravery in giving evidence during a complex investigation which started four years ago.

DC Rhiannon Jugmohun, officer in the case, said: For the victim, this is something she has lived with for many decades.

A third-party report was made to police which led to us approaching the victim to confirm whether the report was correct. The victim confirmed the offences but said if it wasnt for officers knocking on her door, she would have probably taken this to her grave.

This investigation was complex for numerous reasons, and the passage of time meant that witnesses were difficult to trace and many of those found struggled to recollect information from the time of the offending.

Investigating officers travelled across the country to gather evidence from people connected to the investigation, paper records were sought, and digital forensics officers reviewed a number of electronic devices in relation to the indecent image charges.

DC Jugmohun added:

The victim showed great bravery throughout the investigation. She has shouldered the weight of these offences for most of her life and life has been difficult for her at times. With great support from both family and friends, the victim was able to eloquently detail, not only the offences committed against her, but the impact they have had on her life.

We are at a place where regardless of age, victims will be heard, and we as the police will listen. Nobody is ever too young, and it is never too late to report a crime.

Judge Edward Burgess QC told the court he was constrained by the sentencing guidelines in place at the time the offences occurred and said that had the offending happened recently, he would have received an even longer prison sentence.

Judge Burgess expressed the victim had shown remarkable courage.

Description

A man from Powys has been jailed after almost a decade of sexual abuse against a child victim.

53-year-old Kerry Price, from Ystradgynlais, conducted a campaign against the victim spanning most of their childhood, from the age of around five until they were a teenager.

Price was found guilty of five counts of a girl under 13 by touching, two counts of causing a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity, three counts of sexual assault of a female, two counts of making an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child, and one count each of taking an indecent photograph of a child, voyeurism, and recording an image under clothing to observe another without consent.  He had previously pleaded not guilty to all of these offences.

He has been handed an extended 14-year prison sentence.

Detective Constable Stuart Sandy said:

“Kerry Price showed no remorse at all for his actions, as is evidenced with his not guilty pleas. He thought he could get away with what he had done, but he was proven badly wrong.

“He abused his victim for a period not far off a decade, starting when they were a young child. What he has done is sickening and will have been a horrendously traumatic experience for both the victim and her family.  The victim and her family showed great strength by giving evidence at trial, compared to the defendant, whose defence the judge said, ‘at times bordered on the farcical’.

“Prison is the right place for him, and it is great to see him get an extended sentence.”

Description

A MAN who kidnapped and raped a young woman at knife point has been jailed.

Neil Reid approached the victim as she sat in her car after finishing work in the Leyland area. He got in the front passenger seat and threatened the woman at knife point before demanding she drive to Lostock Hall.

Terrified for her life the victim did as he asked, and Reid then subjected the woman to a horrific rape ordeal in a street in Lostock Hall. She finally managed to break free and run to a nearby pub where she sought help.

Reid then made off in the victim’s car which he dumped in Preston before breaking into a house still armed with the knife and demanding the keys to another car, but he then fled empty handed.

Reid was quickly identified as a suspect, and further enquiries captured him on CCTV.

The offences happened in April this year.

Reid, 43, of Towngate, Leyland, appeared before Preston Crown Court in May and admitted two counts of rape, two counts of attempted robbery, one of kidnap, one of committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence, and one of threatening another with an article with a blade or point.

He appeared before the same court today (Wednesday, September 24th) where he was jailed for 20 years six months with an extended licence of a further 8 years.

In a statement the victim, in her early 20s, described how she suffers from anxiety and sleepless nights and is on medication since her ordeal. She said she no longer trusts anyone, has lost her freedom and is scared to go out alone.

The victims of the break-in described how they had been left suffering sleepless nights and of the lasting and massive impact on their lives.

Det Insp Ian Derbyshire, of South CID, said:

“Neil Reid is clearly a dangerous sexual predator who targeted a lone woman and subjected her to an absolutely horrific ordeal before breaking into a property armed with a knife and confronting the occupants.

“He has shown no remorse for the trauma he has caused with his brutal crimes which have left a deep and lasting impact.

“I would like to thank the victim for having the courage to support our investigation and this prosecution which ensures that women will be protected from Reid for a considerable time.”

Description

A 12 year old girl who was groomed and raped has told the court she ‘cannot trust anyone’ after being abused.

At Bradford Crown Court on Friday 19 September Wisal Ahmad aged 30 of Belle Vue, Bradford was sentenced to 21 years, 17 of which will be custodial and 4 on licence after admitting to 12 offences including rape and sexual assault.  

Ahmed groomed the 12 years old and, on several occasions, took her from her home to his address.

On one occasion the survivor was found outside his address and appeared to be lost. She then reported the offences to police.  

Ahmed was swiftly arrested and charged with multiple sexual offences in the Bradford area in September 2024.

At sentencing he was also given a sexual harm prevention order and made to sign the sex offenders register for life.  

In her own words the survivor said:

“I have got trust issues, I feel like when I’m outside I’m being judged, and people are looking at me.

“I cannot move on with my life, I’m always thinking about what happened. I cannot trust anyone.

“I feel so isolated, I don’t have any friends anymore.”

Detective Constable Macauley Davis of Bradford District Child Safeguarding Unit said:

“I praise the survivor for reporting these abhorrent crimes to us. It cannot be underestimated how much courage it takes to come forward and report offences and her sheer bravery has stopped anyone else being a victim at the hands of Ahmed.  

“Ahmed has robbed her of her childhood; he deserves to be in prison for a long time.  

“Whilst it can never take away what has happened to her, I hope the sentence today can give her comfort in knowing that a level of justice has been served and in time she can move forward with her life. 

“If you have been a victim of a sexual offence and haven’t yet reported it, we have specialist teams who will listen to you and support you throughout the process, it will be treated with the utmost sensitivity and professionalism.”