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Following Met detectives leading an investigation into a child sexual assault which uncovered further sexual offences, officers are now appealing for potential victims to come forward.

Vruj Patel, 26 (22/03/99), of Selsdon Road E13, was sentenced today, Tuesday, 7 October, to 22 years in jail at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

He was also placed on the sex offenders' register for life.

This result builds on the Mets work to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG) by using innovative techniques to identify predators to bring them to justice and bolstering VAWG teams with 565 specially trained officers and staff to carry out victim led investigations.

Vruj previously pleaded guilty to rape of a child under 13, assault of a child under 13 by penetration and four counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity in relation to one victim, rape of a woman over 16 and sexual assault by penetration relating to a second victim, along with possession of indecent images of children, and voyeurism.

His brother, Kishan Patel, 31 (29/09/94), also of Selsdon Road E13, was also sentenced today to 15 months for possession of indecent images of children at the same court. He will also serve a 10-year-sexual harm prevention order.

Detective Sergeant Rob Blant, who led the Mets investigation, said:

Patel is a cowardly, opportunistic offender who has preyed on vulnerable victims for his own sexual gratification. The threat he poses to women and children has been reflected in his sentence and his future management under the terms of the Sexual Harm Prevention Order and sex offender notification requirements for the remainder of his life.

This is a fantastic example of a thorough and detailed investigation by Met detectives working to support victims of the most serious offending and safeguard the wider public from a dangerous offender.

There are teams of dedicated, professional officers working across London who will leave no stone unturned to identify those who seek to commit offences against vulnerable people and bring offenders to justice.

The offending

Patel was arrested on Saturday, 1 February, after Greater Manchester Police alerted the Met to a third-party report of videos of child sexual offending being present on a device which had been sent for repair.

The device belonged to his brother, Kishan Patel, and the initial videos found depicted child sexual offences being committed against a young girl who was known to the brothers.

Officers worked quickly to seize Kishans devices; however, it became apparent that Vruj Patel was the one appearing in the videos. Detectives were able to identify him after his face was briefly visible at the end of one of the videos showing abuse of the child.

Further images and videos were uncovered by detectives which showed Vruj committing a rape against a young woman following a university night out, and voyeurism against a young girl. Vruj had filmed himself committing multiple offences against the victims and was identifiable from clothing comparisons and his distinctive jewellery.

Although each incident of contact offending is thought to have happened in 2018, the voyeurism precedes this and officers are concerned that Vrujs offending has continued until more recently.

The appeal

Following the Patels sentencings today, detectives are appealing for any further victim-survivors to come forward.

There may be other instances where children visiting his home, or the homes of those around him, had been placed under his care. Detectives are interested to speak to anyone who believes this may have been true.

Full list of charges:

Vruj Patel

• Voyeurism
• Sexual assault female over 16
• Assault by Penetration female over 16
• Rape female over 16
• 4x Causing or Inciting a child under 13 to engage in Sexual Activity
• Sexual Assault of a Child under 13
• Assault of a child under 13 by penetration
• Rape of a child under 13
• 4x Making Indecent Images

Kishan Patel

• Count 1: Making Indecent Images Cat. A 765 still and 183 moving
• Count 2: Making Indecent Images Cat. B 401 still and 52 moving
• Count 3: Making Indecent Images Cat. C 944 still and 28 moving
• Count 4: Possession of Indecent Images Cats. A, B, and C.

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A Fife IT worker told his three sex offence victims he had a medical condition leading to frequent physical arousal.

Craig Coleman filmed a woman performing a sex act on him in a van without her knowledge and showed the video to someone else.

Record details

A pervert who engaged in sickening online sex chats with a nine-year-old girl has been jailed.

Connor Ormston chillingly responded "nice" when told the child's age after befriending her on Snapchat.

Newcastle Crown Court heard his offending was exposed when the victim's mother noticed her daughter becoming "secretive" and receiving messages.

Prosecutor Liam O'Brien said: "She checked her phone and saw a number of Snapchat messages and videos which had been sent by the defendant.

"This prompted her to speak to her daughter. She made a note of the questions and answers she was given on a piece of paper and then recorded a WhatsApp voice call.

"She then contacted the police and provided them with the evidence she had gathered."

Ormston was arrested in a toy shop at the Metro Centre in Gateshead, claiming "I've done nowt wrong."

The 31-year-old, of Dorrington Road, Fawdon, Newcastle, admitted sexual communication with a child, three charges of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and one of causing or inciting a child to watch a sexual act.

Judge Gavin Doig sentenced him to five years and eight months in prison, with lifelong sex offender registration and a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard Ormston told the child he was 16, and the Snapchat conversation quickly turned inappropriate.

Mr O'Brien said: "It began with the defendant sending a picture of him in his boxer shorts and soon progressed to him sending images of his penis.

“As time went on the defendant began to ask her to send sexual images and videos."

The youngster complied with requests for explicit material via messages and FaceTime video calls.

Mr O'Brien added: "The complainant was truthful about her age, she told the defendant she was nine, about to turn 10. His response to that, chillingly, was 'nice'."

The defendant also told the child not to tell anyone about their discussions, which were "our little secret."

Defending, Jennifer Coxon said Ormston was isolated during the 2022 offences, has mental health difficulties, and has been in no trouble since.

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A man who raped and recorded a woman undressing in Stoke-on-Trent has been convicted.

Jaroslaw Adamkowski, 42, of Stoke-on-Trent, appeared at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Thursday (2 October) and pleaded guilty to the rape of a woman and two counts of voyeurism – recording a private act.

He raped the survivor in February this year and also recorded her in a state of undress on two occasions, without her knowing, in January. We later found the videos after examining his phone.

The survivor bravely came forward and reported the abuse to us in February, prompting an investigation. Adamkowski was arrested and brought in for questioning, where we managed to secure the evidence needed to charge him with a number of offences.

He originally pleaded not guilty to the offences, but because of the strength of the evidence and the courage of the survivor, he changed his plea to guilty in court last week.

Adamkowski has been remanded and will be sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on 3 November.

Speaking following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Razwana Nasheen, from our rape and serious sexual offences unit, said:

“I’m pleased that we’ve been able to secure this result for the survivor who has been incredibly brave in coming forward and speaking to us about the abuse she suffered.

“I want all survivors of sexual offences to know that we are here for you and we are determined to seek the toughest possible punishment for those responsible for these heinous crimes.”

Record details

A convicted sex offender has been jailed again after he sent explicit messages to a 14-year-old girl.

James Lacy (pictured) was jailed for 32 months in 2016 after striking up a sexual relationship with an underage girl, who he groomed online.

Nottingham Crown Court heard he was aged 21 at the time of the offence and that his sentence included a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which prohibited him from having contact with a female child under the age of 16.

The order also required him to register devices used for internet access with the police.

Lacy, now 33, was arrested in February this year after it emerged he had sent sexually explicit messages to a 14-year-old girl via social media.

The victim informed her father and a report was made to Nottinghamshire Police.

Detectives arrested Lacy before searching his address and seizing a number of devices that he had failed to disclose as per his Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

He answered no comment to most of the questions put to him across two police interviews.

With the weight of the evidence against him, Lacy, of Bransdale Road, Clifton, Nottingham, was charged with engaging in sexual communication with a child, causing a child to engage in sexual activity and two breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

He pleaded guilty to the offences and was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday (2 October). The judge handed Lacy an extended sentence of eight years, comprising a custodial term of three years and then five years on licence, during which time he will remain under close supervision.

Lacy was further handed a new 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order lasting to October 2035 and made subject of a restraining order that prohibits him from contacting his victim.

Detective Constable Will Huggins, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Public Protection unit, said:

“Lacy has a despicable attitude towards the legal system and so remains a serious risk to children.

“Despite serving a prison sentence and being subject to court orders, he has continued to flout the law and behave in this depraved manner towards a vulnerable 14-year-old girl.

“His victim demonstrated extraordinary bravery in alerting her father about the messages and it is because of her strength and willingness to come forward that we were able to put Lacy back before the courts.

“He knew full well that he wasn’t allowed to message young people in this way but once again his warped sexual desires have landed him in trouble.

“I hope this latest sentence will finally result in him changing his ways and leading a positive and law-abiding lifestyle.”

Record details

A Bude man has been jailed for nine years for raping a woman and then attending her home and slashing her car tyres in an effort to intimidate her.

Luke Clements, 52, formerly of Upton, Bude, appeared at Truro Crown Court for sentence on Thursday 2 October having been convicted by a jury of rape, sexual assault, sexual assault by penetration, witness intimidation, possession of a bladed article and assault by beating.

He had previously pleaded guilty to criminal damage and being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

As well as a nine-year prison sentence, he was given a life term restraining order to protect the victim and her family and placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

During the trial the court heard how in March 2025, the victim reported how she attended Clements’ home address for a pre-arranged coffee.

While at the property she felt the atmosphere change which progressed to Clements touching her without consent.

The victim stated that she attempted to leave, but Clements forced her upstairs and raped her. She immediately left the address and contacted the police.

Officers attended Clements’ address the same evening and arrested him, with Clements claiming the sexual contact was consensual.

He was released the following afternoon with bail conditions not to contact the victim directly or indirectly.

The next day the victim went outside and found her car tyres had been slashed with a knife, despite never having had any issues with her neighbours or anyone else.

An emergency alarm was then fitted at the victim’s address. A very short time later the victim’s son noticed the dogs barking.

When he went downstairs, he found Clements inside the house. The son immediately pressed the newly fitted alarm, dispatching officers.

Clements was wearing a black mask and a hood up and assaulted the victim’s son as he tried to flee while producing a Stanley knife from his pocket.

The son managed to detain Clements until officers arrived. Clements was taken into custody, charged and remanded.

Following a download of Clements’ phone, evidence was found linking him to the supply of cocaine between 2022 and 2024.

Clements also made comments about filling the victim’s door locks with silicone/adhesive and was found in possession of a silicone gun on arrest.

Detective Constable Tom Graham, officer in the case,  said:

“This conviction sends a clear message that such horrific crimes will not go unpunished.

“I want to pay tribute to the incredible bravery of the victim in coming forward and supporting this investigation. It takes immense courage to speak out and her strength was vital in securing today’s outcome.

“We know how difficult it can be for survivors of sexual offences to report what has happened to them. I want to reassure anyone who has experienced anything similar that we will listen, we will believe you and we will do everything in our power to seek justice.

“Our priority is always the safety, dignity and wellbeing of the victims and we remain committed to working tirelessly to bring perpetrators of such horrific crimes like Clements before the courts.”

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Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been jailed for sexual and violent offences in Reading.

Jahmel Flemming, aged 28, of Eldon Park, London, was sentenced to thirteen and a half years in prison at Reading Crown Court on Tuesday (30/9).

He was found guilty by the jury of:

• Three counts of actual bodily harm
• Two counts of rape
• One count of sexual assault
• One count of sexual assault by penetration
• One count of assault
• He pleaded guilty to one count of common assault.

He was found not guilty of one count of intentional strangulation.

On 13 December 2024, Flemming subjected the victim, a woman, to a relentless series of serious physical assaults, both in public and in private. This included pulling her hair and punching her repeatedly, leaving her with a fractured cheekbone, and severe swelling and bruising to her face and body.

Then inside a property, Flemming sexually assaulted and raped the victim, whilst using physical violence against her.

Flemming was arrested on the same day as the offences and charged the next day.

Further charges were made by postal requisition on 28 January this year.

Investigating officer, Detective constable Becky Edey said:

“Jahmel Flemming is a violent individual whose actions are inexcusable. His prolonged and vicious assault showed no regard for the victim, leaving her with significant injuries.

“Thanks to the victim’s courage, Flemming has now been held accountable and will no longer pose a threat to others.

“I would like to take this opportunity to commend the incredible bravery shown by the victim in this case. Her strength has not only led to justice being served but has also helped prevent further harm to others, and we are truly grateful. I hope this outcome provides her with some closure and allows her to begin moving forward with her life.”

Record details

Innocent Megbolu, 37, was jailed for five years for forcibly raping a woman in her Leith flat on August 21, 2023, despite her struggles and protests, after she had asked him to leave.

Megbolu, formerly of Seacole Square, Craigmillar, Edinburgh, was also subjected to an indefinite non-harassment order barring contact with the victim.

Judge Alistair Watson at the High Court in Edinburgh told him: "The degree of harm caused by you in committing this crime must be considered as particularly high." He noted: "Her evidence was she was crying and shouting and yet you continued with your conduct," adding that the offence occurred in her home where she should feel safe.

Megbolu denied the rape but was convicted by a jury.

An acquaintance testified: "She told me that he flipped her over - like a wrestling move." The victim appeared shaking, tired, and in shock afterward.

Another woman received a call from the victim, who said: "She said she had been raped."

Defence counsel Jonathan Campbell said Megbolu, a married father-of-two with a Nigerian university degree and prior work in the care sector, understood a custodial sentence was "inevitable" as a first offender. His "principal concern is for his family and the impact the conviction will have on them," and deportation is "highly likely" post-sentence.

Megbolu was placed indefinitely on the sex offenders' register.

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A ‘depraved’ man who engaged in sexual communication with who he believed to be a 12-year-old girl over a period of 31 days has been sentenced following an appearance at Hull Crown Court on Friday, 3 October 2025.

Shaun Hatfield, 49-years-old, of Easthorpe in Market Weighton pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and attempting to cause a child to watch sexual activity between Wednesday, 29 March 2023 and Wednesday, 26 April 2023. He has been sentenced to one year and four months in prison and handed a ten year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

An investigation was launched on Wednesday 29 March 2023 when Hatfield started using messaging apps to initiate contact with a social media profile he believed belonged to a 12-year-old girl.

Over the next 31 days, Hatfield sent a series of sexually explicit messages and attempted to encourage the recipient to engage in sexual communications in return. He also sent numerous indecent photographs and sexual videos of himself.

Unbeknownst to him, the profile was a decoy account operated by an undercover officer, set up to identify and intercept individuals attempting to exploit children online.

With the support of specialist teams, further enquiries were carried out, including analysis of digital data. The information gathered was directly linked to Hatfield and officers subsequently located and arrested him on suspicion of sexual communication with a child in December 2023. His mobile phone was seized upon his arrest.

Whilst he was being taken to custody for interview, a search of his property led to further electronic devices being seized, and along with his mobile phone, the devices were examined by our Digital Forensics Unit in an effort to uncover the social media conversations he was having with a child.

After a lengthy and protracted investigation, consisting of multiple strands of enquiries being made by our detectives, Hatfield was later charged in August this year with attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and attempting to cause a child to watch sexual activity, and was remanded into custody until his next appearance at Hull Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to both offences.

Leading the investigation was Detective Constable Demi Harvey from our Police Online Investigations Team, who said:

“Hatfield is a depraved individual who sought to exploit who he believed to be a vulnerable child and engaged in calculated online conversations to appease his own perverse sexual gratifications.

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

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

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

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A registered sex offender has been sentenced to three years in prison after admitting 12 counts of making indecent images of children following an investigation by Essex Police.

Trevor Pearce was the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for 10 years and put on the sex offenders’ register after being convicted of previous indecent images of children related offences in 2021.

Our Management of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offenders (MOSOVO) team were making a routine visit to the 63-year-old’s home last year when they discovered indecent images of children.

Officers checking his devices found a number of indecent images of children.

These devices were seized and analysed by our digital forensics experts, and more than 600 images and videos were found either on the phones or in cloud storage associated with Pearce.

Further prohibited phones and tablets were seized in a warrant in February 2025 at Pearce’s address. This revealed further offending with the use of undeclared storage devices, deleting his browsing history, and failing to disclose his use of specific mobile applications – all of which were breaches of his SHPO.

The youngest victim in the materials is believed the be less than a year old. We also found upskirting images relating to offences committed in Loughton.

On 3 September at Chelmsford Crown Court, Pearce, formerly of Castell Road in Loughton, pleaded guilty to:

• 12 counts of making an indecent image of children
• one count of possessing extreme pornographic images
• one count of recording an image under clothing to observe another without their consent
• one count of breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order

At the same court on Friday 3 October Pearce was sentenced to three years in prison, as well as placed on the Sex Offenders' Register indefinitely and receiving an indefinite SHPO, applying even tighter controls on his behaviour when he is released.

'The importance of our monitoring'

This case reiterates the importance of the constant monitoring our team carries out across Essex every day.

Those who fail to adhere to court ordered restrictions will be brought back before the court.

They are there the keep others safe, and Pearce made it clear by breaching these he was willing to exploit the victims in these images.

On this occasion we found additional offending and while Pearce made excuses and denial during interview, the evidence we secured left him with no option but to plead guilty.

Today’s jail term reflects the seriousness of his offences, and I hope acts as a deterrent to other perpetrators. If you commit these crimes, you will be arrested and brought before the courts.

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"You will have to face the consequences for your actions, as I have been doing for all these years."

A man has been jailed for a total of 11 years after being was found guilty by a jury on 22 August 2025 of three counts of rape in York, and a further count of rape and one account of sexual assault in the London area.

Kieran Mullen, 34 from Dace Road in London, appeared at Wood Green Crown Court, London, for sentencing on Friday 3 October.

The court heard that Mullen raped the first victim in York in 2013 and the second in London in 2020.

The North Yorkshire victim bravely read out her victim personal statement in court, she said:

"Before I met you, I always saw the good in people and I trusted others easily.

"That changed the night you raped me.

"You wrought such dehumanising violence on my body. You violated me in a way that's difficult to verbalise.

I won't ever forget the way you made me feel that night, like a worthless object for you to use however you wanted.

"I should have been able to grow into womanhood and discover who I wanted to be, but you decimated my sense of self-worth and self-confidence at a pivotal time in my life. I felt worthless and used for years afterwards.

"Now, standing here after so long and knowing that I am finally believed, that every juror heard me and recognised the truth, and that you will finally face justice, has changed how I feel. I have spent years feeling intimidated by you, scared of you, since the rape. But I have been heard and believed and feel validated, the scales have shifted and now I have some power back too. You will have to face the consequences for your actions, as I have been doing for all these years."

Detective Constable Charis Meredith, the investigating officer for the York offences, said:

"These convictions, and this result, are a testament to the strength of the women involved and their support networks around them who enabled them to proceed with this case. It hasn't just meant securing justice and closure for themselves, but I hope it gives confidence to other victims to come forward, knowing that they will be listened to and the police and wider criminal justice system will do everything they can to get justice for them.

"For any other victims, no matter when it took place, please come forward to the police - it's never too late."

Record details

A man from the Forest of Dean has been jailed for 20 years after he was found guilty of multiple counts of raping and sexually assaulting two children several years ago.

Matthew Alexander, aged 48 and of Lydney, was jailed yesterday (Thursday 2 October) after a jury unanimously found him guilty of 16 offences against the girls following a trial.

Gloucester Crown Court was told the investigation into Alexander's crimes began in July 2023 after the victims, now adults, contacted Gloucestershire Police to report that he had raped and sexually assaulted them multiple times.

The girls were aged under 13 at the time of the offences.

Following an investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department, Alexander was subsequently charged with the offences and although he denied them all, he was found guilty by a unanimous jury following a trial in July this year.

Before Alexander was sentenced, the court heard statements written by his victims in which they described how his crimes have impacted their lives.

One of the victims said:

“Alexander’s abusive behaviour has had a massive impact on me growing up, I felt that I had to grow up faster and I couldn’t be the child that I wanted to be. 

"It’s had a major impact on my ability to form relationships, trust people and open up. Specifically, I really struggle to trust men.  

"I will never be able to forgive him for what he has done to me. I have always felt that I am not good enough. I can’t look at myself in a positive way and my body image is very low.

"Whenever I go out, I always feel on edge and am looking over my shoulder. I have flashbacks of what happened, and I have to reassure myself that he is not there and that I am safe. 

"I was overwhelmed when I received the verdict that he had been found guilty of all 16 offences, however, I felt proud that my voice got heard and I was believed."

Another victim said:

“I struggled to make friends, this was because I did not know how to approach people and feel confident.  As I grew older, I always felt so nervous about new relationships and I felt ashamed of my body.

"I now find it hard to trust anyone to look after my child, especially men. What happened to me has made me so overprotective."

Sentencing judge Recorder Crooknorth told Alexander:

"The victims have both shown immense courage in the face of something you put them through. You have tried to escape the truth and now it has caught up with you. You continued to deny the offences and there is no remorse." 

Along with the 20-year jail term, the judge gave Alexander an extended sentence with an additional two years to serve on licence due to aggravating factors around his offences. 

He was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 30 years to protect the public and a 30-year-restraining order not to contact either victim. His name will also be added to the Sex Offenders' Register for life.

Alexander will serve at least two-thirds of his sentence behind bars before he is eligible for parole.

Detective Constable Smith from Gloucestershire Constabulary's Criminal Investigation Department said:

“We are committed to protecting children from sexual abuse and those who seek to do them harm.

“As the court heard, the impact of Alexander's crimes on his victims has been significant and long-lasting and I would like to commend them for having the courage to come forward and report his horrendous crimes. Alexander’s lengthy prison sentence is down to their determination and bravery.

“We have officers dedicated to investigating these horrific crimes and bringing offenders to justice and I hope this sentence encourages other victims and survivors who may have been subjected to similar offences to report them to us, even if the offences occurred many years ago.”

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A man who evaded justice for 14 years has been jailed thanks to a major forensic breakthrough and the perseverance of a specialist police department.

Donatas Venclovas was sentenced to more than seven years in prison at Leicester Crown Court today (Friday 3 October) after admitting a series of sexual offences.

In 2011 three women were attacked in Leicester by the same man – all within the space of around an hour.

The final assault left crucial DNA evidence, but the-now 34-year-old of Craven Gardens, Ilford, wasn’t identified until a breakthrough in February this year linked him to the unsolved crimes.

The 2011 investigation

On Saturday 8 January 2011, police received a report of an attempted rape in The Rally park in Tudor Road, involving a-then 57-year-old woman.

Around 8.50am, the victim was pushed to the ground after she witnessed the suspect with his hands down his trousers. 

He attempted to remove her clothing, but she fought back, biting his hand and screaming for help, which alerted a resident in a home close by and forced him to flee.

In the immediate aftermath of the attack, detectives launched a large-scale investigation.

DNA recovered from the victim’s face and inside of her mouth provided a vital forensic profile of the offender, but it did not match anyone on the national police database at the time.

As part of investigative enquiries, police issued a witness appeal together with a e-fit of the suspected perpetrator. Following this, a further two women came forward to report being indecently assaulted by a similarly described man on the same morning.

CCTV enquiries confirmed it was the same man and they had both occurred in the city centre, shortly before the attack in the park.

The first happened shortly before 7.40am in Rutland Street. The woman, who was 25 at the time, was grabbed from behind. One hand grabbed her around the neck and the other hand between her legs.

Minutes later, near to St Nicholas Circle, he exposed himself and sexually assaulted another woman – then aged 74 – by putting his hand up her skirt.

He fled after being disturbed by someone nearby and made his way to the park when the third incident took place.

Detectives undertook extensive enquiries at the time of the attacks – including reviewing hours of CCTV, public appeals, and house-to-house.

Statements were also taken from key witnesses but despite a thorough investigation the suspect wasn’t identified.

Hope for the investigation came the following year, in 2012, when the same DNA profile was uncovered on the fence of a property that was burgled in London.

The identity of the suspect remained unknown.

2025: case reopened

The breakthrough came in February 2025 when Donatas Venclovas was arrested in London on suspicion of assault.

A DNA sample taken in custody matched the profile from the 2011 attacks – giving detectives the evidence needed to reopen the case.

Leicestershire Police’s specialist rape and serious sexual assault investigation team immediately launched a renewed investigation.

Detectives meticulously reviewed all the historical evidence in an effort to build a compelling case against the defendant.

Due to the length of time passed, tracking down all three victims initially proved difficult.

The victim who was attacked in The Rally was the first to be found. The victim in the Rutland Street incident was also identified. Unfortunately, the victim who was 74 in 2011, had since passed away but detectives were able to trace her family to inform them of the development in the case.

Despite the difficulties, the officer in the case – Detective Constable Shannon Hughes – remained committed to securing justice for the women.

She said:

“For more than a decade the women in the case have had to live with knowing the man who attacked them had not been identified and could still be out there.

“The actions of one of the victims on that morning in 2011 has ultimately led to this case finally being solved but the case still required a full review of old material, as well as reconnecting with the victims and carrying out new enquiries to ensure the case was fit for trial in 2025.

“Luckily the victims have been spared any added trauma of having to relive what happened to them in court and hopefully today will put an end to what has been many years of living with unresolved pain.”

Venclovas was charged with one count of attempted rape and three counts of sexual assault. Faced with the overwhelming evidence he pleaded guilty to all four offences at the start of the trial in August.

He was sentenced to a total of seven years and two months. 

Detective Inspector Lorna Granville added:

“At the heart of this investigation are the three women who were assaulted that day 14 years ago. They have carried the burden of these crimes for years and it is their courage and determination that has helped bring Venclovas to justice. We recognise the immense impact these crimes have had on their lives, and I want to pay tribute to them for the strength they have shown throughout.

“I also want to commend the officers and staff from our Signal team – Leicestershire’s Police specialist rape investigation unit – specifically the work of DC Shannon Hughes, who with the team, has worked tirelessly over the past nine months to bring this case to court. Their persistence, professionalism, and absolute commitment to securing justice for victims has been outstanding.

“This case clearly highlights that justice can be achieved, no matter how much time has passed. Unsolved cases will always be reinvestigated should new evidence or information come to light.”

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A man who took advantage of a vulnerable woman before raping her has been jailed.

Martin Glover (pictured) met his victim on a night out in Morecambe in April 2023.

He acted as a good Samaritan by offering the woman a place to stay but then proceeded to rape her at an address in the town.

Glover, 39, of Clarendon Road West, Morecambe, pleaded guilty to rape at a hearing in June of this year and was back at Preston Crown Court for sentence today (Friday, October 3rd).

He was jailed for seven-and-a-half years and ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.

In a statement the victim, in her 30s, described how she was a shadow of her former self as a result of the attack, that Glover had stolen her dignity and that she suffered from anxiety and sleepless nights.

Det Con Kirsten Bell, of Lancaster CID, said:

“First and foremost I would like to praise the victim for having the courage to support this prosecution – that cannot have been easy, but it would not have been possible to reach this conclusion without her.

“Glover took advantage of and preyed on this vulnerable woman for his own sexual gratification, and I am pleased that other woman are now safe from his offending for some time.”

“I hope that this case gives others who may have suffered similar ordeals the strength to come forward confident in the knowledge that we will investigate sensitively and professionally”

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A man from Scotland has been sentenced after being found guilty of non recent child sexual offences in Keighley.  

Alaistar Langlands age 74 of Finlarig Terrace, Dundee went on trial at Bradford Crown Court in August.  

He was found guilty of 11 indecent assault offences against two male victims who were children at the time.  

The offences happened between 1988 and 1993 when he was volunteering at Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.  

Langlands was sentenced to 17 years and 4 months in prison in Bradford Crown Court yesterday (2 October). He was also given a sexual harm prevention order and made to sign the sex offenders register.  

A victim personal statement was read out in court – an extract from it reads:  

“He was an adult; I was a child. He was someone i should have been able to trust. He had all the power and control.  

“I had no self-identity. I am only now starting to feel as though I'm finding myself, all these years later.  I want to take back some control.”  

Detective Constable Bethan Windsor of Bradford District’s Child Safeguarding Team said:  

“It cannot be underestimated the sheer bravery of both these victims coming forward after so long and reporting these heinous crimes to us.  

“They have managed to navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system and are now getting the justice they so rightly deserve.  

“Langlands took advantage and abused these two boys when they should have been safeguarded.  

“You could hear the devastating impact that this crime has had on his victims, from the victim impact statements.  

“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.”