Latest Offenders

Description

A RAPIST told a woman who didn’t want to have sex with him: “Actually, you’ll enjoy it in a minute.”

Michael Steer, 37, from Argoed, near Blackwood was found guilty by a jury following a trial of two counts of rape.

The defendant also said to her during one of the sexual assaults: “Don’t fight me.”

Heavy drinker Steer was told by Judge Celia Hughes: “You were abusing alcohol.”

She added that the conclusion of his probation report had stated that: “You have an inflated sense of self.

“You have a lack of respect of women and for their autonomy – you will have a long time in custody to consider your attitude towards women.”

Steer was jailed for six years and six months and will have to serve two-thirds of that sentence in prison before being released on licence.

Andrew Davies, prosecuting, told Newport Crown Court: “In the victim impact statement, the complainant said that the defendant left her feeling worthless and broken.

“She said she never thought anyone would believe her and that it had never happened and that they would take his word over hers.

“The victim felt relief when she reported it to the police.

“She says she still has flashbacks and that she found the whole court process stressful and it caused her anxiety.”

Peter Donnison representing Steer said: “Although there are two counts of rape I would ask that there are concurrent sentences as they are the same victim.

“This is a defendant with no previous convictions and the court should also take into account the three and a half year delay between the victim reporting the matter to the police and him being charged.”

His barrister added: “He was the full-time carer for his mother and she attended court throughout the proceedings.

“She is now being cared for by his sister.”

Judge Hughes told Steer: “She clearly didn’t want to have sex with you but you told her, ‘Don’t fight me.’

“On the other occasion you said: ‘Actually, you’ll enjoy it in a minute.’

“The rape lasted about 10 minutes.”

The defendant will have to register as a sex offender for an indefinite period and was made the subject of a 10-year restraining order not to contact her.

Description

A man has been jailed for 19 years after being found guilty of multiple sexual offences against three women.

Zephon Allen, aged 28, of Wilmington Close, Watford, was convicted at St Albans Crown Court earlier this year (20 March) of three counts of rape, and one count of digital penetration. The offences took place between 2021 and 2022 in Bishop’s Stortford, Hemel Hempstead and Watford.

He was remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing at St Albans Crown Court yesterday, Monday 21 July, where he was jailed for 19 years.

Hertfordshire Constabulary Investigator Gary Jackets said:

“Allen is a dangerous predator who deserves to be behind bars, having purposely targeted his three victims, building relationships with them before committing these offences – most of which took place when his victims were asleep or semi-conscious. Sex without consent is rape.

“All three victims have shown exceptional courage and strength throughout the whole process of this investigation; they all gave evidence at court, which would have been undoubtedly difficult having to discuss and relive these traumatic incidents that have understandably had a long-lasting impact on them but was absolutely vital in bringing Allen to justice.

“We know it can be hard to come forward to report incidents of sexual assault. I would like to take this opportunity to emphasise that we take all reports of sexual offences very seriously, and we will do all we can to ensure that victims are heard and supported, and that offenders are apprehended.”

Description

Mark Watson (22/03/1979), of Lowrey Terrace, Blackpool, admitted raping a woman in Bolton in April 2024.

He was arrested by Lancashire Police in Blackpool in April last year and admitted the charge at Manchester Crown Court on 17 February this year.

Today, Watson was sentenced to eight years in prison for rape at Bolton Crown Court.

Watson was additionally sentenced to two years in prison for a separate drugs conspiracy matter following an investigation by Lancashire Police.

The combined sentencing means that Watson has been sentenced to 10 years in total.

Description

A former employee of the Ministry of Defence has lost his job and been placed on the sex offenders register after sexually assaulting a colleague at an airbase Christmas party.

Mitchell Tarbit, who describes himself online as having previously worked at RAF Lossiemouth as an exercise rehab instructor, appeared at Elgin Sheriff Court and was sentenced for touching the bottom of a woman against her will.

Description

A man who sexually abused a young child in Southampton has been jailed.

Brian Wills, 51, assaulted the girl – who was under the age of 10 – on 20 July last year. Following this assault police were called.

The girl told officers that she had been abused by Wills on a number of other occasions between July 2023 and July 2024 in Southampton.

Wills, of Hopes Avenue in Dalmellington, East Ayrshire, was subsequently charged with four counts of assault by touching, which he pleaded guilty to at Southampton Crown Court on 2 June this year.

Appearing at the same court on Monday 21 July, he was jailed for 3 years and 10 months.

DC Gemma Boyle, from the Child Abuse Investigation Team (CAIT), said: “This was a shocking series of offences against a young girl, who has been so incredibly brave in talking about what happened to her.

“It takes such courage to do so, particularly at such a young age, and this must not be understated.

“Sexual offences involving children often have a devastating and lifelong impact on victims, and can be some of the most complex and horrific cases for police to investigate.

“CAIT are a dedicated and specially trained team of officers and staff who are committed to investigating child abuse, bringing to justice anyone who harms a child, and providing support to those affected.

“I hope the outcome of this investigation can give confidence to those who have been abused and are suffering in silence that they are not alone, and we will do everything in our power to target those responsible.”

Description

A child rape victim whose abuser has been jailed for three-and-a-half years told a court that after decades of feeling shame and guilt, she was able to "find my voice and fight for the truth".

In a moving statement read at the sentencing hearing of paedophile Gary Pallin, the woman described how his deviant conduct had not only robbed her of her innocence and dignity but also her life.

She said the effect of the sexual abuse she suffered was "so overwhelming" that it impacted her education, relationships and health, both physically and mentally.

But having given evidence at Pallin's trial at Maidstone Crown Court earlier this year, the woman said she felt pride at finally speaking out and achieving justice.

Pallin, of Caesar Avenue, Kingsnorth in Ashford, had denied a number of sexual offence charges – including rape – but was found guilty by a jury of them all.

Prosecutor Amy Nicholson detailed how the defendant was a teenager at the time he committed the crimes.

Although the victim confided in several people over the years, it was not until 2021 that police became involved and Pallin was arrested.

As well as giving a 'no comment' interview and denying the offences once charged, he also accused the victim through his legal team at trial of making up the allegations.

Furthermore, the packed courtroom at his sentencing hearing was told that he has continued to "vehemently" maintain his innocence since his conviction in May.

But on jailing the now 58-year-old, Judge Gareth Branston said that despite his age at the time, Pallin must have realised he was causing harm and yet "carried on regardless" for his own sexual gratification.

Referring to the assertion that the victim had lied about the abuse, the judge told an impassive Pallin: "During the trial, (the victim) was appalled by the suggestion made by your defence that this was a fiction.

"She said 'Why would I make it up?' and, of course, she didn't make it up. She buried it for many years, and counselling made her realise she didn't have to bury it any longer.

"I have read and listened to her victim impact statement. She felt the worst thing that could happen was people finding out.

"She spent years pretending nothing happened and squashed her feelings.”

Highlighting the psychological consequences of the abuse, the judge continued: "She simply wants you to be accountable for your actions so you can feel the guilt and shame.

"She notes you show no genuine remorse, and she has had to go through the ordeal of a trial.

But she is rightly proud now that she has found her voice and fought for the truth."

In her impact statement, the victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, described how she was "exploited and traumatised" by her abuser, and to this day continues "to grieve for the life I lost and the life I should have had".

I would feel shame, guilt and fear that didn't belong to me – now I feel pride that I found my voice and fought for the truth...
"I would feel shame, guilt and fear that didn't belong to me", she wrote. "Now I feel pride that I found my voice and fought for the truth."

In deciding the appropriate punishment, Judge Branston explained that he had to sentence Pallin according to his age at the time.

He also accepted that he may not have "fully appreciated" the effect of his behaviour or been "fully capable" of understanding the stress and pain caused.

The court heard that Pallin had lived a law-abiding life otherwise, and provided significant care for his mother who, along with his wife and many others, had written 15 references describing him as a "decent, honest, trustworthy, kind and considerate" man.

This prompted Judge Branston to comment that there were "many positive attributes" to his character and that he had lived an "exemplary life" in adulthood.

But referring to a pre-sentence report prepared by probation, he added: "It is disappointing, to say the least, that you continue to vehemently deny the offences.

"You have demonstrated no acceptance of responsibility, no empathy for your victim and no insight into the impact of your offending."

Pallin, who mouthed "I love you" to those sitting in the public gallery in support, will be subject to indefinite sex offender notification requirements on his release.

Description

A Kuwaiti migrant has been jailed after forcefully kissing a suicidal woman in the street when she refused to accompany him back to his asylum hotel, a court has heard.

Zayed Alanzi, 26, approached the woman in Hull and would not take no for an answer as he harassed her in the early hours of April 28.

The woman later told magistrates he was a complete stranger who left her feeling violated. He allegedly grabbed her by the cheeks, squeezed her face, kissed her on the mouth and forced his tongue inside, before she managed to wrestle him off. The incident reportedly took place near the Royal Hotel in Hull, where Alanzi was staying at the time.

Referring to a vulnerable teenager for whom she said she had acted as a decoy, the victim added: It was either that or he would do it to the other one. He asked me to go up a road. I said No. Im going that way, and thats when the police turned up.

During his trial, Alanzi who is married denied the offence and claimed through an Arabic interpreter that he had only tried to help the woman to her feet. He also claimed she had consented to the kiss.

However, magistrates rejected his defence and sentenced him to 12 months in prison. He was also placed on the sex offenders register and ordered to pay 187 in costs.

He is expected to serve less than half of his sentence.

It is understood that deportation proceedings may now be initiated against him following his conviction.

The case was first reported by The Sun, which said the woman told the court she had made it clear several times that she wanted to be left alone. The tabloid also reported that the assault left her deeply shaken.

Alanzi had been living at the hotel while his asylum application was being processed.

His conviction comes amid growing concern over the use of hotels to house asylum seekers, especially in city centres.

Description

A PREDATOR who preyed upon a young child and subjected him to serious sexual offences has been locked up.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that Christopher Hindley ‘stole the innocence’ of the victim, with what happened ‘significantly impacting all aspects of his life’.

The 56-year-old defendant, of Culcheth, was charged with 17 child sex offences after the victim came forward about what happened to him.

Putting the complainant through the ordeal of a five-day trial, Hindley, who has been involved with the Lowton 1st Scout Group for many years, was convicted by a jury of offences including indecent assault, gross indecency, and attempted buggary.

He appeared back before Liverpool Crown Court to be sentenced yesterday, Monday, where he was handed a jail term of more than a decade.

During the trial, it was said by Siôn ap Mihangel, prosecuting, that the abuse took place over a number of years in Warrington in the late 1980s and into the 1990s.

The victim was younger than 10 when the manipulation began, and Hindley was aged over 20.

It was said that the defendant began by touching the boy in a sexual manner, and that the victim was too young to appreciate that what was happening was wrong.

“You made it seem to him as normal behaviour. He had been manipulated by you,” said judge Katherine Pierpoint, who sentenced him.

Hindley’s behaviour escalated to performing sex acts on the boy and inciting him to do the same in return.

Referencing some of the actions Hindley initiated, Judge Pierpoint said: “It did not succeed, but not for want of trying what would now be termed rape of a child.”

Even though some of the offences would now be charged as rape, it was said that the court was bound by the sentencing powers available to a judge at the time the offences were committed.

“You moved on, started a relationship, got married, had children, and worked – your life continued,” Judge Pierpoint continued.

“But the victim was left, as a young boy, damaged by what you did to him over those years.”

In an impact statement, the victim said: “The abuse I suffered has had a significant impact on me. It has eaten me up for years and years.

“I felt ashamed and dirty, and that I had been taken advantage of.

“I felt that I could not speak out, and I was worried about being bullied and of people judging me. I tried to put it at the back of my mind, and it lay dormant for some time.

“I tried to deal with it by myself, but this was difficult. I wanted to courage to speak out, but I did not feel able to. I feel like the defendant stole my innocence.”

It was said that the victim has suffered with his mental health for a number of years, and that he can feel ‘low and numb’.

“I was anxious and scared about the trial, but I wanted to face my demons. I needed to do this for myself as I would never be able to heal,” he added.

“I was so happy when I heard the guilty verdict as I felt heard, which is massive for me. It is a step to getting back on track and beginning the healing process.”

An impact statement was also read out by the mum of the victim, who said: “I cannot believe he has been through this abuse and I did not know. I am heartbroken about this.

“I should have been there for him and I feel guilty about this, even though I did not know about what was happening. I am distraught.”

Hindley appeared in court without legal representation due to ‘reasons beyond his control’ relating to financial aid.

It was said at a previous court hearing that he has approached the Court of Appeal to appeal his conviction, and it was said during his sentencing hearing that he continues to maintain his innocence.

Representing himself, he said: “I understand that the court must sentence me based on the jury’s verdict.

“I have complied fully with my bail conditions and have remained co-operative with the court process throughout.”

He referenced his lack of any previous convictions and said that his incarceration would have a significant impact on his family, while highlighting positive character references by people who ‘continue to support him’.

Before sentencing, Judge Pierpoint said: “You stole his innocence, and what happened continues to affect him now, in all aspects of his life.

“He is a brave man who stood up to you and gave evidence against you. He has now been heard and believed, and I hope this means there is some closure, and he can start to heal.

“The effect of this type of sexual offending not only has a great impact on the victim of such offending, but others as well.

“His mother feels guilty that she did not know what was happening at the time. The only person in this courtroom who should feel guilty is you.

“In my judgement, this offending is so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence can be justified.”

Hindley, of Pendle Gardens in Culcheth, was sentenced to 12 years in prison, with an extended licence period of a year on his release.

He will serve two-thirds of the 12 years before his case is referred to the Parole Board to consider if he is safe to be released to serve the remainder of the sentence, plus an additional year, on licence.

The defendant must also sign the sex offender register for life on his release from custody.

Description

A repeat sex offender has been jailed for indecently exposing himself in a store in Devizes.

On 31 May, Philip Harding, 72, of the Lye, Seend, was seen inside a charity shop in the Brittox exposing and then pleasuring himself in the presence of the victim and his young daughter.

Following enquiries, Harding was identified and arrested with the offence.

He was subsequently charged with indecent exposure, to which he pleaded guilty.

At a hearing on Friday (18/07), he was jailed for 12 months.

A sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) was also imposed for 10 years, which will place restrictions upon Harding.

Local Crime Investigator Shonna O’Harney, based in the Volume Crime Team, said:

“Harding is a prolific offender and we are aware of the community concern around him.

“Indecent exposure is a serious offence with potentially significant impacts upon victims.

“We have also seen that it can also lead to more serious contact sexual offences and violence.

“I’m pleased that the courts have recognised the severity of Harding’s offending and imposed a custodial sentence, plus a SHPO to protect the public.

“I’d also like to thank the victim for coming forward and reporting the incident to us. Support from the community is absolutely vital to allow us to investigate these types of offences.”

Description

A man who made and distributed thousands of indecent images of children has been jailed for four and a half years.

John Carver, aged 38, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at King's Lynn Crown Court on Friday 18 July having previously admitted 8 counts of distributing indecent images of a child, 2 counts of making indecent images of a child and 7 counts of blackmail. He also admitted failing to comply with Sex Offender Register notification requirements.

The court heard how in January 2024 Carver, a registered sex offender, disappeared from the approved premises in Northamptonshire where he was supposed to be staying.  

To avoid capture, he spent the next year moving from hotel to hotel usually only staying in each one for a day or two, using different alias to avoid detection. To fund this lifestyle he sold incident images of children on the internet using various social media and storage platforms.

A complex and detailed investigation was launched to track his transactions and on the 8th of January 2025 intelligence showed Carver was on a bus to Norwich. Police were at Norwich Bus Station when he arrived and arrested him.

Following his arrest, analysis of Carver's mobile phone showed he had joined multiple groups online, offering photographs of very young children and  babies. He had set up a large number online payment accounts through which he had received thousands of pounds for the indecent material.  In some cases he also blackmailed buyers, asking them for money or he would report them to police. 

Carver was sentenced to four and a half years imprisonment and a further four and a half years on extended licence.  He remains on the Sex Offenders Register for life and his Sexual Harm Prevention Order remains indefinite.

Following sentencing Detective Constable Aaron Alley said,

"Carver is an extremely dangerous individual who demonstrated a chilling disregard for the children depicted in the images he was sharing. 

“He believed he could evade justice.  But thanks to the tireless work of officers he was left with no choice but to plead guilty after a catalogue of evidence was gathered against him.

“Every single indecent image and video shared online represents a real child somewhere in the world enduring unimaginable abuse.

“We remain absolutely committed to protecting children from harm, relentlessly pursuing those who exploit them, and ensuring they are brought before the courts.”

2025-04-07

A registered sex offender made thousands of pounds selling indecent images of children to people who he then tried to blackmail, prosecutors claim.

John Carver, 37, is accused of 17 offences including demanding money with menaces by threatening to track people down and call police.

Norwich Magistrates’ Court heard it was alleged he sold indecent images between September 2024 and January 2025 to online users of the Telegram app including in Norfolk. 

Josephine Jones, prosecuting, said he had swapped devices to cover his tracks. 

Carver, who is from Northampton, entered no plea to seven counts of blackmail and eight counts of distributing 5,272 indecent child images and videos, many category A - the most serious.  

He is also charged with possessing category A images and failing to comply with sex offender notification requirements by not telling police his whereabouts. 

He was remanded into custody until a hearing at Norwich Crown Court on May 2. 

Description

A County Durham sex offender who threatened his victim and other witnesses with violence has been jailed for 13 years.

Ian Maughan deliberately drew out proceedings in the case, even remaining silent when the charges were initially put to him, at a plea hearing at Durham Crown Court in March last year.

But following a series of hearings since, including an aborted trial in late July last year, he finally admitted all seven counts he was facing, the final five after the start of his rearranged trial at the court last month.

The 65-year-old defendant, formerly of Consett, appeared back before the court on Friday (July 18) by video link from Durham Prison, for his sentencing hearing.

He was facing sentence for sexual assaults, threatening a person with an offensive weapon, possessing an offensive weapon, a baseball bat, stalking involving serious alarm and making threats to kill.

The court was read statements by two of his victims who outlined the deep psychological effect his offending has had on them, one of whom has been undergoing counselling for the last 18 months and still suffers nightmares.

She said the defendant told her no-one would believe her and she felt like he was transferring the blame to her.

Jennifer Coxon, for Maughan, said there had been no previous pattern of sexually obsessive behaviour by the defendant.

She said while he does have past convictions, the last was in 2001 and he has never previously been in custody.

Miss Coxon said the offences took place after the death of the defendant's wife and following another family bereavement.

"He's realistic and understands he will receive a lengthy custodial sentence.

"But it's identified that his behaviour was extremely out of character for him."

Miss Coxon said at the time he committed the offences he was suffering with a fluctuating adjustment disorder and depressive symptoms accounting for some of his erratic behaviour.

"He doesn't put that forward as an excuse.

"He's well aware of his behaviour and how awful it would have been at the time," added Miss Coxon.

Judge Jo Kidd said he was responsible for "horrible offences" against his victims.

"You are a deeply manipulative and controlling individual," she told him.

She said he made repeated threats to try to exert control over his victims, who have been left seriously affected psychologically by his offending.

The judge imposed sentences totalling 13 years of which the defendant must serve at least two-thirds, eight years and eight months, behind bars.

When he is released he will also be subject of licence supervision for the remainder of the 13 years.

He will also be subject to notification as a sex offender for life.

Restraining orders, also for life, prohibit him from ever approaching or trying to contact his victims.

Description

A 'psychopath' rapist has been given a rare life sentence after the judge was nearly moved to tears by a rape-survivor's heart-breaking victim impact statement.

Musaddaq Hoque, 37, will serve a minimum of 14 years and eight months after he was convicted of five counts of rape against two women after a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court last month.

Judge Ross Cohen looked visibly emotional as one of Hoque's victims bravely stood up in court to face her abuser, who appeared via video link from prison. "I was not just violated. I was broken in a way that can't be undone. The fear, the helplessness, the shame, all still live with me," she said, "I am no longer able to trust people. I am afraid of letting someone in who will destroy me again."

"It took away something from me that can never be returned. I hope the court understands this was not just a moment but a life sentence. You are a psychopath. A Jekyll and Hyde who can change your personality with the flick of a switch. Hopefully you will learn putting your hands on a woman should not cross your mind."

The other victim-survivor described Hoque's 'repeated emotional, physical, sexual, and financial abuse' which left her 'walking on eggshells' and still suffering flashbacks and panic attacks.

Calling out Hoque's targeting of a vulnerable divorced woman and her £30,000 savings, Judge Cohen said: "As a Bengali man you knew the value of her gold she had been given as a dowry."

Hoque, formerly of St Luke's Road in Notting Hill, has been in prison since 2021 when he was remanded ahead of a separate trial at Southwark Crown Court. MyLondon previously reported how the thug was given a 10 year extended sentence for terrorising a victim for 15 years, burning her with a cigarette and threatening her with acid. Two juries failed to reach a verdict on a count of oral rape.

In June this year Hoque returned to court, where two more women gave evidence against him. This time jurors saw through his lies, convicting him on the rape counts, as well as GBH, threats to kill, and controlling and coercive behaviour.

Hoque's previous offences include battering and harassing another female partner, working as a drug dealer in 2011, deliberately running over a cyclist in 2014, assaulting another female partner in 2018, and then the convictions that saw him sentenced in 2023.

This track record left Judge Cohen with little option but to engage a Section 285 life sentence, having considered the seriousness of the crimes, the nature of his previous, the level of danger, and whether there were any alternatives. The judge was particularly concerned that Hoque had raped and abused both women while serving a suspended sentence for attacking a former partner in 2018.

During the trial, jurors heard how Hoque would make threats to: stamp on the pregnant women's stomachs, throw them down the stairs, and perform coat hanger abortions. In one particularly disturbing incident, Hoque poked a kitchen knife into the victim's pregnant stomach and told her he would cut the baby out. Terrified he would do it, she grabbed the knife and sliced her hand open.

On Hoque's previous, the judge said: "Using violence. Threatening violence. Or being abusive or controlling towards women. You seek to demand control and subjugate women with such means. You threaten extreme violence with threats to women with fire, acid, and weapons," adding in relation to one former girlfriend: "You threatened to put a gun down her throat."

Judge Cohen said Hoque had been a danger to women for more than 13 years, and would continue to do so while he maintained his innocence. "All you have demonstrated towards them is callous indifference. You have no insight into your offending and repeatedly lied to the jury," he added. Judge Cohen concluded an extended sentence was not a suitable alternative to a life sentence in this case.

The sentence means Hoque will not go before the parole board until he has complete the minimum sentence. Only then will the board decide if he is ready for release, and any crime committed on license will see him immediately returned to prison for life.

Description

A man has been jailed for raping a girl he met in Luton last year.

Samad Ali, 34, was found guilty of raping the victim after supplying her with cannabis.

An investigation was launched by Bedfordshire Police’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) team, and Ali was arrested.

Following a four-day trial, Ali of Bury Park Road, Luton was found guilty of rape.

He was sentenced yesterday (Thursday) to a total of 17 years; 11 years for rape and six years for the drug offences, with an extended licence of five years due to dangerousness.

Detective Constable Olivia Phillips from the RASSO team, who investigated, said:

“This was a complex and sensitive investigation, so I’m pleased that Ali has received a significant custodial sentence and is no longer a danger to any other women or girls.

“The victim in this case has showed enormous courage coming forward and speaking to officers to help ensure Ali was caught quickly and served justice.

“We take all reports of rape and sexual assault seriously, and it is never too late to report. We have several specially trained victim engagement officers who work closely with victims, supporting them throughout the investigation and justice process, as well helping them to move forward.”

Description

An officer has praised the courage of three victims who bravely came forward to report non-recent abuse as two men have today been jailed.

In November 2022, police received a report from a man about how he had been sexually assaulted more than 30 years ago when he was a child.

Two more victims came forward to report non-recent abuse and an investigation was subsequently launched by Stockton CID.

Colin Smith, now 75, was soon arrested and charged with buggery and three counts of indecent assault in relation to all three victims. Kevin Danks, now 61, was also arrested and charged with indecent assault against one of the victims.

They appeared in court and pleaded guilty to the offences during the start of their trial.

On Friday 18th July, Smith and Danks appeared at Teesside Crown Court for sentencing. Smith was sentenced to 12 years and six months in prison whilst Danks was sentenced to 5 years and six months in prison.

Investigating officer, DC Rusby said:

“Despite the passage of time, justice has caught up with Smith and Danks who both face long prison sentences thanks to the courage and bravery of the victims.

“Whilst no prison sentence can ever undo the pain and trauma inflicted on the victims, I hope it will go some way to help them gain closure and move forward with their lives.

“For those who believe they can prey on vulnerable children, I want to make it clear that we will relentlessly pursue you and you will be brought before the courts.

“I hope this sentencing reassures anyone who has suffered abuse, no matter how long ago it may have happened, that we will do all we can to bring offenders to justice.”

Description

A paedophile who targeted two children online has been jailed for more than a decade.

Northumbria Police’s POLIT department – a dedicated team working to protect vulnerable children – acted on intelligence and arrested Joshua MacFarlane in January 2024.

He was subsequently charged with a series of offences and in April 2025 at Newcastle Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual communications with a child, two counts of causing a child to watch a sexual act and six counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in a sexual act.

He also pleaded guilty to meeting another child following sexual grooming, causing a child to watch a sexual act, sexual activity with a child, paying for sexual services of a child, three counts of distributing indecent images of a child and one count of making indecent photographs of a child.

MacFarlane, 20, of Coquet Avenue, South Shields, was also sentenced for multiple breaches of an interim Sexual Risk Order.

He appeared before the same court on Wednesday where he was sentenced to 10 years and four months behind bars, with a further four years to be spent on licence.

MacFarlane will also remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Leading the investigation, Detective Constable Elizabeth Biggins, of Northumbria Police said:

"First and foremost, I’d like to praise the victims for their bravery.

MacFarlane is a dangerous predator who is now facing a long spell behind bars, and this outcome was only made possible by the incredibly bravery of his survivors.

We would like to take this opportunity to urge all victims of sexual abuse to come forward, no matter how much time has passed.

Our message to survivors is clear – we are here to support you and we will do everything we can to bring those responsible to justice."