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Description

A convicted sex offender who worked as a carer in North Ayrshire has been struck off by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).

Alessandro Citti, believed to be from Kilwinning, was based in Irvine with the North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership during the offences.

He was convicted at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court in February for sending sexually explicit messages to someone he believed was a 14-year-old child, who was actually an adult posing as underage. The incidents occurred between May and August 2023.

According to the SSSC report, removing him from the social care worker register was "both necessary and justified in the public interest and to maintain the continuing trust and confidence in the social service profession and the SSSC as the regulator of the profession."

The watchdog added: "Social service workers must not put themselves or other people at unnecessary risk. Your behaviour placed the victim or deemed victim at significant risk of sexual and emotional harm. This displays a disregard for the wellbeing of vulnerable people.

"Behaviour of this nature is fundamentally incompatible with professional registration in the social services sector and represents a serious departure from the Codes of Practice and the standards of conduct expected of you.

"Your behaviour occurred over a period of time and should be regarded as serious."

The SSSC noted Citti's lack of engagement in the investigation, stating:

"Your behaviour raises serious values concerns and you have not demonstrated any meaningful insight, reflection or remorse in relation to the behaviour.

"If the behaviour were to be repeated there would be a significant risk of harm to children and young people.

"A finding of impairment is also necessary to uphold public confidence and trust in the social services profession, and in the SSSC as an effective regulator.

"We wrote to you on August 12, 2025 to tell you we wanted to place a removal order on your registration.

"After explaining the consequences and recommending you take legal advice, you have not asked for the case to be referred to a fitness to practice panel. We are therefore permitted by the rules to impose this removal order."

The ruling took effect on September 28, 2025.

Description

A convicted rapist buried his head in his hands upon learning he would spend many years in prison.

Dumitru-Robert Lacatus, 27, of Welsh Road in Garden City, appeared via video link from HMP Berwyn at Mold Crown Court for sentencing on Monday.

He was found guilty after trial on 12 counts: rape (x2), assault (x3), assault occasioning actual bodily harm (x2), making a threat to kill (x1), suffocation (x1), making a threat with a large blade (machete) (x1), and assault by beating (x2).

Defense counsel Simeon Evans told the court:

"Mr Lacatus continues to deny the offences.

"There is little I can say regarding his response which can assist him in shortening the sentence.

"It is the length of the sentence which will be his major concern.

"He is still a relatively young man and he has some English but it's very limited.

"That makes his time in custody much more challenging."

Judge Rhys Rowlands addressed Lacatus:

"You were convicted by the jury of 12 counts charging serious sexual, violent offending.

"What is clear is that you have no remorse whatsoever for what you did and no insight into the undoubtedly serious harm you caused."

The judge described the offending as "at times, very depraved," adding: "I am keenly aware that you are now going to spend a long time in prison, a long way from your family in Romania.

"It won't be easy for you but a sentence of immediate imprisonment, as has been conceded, is quite inevitable."

Lacatus received a 16-year prison sentence, after which he placed his face in his hands and sighed audibly.

He is subject to a restraining order protecting the victim and must register as a sex offender indefinitely.

Description

A man who boasted about having sex with a woman 'when she was asleep' and had said 'no' has been jailed for 19 years.

In 2022, police launched an investigation into Martin Crossley, 41, following information he had raped a woman on multiple occasions in East Lancashire and Preston.

He told one witness he ‘saw women as a piece of meat’ and referring to the victim, he said: “I’ve had sex with her when she’s been asleep and after she’s said no.”

In 2023, officers received further information that Crossley had raped a teenage girl.

Crossley, of no fixed address, was charged with five counts of rape. He pleaded guilty to all five counts when he appeared at Preston Crown Court earlier this year.

Crossley returned to the same court where he was jailed for 19 and a half years and given a further five-year extended licence period after a Judge deemed him to be a dangerous offender.

In an impact statement to the court, Crossley’s first victim spoke about how the defendant had destroyed her life.

She continued:

“I could never describe enough how much I hate Martin for what he has done, he does not deserve to use up the oxygen of another human being. I want to be able to move forward with my life finally.”

She added:

“Martin Crossley is a dangerous sexual predator, and I do not want anyone else to be at risk from suffering at the hands of him.”

DC Alyson Richards, from Lancashire Police, said:

“No words I can say will ever truly reflect the impact Crossley’s perverted and deviant behaviour has had and continues to have on his victims.

“I hope the sentence Crossley has received will allow them to begin to rebuild their lives knowing their attacker is behind bars for a long, long time.

“I want to take this opportunity to place on record my thanks to both victims for the bravery they have shown throughout this process and for the trust they placed in us to bring Crossley to justice.”

Description

A 'deeply disturbed' man who raped three women has been jailed for his 'heinous' crimes.

Christopher Bell, also known as Christopher Ward, 33, of Maple Grove, Sedgefield, admitted the offences on the second day of his trial last month. However, a judge called it "deeply disturbing" that he later told Probation workers he did not think anything he did was wrong.

Bell appeared at Durham Crown Court for sentencing on six counts of rape, one of strangulation, and one of assault by penetration. He pleaded guilty after two victims had testified, with the third waiting to do so. Other charges were left on file.

All three victims attended court on Friday (September 26) to deliver impact statements. One, a teenager at the time of the offences, said she is now “an empty shell” compared to her former bubbly self, feeling "heartbroken" daily and suffering insomnia, nightmares, depression, and PTSD.

Another described being consumed by paranoia, unable to sleep due to flashbacks. The third, strangled during rape, said she felt like she was going to die at his hands.

Prosecutor Jane Waugh noted the “heinous sexual offences,” with those against the third victim occurring while Bell was under investigation for the first two.

Defence counsel David Callan said Bell left school with qualifications, attended agricultural college, worked as a landscape gardener and with horses, and has “a strong work ethic” and previous good character. Remanded for over seven months, he has taken religious instructions from a Roman Catholic priest and plans to enter a religious order post-sentence.

Judge Nathan Adams said Bell's guilty pleas came “about as late as they could be,” after maintaining innocence until trial began. He found it “deeply disturbing” that Bell told the Probation pre-sentence report author he “didn’t consider anything he did was wrong,” adding: “It clearly shows you are a deeply disturbed individual.”

The judge imposed eight-year consecutive sentences for offences against each victim, totalling 24 years, followed by three years' licence supervision. Bell must serve at least 16 years before parole eligibility, possibly the full 24. He must sign the sex offender register for life and is subject to a 30-year restraining order barring contact with victims.

Description

We’ve been heard and have got justice thanks to the incredible work of Essex Police

A mum has thanked detectives for their “amazing support, understanding and dedication”.

I’ve always taught my children that when you do something wrong, you should face the consequences of your actions.

The police were so understanding and easy to talk to. They supported us throughout the whole investigation and worked so hard to secure the evidence.

He pleaded guilty to the horrendous abuse and now we can start rebuilding our lives.

We are working through the trauma we have experienced. They are starting to enjoy the simple things in life again and getting to know what they enjoy.

Things you take for granted like finding your favourite colours or your favourite tv shows, they are working these choices out for themselves and it’s beautiful to see.

The work by the police and the support of our counsellor is giving us back our future. It’s been really difficult at times and we have a long road ahead of us, but now he has been jailed we can look forward.

I would say to anyone who finds themselves in this awful position to speak up, tell someone you trust and report it to Essex Police. They will support you.

On Wednesday 24 September Duran Guscott, of Wakering Road, Shoeburyness, was sentenced to 17 years after previously admitting a number of child sexual offences.

Officers had initially responded to reports of an assault at an address in Southend in March 2023, but disclosures from those present indicated that child sexual offences had been committed, and Guscott was arrested.

An investigation was launched, and the 38-year-old was questioned about reports of sexual assault involving two children and indecent images on his phone.

He refused to answer questions and was bailed with conditions while our enquiries continued.

Following a complex investigation the following 13 charges were authorised:

• attempted rape of a child
• two counts of sexual assault of a child
• three counts of sexual assault by penetration
• four counts of taking indecent images of children
• Making an indecent image of a child
• Possession of extreme pornography
• Engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour

He later admitted 12 charges and the charge of engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour was left to lie on file.

At Basildon Crown Court the judge sentenced him to 13 years and 11 months in prison, with a further three years and one month on extended licence.

He was also given a lifetime restraining order against his victims, a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and will be on sex offenders’ register for life.

"dedicated to protecting children"

Detective Constable Kayla Perrie, who led our investigation, commended the survivors:

I want to thank the survivors in this case for their bravery, patience and fortitude throughout this investigation.

They have worked closely with us, sharing distressing information, to ensure this dangerous man is now behind bars.

Guscott is a very dangerous and manipulative offender. This sentence represents the gravity of his crimes.

I hope those impacted feel justice has been served and they can start to move forward with their lives.

Everyone at Essex Police is dedicated to protecting children and keeping them safe.
We will not tolerate those who seek to cause them harm and will take robust action.

Description

A horse-riding instructor has been jailed and made the subject of a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order for offences against children.

Mitchell Hickey sexually abused two young victims, hitting one with a whip, and coerced a third into sending explicit photos.

Hickey, who carried out a string of targeted assaults between 2017 and 2019, also bombarded the girls with indecent videos via Snapchat, a platform known for automatically deleting messages once read.

Officers were alerted to the offending in January 2022 when an ex-member of the riding school, based in the Tunbridge Wells area, became concerned for other vulnerable girls under Hickey’s care.  

The riding instructor was arrested and, following a thorough investigation which included a review of his devices, he was charged with nine sex offences including sexual assault, sexual activity with a child, and sexual communication with a child.

The 25 year old initially denied the charges, but later pleaded guilty to seven offences at Maidstone Crown Court.

Sentenced

Hickey was sentenced to three years and four months’ imprisonment at the same court on Monday 22 September.

Investigating officer, DC Amy Mulrey, said:

‘Hickey abused his position of power to take advantage of young and vulnerable girls for his own gratification.

‘It is a rare instance in which an offender is made the subject of a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which shows the seriousness of Hickey’s offending.

‘He acted with little thought to the impact of his actions on the mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing of his victims.

‘We are grateful for the support of the victims and their families, and hope that the custodial sentence offers some comfort.’

Description

A violent sex offender who carried out a life-endangering assault on a woman after sexually assaulting her has been jailed for nine years.

Paul Gilbert, 44, subjected his victim to repeated verbal, physical, and sexual abuse, including rapes.

A judge told Gilbert that his offending culminated in “a horrific attack” which occurred after he sexually assaulted the woman.

On February 18, 2023, at a house in Moray, Gilbert shouted at the woman, pushed and sexually assaulted her, repeatedly punched her head, grabbed and squeezed her face causing unconsciousness, and poured alcohol on her to her injury and the danger of her life.

Gilbert, formerly of Nairn, denied the charges at trial but was convicted of seven offences committed between 2013 and 2023 in Moray and Inverness, including rape, assault, assault to danger of life, and abusive behaviour.

At the High Court in Edinburgh, Lord Cubie noted Gilbert had engaged in minimising his offending and victim blaming post-conviction.

The judge said:

“There is no remorse, no understanding, only self pity at the consequences for you.”

He added that Gilbert's culpability and the harm caused were high, describing it as a campaign of control and dominance.

Lord Cubie ordered Gilbert to be supervised in the community for two years after his sentence, on licence that could return him to prison if breached.

Defence counsel Alistair Sloan said Gilbert had

“a substantial work record” but also health issues, adding: “He is aware these are very serious matters and the court will have no option but to impose a lengthy custodial sentence.”

Gilbert was placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely and subjected to a non-harassment order banning contact with the victim.

Description

A man from Royal Wootton Bassett has been sentenced to four years imprisonment after pleading guilty to several child sex offences.

Scott Terry, 34, of Springfield Crescent, was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on September 26. He will also be subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order. 

In February 2024, Terry was arrested after being found to be in possession of indecent images of a child. Some of these images were identified as a child known to Terry.

Following the examination of his devices, he was further arrested and then charged with making indecent images of children, including categories A, B and C, two counts of sexual assault of a child and two counts of taking indecent images of children.

He was remanded into custody and subsequently pleaded guilty to the offences. 

Detective Constable Jason Walsh of the Child Internet Exploitation Team said:

"This is an abhorrent crime that will have a long-lasting effect on the victim. No one should have to go through what they have been through.

"Protecting the most vulnerable in our communities will always remain our highest priority and safeguarding those from people like Scott Terry.

"When you report these crimes, you will be listened to, you will be believed, and we will do all we can to hold these dangerous individuals accountable for their actions.”

Description

A Loughborough man has been jailed after he was found guilty of sexually abusing five children in the 1980s.

Detectives from the force's Child Abuse Investigation Unit (CAIU) have praised Jayesh Khunti's victims for their bravery in providing evidence that led to him being sentenced at Leicester Crown Court today (Friday 26 September).

Two victims - a man and woman - first contacted the force in 2022 to report what had happened and as the investigation progressed, two men and a woman were spoken to and disclosed that they too had been sexually abused by Khunti.

On 30 May, following a trial at Leicester Crown Court, 56-year-old Khunti was found guilty of:

• Seven counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 14 years
• Five counts of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14 years
• Three counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 years of age
• One count of committing buggery with a boy under 16 years of age

Khunti, of Beck Crescent, Loughborough, was sentenced to a total of 13 years' imprisonment and placed on the sex offender register for life.

Detective Constable Katie Harris, from the CAIU’s non-recent team, was the investigating officer. She said:

"First and foremost, I hope today's outcome provides those involved in this case with a degree of closure.

"They've continued to live their lives as victims of sexual abuse for several decades and - because Khunti continued to protest his innocence - had to re-live their ordeals in front of a jury. However, the detail of their accounts was key in securing a conviction and ensuring that Khunti is now in prison.

"I hope this case serves as a reminder to any other victims of non-recent sexual abuse that it's never too late to tell us what happened and that offenders can be brought to justice."

Description

A registered sex offender has been convicted after breaching his court order and assaulting two young children in Norfolk.

Timothy Harris, aged 46, of Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, was today (Friday 26 September 2025) found guilty by a unanimous jury verdict following a four day trial at Norwich Crown Court of the following offences:

• Engaging in sexual activity in front of a child aged under 13
• Four counts of intentionally touching a child aged under 13
• Failing to comply with notification requirements

He was handed a 14 year custodial sentence plus a further four years on licence.

It comes after police received a report of sexual assault against children in December 2024.

Harris had been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life in 2016 after being convicted of rape at Swindon Crown Court.

But he failed to tell police in London who were monitoring him that he was spending time in Norfolk.

He was arrested in Leyton on 18 December 2024 and taken to King’s Lynn Police Investigation Centre  for questioning.

He denied the offences.

The officer in charge of the case PC Gary Ranger said:

“These were abhorrent offences committed in breach of a court order put in place to manage those on the Sex Offenders Register carefully.

“He tried hard to cover his tracks by failing to notify police he had moved but was found out due to the courage and bravery of his victims.

“Norfolk police will always pursue such offenders both historic and recent to keep people safe and ensure dangerous and predatory offenders like Harris are brought to justice.”

Description

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.’

Description

“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.”

Description

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.

Description

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.