Latest Offenders

Description

A sex offender breached a strict court order by speaking to three young girls - while performing an indecent act in his car.

Max Simpkins pulled up alongside them in his blue Mini Cooper and tried to engage the youngsters, aged eight and nine, in conversation. A court heard the incident in Paynes Lane, Feltwell, Norfolk, at about 5.20pm on October 23, was caught on CCTV.

The scared girls carried on walking home and told their parents, who contacted police.

The 29-year-old of Eastwood End, Wimblington, near March, pleaded guilty to breaching a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) by having unsupervised contact with a child under 18.

He was jailed for two years and six months at Cambridge Crown Court on Friday (July 4).

Children 'did all the right things'

DC Sonia Kauser said: "Thankfully the CCTV footage not only showed us what Simpkins was doing, it recorded his voice and the words he used when trying to engage the girls.

"The children did all the right things and continued walking together, ignoring him, and returning home, telling their parents immediately what had happened.

"Simpkins offended out of county assuming he wouldn’t be apprehended but it shows how committed we are in managing sex offenders regardless of where the offence took place. I am pleased that he is now behind bars."

Description

A child sex offender from Sittingbourne who abused his young victim on multiple occasions has been jailed for 13 years.

Aaron Stevens, formerly of Newbridge Avenue, was convicted of 15 offences following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court.

Investigation

Investigators became aware of Stevens’ crimes in May 2018 after it was reported to police that he had boasted of them online.

Stevens was arrested at his home address on 27 May 2018 and, following a complex investigation by specialist detectives from Kent Police, was later charged.

Jailed

He denied all charges against him but, following a unanimous jury verdict, was found guilty of sexual assault of a child; causing a child to engage in sexual activity; attempting to communicate sexually with a child; possession and distribution of indecent images of a child and indecent exposure.

Stevens, 27, was sentenced on Tuesday 8 July 2025 and will spend an additional four years on licence.

He will be subject to notification requirements for the sex offender register for life and was also ordered to comply with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Detective Sergeant Fleur Hardie said:

‘The depravity of Stevens’ actions is appalling and it is right that this manipulative sexual predator is now behind bars. I am also pleased that the SHPO he has been issued will protect against future crimes being committed, restricting the offender’s behaviour to prevent vulnerable people from becoming victims.‘I would like to praise the courage of the young victim in this case and the witnesses whose evidence helped secure Stevens’ conviction and lengthy sentence. We will always strive to bring dangerous sexual offenders before the courts to face justice.’

Description

A sex offender from Stone has been convicted on a number of counts following a trial.

Shane Davis, 36, of Stone, pleaded not guilty to the offences and went on trial at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, where the jury deemed him guilty on five counts on Tuesday (8 July).

Davis made forceful advances on the survivors and pressured them into sexual acts against their will. He abused them between 2018 and 2023 until he was reported to us in November 2023.

Investigators worked hard to gather all of the evidence needed to secure charges against him and to support the survivors. Davis was charged with seven offences, including three counts of rape of a woman, three counts of sexual assault of a female and one count of intentional strangulation.

At the end of his trial this week, the jury deemed Davis guilty on five counts, including two counts of rape of a woman and three counts of sexual assault of a female.

Detective Inspector Lewis Haigh, from our rape and serious sexual offences unit (RASSO), said:

"The survivors in this case have shown immense bravery in coming forward and giving evidence in court. They were supported by specialist RASSO investigators, case builders and our partners including Staffordshire Women’s Aid.”

“We’re determined to take robust action against those responsible for sexual offences and violence, abuse and intimidation against women and girls across Staffordshire, and this is another example of that commitment."

Davis will be sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on 10 September 2025.

Description

Sultan Amjad (20/12/2001) of Kirkmanshulme Lane, Manchester was sentenced to four-and-a-half years for rape. He was also given a five-year restraining order against his victim.

The victim reported several incidents of non-consensual sexual assaults against her which occurred in September 2024.

After the offences were reported, Sultan fled to Ireland where he was then arrested after being circulated as a wanted person.

The victim, whose identity remains anonymous, wants to encourage others to speak out against such abuse.

She said: “There are moments in life that change you forever — moments that challenge everything you thought you knew about strength, courage, and healing. Reporting the rape I experienced was one of those moments; it was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made, but one that I do not regret, because I was foreseen with no judgment or indifference, but with compassion, professionalism, and unwavering support.

“From the very beginning, Detective Constable Sam Cullen treated me with dignity and respect. In a time when I felt broken, afraid, and unsure of myself, he saw me — not just as a victim, but as a person worthy of being heard, believed, and protected. His patience, his clear communication, and his calm reassurance helped me take the first steps in what felt like an impossible journey.

“The experience I had with the police throughout this process was nothing short of extraordinary. I was kept informed at every stage, treated with care and professionalism, and never once made to feel alone in what I was facing. The updates, the follow-through, the consistent reassurance — all of it helped rebuild a sense of safety and control that I thought I had lost forever.

“DC Cullen, your dedication to my case, your belief in me, and your relentless pursuit of justice made a profound impact on my life. Your strength became my strength, and your support gave me the courage to keep going, even when the emotional toll felt overwhelming. I will never forget the way you stood by me — quietly, consistently, and with immense integrity.

“To your team — those who worked tirelessly in the background — thank you. I know how much unseen effort goes into these cases: the long hours, the careful attention to detail, the emotional weight of the work. Your dedication brought justice into reach, and for that, I am forever grateful. Even one conviction represents something monumental to me — it is proof that my voice mattered.

“This process has been incredibly painful, but because of the care and professionalism shown by you and your team, it has also been healing. You reminded me that I was not alone, that I was not to blame, and that I deserved to be fought for. That kind of support changes lives — it changed mine.”

DC Cullen added: “I would like to thank the victim for their bravery in reporting these incidents to us, which is not an easy thing to do.

“The victim told us she was subjected to an emotionally and physically abusive relationship for some time where she was manipulated financially and degraded by Amjad.

“Time is no barrier when it comes to being sexually abused – no matter how long ago it was, or how old you were at the time, we will listen to you. We will support you, investigate, and act robustly against perpetrators. We will take your allegations seriously and treat you with dignity and respect.”

Description

A teenager has spoken bravely of the ordeal she suffered, as the man who raped her was sentenced to a total of 24 years in prison.

Carl Houldey, from Tipton, was arrested after we were contacted by the girl alongside members of her family – when she reported that she had been attacked.

Specialist officers carried out extensive enquiries including a sensitive video recorded interview with the girl, interviews of Houldey, forensic analysis of clothing, and analysis of his phone.

He was subsequently charged with four counts of rape and a number of other sexual offences.

However, following a trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court, the 65-year-old was found guilty by a jury and was sentenced on Thursday 3 July to 24 years in prison, with a minimum of 16 years to be served before he is eligible for parole.

Houldey, of Shakespeare Road, was also put on the sex offenders register for life, given a sexual harm prevention order, and a restraining order against the girl he abused.

The girl has been supported by our officers throughout the court process, and as a survivor of sexual assault, has life-long anonymity by law.

In her victim personal statement, which she read from behind a screen in court, she said she wants people to be aware of what she went through: “Before this happened, I used to feel happy and safe. I liked going to school, playing with my friends, and spending time with my family.

“But after what he did, everything changed.

“At the beginning I felt upset and worried about what was going to happen next. I keep wondering if it was my fault, even though people tell me it wasn’t.

“I wish this had never happened to me. I just want to feel normal again.

“I am proud of myself that I told someone about it.

“I’m trying to be strong, even though I don’t feel strong. I have some good friends, and I am going to try and enjoy my life that is now different because of what you did to me.”

Investigating officer, DC Adrian Jackson, from our Public Protection Unit, said:

“Hearing that statement was incredibly powerful.

“By bravely speaking out and explaining what happened to her, a dangerous rapist has been put behind bars.

“She talks of moving forward with her life and that is something we all hope for, as well as knowing that by speaking out she has potentially protected others.

“The girl’s school safeguarding team must be commended for providing invaluable support to her during the investigation.

“For anyone reading this who has suffered abuse – support is available in a number of different places, and we are here for you.”

Description

A Southampton pensioner has been convicted of indecently assaulting a woman more than 20 years ago.

Former merchant sailor Kenneth Gibb, 92, had faced two charges relating to an incident that occurred at the victim's home in 2003.

Following a trial at Southampton Crown Court, Gibb was cleared of one count of indecent assault but convicted of the other.

The judge, Recorder Donald Tait, ordered a pre-sentence report and the case was adjourned until August 26.

Giving evidence on the first day of the trial, the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told the court: "I felt his hand on my belly then over my breasts, and I told him to stop."

The woman said the ordeal made her want to "curl up and die".

Gibb, of Butts Road, Southampton, said he went into her bedroom after she asked him to give her a cuddle and "talk dirty" to her, but he denied both the allegations against him.

Description

A sex offender was only out of prison for a few days before contacting the "vulnerable" victim of one of his previous crimes, a court heard.

Ethan Vickers was made subject of several prohibitions as part of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) imposed when he was jailed in October 2023.

Durham Crown Court was told they included not deleting the internet history on any device, and not using any alias on social media without the approval of his public protection officer.

But in late February this year, shortly after he was released from prison, police learned he had been in contact with a "vulnerable" 17-year-old woman in the area.

Victoria Lamballe, prosecuting, said it was the same victim of his offending in 2023, when she was aged 15.

Vickers was expressly told not to contact her when he was released from prison on February 20.

Miss Lamballe said some of the messages sent by Vickers to her in the few days after his release were sexually explicit and he also discussed meeting her.

When police visited his Teesside home address his phone was accessed and inspected and there was no evidence of the chat with the 17-year-old.

It emerged he had deleted the messages, in contravention of the SHPO.

Further analysis revealed he accessed X, formerly Twitter, on February 25, using the name 'Soft Boy 123', an alias he had not made police aware of, also in breach of the SHPO.

Miss Lamballe said other messages uncovered by police were made by other people in conversation with Vickers and related to the abuse of children.

She said the repeated nature of them were indicative of the defendant having been in conversation with these people, suggesting he had deleted his own comments.

When interviewed he made no comment at first but he claimed the messages from the female were old ones from previous chats.

Appearing by video link from HMP Holme House, where he has been on remand, Vickers, who turns 21 on Friday (July 11), and said to be of no fixed abode, admitted two breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Miss Lamballe said he has four previous convictions for 15 "all directly relevant" offences.

These included inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity, possessing indecent photos of a child, and seeking to meet a girl for sex.

Offences of sexual communication with a child, in breach of a SHPO, led to him receiving a 28-month prison sentence and the further indefinite order, in October 2023.

But in August last year he received a further eight-month sentence for more indecent images offences.

Miss Lamballe added that it was a "significantly aggravating" feature of the case that he was just released on licence at the time of the latest offences and the female involved was the same victim in the earlier offending.

Nicci Horton, in mitigation, said she could not suggest that the defendant should receive anything other than an immediate prison sentence.

"The Probation Service does not feel they can manage his risk in the community.

"It's clear from his pre-sentence (probation) report that he doesn't have the full grasp of why this offending is so serious, but he says the complainant in one count voluntarily engaged with him."

Miss Horton added that the defendant has a diagnosis on the autistic spectrum and is prone to compulsive behaviour.

Judge Jo Kidd told Vickers: "The commission of these offences was within a few days of you being released from prison in circumstances where they were committed on licence and you knew what you were doing was in breach of your SHPO.

"It would appear to have had no deterrent effect on your behaviour, a pattern reflected in your appearances before court in 2023.

"It's clear you have an ongoing interest in viewing images of children and you have a complete disregard for court orders and don't consider they should in any way bound you."

Imposing a further 28-month prison sentence, the judge said it would be an adult prison term, as of Friday this week (July 11).

Judge Kidd said as the victim of his messaging will shortly turn 18 and did not request a restraining order, she would not put such an order in place.

Description

A paedophile stored dozens of horrific images on his phone, including one of a man having sex with a woman's headless body, a court has heard.

Police found the trove on Lee Hull's device after he was arrested for trying to groom children via phone messages.

Among other images discovered was one of a woman being hanged and another of a hanged woman in her underwear with a breast exposed.

In total, officers found more than 200 indecent images on his handset.

Hull appeared at Norwich Crown Court this week where he was jailed for 32 months for a string of sexual offences.

The hearing was told he was arrested by police after being caught in a sting operation by a paedophile hunter group.

The 54-year-old, of Sussex Street, Norwich, had been communicating online with members of the group, believing they were nine girls all aged between 12 and 14.

The child protection group then went to his city address to confront him, before calling police.

Officers then seized his phone, where they found the images as well as chats and exchanges with the decoys over the course of four months, from December 2022 to March 2023.

Ian James, prosecuting, said Hull had started with innocent chats which were "preparatory to making sexual advances".

He said Hull, who stayed "silent" about his age, sent images of pets and cars in an attempt to groom his targets.

He then sent pictures and videos of male genitals as well as "graphic chat" involving what he wanted to do sexually to the girls.

Of the 200 indecent images on his phone, 62 were category A - the most serious.

Mr James said the youngest victim depicted in the images appeared to be around 18 months old with the youngest victim of the category A images understood to be three.

Hull admitted nine counts of attempting to engage in sexual activity with a child, two counts of attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act and three offences of making indecent images of children as well as possessing extreme pornographic images.

Judge Andrew Shaw said he was a dangerous offender who posed a risk to the public.
"It doesn't really matter that the people who you were attempting to contact weren't in fact children," he said.

"The details of what you said to them and what you wanted them to do are frankly disgusting."

Stephen Spence, mitigating, said Hull was a "sad and isolated" individual and had been "seeking to engage his fantasies" in the messages he had sent.

Hull was made the subject of an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and also put on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Description

A man who was found guilty of rape has been jailed for seven years and three months.

Francesco Aria assaulted the woman at his Newark-based home in the early hours of 22 August 2021.

The victim was able to escape the address and bravely reported the incident to police immediately.

When the 30-year-old was arrested and interviewed by detectives, Aria claimed to have had consensual sex with her.

A jury at Nottingham Crown Court, however, disagreed and found Aria guilty of rape after a three-day trial in June (2025).

Appearing at the same court for his sentencing on Monday (7 July), after a nearly four-year wait for the victim, Aria, previously of Massey Court, Newark, was jailed for seven years and three months.

He was also handed an indefinite restraining order, which forbids him from contacting the victim, and was added to the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Detective Constable Donna Elliott, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“Aria’s actions were appalling, and unsurprisingly this incident has had a very considerable impact on the victim’s life.

“She has shown emormous courage in coming forward and immense patience as this trial reached the courts.

“I hope this result empowers other survivors of rape or sexual abuse to feel able to report what happened to them.

“We have specially trained officers who specialise in helping people to report sexual offences and support them through the process.”

Description

Following a Warwickshire Police investigation, a man has been sentenced for sexually assaulting three women in Leamington last year.

Emmanuel Atugo, aged 29 of Southorn Court, Leamington, appeared at Warwick Crown Court today (Tuesday 8 July).

On 27 June last year,  Atugo sexually assaulted a woman he had only just met while in his car on Bath Place in Leamington.

On 1 August, Atugo sexually assaulted a woman he had known for a short while at her home in Leamington. 

While on bail for both offences, on 17 November Atugo sexually assaulted another woman he knew at his house in Leamington. He was charged and remanded in custody following his arrest.

Atugo was found guilty by a jury of five counts of sexual assault and two counts of sexual assault by penetration, at Warwick Crown Court on 29 May this year.

Today, he was sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment and four years on licence following his release. He will also be on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Detective Constable Ella Stewart from our Domestic Abuse and Rape Team said:

“I cannot praise enough the strength all three victims have displayed throughout this process, and I am relieved that they have finally received the justice they each deserve. 

“I hope this case reassures victims of sexual abuse that we are committed to investigating and bringing dangerous offenders to justice.”

Ellie, an Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA) with Safeline who supported one of the victims through the investigation, said: “Working in partnership with the investigating officer, DC Stewart, was a really positive experience for the victim and the ISVA. Her compassion, clear communication, and commitment made a real difference. 

“Together, we helped ensure the victim felt heard, supported, and empowered throughout the investigation and court process. Ultimately, to see justice done.” 

Description

A man has been jailed for two years for possessing and distributing indecent images, including images of children.

George Goodier, 24, a former nursey worker from Grace Woodford Drive in East Cowes, Isle of Wight, was found to be in possession of over 1,800 indecent images, as well as having distributed over 250 images.

Officers launched an investigation and Goodier was arrested in December 2024, during which items including his mobile phone were seized from his address.

His phone was examined and 1,861 indecent images and videos were found, as well evidence that he had distributed 268 indecent images.  

Following further thorough investigations by the Specialist Investigation team and digital forensic examination, it was confirmed that none of the images found on his devices related to any children to whom he had access and were all internet-accessible illegal images.

Goodier was charged with three counts of possessing an indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child, three counts of distributing an indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child and one count of possessing extreme pornographic image/s portraying a sexual act with an animal.

Goodier pleaded guilty to all offences and was jailed for a total of two years at Isle Of Wight Crown Court on Friday 4 July.

He is also subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order  for ten years and lifelong registration requirements.

PC Trudi May from the Internet Child Abuse Team said:

“Goodier very clearly poses a serious risk to children and I am very glad to see him put behind bars, as well as being subject to strict conditions when he is released.

“Goodier worked in a trusted position around children and I am relieved that we have been able to bring his crimes to light and ensure that he never works with children again.

“Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary is committed to keeping the children in our communities safe and I hope that this investigation evidences how seriously we treat offences of this nature.”

Description

Illegal child images were found on the phone of a registered sex offender when police made a surprise visit to his Edenbridge home.

David Johnson was arrested after officers were alerted by monitoring software which had been installed on his phone.

Johnson had been the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), following previous convictions in 2021 relating to the access of indecent images.

The SHPO contained a raft of measures to deter him from reoffending.

These included Johnson being prohibited from using any device capable of accessing the internet unless it had been installed with a web monitoring program.

He also had to inform police of any devices he possessed and allow these to be inspected.

Software alert

On 9 January 2025, officers received an alert linked to suspicious activity on one of his phones.

Days later they made an unannounced visit to Johnsons home near Main Road, Edenbridge.

A review of the camera roll on a phone led to the recovery of several images showing a very young child who was naked.

Johnson was arrested and searches of the property led to the discovery of internet enabled devices which he hadnt told police about, including a tablet and a television.

The investigation led to evidence of further SHPO breaches, after alias names he used for websites were identified, including ford19656 and slimguy1965.

He was charged with making indecent images of children, two counts of breaching a SHPO and a further four counts of failing to comply with sex offender notification requirements.

Guilty

Johnson, 60, pleaded guilty and on Monday 2 July was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to four years imprisonment.

Detective Constable Steph Kirkin said:

Sexual Harm Prevention Orders are just one of several tools which help us protect children and other vulnerable people, and which allow us to closely monitor convicted offenders.

'Having been released from prison, David Johnson has demonstrated contempt for the sanctions imposed by the court designed to prevent him from reoffending. He even deleted monitoring software installed on another one of his phones.

Johnson is now facing the consequences of his actions and I hope this case demonstrates just how strictly we manage registered sex offenders. Where we see flagrant breaches and fresh offences committed, we will take robust action.

Description

A former teaching assistant has been jailed for five years and three months after he pleaded guilty to non-recent sex offences against a teenage girl.

Jonathan Bath, 42, of Parliament Close, Skegness, was convicted of 5 offences at Lincoln Crown Court yesterday (Monday 7 July).

These included 2 counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl 13-15, 2 counts of non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl 13-15 and one count of inciting a girl 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity.

The offences came to light after a woman approached police in 2024 to report the abuse she suffered at the hands of Bath when she was a pupil at the school between 2005 and 2007.

Bath has been barred working with children and vulnerable adults and will now be subject to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and will be on the sex offender’s register indefinitely.

The name of the school where Bath worked, and the age of the victim cannot be published to protect their anonymity.

Detective Constable Lisa Willard condemned his actions while commending the woman who came forward to provide evidence for their bravery.

She said: “This sentencing marks the end of a long and painful journey for the survivor, who has shown immense courage in coming forward and speaking out. The man who abused them was in a position of trust—as a teaching assistant, he had a duty to protect and nurture the children in his care. Instead, he exploited that authority in the most appalling way.

“This case is a stark reminder that abuse of power, especially in environments where children should feel safe, will never be tolerated.

“Most importantly, justice has finally been served for the victim. I hope this outcome brings them some measure of closure and reinforces the message that it is never too late to speak out. We will always listen, and we will always act.

“And finally, I’d like to thank all those at Lincolnshire Police who worked on this case. Their professionalism and dedication were unparalleled and is a testament to their passion for public service.”

Description

A RAPIST who attacked a young woman trying to help him on a bridge in Warrington has been jailed.

Rhys Fowler, of Grangemoor in Runcorn, hung his head as he sat in the dock at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday.

Wearing a grey t-shirt and glasses, the 26-year-old only occasionally looked up to glance at proceedings and the public gallery.

Prosecuting, Frances Willmott told the court that Fowler was found guilty of two counts of rape following his trial in June.

It was heard that in 2017, the then 17-year-old was drunk when he committed the first rape.

His victim told him that she didn’t want to perform an intimate act with him when he told her ‘tough s**t’ and raped her.

The court heard how his victim was pinned down by him as she tried to push him away before he stopped.

Then, on October 15, 2018, Fowler was on a bridge in Warrington when he threatened to commit suicide.

A woman tried to assist Fowler, who had climbed over the bridge and told her not to touch him.

After 10 minutes, the then 19-year-old climbed back before he demanded she give him her hoodie.

Fowler told the young woman she could only have it back if she performed oral sex on him, which she refused.

The victim, who was also a teenager, gave him the hoodie but wasn’t wearing a t-shirt, so was left standing half naked on the bridge before he then proceeded to rape her.

Fowler was later arrested in 2023 after he distributed an indecent image of a child and was found with further indecent images and extreme pornography on his mobile phone.

This included one category A video, 18 category C images and one video, three extreme pornographic images and evidence of 17 prohibited images. These images included children aged between five to 15 years old.

Some images were not accessible to police upon investigation, as Fowler has been attempting to delete them and wipe his phone shortly before his arrest.

Fowler pleaded guilty to distributing, making and possessing indecent images of children, but denied the two counts of rape.

At his trial, Fowler continued to deny the charges but was later found guilty by a jury.

On Friday, the 26-year-old appeared before Liverpool Crown Court once again for his sentencing.

Bravely, an impact statement was read to the court by a victim.

“For a long time, I was angry at myself and felt like I’d let myself down,” she told the court.

“I felt who I had been was stolen from me. I constantly felt dirty and unclean.

“It’s been hard to build a life as normal girls my age have done. I now, as a woman, feel as if that has been taken from me.

“It happened to me, it will never go away.”

Defending, Philip Clemo began by speaking openly to the court that he did not seek to dimmish what a victim had bravely told the court.

He told the court that Fowler displays a level of immaturity, even aged 26, and so his immaturity as a teenager when he committed these offences should be taken into account.

It was also heard that Fowler has been seeking therapy and employment while on remand in custody.

“He is using what is about to happen to him as an opportunity to better himself and come out a better man than when he went in,” said Mr Clemo.

Judge Gary Woodhall spoke of the ‘degradation’ of Fowler’s victim on the bridge in Warrington, and the fact that the victim of the first rape ‘didn’t have time to react’.

It was also noted by Judge Woodhall that Fowler was deemed ‘immature’ at 26, and that therefore he would have been even more so when he committed the offences.

Fowler glanced at the floor as he stood in the dock and was sentenced to a total of six years and five months immediate imprisonment.

The 26-year-old must abide by a sexual harm prevention order until further notice and sign the sex offenders register for life.

Description

A man has been jailed for sexually abusing a child in Warrington.

Odday El-Saddi appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday 7 July, where he was sentenced to 17 years in prison and ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.

The 48-year-old of Regency Square, Warrington, was earlier found guilty of 15 counts of sexual offences, including sexual assault of a child under 13, and rape of a child under 13.

The jury heard how El-Saddi had started sexually assaulting the victim when they were just 9 years old – with the abuse taking place on multiple occasions between 2019 and 2022.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Jessica Taylor said:

"Firstly, I would like to commend the victim for the strength and courage they have shown throughout this case, and I hope the sentence handed to El-Saddi will provide them closure and a chance to move on with their life.

"El-Saddi is a dangerous individual, who sexually abused a child for years. He showed no remorse throughout the entire investigation, and even made his victim relive the experiences in court.

“Thankfully, as a result of the evidence gathered and the bravery of the victim, the jury were able to see through his lies and he is now being held accountable for his actions."

DC Taylor added:

“Sexual assault of children causes terrible distress to all involved, not least the victim themselves, and I urge anyone who has been the victim of a sexual assault – no matter how long ago the incident took place – to come forward and report it.

“We treat all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously, with the wishes and needs of the victim as our main priority, and any allegations will be thoroughly investigated.”