Latest Offenders

Description

A pervert shared vile images of children on WhatsApp and Kik and had fantasy chats with other paedophiles about abusing children - months after molesting a girl. Nigel Gardiner, 42, was found with 239 indecent images of children on his phone after police executed a search warrant.

Some of the horrendous images depicted children as young as three-months-old being sexually abused, Minshull Street Crown Court heard. Further analysis of his phone showed he had shared some of the images with contacts on messaging apps and had fantasy discussions about what he wanted to do to the children.

Following the discovery of the images, he was found to have sexually assaulted a young girl.

Gardiner initially pleaded guilty to eight offences of possessing and distributing indecent images and further offences of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against his former partner. He later pleaded guilty to sexual assault of a child after they had already been cross examined during a Section 28 hearing.

Today (July 29) he was jailed for eight-and-a-half years and put onto the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Prosecuting, Geoff Whelan said police received information that Gardiner possessed indecent images and carried out a search warrant at his house in Heywood. He wasnt present at the time, but they later found him at his place of work where they seized his phone and analysed it, and he subsequently admitted possession of the images.

Police recovered 83 category A images - said to be the worst type, 51 category B images and 70 category C images, as well as extreme pornographic images and prohibited images of children.

The age of the children depicted in the images ranged from six to 17-years-old, Mr Whelan said. Some of the images were sent to 41 contacts on Kik and three contacts on WhatsApp.

After discovery of the images, it came to light that he had sexually abused a girl. The court also heard that he had headbutted his ex-partner and bitten her following two separate arguments.

Gardiner was said to have previous convictions, including for an offence of battery. Mitigating, Betsy Hindle said that her client struggled with drug and alcohol addiction and said he previously couldnt remember a time when he was clean.

He believes drugs led him to do what he did, she said. There is sincere remorse and he takes full responsibility. The presentence report indicates a lack of ability to deal with personal circumstances.

Sentencing, Recorder Mark Rhind QC said: Some time after the sexual assault, you engaged in discussions which have been described as fantasy with other perverted men relating to the sexual abuse of children.

You sent a picture of a child to them and discussed what they might do and what you might do. The sexual assault was not some sort of drunk incident which you do not remember, this was you acting on your sexual attraction to children.

If you had any remorse for what you did, you would have admitted it far sooner.

Gardiner, of Tonge Street, was jailed for eight-and-a-half years, made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must sign onto the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.

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A Cornwall man offered a teenage girl a place to stay after a night out before going on to sexually assault her as she slept. David Waters’ terrified victim was so scared she was going to be raped she pretended to be asleep.

Waters, 28, of Illogan near Redruth, appeared at Truro Crown Court for sentence having pleaded guilty to sexual assault. Prosecuting the case, Rachel Drake described how on the night in question Waters and the victim had been out socialising together.

The victim had no way of getting home so Waters offered her a lift with his uncle who agreed to take her as far as Waters’ house. Ms Drake said: “An arrangement was made she’d sleep in his bed and he’d sleep somewhere else but he got into bed with her. She drifted off to sleep but was awoken at 5am to the sensation of him touching her.”

Ms Drake described how Waters touched the victim’s stomach, breast and privates and forcibly tried to remove her shorts and underwear. She could feel his privates against her and Waters went on to pleasure himself while touching her.

Ms Drake added: “She feigned being asleep because she was frightened she may have been raped. Once he [finished] she remembers him picking up his iPad and scrolling on it.”

The next day there were messages between the two. Waters asked the victim out, she declined and challenged him about what happened to which he replied he had no recollection. Following an examination Waters’ semen was found on her clothes.

In a moving victim impact statement, the victim spoke of how the ordeal has left her struggling with self-harm, depression and suicidal thoughts. She takes medication but still suffers panic attacks.

Representing Waters, Robin Smith said: “Here we have an absolutely terrified first time defendant. From his first interview he was utterly aghast about his behaviour and his regret and sympathy is genuine. He has vastly reduced his alcohol intake and social activity and given up work as a labourer.”

Sentencing Waters, Recorder Andrew Oldland, QC, said: “Your victim was aged just 19 and on that night you were out for a drink together. You offered her a place to stay and went to your home address. She got into bed fully clothed. You were supposed to sleep in a separate bed but at 5am she woke to find you sexually assaulting her.

“She was scared and feigned sleep throughout whereas you would have remembered full well what was going on.” Recorder Oldland described the devastating effect on the victim, but noted Waters’ lack of previous convictions, his work ethic and his remorse, as well as the time since the offence. Waters was given a 10-month sentence, suspended for two years.

He must complete a sex offenders’ programme and sign the register. He also has to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and pay £750 in court costs.

Description

A mum has spoken of her pain after her young daughter was groomed and sexually assaulted.

Gary Cook, 37, from Oldham, was sentenced to five years at Minshull Street Crown Court after being convicted of sexual assault - following the incident in March last year.

The girl informed her father of Cook's behaviour after he removed part of her clothing and sexually assaulted her. He also installed an app on a device used by the girl so he could monitor her.

Following sentence, the victim's mother told the Manchester Evening News that Cook had 'taken her daughter's innocence away' as she said her family had been left with a lifetime of trauma.

"My daughter is completely changed, it's absolutely devastating," she said. "The whole time he was on bail was unbearable. Now everything has changed for her.

"The whole thing has been incredibly upsetting for her. I just have total anger. I can’t believe it. He has taken my daughter’s innocence away from her. She is getting a bit older now and it is becoming more obvious what he did to her."

Cook, of no fixed abode, was given a five-year sentence and will serve half in custody before being released on licence. He was also made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years.

The victim's mother added: "I don’t think any sentence would have been enough. I feel like five years would have been adequate if it was the full amount but we found out he will only serve half of the sentence which is a kick in the teeth for us.

"We are concerned that he will only serve about half his sentence. It is such a serious offence. It has been a life-changing experience. We have to live with this for the rest of our lives."

Cook was also made subject of a restraining order not to contact the victim for ten years, and will also be required to sign the sex offender's register.

He is also banned from contacting any children under the age of 16 for 10 years or use any device capable of using the internet to contact children.

Description

A Wakefield man has been jailed for 23 years for sexual offences against two child victims over a 12-year period. Paul Ingham, 63, of St Catherine Street, Agbrigg, Wakefield, appeared at Leeds Crown Court today (Friday, July 29) for sentencing.

He was found guilty at an earlier hearing. Ingham was sentenced for five counts of causing or inciting a child aged 13 to 15 years old to engage in sexual activity.

He was charged with one count of assaulting a girl under 13 by penetration, five counts of sexual touching a girl under 13 and the rape of a girl under 13.

Ingham was also given a restraining order for life and a sexual harm prevention order for life. The offences took place between 2004 and 2016.

Detective Sergeant Heather Brady, of Wakefield District Child Safeguarding, said:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank and commend the two victims for their immense bravery in reporting such horrendous abuse. Their courage has ensured that he was unable to continue his offending.

The sentence that Ingham has been given reflects the extent and sustained nature of his offending. He is a dangerous, predatory man and deserves to be behind bars.

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AN elderly sex offender who had 2,000 plus indecent images of child abuse fell over in court.

Colin Wright took a tumble in the dock and had to be helped to his feet when he appeared before magistrates in Worcester today (Thursday).

The 81-year-old of Colonel Drive, Rushwick, near Worcester, who walked with the aid of a stick, stumbled and fell on his back after he was told he was free to leave the court on bail.

He admitted possession of 21 indecent photos of children at category A between June 18 and July 20 last year.

Category A images are the most serious within the sentencing guidelines, showing penetrative acts involving children. He further admitted possession of 54 category B images of children and 2,127 category C images between the same dates. All images were found on a Lenovo laptop.

He did not indicate a plea to a further charge of breaching a sexual harm prevention order between June 18 and July 20 last year by installing forensic wiping software. He was prohibited from doing by the terms of that order, made at Worcester Crown Court on May 26, 2017.

Throughout the case Wright put his hand to his ear and at one stage said 'I apologise, I can't hear', prompting court staff and the prosecutor to raise their voices.

Monuwara Begum, prosecuting, said the offences exceeded the sentencing powers of the magistrates court with possession of category A images alone attracting a custodial sentence of over a year with a range of up to three years available.

Mark Sheward, defending, said matters would have to be sent to the crown court.

He added: "The guilty pleas are aggravated by the fact he has a previous conviction from 2017. I suggest they're probably outside your sentencing powers today. I would think the court would consider it a persistent breach."

Kevin Lloyd-Wright, chairman of the bench, said: "These matters are so serious they cannot be dealt with in the magistrates court. We are therefore committing you to the crown court sitting at Worcester."

Wright was granted unconditional bail to attend Worcester Crown Court on August 25.

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A paedophile who was found in possession of hundreds of sickening child abuse images claimed he was compiling a "dossier" to hand over to police.

Lee Scott was found with over 460 category A indecent images, 451 of which were videos depicting horrific abuse, when police went to his home on March 3, last year. The 32-year-old was found in possession of 810 indecent images in total, as well as two prohibited images of children.

Scott, of Welbeck Road, Walker, Newcastle, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday to be sentenced for possession of indecent images. He pleaded guilty at a previous hearing.

Michael Bunch, prosecuting, said police went to his home address in March last year and was asked about indecent images. "He said 'yes, I did, I was sent some things and sent them on'", Mr Bunch said. Scott's cloud storage was also looked into and a Samsung mobile phone was seized. The court was told that 462 category A images, including 451 videos were found, as well as 157 category B, and 191 category C images. Two prohibited images were also found.

During the examination of his phone, 50 category A, 73 category B, and 147 category C images were found, which had been deleted by Scott. He was interviewed twice by police but on both occasions made no reply. The court heard that Scott initially claimed he had amassed the indecent material in order to create a "dossier for the police". Recorder Ian Mullarkey said this claim was "complete nonsense".

Mark Harrison, defending, said Scott, who had one previous caution dating back to 2008 for possessing an indecent image, had entered a guilty plea and had made good progress with the probation service although a "significant amount of work" still needs to be done. He said: "He doesn't find it easy to discuss how it was that he came to be in possession of the images." Mr Harrison added that Scott did not distribute any of the images and has a job. He added Scott was a "vulnerable young man who would struggle considerably if incarcerated".

Recorder Ian Mullarkey said Scott had a "long standing sexual interest in children" and handed him a 12 month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He must also complete 55 rehabilitation days and 100 hours unpaid work. A 10 year sexual harm prevention order was also made and Scott will be on the sex offender's register for seven years.

Description

A WORKINGTON paedophile who was jailed in 2020 was trawling the internet to ask schoolgirls for sex within weeks of his release from prison.

The latest offending of 23-year-old Joshua Sibbald was exposed thanks to the work of two volunteer paedophile hunter groups who deployed decoys posing as girls aged 13 and 14, Carlisle Crown Court heard.

The defendant, of Salterbeck Drive, Workington, admitted eight counts of attempting to sexually communicate with a child and three of downloading child abuse images, including three classed as Category A, the most serious.

He also admitted breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

Gerard Rogerson, prosecuting, outlined how in February, after his release from an earlier three year sentence, Sibbald began going online, using two websites to make contact with people he believed were young girls, aged 13 and 14.

The profiles he clicked on featured photos of girls who were clearly around that age but they were decoys, set up by the citizen-run groups called Team Shade and Book of Exposure. Describing one of those groups, Mr Rogerson said activist parents who are concerned about adults who sexually groom children online.

One activist, posing as a 14-yaer-old, later described being contacted by Sibbald on February 14. She clearly said that her age was 14, said Mr Rogerson, but Sibbald was not deterred.

The suggestion was immediately put by Mr Sibbald that they should meet up to have sexual intercourse and he was aroused by her.

She replied: Hey, Im 14; I cant do that. Sibbald had similar conversations with other decoys, despite them clearly stating their age as either 13 or 14.

The messages he sent to the girls ranged from discussing sexual matters to requesting that they send naked photos of themselves, said Mr Rogerson. He also also discussed having intercourse with them, added the prosecutor.

Sibbald has been assessed as posing a "high risk of serious harm" to children.

Recorder Tony Hawks said that it was a matter of considerable regret that Sibbald was not given help to address his sexual interest in children while he served the custodial part of his three year jail term.

Kim Whittlestone, defending, said that a recent psychiatric and probation reports were helpful, and revealed that the defendant has a low IQ and that he was suffering from ADHD, unstable emotional personality disorder and a degree of autism.

When discussing the case with the barrister over a video link, he had become extremely distressed, said Miss Whittlestone. She said: He doesnt want to reoffend and wants to find out why he behaves in the way he does.

There appears to be some clarity about the issues which need to be addressed and hopefully lower the risk [of reoffending] if he gets the support he needs.

She added that it was extremely sad that the work he should have done while in prison, given the covid situation, was not done. Within a short time of his release, he was living a very isolated life and began drinking, she said.

The offences were committed while in drink, added Miss Whittlestone.

Recorder Tony Hawks told Sibbald: You are a young man with considerable difficulties; and it is unsatisfactory to say the least that during the time you spent in custody on that sentence it appears that there was no input whatsoever to address what is obviously a fundamental problem you have in relation to a prurient interest in under-age girls.

The judge noted Sibbalds severe educational problems and his various psychological challenges but added: You knew perfectly well that you have no business doing what you did.

The judge imposed two years custody and said that Sibbald, who was recalled to prison to complete his earlier three year sentence for eight child sex offences, will be on the Sex Offender register for a decade.

Description

A violent bully "launched a vicious sexual attack" on a terrified naked woman and pinned her down in her own bed after he "invaded her home" while she was sleeping.

Angry and fired-up Stephen Clavering was in a "highly sexualised state of mind" and had been watching pornography before he entered her home and brutally attacked her at a time when she "simply didn't stand a chance" against him. She could not breathe and told him to get off her before she eventually managed to put some clothes on and flee barefoot to a neighbour's home to raise the alarm, Hull Crown Court heard.

Clavering, 47, of Kingsbury Way, Hull, denied sexually assaulting the woman and assaulting her, causing actual actual bodily harm, in April 2020, as well as trespass with intent to commit a sexual assault and sending offensive messages to her, but he was convicted by a jury on May 2 after a trial. He admitted assaulting a female police officer.

Jeremy Evans, prosecuting, said Clavering sent a barrage of highly intimidating, menacing and threatening voice messages to the woman. He was in a "highly sexualised state of mind" when he went on his bicycle to her home.

"He walked into the house through the unlocked front door," said Mr Evans. Clavering took his underwear off and pulled back the bed covers before forcing himself on her."

"She was terrified," said Mr Evans. "She had ear plugs in and she couldn't make out what he was saying." He added: "She simply didn't stand a chance. He was on top of her."

Clavering pinned her down, but his victim struggled and told him to get off her. He put his hand over her mouth and she was struggling to breathe.

Mr Evans said: "She recalled the defendant telling her not to scream. He released her with the promise that she wouldn't scream. She took the opportunity to reach for her mobile telephone.

There was a tussle over the phone, said Mr Evans. "He used his superior strength and size to overpower her, assault her and pull her by her hair." He added: "She ended up in the living room with the defendant still clutching at her mobile. She realised that she needed to get away. She was able to put on some clothes but, barefoot, she had to run from her own home.

"She knocked on her nextdoor neighbour's window, raising the alarm as to what was going on in her own home. The defendant followed her outside."

Clavering threatened to hit the woman with a bicycle chain before cycling away. He later denied what had happened and tried to "lie and mislead his way" out of trouble, said Mr Evans.

The woman said in a statement: "I was still in shock during interview. Every time I looked in the mirror, I saw what he had done." She suffered flashbacks and was in constant fear that Clavering would come back. She was terrified and had a panic alarm installed, but said she was "refusing to let what he did have a negative impact" on her life.

Clavering had previous convictions, including wounding in May 1998, involving headbutting and stamping on the victim's head, causing a broken jaw. He also had convictions for assaulting police and criminal damage, but none for sexual offences.

Dale Brook, mitigating, said that Clavering still denied the offences. "My instructions are that he is innocent," said Mr Brook. The sexual part of the incident was very short-lived, he added.

Clavering's last conviction for assault was 18 years ago. "This is his first prison sentence since the 1990s," said Mr Brook. "He seems to have turned his life around." Clavering had built up a business through hard work, but it had failed because of the case and being remanded in custody since May 2 after being convicted by a jury.

Judge John Thackray QC said Clavering had sent the "most horrendous" messages to the woman and they were the "most disgusting and vile messages", before going to her home while she was asleep.

"You invaded her home while she was sleeping," said Judge Thackray. "She was entitled to feel safe and secure in her own home. You attended in her bedroom. You launched a vicious sexual attack upon her. You attacked her physically.

"She may never fully recover from the effects of your offending. Your offending has had a profound effect upon her."

The court heard that Clavering had been looking at pornographic websites before and after the incident. He was jailed for seven-and-a-half years and was given an indefinite restraining order. He must register as a sex offender for life.

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In 2016, Ben Oliver was convicted of sexual offences against a young girl when he was aged 15.

A mentally unwell man has been jailed for over a decade after he admitted killing his bed-bound grandad by stabbing him repeatedly with a knife. Ben Oliver, 25, carried out a brutal attack upon 74-year-old David Oliver at his home in Mottingham, South London, shortly after learning of allegations that his grandad had carried out historic sexual abuse of girls.

Oliver, of Bexleyheath, had previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was cleared of murder by a jury at the Old Bailey and has handed a life sentence today (Thursday, July 28) with a minimum term of 10 years and eight months. The court had heard that Oliver has Autistic Spectrum Disorder and was a troubled and angry young man which had diminished his responsibility for the killing.

The prosecutor had said that Oliver had become very angry after discovering historic allegations of abuse by his grandad. David Oliver was said to have also treated his wife poorly during their marriage and had conducted extramarital affairs. After suffering a stroke a few years previously, he had become immobile and was bed-bound at the time of his death.

On the morning of January 19, he picked up a kitchen knife before walking into his pensioners bedroom and stabbing him repeatedly. Prosecutor Louis Mably QC said: He was attacked and killed as he lay helpless in bed, in his bedroom on the first floor of the house. He had been repeatedly stabbed and slashed with a knife in the face, and in particular in the neck, which had effectively been cut open. It was a brutal attack, plainly carried out with the intention of killing him.

Immediately afterwards, he confessed to his gran what he had done before sending a text to his mum to inform what he had done. Giving evidence during the trial, Susan Oliver said that she had approached her husbands bedroom, before Oliver emerged covered in blood and told her, dont go in there Nan, I dont want you to see that.

He also told her, he cant hurt you anymore, before messaging his mum to say, mum Ive killed grandad, I love you. He then went to sit by an upstairs bedroom windowsill in an attempt to jump to his death, before his grandmother persuaded him not to do so.

She later called the emergency services and paramedics from the London Ambulance Service rushed to the scene, however David was obviously dead from his severe injuries. A purple knife was found resting on his shoulder, and Oliver was arrested as he smoked a cigarette in his bedroom.

A post-mortem examination showed that the pensioner had attempted to defend himself using his one mobile arm, but was in no position to survive the brutal onslaught. Jurors had heard that the younger man had suffered a difficult upbringing and had previously been convicted of sexual offences against a young girl when he was 15 years old.

He was released from a youth detention centre in September 2019 and had suffered from suicidal thoughts and depression. Over Christmas 2020, his mental health had significantly worsened and following a suicide attempt in January, it was decided that he should live with Susan, who also provided care for her husband David.

On one occasion, just days before he murdered his grandad, Oliver had phoned the RSPCA telling them to collect his pet ferret as he intended on committing suicide. He had also begged his gran for assistance and told her he wished to die in her arms.

Speaking in his defence, Jennifer Dempsey QC told the court that due to his emotional and mental difficulties, the information about his grandads sexual offences were almost impossible to process. She said: Through a series of grossly unfortunate events, which we submit, combined together to create an almost perfect storm in the middle of which this tragic offence was committed.

She argued that he had suffered substantial and significant trauma during his childhood, and continued: His life since he was a young child has been characterised by a complete lack of stability and what can only be described as complex family relationships. An Old Bailey judge also heard that Oliver was unable to form rational judgements as a result of this trauma and his mental health.

Sentencing him to 10 years and eight months, Judge Munro noted that he had been hit very hard by the pandemic, and that he had not been the only member of his family who had expressed a serious desire to kill your grandad following the allegations of sexual abuse.

Despite his mental health however, Judge Munro QC said that he had murdered his grandad in a ferocious but controlled way. She said: "On the 19th the carers came as usual to see to your grandfathers needs. When they had gone your nan took him a biscuit and coffee. That was the last time she saw him alive. You were noted to be jittery and couldnt rest. You asked to lie down with your nan which you did. However, when she got up you went downstairs. It was around 1130-1145am.

"You selected a knife from the kitchen and you went to your grandfathers room. You cut his throat repeatedly with severe force, you stabbed his mouth so he could not cry out and his eyes so that he couldnt look at you as you killed him. He tried in vain to protect himself by raising his right arm. He was utterly powerless. There were a total of 21 stab wounds to the face, seven to the torso and obvious defence injuries. He died very quickly of massive blood loss."

She continued: "I do consider the seriousness of the offence justifies a life sentence and therefore that is the sentence I must impose on you." He has been jailed for 10 years and eight months after it was ruled that he did continue to present a "significant risk to the public".

The 25-year-olds sentencing made an Old Bailey first as it became the first sentencing to be broadcasted live on television. Following a change in law, broadcasters were able to air Judge Sarah Munro QCs sentencing remarks, allowing the public to see and hear judges to explain their reasoning.

Only the judges remarks will be filmed, with the camera unable to film victims, witnesses, jurors, the defendants and barristers. The move will open up some of the most high-profile courts in the country, including the Central Criminal Court where the countrys most notorious criminals are tried.

Justice Secretary Dominic Raab said: Opening up the courtroom to cameras to film the sentencing of some of the countrys most serious offenders will improve transparency and reinforce confidence in the justice system. The public will now be able to see justice handed down, helping them understand better the complex decisions judges make.

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A convicted sex offender who posed a "very significant risk to children" was found to have a 10-year-old boy living in his house in blatant breach of a court order.

When the authorities visited Francis Dawson's house after a tip-off they found him home alone with the boy who was in the kitchen. Dawson had a lifelong ban on having children in his house after a series of sex offences against boys and girls.

Hull Crown Court heard Dawson was "ultimately responsible" for ensuring that he did not flout the order but he brazenly ignored it even though he knew the consequences after being previously jailed for the original offences. Police and social services intervened to get the boy removed for his own safety but he was found living there again with his mother just two days later, the court heard.

Stephen Welch, prosecuting, said that Dawson was jailed in 2008 after being convicted of a series of sexual offences against male and female children. He had been given an indefinite sexual harm prevention order restricting him living in the same household as children under 18 or arranging contact with them.

But a woman and her 10-year-old son began living with Dawson and his wife on May 12 as a favour to them but in breach of the order. Social services and police became aware of the matter a fortnight later. The boy was found in the kitchen of the house in Ings Road, east Hull getting some food while his mother was out at work.

They were moved into accommodation provided by social services. But on May 27, police were contacted by social services to say that the mother and her son were missing from the hotel where they had been staying.

Dawson's address was checked by police and the door was answered by the missing woman. The boy was there doing school work on a tablet computer. Dawson was arrested because, as a registered sex offender, he was not allowed access to children. "Having been removed, the mother and child returned there a couple of days later," said Mr Welch.

Dale Brook, mitigating, said that Dawson's wife had been keen to help others by providing somewhere for the mother and son to leave but it was his responsibility to make sure that he followed the court order.

"He is ultimately responsible for ensuring that he complied with the order," said Mr Brook. "It's no excuse. He turned a blind eye to it but he knows there is an order and he knows there is a child in the house. He has been imprisoned as a result of it."

The sexual offences conviction related to matters many years ago. "There has been no offending in the intervening years of a sexual nature," said Mr Brook.

Judge John Thackray QC told Dawson: "You do not accept responsibility for your offending behaviour. You said the situation was out of your control and you had no influence on the outcome. I don't accept that. You represent a very significant risk to children and you breached the order and the notification requirement, placing that 10-year-old child at risk of sexual harm. There is no actual harm.

"You were well aware of your requirements and that the onus was upon you to make sure that you did not reside with a child. I am not satisfied that your risk can be managed in the community and I am not satisfied that you can be rehabilitated in the community. My priority here is to protect the public."

Dawson, 61, admitted breaching a sexual harm prevention order between May 12 and 27 and failing to comply with his notification requirements as a sex offender. Dawson, who had been in custody on remand, was jailed for one year.

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A man who raped and abused a woman has been sentenced to 12 years in jail, but still said to the court 'I'm the victim'. Ashley James Barton, 37, of Bute Gardens, Hammersmith, left his victim fearing for her life after he raped her and gave her a black eye, the court heard today (July 28).

In December 2020, Barton punched her in the face for no reason which resulted in a black eye. On February 15 2021, he also raped her. The victim told the court that she feared for her life in a moving statement.

The court heard how Barton showed no remorse for his actions and on several occasions when giving his evidence in court, he referred to himself as the victim. He claimed that the allegations were lies being told by the victim and that she was the abuser in the relationship, not him. The jury rejected this defence.

He was sentenced for two counts of rape and one count of assault by beating at Isleworth Crown Court. The offences were committed in December 2020 and February 2021 against a woman. Barton was originally tried for these matters in November 2021, but the jury was unable to reach a verdict on the rape offences. He was, however, convicted of assault by beating. But following a retrial in May of this year, he was found guilty of the offences.

During sentencing, Judge His Honour Justice Duncan said: You did not care how much you were hurting her. You have always maintained an account that she was lying and unstable. You portray yourself as a knight in shining armour but with the complainant you did your best to undermine her at every opportunity.

"You gas-lighted and insulted her and her self-confidence is in tatters because of you. You are manipulative and lack insight both then and now. You display an entrenched form of misogyny in your past and in your current behaviour.

"You show a pattern of behaviour which is deeply disturbing. You have shown no acceptance of responsibility which is of deep concern. There is a significant risk of you committing further offences against women."

Barton was also made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and one of the conditions of this is that he has to inform the Police of any intimate relationships he enters into. There is no expiry on this. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Detective Constable Chris Willey of the Central West rape and serious sexual offences unit based at Charing Cross police station said: Barton is a dangerous serial offender who has previously been convicted on multiple occasions of violently assaulting women. His criminal behaviour has escalated over time with the physical assaults becoming more frequent and violent eventually leading to him committing the rapes against the victim in this case.

"He is a very violent man who directs his anger at women when they are at their most vulnerable. It is completely right that he has been given a long custodial sentence during which he will not have the opportunity to victimise women again.

"On release his ability to offend will be severely hampered due to the Sexual Harm Prevention Order that has also been imposed on him. The bravery of the victim in this case has been outstanding.

"She has, unfortunately, had to relive her trauma twice in court and the courage it takes to do this cannot be understated. I hope that she can find some closure and make a fresh start now that proceedings have concluded. We will continue to support her in any way that we can."

PC Sol Bhugaloo, who supported the victim throughout the investigation, added: "It is my sincere hope that the bravery shown by the victim in this case will encourage all victims of sexual violence of any kind to speak to us. You will receive dedicated support from specially trained officers such as myself, you will be listened to and you will be heard."

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A paedophile was caught with hundreds of sick images of child abuse and bestiality on his phones as well as a story depicting a "sexual fantasy" about a drunken teenager.

Jonathon Byrne, 34, was arrested at home on January 9 last year when officers arrived with a search warrant. Jamie Baxter, prosecuting at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday, said the unit from Cheshire Polices online child abuse investigation team seized two Samsung phones and took Byrne, of Widnes, into custody for questioning.

Byrne confirmed his personal details but denied having seen any indecent image of a child or having any sexual interest in children. He claimed he didnt believe any such matter would be found on his devices.

Mr Baxter told the court: How wrong he was.

After initially being released under investigation, Byrne was interviewed again on November 5, when he gave no comment answers to detectives after a large number of abuse images were found on his phones.

In total, there were 283 images and six videos in Category A - the most serious type, 270 still and six moving images in Category B, 186 images and 14 videos in Category C, plus 24 still images and 40 videos of extreme pornography - namely of bestiality.

Listing aggravating case features to the court, Mr Baxter said the abuse images showed very young children enduring gross sexual acts, and in discernible pain or distress.

The sexual fantasy story, stored in the notes section of one of his phones, had a creation date of March 3, 2019, and depicted an incident from the storytellers viewpoint in which they were engaging in penetrative sexual activity with - or indeed raping - a drunken teenage girl under 16 years of age.

Mr Baxter said no offence arose as a result of the depraved tale and there was no suggestion it was based on real abuse, but would be relevant when considering a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Byrne pleaded guilty at the first opportunity to one count of possessing indecent images of children, three of making child abuse images, and one count of possessing extreme pornography. The word making refers to the act of obtaining or downloading such material.

Matthew Howarth, appearing for the defence, urged the court to consider Byrnes lack of any previous convictions, a pre-sentence report classing him as a low risk, a reference from Byrnes father, and a note from Byrne himself, who had also quit using alcohol and cocaine since his arrest.

He argued any prison sentence could be suspended so Byrne could undertake rehabilitation that would not be available behind bars.

Mr Howarth said that since police put the phone evidence to his client, Byrne had been utterly contrite and remorseful, which he said was reflected by his guilty pleas.

He said unpaid work and a curfew could be imposed as part of any punishment in addition to rehabilitation, which Byrne had already sought privately but couldnt afford.

Recorder Mark Ainsworth said the volume and nature of the images were too serious for a suspended sentence as he jailed Byrne for 16 months to be served immediately.

He said some of the abuse victims featured in the sick haul were as young as between five and seven years of age and in pain.

During his sentencing remarks, Recorder Ainsworth said: The important point to remember in these cases is: behind every image is a child being sexually abused.

Behind every image is a victim of sexual abuse, and here we are concerned with hundreds of images, and one has to assume if there was not a market for these images from people like you that much or all of this abuse would not take place.

Thats why the courts take such a serious view of these offences.

He added: It seems to me the nature of the images and the number of the images in these offences are so serious that only a period of immediate imprisonment can be justified.

The judge also imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order to last 10 years, alongside placing Byrne on the sex offenders register for the same length of time.

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A twisted sex offender who targeted three lone victims in three days has been jailed after a transport police investigation.

The incidents occurred in March on-board trains in Essex.

In the early hours of Tuesday, March 15, the first victim was travelling on a London to Southend service when Izat Ullah, of Queens Road, Hull, approached and sat opposite her.

During the journey the 25-year-old began touching himself over his trousers and as the victim got up to leave he blocked her path, grabbed her and threw her back into the seat.

He then put his hand on the victims upper torso and attempted to kiss her before she managed to break free and run into another carriage.

Officers arrested Ullah at Southend Victoria station and conveyed him to custody for questioning.

In interview Ullah refused to speak but laughed throughout.

At just after 8am on Wednesday, March 16 he was released on conditional police bail stating he could not use the railway network in England or Wales.

Later that day, at around 8.30pm, Ullah was again on a train in Essex and approached the second victim, an 18-year-old woman who was on her way home.

As he was sat opposite her, he exposed himself before placing his hand in his trousers and began masturbating.

He then leant over and tried to touch the victim who said, dont touch me, to which Ullah replied, Im sorry, Im sorry.

The victim then moved away from him and as she did so he touched her inappropriately.

Just hours later, in the early hours of Thursday March 17, Ullah approached the third victim on a service travelling to Southend.

Throughout the journey he continuality stared at her and when she alighted at Southend East station he followed her until she got in a taxi outside the station.

He was arrested outside a childrens nursery the same morning for failing to comply with the Sex Offenders Register.

Ullah appeared at Hull Crown Court on July 1 where he admitted to three counts of sexual assault, one count of exposure and failing to comply with the sexual offence register requirements.

A judge at the same court sentenced him to 16 months imprisonment on July 20.

He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.

Detective Constable, Lucy King, said: Ullah is a twisted offender who prowled the railway targeting lone victims for his own sexual gratification.

He is clearly a danger to women and their right to travel safely and without fear. Im pleased we were able to quickly arrest Ullah and put him before the courts.

I would like to thank the three victims who bravely reported his actions and supported our investigation. No one should be subjected to this abhorrent behaviour on the railway.

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A Derbyshire dad-of-two took his "flirtatious" behaviour too far when he sexually assaulted a colleague at the factory where they worked together. Derby Crown Court heard how Stuart Smith told the victim "I would do anything to get alone with you" before grabbing their hand and forcing it against his groin.

The 43-year-old then told them not to tell anyone "as we will both get into trouble". Handing him a three-month jail term, suspended for two years, Recorder Jason Macadam said: "Let's make no odds about it, you have worked in this industry for a long time, but it has never been acceptable to do what you did. In the old days you might have been quite rightly punched in the face and told where to go by some victim who might react that way.

"But all will be shocked and outraged and unchecked, your attitude would pose a sexual threat and it needs addressing."

Caroline Bradley, prosecuting said at the time of the offending Smith and the victim worked together at Loscoe Chilled Foods Ltd, in Heanor Road, Heanor, which calls itself one of the UKs largest manufacturers of meat products. She said the defendant became "flirtatious" with the complainant, telling them how attractive they looked and on one occasion pulling the victim towards himself and giving them a hug.

The prosecutor said: "(The victim) complained to their manager about his flirtatious behaviour. On one day he asked them to borrow a fob to gain access to a room telling them 'I will do anything to get alone with you' and they challenged him.

"He followed (the victim) out of the office asking if they were naughty, grabbing their hand and putting it against his (private parts). He then grabbed it himself and said 'look at this' then later saying 'you are not going to tell anyone are you because both of us will get into trouble'."

Mrs Bradley said the victim reported what had happened to their manager and an investigation began. She read out a victim impact statement in which the complainant told how they "felt sick and distressed and uncomfortable".

Smith, of Pear Tree Avenue, Ripley and who has no previous convictions of any kind, pleaded guilty to sexual assault against the victim, whose identity is protected by law. Sonal Ahya, mitigating, said her client has a partner of 16 years and they have two young children together.

She said at the time of the offence he was going through "a particularly difficult time in his life". Miss Ahya said: "In his pre-sentence report he tells how it was 'a factory thing' and 'banter'.

"His work is old school and (he) displayed attitudes that were incredibly outdated. He lost his job for 24 years because of this arrest and these proceedings."

As part of the suspended sentence, Recorder Macadam ordered Smith to attend a 43-day accredited program to address his offending. He also ordered him to attend 55 rehabilitation sessions with the probation service, to pay 250 prosecution costs and placed him on the sex offender register for seven years.

Derbyshire Live has contacted Loscoe Chilled Foods Ltd and is awaiting a response.

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A calculating rapist who stalked social media to blackmail children for vulnerable images of themselves has been jailed.

Daniel Noelken, of Sandwich preyed upon school-aged children online, and secretly filmed other young boys naked in a changing room, between 2017 and 2019.

The 23-year-old was convicted unanimously at Canterbury Crown Court following a trial in September last year.

Noelken was jailed for 12 years at the same court on Friday and handed an extended four year licence period.

Posing as a child on social media, Noelken tricked his victims into sending him illicit images of themselves.

He threatened to send the material to their Instagram friends if they refused to hand over more.

Noelken would also use Facebook to infiltrate a family and rape a boy with learning difficulties after offering to mow their lawn and babysit.

Another potential victim's mum told jurors during the trial how he pestered her for months on the social networking site, repeatedly asking to baby-sit her son.

But Noelkens string of chilling private messages prompted her to become suspicious and cut contact.

The offending surfaced after the boy he raped disclosed to adults the extent of abuse he suffered at Noelken's hands.

After police arrested Noelken, forensic testing showed the victim's clothes contained his DNA.

And computer hard drives were discovered containing folders named after different children, each containing indecent images.

Social media transcripts showed Noelken blackmailing and threatening two children, one of whom he tried grooming to meet, prosecutor Serena Gates explained during the trial.

One victim stated he received an Instagram direct message from a person saying she was 11 and lived in Thanet," Ms Gates said.

The account spammed him with photos, the victim sent photos and videos of things the account asked him to do.

Growing increasingly uncomfortable with the demands, the child blocked the account prompting Noelken to hatch a new plan.

The schemer befriended a young girl on social media then blackmailed her to send illegal photos of herself.

"We commend all of the victims who spoke to us and left the court in no doubt as to the severity of Noelkens predatory offending ..."

He then found a way to send the images to his male victim and demand more in return, while threatening to publicly release videos which would embarrass the child.

In video evidence played in court, the victim told officers he just wanted it to stop, adding: The account threatened to send photos of me to my friends, then I got loads of random accounts following me.

Ms Gates told jurors the prosecutions case hinged on four points; the progression of Noelkens offending, his careful calculation, the authenticity of his victims evidence and the unlikelihood of coincidence.

Noelkens victims were unknown to each other.

Ms Gates told jurors his sexual urges were "becoming stronger as time went on."

Defending, Eloise Marshall QC argued Noelken had not inappropriately touched or raped a child, and social media dialogue showing him attempting to meet one victim was merely a fantasy.

She added Noelkens attention deficit disorder and autism symptoms were extremely complex.

It doesnt mean Daniel is completely incapable, it goes deeper than that, in many ways Daniel Noelken is very capable.

He can drive, he can do first aid, he has worked for a private first aid company and has been proactive in getting on with his life, she continued.

Jurors unanimously convicted Noelken of raping a child under 13, two counts of sexual assault and attempting to arrange or facilitate a child sex offence.

He admitted before trial two counts of blackmail, voyeurism and 10 other non-contact sexual offences involving children, including inciting a child under 13 to engage in a sexual act.

Speaking after the sentencing hearing, investigating officer DC Sue Kingsnorth, said: "We commend all of the victims who spoke to us and left the court in no doubt as to the severity of Noelkens predatory offending.

"We have a team who are dedicated to investigating child abuse and ensuring that those who try to take advantage of children are found and brought to justice.

"If anyone has any concerns that a child might be at risk of abuse, we urge them to report it and get the help and protection that they deserve."

Noelken, of Whitefriars Meadow, will be subject to a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order on release.