Latest Offenders

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In the first incident Gallagher continued to rape the victim even after she repeatedly told him to stop, while on the second occasion she woke up to find Gallagher raping her.

Immediately after the second incident the victim called a friend to stay in her home as Gallagher refused to leave.

A victim impact statement read out in court said the victim had suffered significant trauma as a result of the incidents, which continues to this day.

At Luton Crown Court yesterday (Thursday), Gallagher was sentenced to three years in prison for the first offence and six years for the second. The sentences will be served at the same time.

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A Harrogate paedophile is facing a long prison sentence for the systematic sexual abuse of a young girl.

Neil Michael Stubbs, 26, was convicted of 13 separate offences this week following a four-day trial at York Crown Court.

The jury heard that Stubbs, of Kingsley Park Road, Starbeck, groomed and sexually abused the youngster over a prolonged period.

They found him guilty of all 13 charges, including one count of attempted rape of a child under 13 years of age, two counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, sexual assault, possessing indecent images and several counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Prosecutor Paul Newcombe said that some of the offences including engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, sexual assault and causing a child to engage in sexual activity were specimen counts, meaning they happened on multiple occasions.

He said that Stubbs would perform lewd acts on himself in front of the girl and got her to perform sexual acts on him on at least six occasions.

Stubbs also pestered her to send him naked photos of herself, added Mr Newcombe.

Following his arrest, police seized Stubbss phone on which they found indecent images of children, including some naked photos of the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Some of the other images were rated Category A the worst kind of such material.

Mr Newcombe said it showed that Stubbs had an unhealthy obsession with children.

The jury returned their verdicts yesterday (Thursday, April 28). Judge Sean Morris, the Recorder of York, adjourned sentence to August 15.

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A KENDAL man has been put on the Sex Offender Register after he admitted three sex offences involving a child. 2 Stephen Wetton, 62, of Garden Street, Kendal, entered guilty pleas to three allegations when he appeared before a judge at Carlisle Crown Court. Those offences were outlined in court as follows: - That he attempted to cause or incite a child a girl aged 13 - to engage in sexual activity on April 27, 2020. - That he attempted to cause or incite a child the same 13-year-old to engage in sexual activity on May 5, 2020. - And that he attempted to sexually communicate with a 13-year-old between April 15, 2020 and May 20 of that year, doing so for his own sexual gratification and knowing or believing that the person was aged 13. The defendants defence barrister told the court that Wetton was a man of previous good character and requested a pre-sentence report. The defendant is aware that the Sex Offender Register will bite as of today, said the barrister. Judge Nicholas Barker told the defendant that the period for which the defendant will remain on the Sex Offender Register will be determined by the length and nature of sentence that he ultimately receives. The judge set the sentencing date as May 26, granting the defendant bail until that day. In the meantime, a background report will be prepared.

Description

A former children's entertainer and clown who was caught with thousands of indecent images on his phone failed to tell police he had moved to a new town, a court has heard.

When officers found Kingsley Perera at his new address - following information received from the Department for Work and Pensions - they found what appeared to be a child's bedroom in the property, complete with "racing car" bed.

Swansea Crown Court heard the 59-year-old has "memory issues", and the fact he is required to tell police if he moves "fell off the radar".

Perera was jailed for 10 months in December 2020 after being caught almost 4,000 images of children being sexual abused and raped on his mobile phones, including more than 600 so-called Category A photos which show the most extreme kind of abuse. He denied he was responsible for downloading the images and at trial sought to blame others - including his own sister - who he said had acted out of spite, or for their own sexual purposes. As part of his sentence he was made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order for 10 years and was placed on the sex offenders register for the same length of time - under the notification requirements he must tell police about any new address within three days.

Stephen Rees, prosecuting, told the court that on March 17 this year police officers went to a house on Pen-y-Cae Road in Port Talbot following information received from the Department for Work and Pensions. In the driveway of the property was a vehicle which was insured in the defendant's name. Officers spent around 10 minutes knocking on the front door until the defendant looked out from the bathroom window.

The officers were let into the house, and the court heard they were concerned that one of the bedrooms appeared to be a child's room complete with a "racing car" bed.

Kingsley Perera, now of Pier Street in Swansea Maritime Quarter, had previously pleaded guilty to breaching sexual registration notification requirements when he appeared in the dock for sentencing.

Vince Williams, for Perera, said the defendant had been evicted from his previous property on Hanover Street in Swansea, and had then been put in touch with a landlord who provided accommodation to former inmates. He said in the stress of being homeless and trying to find somewhere to live, notifying the police of the change of address had "fallen off the radar". He added that while not an excuse, there was evidence that Perera had "memory issues".

Judge Wayne Beard said he had read a pre-sentence on the defendant, and it was of concern that the he still seemed to maintain his position that he was not guilty of the possession of images charges. However he said it was significant that the author of the report concluded Perera posed a greater risk if he were sent back to custody than if he were to undergo a rehabilitation course in the community.

The judge said the offence of failing to abide by notification requirements was a serious one but he said "it seems the public would be better protected in these circumstances if I were to impose a suspended sentence".

With a one-third discount for his guilty plea Perera was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to complete a rehabilitation requirement with a Maps for Change sex offenders course.

Description

A man from Wigan who sent sexually-motivated messages over a sustained period to a girl nearly four decades younger than him has been jailed for 14 years after key evidence from his survivor.

The victim - now aged 16-years-old - has been praised by investigators after helping to bravely report to us Michael Dennett (54) and then support our probe into his year of offending against her between 2017 and 2018 when she was aged just 12-13.

Manchester Crown Court heard how Dennett, of Poolstock Lane, started messaging the girl after the breakdown of his relationship and began to embark on a persistent campaign of sexually-motivated offending; sending her indecent images and asking her to send them in return.

Dennett's offending was also physical as the victim spoke of wanting him to 'leave her alone' when he would try to hug and kiss her, but she helplessly 'felt like she couldnt say no' as he also would inappropriately touch her.

It was reported to police initially after her mum had found sexualised messages on her phone from Dennett before subsequent disclosures came from the victim around sexual assaults.

Dennett was initially arrested for the communication in November 2018 and then subsequently interviewed in February and November 2019 as enquiries continued and forensic evidence was collated.

When we first interviewed Dennett in November 2018, he refused to provide comment when asked about some of the messages we had seen he'd been sending to the victim.

As enquiries by our Wigan Child Sexual Exploitation team continued, the victim reported a new allegation prompting us to arrest Dennett for a second time where he didnt admit any offences and suggested that the victim had been 'put up to this'.

Due to the detail of evidence the victim was able to provide us, we were able to charge Dennett with nine offences - including three counts of sexual assault of a child, one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, four counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of sexual communication with a child.

He was found guilty after a trial in February 2020 of the communication offence, before being convicted of the remainder of the offences in a re-trial earlier this month.

Yesterday (Thursday 28 April) Dennett was sentenced to serve 14 years in prison and ordered to sign the sex offenders' register and given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order indefinitely.

The survivor of Dennett's abuse has received ongoing specialist support throughout the case and we have praised her for the evidence she was able to provide to us and the courts to help bring her offender to justice.

Police Constable Vicki Flemming, from our Wigan Child Sexual Exploitation team, said: "I want to firstly pay tribute to the survivor of this campaign of sexual abuse for their bravery in not only helping to report this incident to us, but for also having the courage to give evidence in court that was key to the success of this case.

"Michael Dennett's offending was predatory and repulsive and it's clear that he was a clear danger to this child and deserves his place behind bars for a number of years to come.

"We are committed to bringing to justice any sex offenders - especially those who target children as a way of gratifying their own depraved and perverted desires - and I want any victim of such abuse to know that we are here to listen to your concerns and to take thorough and robust action to bring offenders to justice."

Greater Manchester is nationally recognised as a model of good practice in terms of support services available to victims.

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]

Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to boys and men in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.

Description

A man subjected three young girls to a campaign of systematic sexual abuse spanning more than a decade. Christopher James repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted the children after moving to Wales from Worcestershire.

The 60-year-old was convicted at trial in Swansea Crown Court of 22 counts of indecent assault, indecency with a child, rape, attempted rape, sexual assault of a child under 13, rape of a child under 13, and attempted rape of a child under 13. Sending him to prison for a total of 21 year, a judge told the defendant that in the experience of the courts offending of the kind committed by James had life-long impacts on victims.

Barrister Nicola Powell, for James, said while the defendant respects the processes of the court, the maintains he is innocent of all the charges. She asked the judge to bear in mind her client has a good side to his character, a submission supported by references from friends and family members.

Christopher James, of Brynheulwen, Blaenannerch, Ceredigion, had previously been convicted at trial when he appeared in the dock for sentencing.

Geraint Walters told the defendant he had been convicted of "systematically abusing" three girls over a period of more than 10 years. Following the sentencing guidelines the judge sentenced James, who is originally from Stourport-on-Severn, to a total of 21 years in prison. The defendant will be a registered sex offender for the rest of his life.

Speaking after the hearing Dyfed-Powys Police senior investigating officer detective inspector Llyr Williams said: "James committed unthinkable crimes against young children so we welcome this sentence and hope it serves as a warning to anyone else who may be considering similar abuse. If you commit crimes such as these against vulnerable children we will make sure you are brought to justice.

"I would like to commend the victims in this case who have shown strength and bravery in coming forward and throughout the investigation and trial that James put them through. We hope that todays sentence will give them some comfort and allow them to take steps to move on with their lives.

"This has been an extensive and exhaustive investigation that has taken more than two years to bring to court. I would like to thank the officers and support staff who have worked so hard, dealing with distressing matters, to bring James to justice.

"If you have been abused, please dont suffer in silence. We will listen to you and support you through the investigation."

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A Norfolk runner who admitted indecent images offences took close-up pictures of girls wearing tight shorts at running and gymnastics events.

David Murrell, 46, a former member of a Norwich-based running club was found to have downloaded hundreds of indecent images of children.

Norwich Crown Court heard as well as downloading images from the internet Murrell also took pictures of children himself at running and gymnastics events.

Chris Youell, prosecuting, said pictures taken by the defendant of real girls at running events in June and August 2019, included girls wearing "skin tight running shorts and sports bra".

Murrell also took pictures of girls at gymnastics events in December 2019 with the images showing "close ups of genital areas".

The court heard pictures of the children were found in a "concealed" folder on his phone that were in part of a secret app which needed a PIN number to get into it.

Mr Youell said Murrell was caught by police after a category B indecent image of a child uploaded by the defendant led to officers executing a search warrant at his home in July 2020.

Devices, including a mobile phone and hard drive were recovered and searched, and found to contain indecent images of children.

He was found to have downloaded and taken indecent images of children over a three-year period between 2017 and 2020.

Some of the images were category A, the most serious, but there were also category B and C images found.

These included 501 category C images, 424 of which were downloaded from the internet and 77 of them taken by the defendant, of which some were duplicates.

Also recovered by police were chats the defendant had with others online, including one where he talked about "sexually abusing children".

Mr Youell said: "There clearly was in the background of his life something where he was fantasising about young children and young girls.

"He was talking about it on the internet and taking pictures and downloading images."

Murrell, of Camperdown in Great Yarmouth, appeared at court on Thursday (April 28) after having admitted three counts of making indecent images of a child and one count of distributing an indecent image of a child.

He also previously pleaded guilty to six counts of taking indecent photos of a child.

The mother of one of the children who had pictures taken of her read out a victim impact statement in which she described the knock at the door from police.

She said it was something she would "never forget" and felt "as if her world had stopped".

The woman said: "It's something I don't think I will truly ever get over."

She also described to the court the "confusion", and "sheer terror" as well as "disbelief and disgust" she had felt.

The woman added she lies awake at night "worrying about what might have happened if he hadn't been caught".

The father of another victim in the case described the "dismay" about what had happened and he felt and hoped Murrell would get the help he needed.

Damien Moore, mitigating, said nothing he could say could "repair the damage Mr Murrell has caused".

Mr Moore said Murrell wanted to apologise to the parents of the children involved and the children themselves.

He said the defendant was "a completely broken man" who has "lost everything" and was going to have to live the rest of his life with the "shame and embarrassment" of the offences he had committed.

Mr Moore said Murrell was "at rock bottom" after having taken a "self-destructive path" and was in need of help and rehabilitation.

He said the defendant "knows he has to be punished and is ready to be punished" but urged the court to consider a non-custodial sentence.

Judge Katharine Moore adjourned sentencing until Wednesday, May 4 but warned Murrell "the custody threshold had been crossed by a country mile".

Judge Moore remanded him in custody until next week due to concerns about his welfare.

It's understood Murrell was a member of the Norfolk Gazelles running club but that he was no longer permitted to be a member when the allegations emerged.

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A crossdresser exposed himself to a teenager before targeting other young ladies outside a college near from his home in Swindon, a court heard. Andrew Keen, 41, was sentenced at Swindon Magistrates Court yesterday (27 April), after admitting an indecent exposure offence and two charges of causing harassment, alarm or distress. Prosecutor Kate Prince said the defendant, of Clanfield Road, Park North, approached a lone 17-year-old girl just 250 metres from his address and asked her for the time on 26 September last year. But things turned odd when Keen who was wearing womens clothing asked if he could have her top and bottoms for a charity. She declined, and he went on to ask if she could sign his skirt. After bending down to sign his skirt with a lipstick he provided, he lifted his top and showed her his genitals which were poking out of his skirts waistband. Shocked, confused and scared, she agreed to his second request for her to have a photograph with him, which she took on her own mobile phone. He asked if he could put this arm around her, but she said no. The next day, Keen ventured out again this time targeting a 16-year-old girl outside New College. He asked her: Will you take your clothes off so I can have them?, claiming it was for charity, before asking her for her phone number. The victim called the police to report the encounter. On 28 September, he accosted a 17-year-old girl as she got off the bus on Queens Drive, near New College. He asked her for the time before asking if he could borrow her clothes for charity. He went on to request that she takes her clothing off. Worried about his behaviour, she ran into the college and reported the incident. In a statement to police, she said she is now scared and anxious about going to college. Mr Prince said the defendant was identified by the photograph the initial victim was asked to take on her own mobile phone. Defending, Sam Arif described her client as a loner, who was struggling with his sexuality. She said older generations of his family could not accept it. She added that Keen saw the approaches as opportunities to talk to young women who he believed would be more open to his sexuality. Ms Arif said he stopped offending as soon as she was spoken to by the police, who were investigating the spate of concerning incidents. She said Keen has a myriad of issues and learned about things via the internet, rather than via the appropriate channels. She added that he has found it difficult to deal with his family situation and with who he wants to be. Ms Arif said his crimes could have been worse claiming they were very short encounters. Chief magistrate Martin Clarke told the defendant that the bench was considering sending him to prison for his crimes. Weve been thinking long and hard about what to do with you. Whats worrying here is that you deliberately target certain young females, these are young girls, young ladies, very young. One of them has actually said she was shocked and confused, she didnt have a clue what you were talking about. Thats worrying Mr Keen. Our range is from a community penalty to sending you to prison today, thats how serious this is serious. Mr Clarke imposed a 24-month community order and banned Keen from going near both New College sites for 12 months which will be monitored by a GPS tag. He must also complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, 200 hours of unpaid work and register as a sex offender for five years. Talking about the order as a whole, Mr Clarke added: If you break that and end up in that area, you could be going out that back door instead of the front door.

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A Mansfield paedophile who sexually abused an underage girl and ruined her childhood, left her paralysed by fear and haunted by hallucinations afterwards, a court has heard. Sarel Van Der Merwe, aged 41, of Carter Lane, Mansfield, pleaded guilty to seven counts of sexual assault of a child under the age of 13, and two charges of causing a child under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity. Van Der Merwe told police the abuse happened on three occasions, prosecutor Ian West said, shortly after his victim told her teacher she had been abused. Nottingham Crown Court was told on Wednesday how he kissed and sucked her breasts, touched her vagina and got her to masturbate him to ejaculation. In a statement, the victim's mother said unexpected things can trigger flashbacks and described her daughter seeing him as a black figure in crowded places. On one occasion the girl cried out: It's there, it's there it's coming for me. She said her daughters fear was so strong she was paralysed. And because she kept seeing black figures in the mirror, we have had to take down all the mirrors in the house. The court heard Van Der Merwes victim has since tried to harm herself and once locked herself in the bathroom with a knife. She mainly stresses about being gotten by him, the girls mother said. She is physically exhausted by the whole experience. This has ruined her childhood. Gregor Purcell, mitigating, said Van Der Merwe, of previous good character, made admissions from the start. He knows he should never have behaved in the way he did. There is nothing he can do to put right what he has done wrong here." Mr Purcell said Van Der Merwe has sought assistance for his offending with 'offence-focused work' which will hopefully reduce the risk he will present. Judge Gregory Dickinson QC, the Recorder of Nottingham, told him: "This is serious sexual abuse. You used her as a sexual plaything. "It has ruined her childhood. In some ways this will stay with her to the end of her life." He jailed Van de Merwe for four years and eight months and imposed a sexual harm prevention order for 10 years. Detective Constable Kate Waters, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: Van Der Merwe has now been jailed for his crimes and I hope it brings some closure both for the victim, who showed a huge amount of courage in coming forward to report what had been happening to her, and for her family, who have also been impacted by his offending. I hope this case serves as a reminder to other victims of sexual assault that even if incidents happened some time ago, if you speak to us and report it, we will listen to you and carry out a full investigation to do everything we can to bring those responsible to justice. We would urge anyone with any concerns to speak to an officer, or call 101, to have a chat and report any incidents of sexual abuse.

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Carol Ann White's twisted sexual abuse was revealed after police discovered she had been texting a boy in lockdown. A teacher who molested two schoolboys in a campaign of twisted sexual abuse is facing jail. Carol Ann White, 39, abused both youngsters while employed in two different Lanarkshire primary schools. A police investigation was launched when it was discovered she had been texting a 12-year-old boy during the first Covid-19 lockdown. Phones belonging to the pair were analysed and a total of 1,185 messages had been exchanged over a three-week period. White asked him to touch himself intimately on FaceTime, sent revealing photos of herself and sent one photo captioned 'Cockblock of the year goes to Covid-19'. In later interviews with police, the boy revealed he had been kissed 50 times by her on the lips during a school trip to an outdoor activity centre near Oban, Argyll. He also said White had groped him while watching the film Titanic and had also forced his hand down the front of her trousers. The probe led police to an 11-year-old boy who said White had kissed him on the lips in a school store cupboard. In a series of interviews with officers, the boy revealed White had held his head against her groin and rubbed him with her breasts. White, of Uddingston, Lanarkshire, had denied two charges of engaging in sexual activity with the boys spanning between August 2018 and May 2020. But jurors took just over an hour to find her guilty following a seven-day trial at Airdrie Sheriff Court. After the verdict, it was revealed first offender White had earlier pled guilty to possessing eight indecent images of the 12-year-old boy. A text sent by White to the boy after one image was sent read: "You clearly don't need me to help, someone else has must have made you horny." In a video shown to jurors, the 12-year-old boy said: "Miss White said if you touch me I will touch you and then grabbed my hand and put it down her trousers. It happened once." The 11-year-old boy told how he had been targeted after a discussion about White and her love for Celtic FC. He said: "She was manipulative. I thought she was a good person who would do nothing wrong but you can't judge a book by its cover. "We were talking about football because she is a big Celtic fan and the kiss just happened. "For the last year I've felt like I had to protect her because I thought she was this nice person but she really wasn't. "If you were Miss White's teacher's pet then she would favour you. It felt quite good. Looking back I feel disgusted." In evidence, White broke down as she repeatedly denied the allegations against her. She said: "My reaction is that they are absolutely not true, not any of it. "I was a very hard working, nurturing, caring teacher for all children. I don't know why they would say this about me." Prosecutors had urged jurors to convict White. Depute fiscal Kevin Jarvis said: "By day she was a respectable teacher, by night she was discussing sexual innuendos with a 12-year-old pupil before reverting back to a respectable adult again. "She was the master of deceit." After the verdict, Graham Robertson, defence advocate, said: "She has been convicted of the most serious of matters." Sheriff Morag Shankland deferred sentence on White, who no longer works in education, until June for reports and continued bail. White, who sobbed uncontrollably after the verdict, was also placed on the sex offenders' register. The sheriff told jurors the case had been 'difficult' and 'distressing' and excused them from jury service for the next five years.

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A paedophile plied his victim with Apple Sourz and and filmed himself raping her on a number of occasions. The abuse left the victim feeling like she "wanted to die".

Michael Tustin, 33, from Cardiff, began abusing his victim before she was a teenager and forced her to drink alcohol until she was intoxicated. The first time it happened she fell asleep and woke up in a confused state before being sexually touched and then raped.

Prosecutor Clare Wilks told Cardiff Crown Court that the victim, who has lifelong anonymity, blamed herself for the abuse, and Tustin would frequently apologise and say he would stop - but days later he would tell the victim he "missed her" and the abuse would continue. Over time, the victim drink more and more alcohol so she would not remember being raped and she shut herself off from her family.

The abuse came to light after the victim told her mother what had been going on and the police were called. Tustin was arrested and interviewed - but claimed it was the child who had initiated sexual contact before he denied having sexual intercourse with her.

However, examination of his phone resulted in videos and images of the victim being discovered - with some depicting Tustin raping the girl. Indecent images of other children were also found. The defendant, of Ninian Road, Roath, later pleaded guilty to rape. He also pleaded guilty to sexual touching of a girl under 13 and possession of indecent images.

In a victim personal statement, the victim's mother said her daughter was a "complete mess" as a result of the abuse and was struggling to sleep. She had previously been a high achieving school pupil with good attendance but this has been massively affected.

Her mum added: "I am worried about her education and future. She feels she doesn't want to live anymore and says she doesn't see the point in life. She feels (the defendant) is there watching her and feels he is breathing on her. She locks herself in her bedroom and has anxiety attacks and feels like she wants to die."

In mitigation, Ieuan Rees said his client was of previous good character and had a responsible job but has ruined his life as a result of his actions. He said the defendant was aware of the harm he had caused and had "voluntarily" reached out to the Lucy Faithfull Foundation to seek help for his issues.

Judge David Wynn Morgan admonished Tustin after he became emotional in the dock, saying "Sit up, the court does not feel sorry for you." The judge then added: "You have created and caused severe psychological harm to the complainant.... You subjected her to this course of conduct and her remarks in interview to the effect she feels guilty about it because she thinks she might have been able to stop it which she probably wasn't..... She's not responsible for any of that, you are."

Tustin was given an extended sentence of 18 years imprisonment, made up of a custodial element of 12 years and a further six years on licence. He will serve two thirds of the custodial sentence before he is considered for parole.

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A man who sexually abused a young girl in Cheshire in the 1990s has been jailed. Gerard King, of Bury, previously lived in the Wilmslow area and Chester Crown Court heard how he systematically abused the victim for three years.

The victim had previously reported the offences to professional agencies on several occasions. But she had 'never received the support' to take the case further - but eventually came forward again to police in 2020.

A detective constable at Cheshire Police stated that King put her through 'horrifying' experiences. King also made the victim recall the events during a 'distressing' trial.

Detective Constable Lee Ferris, who led the investigation said: Firstly, I would like to recognise the bravery and determination that the victim has shown throughout this investigation. She had previously reported the offences, on several occasions, to numerous professional agencies, but had never built up the courage or received the support she needed to take the case further.

When she came forward to police in 2020 we provided her with the specialist help and support she need to ensure that she was able to tell her story. What King put her through was truly horrifying, he systematically abused her over a three year period in order to fulfil his own sexual gratification.

Not only that, but he also made her endure a trial and recount what he had done, which was extremely distressing. But thanks to her courage, he is now facing the consequences of his actions.

"The sentence handed to King reflects the severity of his crime and I hope that his conviction will encourage other victims to come forward. As this case demonstrates, we treat all reports of historic sexual offences seriously and we will always do our best to ensure offenders are brought to justice.

King was found guilty of one count of rape of a child and seven counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 14 following a five day trial at Chester Crown Court, which concluded on Monday (April 25).

The 59-year-old returned to court the following day (April 26) where he was sentenced to 15 years in prison, plus one year on extended licence. King was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely.

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A "devious" sex offender was branded a "danger to children" after being found with indecent images for the fourth time. Tristan Richard Hughes, of Henllan in Denbigh, is again behind bars after he was found with a stash of images of young girls.

The 32-year-old was charged with breaching his sexual harm prevention order. He was also charged with making and distributing indecent images of children.

It came after his family had told police he was hiding secret devices. At Mold Crown Court on Thursday, Judge Niclas Parry jailed him for three years.

Prosecuting, Jemma Gordan, told the court how Hughes, who has been diagnosed with autism, is currently under the eye of the authorities through a sexual harm prevention order. This bans him, amongst other requirements, from having access to electronic devices that they do not know about.

The court heard how, in November 2021, North Wales Police were contacted by Hughes' own sister to state that her brother wasn't following the terms of the order. When police officers came to Hughes' home address in Denbigh the same day, they were met by his sister who said that Hughes had disclosed to her that he had a phone and a laptop the authorities did not know about.

When he was later interviewed, he admitted to breaching the order by having the devices. However, he maintained that police would not find anything on the computers that breached his order.

Ms Gordan said that the laptop and mobile phone were then forensically analysed and his lies were soon exposed. Both were found to contain dozens of indecent images of young girls, roughly aged between the ages of seven and 12.

Previously, Hughes had been handed a suspended sentence in 2013 for making and possessing indecent images of children. However, in November 2015, he was jailed for 21 months after the then Llandrillo College student was found with more indecent images on his mobile phones.

His last court appearance, the prosecutor said, came in October 2020. Hughes was dealt with for a further charge relating to creating indecent images and was handed a two year suspended sentence.

The defence, Simon Kileen, said that Hughes is "terrified" at the prospect of returning to jail, having already served a sentence behind bars. However, he and his family understand that there would be "absolutely no alternative" for the judge.

Mr Kileen also told the court how Hughes' autism diagnosis plays a "major role" in his day-to-day thinking as well as the actions he chooses to take. He submitted that this was a factor the judge should account for when sentencing.

Judge Parry, passing a sentence of three years in total, branded Hughes a "devious" offender who was "a danger to children". He was said to have wasted the "remarkable opportunities" that the court afforded him.

The judge said: "Quite simply, you have run out of chances. You are devious and you will lie to your family and those who want to help you - all because of this desire that you have to satisfy your admitted attraction to young children.

"It is to your family's credit that they saw the danger and alerted the authorities. They didn't do that to get you in trouble, they did that to stop you from getting yourself into further trouble down the line."

The judge ordered that the existing sexual harm prevention order, which will run up to 2030 at present, should remain in place. His secret devices were ordered to be destroyed.

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A Forfar child sex offender was snared by a paedophile-hunter who pretended to be a 13-year-old girl.

Antony O’Hare, 53, had indecent images of children on his Samsung phone, as well as engaging in sexual conversations with what he believed – and had been told – was a young teenage girl.

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AN MAN convicted of sexually assaulting two underage girls in Ardrossan has been jailed for four months.

Ben Anderson was found guilty of five charges following a trial in February and the 23-year-old appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week for sentencing.

Anderson, of Macadam Place, Ayr sexually assaulted a young female, who was then aged 12, at an address in Clyde Terrace, Ardrossan, on July 16, 2021 by holding her hand and cuddling her.

He also repeatedly made sexual remarks towards her and the court found that this offence was committed intentionally and for the purposes of obtaining sexual gratification or of humiliating, distressing or alarming the girl.

At the same address and on the same date, Anderson assaulted a 14-year-old girl by preventing her from leaving a room within the home and threatening her with violence.

He was also found to have sexually assaulted her by touching her face, attempting to kiss her on the neck, placing his arms around her and touching her buttocks.

A further guilty charge followed for communicating indecently with the 14-year-old by repeatedly making sexual remarks towards her.

Finally, Anderson was convicted of acting in an aggressive manner, shouting and swearing at the two girls and another, aged 13.

A not guilty verdict was returned for a charge of breaching a bail order granted in March 2021 which required Anderson to remain within his home each day between the hours of 7pm and 7am.

Defence solicitor Ian Gillies told Thursday’s hearing that his client had ten months left of a separate prison sentence for assault in Ayr, having been in custody since October last year.

Sheriff Sheena Fraser said her sentencing options were “limited somewhat”, but said Anderson “presents a high risk of reoffending”.

Mr Gillies told the court: “There was some alcohol involved so his memory of what happened may not be the best.

“For someone of his age and with his difficulties I would be asking your lordship not to extend his time in custody.

“He is quite keen to get his head down, get this matter resolved and get back into the community.”

Sheriff Fraser said: “You were found guilty of sexual offences involving young children, offences which clearly caused them significant distress.

“In the circumstances I consider a custodial sentence is the only appropriate sentence here.”

Anderson was sentenced to four months in prison. He will also be subject to the sexual offender notification requirements for seven years.