Latest Offenders

Description

An A&E nurse has been struck off after being convicted of groping the breasts of his female co-workers.

Adam Soothill began working in the emergency department at Royal Preston Hospital in 2011, but in March 2019, allegations were made against him by several members of staff.

These included inappropriate sexual behaviour, which involved touching, the flicking or touching of breasts, grabbing breasts, seven touching of naked breasts, and placing his hands between legs.

The assaults took place between 2017 and 2019 and as a result of the allegations, Soothill was suspended from work pending a police investigation.

Initially, he denied any wrongdoing but was charged with sexual assault on July 12 2021. Following this he was dismissed by the hospitals trust.

Soothill appeared at Preston Magistrates’ Court on August 15 2019, with his case being referred to the crown court where he entered not guilty pleas and was sent to trial.

On October 27 2021, Soothill was convicted of 24 counts of sexual assault and was sentenced to 30 months in prison, told to sign the Sex Offender Register indefinitely, and pay a surcharge of £170.

Following a hearing by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) last month, it was agreed that Soothill be struck-off the nurses register.

A report from the NMC read: “Adam Soothill's criminal offending has so seriously undermined public trust and confidence in the profession.

“The criminal offending and subsequent sentence is fundamentally incompatible with being a registered professional nurse.

“Only a striking off order is sufficient to protect patients, maintain public confidence in the profession and maintain professional standards.”

The NMC report also provided some of the judges sentencing remarks, which included the following relevant comments: "You undoubtedly preyed on these women so often and in such a manner that you made their lives uncomfortable, miserable within the workplace, in several instances it got to a stage where some did not wish to come to work.

“In relation to one victim, you had only worked with her once and that was the occasion you sexually assaulted her.

“In relation to another, she was so distressed by what you had done, that she went to the sluice room and cried.

“You took advantage of the workplace situation...you had relied on the fact that these women would not want to complain or felt uneasy about complaining.

“The touching you indulged in was not only unwanted, but sexual. It was also harassment and bullying behaviour which is not acceptable in any workplace.

“You tried to pull the wool over the jury’s eyes hiding behind a jovial workplace exterior.

“In relation to the seven women who alleged incidents, which you absolutely denied, there was no room for mistake, they were not exaggerating, and they were not liars.

“As prosecution counsel pointed out, it is noteworthy that you only denied the more serious matters and it is noteworthy that your defence, in relation to two or three of your victims, changed as the evidence came out.”

An interim suspension order was handed to Soothill to give him time to appeal the sanction. Should no appeal be made, he will be struck-off with immediate effect.

Description

An evil paedophile who committed multiple rapes and sexual offences against children and young women has been put behind bars. Ben Prothero admitted committing 17 sex offences, some against kids under 13 over a sustained period from 2008 to 2020.

Prothero of Metcalfe Close, in Ross-On-Wye, Herefordshire, had pleaded guilty earlier in the year and was jailed for 24 years at Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday (November 29). He was told he would serve 18 years in prison and a further six years to remain on licence as a dangerous offender. 

He was also now listed on the Sex Offenders Register for life. He was convicted after a ‘long and thorough’ investigation by Hereford CID’s Vulnerability Team who praised the bravery of the victims for coming forward to outline the abuse they suffered.

Prothero's offences included:

• Two counts of rape of a child under 13
• Five counts of rape of a female under 18
• Attempted rape
• Causing a female under 15 to engage in penetrative sexual activity
• Penetration of a female under 16
• Engage in controlling/coercive behaviour
• Two counts of sexual assault on a child under 13
• Two counts of sexual activity with a child under 18
• Two counts of sexual activity with a child under 16

The 26-year-old was described by police as a ‘predator and bully’. Detective Constable Emma O’Hare, from West Mercia Police, who led the investigation, said: “Prothero committed these horrendous crimes against children and women over many years who weren’t able to defend or protect themselves.

“He was a bully, a predator and controlled them by hurting them and changing their lives forever. As pleased as I am with the lengthy sentence, the true tribute is paid to the victims, who not only survived despite his best efforts to break them, but who then showed immense courage and bravery in coming forward about his abuse and rapes.”

DC O’Hare continued: “My hope is that this significant prison sentence will bring some measure of comfort to those whose lives have been forever damaged by his cowardly and predatory actions. This sentence needs to serve as a reminder to those who think that abusing women and girls will go unchallenged.

“Survivors are strong and with our support, patience and understanding an investigation will uncover the truth about their abusers’ actions, who will face consequences. West Mercia Police remains committed to seeking justice for rape victims and survivors, and we, the police and wider support services are here for them.”

West Mercia Police offered support to anyone who may have been the victim of any sexual offence and said they can report it to them online, on 101 or via West Mercia's Victim Advice Line on 0800 952 3000 or its website.

It said: “This is a free, independent and confidential support service. In an emergency always dial 999. If you do not feel comfortable speaking to police officers, you can contact a referral centre which specialises in helping victims of rape and sexual assault - including providing medical care and counselling.”Anyone wanting information and details on how to contact or refer can visit the Get Help page of the Rape Crisis website. 

Description

A Stourbridge paedophile has been locked up for sexually assaulting a teenage boy after "grooming the whole family". Stuart Baker, 36, groomed the child and repeatedly targeted him between 2017 and 2020.

He met the boy's family in 2015 and began to befriend them. Over time he groomed the boy and sexually abused him on numerous occasions. He went as far as moving house to be closer to his victim.

The offences were committed in Warwickshire and Coventry. Baker’s offending came to light in 2020 - while drunk he told a colleague that he was sending sexually explicit messages to an underage boy.

 A Stourbridge paedophile has been locked up for sexually assaulting a teenage boy after "grooming the whole family". Stuart Baker, 36, groomed the child and repeatedly targeted him between 2017 and 2020.

He met the boy's family in 2015 and began to befriend them. Over time he groomed the boy and sexually abused him on numerous occasions. He went as far as moving house to be closer to his victim.

The offences were committed in Warwickshire and Coventry. Baker’s offending came to light in 2020 - while drunk he told a colleague that he was sending sexually explicit messages to an underage boy.

The colleague contacted the NSPCC who alerted the police and Baker was arrested. Baker, of Gauden Road, Stourbridge, was locked up for two years at Warwick Crown Court last week after pleading guilty to four counts of sexual assault. He was also added to the sex offenders’ register for 10 years.

Following the sentencing, the victim’s family released a statement saying: “Today, after a long time of pain and suffering we finally got justice and although our family can never forget, we can finally start to move on with our lives. We hope this will send out a clear message for anyone suffering abuse or too afraid to speak up.

"Please reach out to someone you trust, go through the process and you will get the justice and closure you deserve. This will never be your fault and you are not to blame, you are a targeted victim of an abuser and this won’t stop until we speak up and save other innocent children from this trauma.”

Detective Inspector Ed Peake from Warwickshire Police said: “Baker is a manipulative and dangerous man; he didn’t just groom his victim, he groomed his whole family. They thought of him as a friend but all the time he was working to satisfy his sexual desires.

“He didn’t just manipulate his victim sexually, but also emotionally; he would tell the victim not to tell anyone what they were doing because he would get into trouble, he would get jealous when the victim talked about having a girlfriend and at one point threatened to commit suicide.

“Sadly in this case the victim didn’t know where to turn which is often the case with young victims of sexual abuse. He was only a young boy who probably never fully understood what was being done to him. However, thanks to an alert colleague raising the alarm, Baker’s offending came to light and he was brought to justice.

“I hope this conviction sends a message to other children who were or are being groomed and abused that there are people who will listen. The hardest step to take is telling the first person, but there are people out there who will listen and help and support you. It is never your fault. We will investigate and do everything in our power to bring dangerous offenders to justice and get you the support you need.

“I would like to commend the victim and his family for the bravery they have shown in helping ensure Baker is held to account for his actions. His offending over a number of years has left a lasting impact on the victim and I hope that this sentence helps to give him some closure.”

Description

A convicted rapist has left a young woman ‘grieving the freedom’ she felt before he violated her.

Luke Sargent had already been convicted of raping a 15-year-old girl in Rushall on Christmas Day of 2011. He was sentenced to six years in prison with a three-year extended licence, but in the early hours of 8 June the 31-year-old struck again.

CCTV shows he had spent some time following groups of women before targeting her in Selly Oak. He grabbed a 20-year-old woman as she made her way home and dragged her into a property which was being renovated. He threatened to slit her throat before violently raping her.

Investigating officer DC Andy Carnall said: “It is testament to the young woman that she bravely reported what had happened to her.

“She convinced her attacker she would keep quiet for £20 hoping the note would contain his DNA, and remembered as much detail as she could, enabling her to pick him out on an ID parade.”

Sargent was arrested after being spotted by officers making enquiries with builders at the renovation site. He matched the description the woman had given and was taken into custody. Doorbell footage was also recovered which revealed an audio recording of a man threatening to slit the woman’s throat. 

 At trial the jury heard a very emotional impact statement. She said: “I’ve since looked back at pictures of my friends and I out having fun the same night before I was attacked, and I just want to scream out to younger me to run, that she’s in danger, to go find safety, as she has no idea what she’s about to endure.

“I was just trying to walk home.”

Sargent, from Cadnam Close in Birmingham, was jailed for 18 years with a minimum term of 12 years before he will be eligible to apply for parole and will remain on licence for life. He will also remain on the sex offender’s register for life.

DC Carnall added: “This is a significant sentence which reflects the danger Sargent poses. I commend the young woman for her tenacity and bravery during the investigation and trial.”

Description

A dangerous sex offender who groomed a young vulnerable girl has been jailed.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard the harrowing details of how Allan Wilkinson, 77, preyed on the 16-year-old girl when he met her online where she had been looking for a household assistant job.

Despite the teenager suffering from a number of mental health issues, which became apparent to Wilkinson, he groomed her into taking part in sexual acts with him in exchange for money and gifts.

The girl routinely told Wilkinson to stop but he continued his predatory behaviour and also coaxed the vulnerable girl into sending him photographs of a sexual nature.

The court heard Wilkinson knew the girl was just 16 and continued his criminal acts.

Wilkinson of Epping New Road, Buckhurst Hill, pleaded guilty to paying for the sexual services of a child and making indecent photographs of a child.

He was jailed for a total of 30 months on Friday November 25.

Following the sentencing investigating Detective Constable Steven Tilley of Essex Police’s Child Sexual Exploitation said: “I would like to pay tribute to the bravery and courage, demonstrated by the victim in this case.

“Wilkinson preyed on this young girl, sexually grooming her in exchange for money. She had trusted him and he so thoroughly abused that trust.

“I hope the victim can begin the very slow process of piecing her life back together and I cannot praise her enough in coming forward to help us secure justice and take this sexual predator off of our streets.”

Wilkinson was also made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for seven years. Under the terms of his order he must not: have any contact with girls under the age of 18; possess any computer or device with internet access; and must make any device he does possess available for inspection by a police officer upon request.

Essex Police Child Sexual Exploitation Proactive Investigation Team is dedicated and determined to protect young vulnerable people from being subjected to exploitation. If you would like to report a crime and need help, call 101, submit a report on the website or call 999 in an emergency.

*Support is there for anyone affected by rape and sexual abuse, and no victim or survivor is alone. Synergy Essex provides specialist support for victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse of all ages and all genders across Essex.

Synergy Essex is a partnership of rape and sexual abuse centres in Essex: CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse), SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis).

Synergy Essex is independent from the police and provides support for victims and survivors throughout their journey. Victims and survivors can self-refer, or be referred by a parent, partner, friend or professional and can access specialist emotional support, counselling and advocacy.

For victims and survivors who report to the police, Synergy Essex provides an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) service, providing support throughout the criminal justice process.

Description

A WIRRAL man has been jailed for five years and one month for sexual activity with a child.

Neil Rycroft, 48, of Cherry Tree Road, Moreton appeared on Tuesday, November 2 at Liverpool Crown Court.

He was also issued with a Lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), Restraining Order and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Rycroft was arrested on Thursday, May 26, this year, the same day that the victim, a 15-year-old girl, reported the offence, which had taken place three days previously in Wirral.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Alex Fowler from the Force's Unity team, said: "We hope that this sentence goes some way to helping the victim as she comes to terms with this traumatic experience and we will continue to support her.

"We'd like to praise the whole family's immense strength and courage in reporting this crime and engaging throughout what can be a harrowing process, through to today's outcome.

"Rycroft is a predator, who saw a young and vulnerable child as someone to manipulate and abuse.

"Such offenders should be removed from the streets and closely monitored when the time comes to release them.

"He had no regard for the psychological impact of his heinous actions, nor the consequences for the victim, the victim’s family and less importantly, his own liberty.

"We treat all allegations of sexual offences sensitively and with compassion and have specially trained officers who ensure victims are listened to, safeguarded and supported from the moment they report a crime and right through the judicial process.

"If anybody is out there suffering in silence we want you to know that there is help and support available, both from Merseyside Police, and from reliable and trusted support groups who will stand with you from the initial report and for as long as you need.”

Description

A 24-year-old man has been convicted of sexual assaulting a man inside his own home in Kingsthorpe, Northampton.

On January 16 this year, Budd Lee Simmons, previously of Northampton, was invited to sleep on the sofa at a friend’s house in Kingsthorpe after a night out. 

However, when everyone was asleep, Simmons entered a bedroom inside the house, and once inside, sexually assaulted a man in his own bed by inappropriately touching him.

The man woke up and Simmons fled the address with police being called a short time later.

Simmons was arrested and subsequently charged with sexual assault. At Northampton Crown Court on November 17 this year, he pleaded guilty to the offence and was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison.

Lead Investigator – PC Jess Hurst, said: “First of all, I want to commend the man in this case for his bravery in coming forward, reporting this offence to us, and supporting the case throughout the court process.

“In his victim personal statement, he wrote that he keeps wondering if he could have done anything differently to prevent this offence from happening.

“Let me be absolutely clear – as with any case of sexual assault, the blame here is on the offender only. This man could not have done anything differently and he must not blame himself. Budd Simmons is the only person in this case who should feel responsibility and shame for his actions. 

“Men are often less likely to speak up when they are victims of sexual assault and abuse, and I hope this case shows that Northamptonshire Police will take their reports extremely seriously and that they will be treated with sensitivity and support throughout.

“Budd Simmons is now behind bars and that is solely down to this man’s bravery in coming forward. I hope the conclusion of this case provides him with a sense of closure and the ability to move forward.”

Description

A paedophile who intended to abuse a schoolgirl turned up to a sting because he was “curious”, a court heard.

Gordon Welch, 67, arrived at McDonald’s in Shirley equipped with condoms, lubricant, and Viagra to meet what he thought was an 11-year-old child.

A court heard how the former DJ of Sheffield Road, Fratton, had been talking with a man online to arrange to meet and abuse his young daughter.

Using the aliases “Portsmouthmeet” and “Portsmouthnoman”, Welch spoke with the man, who was in fact an officer from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit, indicating his intention to meet and sexually abuse the girl.

Prosecuting, Caroline Moonan explained how Welch told the officer, who went by the name of Jack, that he would “touch her”, asked for a picture of her in her uniform and even said he would have sex with the girl if she was willing. 

Agreeing to meet the “father and daughter”, Welch drove from Portsmouth to Southampton on May 12, this year.

However, when he arrived, he was met with police officers who arrested him at around 10am.

 Upon being searched, he was found with three condoms, flavoured lubricant and a Viagra tablet.

Ms Moonan explained how after he was arrested, he said: “I knew it was a trap but I was curious”.

She added that he “genuinely wanted to be with Jack’s daughter”.

When his home address was later searched, a pink Hello Kitty top and a packet containing more lubricant were found.

Welch originally pleaded not guilty claiming he didn’t intend to do anything sexual, but later changed his plea to guilty.

However, defending, Jamie Gammon told the court that he had “found it hard to accept that he would have engaged in contact had the opportunity arose there”.

“[There is] still an element in his mind that nothing would have happened. He says he would have driven off.”

He added that Welch indicates a “willingness to address his behaviour” and has the support of his wife who remains loyal to him. 

 Southampton Crown Court heard Welch has three previous convictions for six offences and was previously arrested for alleged sexual matters that he was never charged for.

The judge, Recorder Don Tait, told Welch “you remain a high risk to children”.

“You’re still in denial that you committed this offence. Thankfully on this occasion, no real victim was involved.

“But it was not through a lack of effort on your own.”

Welch was jailed for four years and six months for arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence.

He was also made subject to notification requirements for the next 10 years and a sexual harm prevention order indefinitely.

The items seized by police are set to be forfeited and destroyed. 

Description

A REGISTERED sex offender was found with a collection of extreme animal pornography involving pigs, dogs and eels, a court heard.

Pensioner Brian Hudson was found to have 16 films in his house showing animals having sex.

His bedroom in Orpen Road, Southampton, was being used as a store room for thousands of DVDs - 16 of which related to animal porn.

When questioned on this, Hudson said they belonged to a deceased relative. 

 Prosecuting, Neil King told Southampton Crown Court how the films “must have been retained for some time” adding that Hudson “doesn’t appear to [have] any expression of remorse”.

After police found the videos on April 3, 2020, the 75-year-old was arrested and charged with possessing extreme pornographic images.

He originally pleaded not guilty but changed his plea on the day of the trial.

Mr King told the court Hudson has previous convictions for serious sexual offences and distributing pornography.

But mitigating, Ed Wylde said Hudson has not been convicted for some 28 years adding that there was “no suggestion of distribution” in this case.

“[He] tells me that he had not appreciated how serious this matter was.”

He added that Hudson has “become, to a degree, a vulnerable person”, suffering from memory loss, and is the only driver in his family.

The judge, Recorder Don Tait, told the defendant: “You are a registered sex offender already because of your previous convictions.

“Your last conviction in 1994, when you were sent to prison for a modest period of time by the magistrates, was for possessing extreme articles.

“You have, and I quote, a deviant sexual interest. Well, you’re going to have to curb that deviant sexual interest.” 

 However, he said he would impose a suspended sentence because of Hudson’s age and “poor health”.

The 75-year-old was given a 16-month prison sentence suspended for two years.

He must also complete 40 rehabilitation activity requirement days and abide by a curfew for the next three months, running between the hours of 8pm and 8am.

Mr Tait also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the seized items. 

Description

Peter Forbes, of Gateshead, admitted downloading indecent images from the dark web.

A pervert whose sickening collection of indecent images included a newborn baby being abused has been spared prison.

Police went to the home of Peter Forbes in January last year and seized his computer devices. They found 34 of the most serious, category A images, 21 category B images and 74 category C. There were also 24 prohibited images and four extreme pornography images.

Omar Ahmad, prosecuting, told Newcastle Crown Court the children featured were aged between a newborn baby and 16 years old. One showed a one-week-old baby being abused and there was "discernable pain and distress" from the children.

There was also evidence Forbes had also engaged in chats with others about "younger" children and had made word searches for terms associated with paedophilic images.

Forbes, 28, of Church Road, Gateshead, pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images, possessing prohibited images of children and possessing extreme pornography. He was sentenced to 12 months suspended for 18 months with 120 hours unpaid work.

Brian Hegarty, defending, said: "The general public will, of course, be horrified and appalled, quite rightly, over images of this type. He had an addiction to pornography from the age of ten.

"He was on the dark web and came to download these images. He referred himself for counselling after his arrest."

Description

A MAN guilty of sexually assaulting a boy and three counts of breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) has been jailed.

Malcolm Montgomery, 67, of Llys Esgob Morgan, Is Terfyn, St Asaph was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment at Mold Crown Court today (November 29).

The court heard how, in 2006, Montgomery was jailed for seven years at Liverpool Crown Court after sexually abusing a 14-year-old boy, and had a SHPO imposed on him indefinitely.

This prevented him from working with children and being in the company of those younger than 16 unless another adult is present.

But he was accused of repeatedly breaching the SHPO in May and June 2022 by allowing children into his home, enticing them with the prospect of giving them cigarettes and vapes. 

 Prosecuting, Nicholas Williams said Montgomery sexually assaulted one boy, 13, by touching his penis over his clothes.

He had given children the code to his gate, enabling them to knock on his door, while a neighbour had described seeing several children stood on the path by his gate.

According to the neighbour, “this type of thing was happening quite often”.

A victim had described going to Montgomery’s home with a friend and other boys from the year above him in school, having been told he could get cigarettes from him.

It was not until fifth or sixth occasion, though, that he set foot in Montgomery’s house.

Montgomery asked if he wanted to come in and watch football with him; the boy began to trust him, saying he “kept giving us stuff” they wanted.

He had told Montgomery he was 13, and had sometimes appeared at his address in his school uniform.

The victim went into his house about six or seven times; after a while, Montgomery began to ask questions of a sexual nature which made him and his friends uncomfortable.

After Montgomery touched him on his penis over his clothing, asking if he could get an erection, the victim never returned.

Another child only went in to Montgomery’s house twice, saying it “felt a bit weird sat in an old man’s house”, and that he “asked him weird questions”.

A third child, 12, went to Montgomery’s house on several occasions, once sitting in his living room for about an hour.

Montgomery told her that his wife had died, and that he was “really lonely”, before giving her a necklace.

Following his arrest, Montgomery said one of the children had been visiting his address almost every day for the last few months.

He did not deny that some conversations of a sexual nature had taken place, but claimed these had been initiated by the boys.

Montgomery admitted giving them cigarettes, sometimes while in school uniform, but denied sexual contact with the boy whose penis he was alleged to have touched.

He also added that he could not remember being given the SHPO, or the conditions attached to it.

Defending, Sarah Yates told the court that there was “no real evidence of harm beyond that which he had pleaded guilty to”.

She added: "This man led rather a lonely, isolated life before making repeatedly foolish decisions."

Since being remanded in custody on June 23, Yates said Montgomery has “worked constructively”, and has obtained a job.

He was also said to have been engaging with a mental health team in a custodial setting, as Montgomery is prescribed medication for depression and suicidal ideation.

Given he has family elsewhere, Yates added that it is Montgomery’s intention to move out of North Wales.

Sentencing, Judge Rhys Rowlands added that Montgomery will remain on the register indefinitely, and is banned from working with children or vulnerable adults in future.

A victim surcharge of £190 was also imposed, to be paid upon Montgomery’s release.

Rowlands said: “The bottom line is he is subject to this order. Suggesting he had forgotten about it is nonsense. There is no way he wouldn’t have known the prohibitions.

“It was almost like Fagin’s Den.

“It (SHPO) followed on from very serious, depraved sexual behaviour on your part, and is meant to safeguard youngsters from any repetition.

“Despite that, you breached the terms of that order in May and June of this year, added to which there is a specific offence of a sexual assault against a 13-year-old boy.

“It’s quite clear to me you were seeking to groom them. (It was) totally inappropriate, concerning behaviour.

“I’ve no doubt at all that your behaviour was calculated and deliberate, and to further your worrying, obsessive behaviour with youngsters.

“I’m firmly of the view that your non-compliance with your SHPO makes plain to me that there is no realistic prospect of rehabilitation at present.” 

Description

A Halifax ice-cream man who sexually abused a teenage girl while he was working at The Piece Hall has been jailed for more than three years.

Arthur Malaj, aged 37, of Range Lane in Halifax, was found guilty in July of causing a child to engage in sexual activity in relation to incidents which happened more than a decade ago.

Recorder Simon Kealey KC said at the time Malaj, who was then in his mid-20s, had been working as an ice cream vendor at The Piece Hall.

The judge said Malaj had provided free ice cream to his victim and had also given back more change than he should have before he started to discuss sexual topics with her.

On at least three occasions, Malaj persuaded the girl to perform a sex act on him in the toilets at the tourist attraction.

Recorder Kealey said Malaj had also touched the complainant’s breasts and bottom and he had kissed her.

Malaj’s offending was not reported to the police until 2018 and when he was interviewed he denied knowing the victim.

Recorder Kealey said it was absolutely clear from her victim impact statement that the abuse had had a very significant effect on her.
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“In my judgement there was an element of grooming,” he told Malaj over a prison video link to HMP Leeds.

Married Malaj was due to be sentenced at Leeds Crown Court in August but, after turning up at court on bail, he then “panicked” and was wanted by police on a warrant for almost a month.

A judge sitting at Bradford Crown Court heard today (Tuesday) that the subsequent delay meant his victim, who had attended the initial hearing, was no longer able to be at court to see him locked up.

Recorder Kealey jailed Malaj for three-and-a-half years for the two sexual offences and added a further four weeks in custody for breaching his bail by leaving the court in August.
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Malaj will now have a to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life and will also be subject to an indefinite restraining order preventing him from having any contact with the victim.

Description

A trans woman who groomed and had sex with a 14-year-old girl, making her pregnant, has been jailed.

The defendant - named by police as "David Orton, also known as Danielle Rose Gemini" - was found guilty of penetrative sexual activity with a child following a trial.

Officers said the victim had been vulnerable and initially refused to believe she was being sexually abused.

However, she later changed her mind and told police what had happened.

The offender, whose name was recorded as Danielle-Rose Gemini by Leicester Crown Court, was jailed for nine-and-a-half years.

Leicestershire Police - who said the 25-year-old identified as a woman at the time of the offences - were not able to give a current gender identity.

The defendant was also charged with raping the girl, but was found not guilty of this following the trial.

Det Con Sarah Le Boutillier, the investigating officer, said: "Throughout our interviews, Orton refused to accept that there was any wrongdoing and [claimed] that they were in fact the victim," she said.

"The claims were unfounded."

The victim was 14 when her parents originally raised suspicions in October 2020.

Police said the offender was a family friend who often stayed over at the victim's house. The girl's parents became suspicious of a sexual relationship, police said, but the girl refuted those concerns.

"Orton used the victim's vulnerability for their own gain and not only groomed the victim, but also her parents who believed Orton was a genuine friend," said Det Con Le Boutillier.

"This was a complex and lengthy investigation; the initial report was made to the police more than two years ago. The victim's parents refused to accept her initial explanations and persevered with their concerns.

"We are pleased the victim found the courage to eventually talk about what she had been through and recognised that she was a victim and that Orton's actions were not that of a friend."

'Not easy to speak out'

The girl provided information to police in June 2021.

The defendant, of Willowbank Road in Hinckley, was interviewed and subsequently charged with four counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a child, and two counts of raping a girl aged 13 to 15.

A jury returned guilty verdicts on two counts of penetrative sexual activity with a child, but not guilty verdicts on the other counts.

Det Con Le Boutillier said: "We hope the verdict and sentence now helps the victim to come to terms with what happened and try and put that time behind her, and also reassures her parents that they did the right thing by coming forward.

"We would like to reassure anyone else who may be in a similar situation to report their concerns, as they will be heard and we will help them through the process.

"We know it's not always easy to speak out; we have specialist officers who can help you every step of the way and also put you in touch with agencies who can advise and support you moving forward."

Description

A well-respected teacher and pillar of his local community has been unmasked as a predatory paedophile whose abuse devastated the lives of two boys.

David Williams, now 83, used his position and standing to groom and sexually abuse the victims hundreds of times over the course of a decade.

Williams, of Widemouth Road in Bude, appeared at Truro Crown Court for sentence having pleaded guilty to a catalogue of charges of indecent assault and gross indecency with a child which took place in the 1980s. Prosecuting the case, Lee Bremridge told the court how such was Williams’ trust and respect in the community, both of the victims would stay over at his house with their parents’ blessing, as Williams had befriended them.

Williams groomed the victims by creating a fun environment where they were able to talk openly, play games, play the piano and stay up later than they would be able to at home. Williams would cook them pancakes and they would go to the beach to collect pebbles.

However, when they went to bed Williams would sexually abuse the two young boys, before waking up in the morning and often going to church while they waited in his bed just a short walk away until they were picked up. One of the victims, or as Judge Simon Carr referred to them as survivors, was just six when Williams first sexually abused him.

The first complainant said that he was at first too young to realise what was happening and that the abuse was, to him, so regular it was "completely normal". The court then heard two incredibly moving victim impact statements. The first complainant spoke of how his life has been a cycle of vulnerability, anger and suicidal thoughts.

He said: “Nowhere is safe and there are triggers everywhere. I’m not even safe when I close my eyes and try to sleep and memories keep coming back and taunting me. The abuse had a huge effect on my relationships with friends and family and my ability to cope with work.”

The man said that he blames the establishment for Williams being a teacher in a position of trust. The abuse left him no longer wanting to go to school and the complainant described how he’d make himself sick or cover his face with talcum powder so he looked ill so he didn’t have to go and face Williams.

He went on to state how he lived a lonely life, with two failed marriages, as he pushed away anyone who tried to get close. He spoke of being physically sick when seeing Williams in a pub. He added: “There is nothing historic about historic sexual abuse.”

The second survivor addressed Williams directly in the dock. Speaking to Williams, he said: “David Williams, or as I used to call you Uncle David by the sea. At first I was too young to know what you were doing or why. I was too young to know you were grooming me. You were already a widely respected teacher at Budehaven School.

“I don’t know how many times you abused me. There were simply too many. It started while I was at primary school and ended 10 years later. The effects have been destructive and long-lasting. Years after the physical abuse finished the emotional abuse continues and lives with me to this day.

“When I stayed with you we’d play the piano and you’d tell me about your travels around the world. As a child it was fun, exciting, different. You knew that and created that environment deliberately. I trusted you completely and you were my friend, or at least that is what I thought. You knew exactly what you were doing.”

The man told the court how Williams told him that he had exposed himself to Williams, a lie to make the victim think he started what was the sexual behaviour.

He added: “After you’d finished you pat my bottom and say well done or thank you. You then went to St Michael’s Church and everyone else would see the other side of you. They didn’t know a child had just been sexually abused in your bed just a minute away. At church you were a friend and at home you were a paedophile.

“Outside this courtroom you are well-known, popular and with friends all over the world. You had the trust and friendship of everyone I knew. My parents didn’t know it but you were manipulating them too.”

The man went on to reveal how Williams continued to send his parents postcards and Christmas cards right up to the start of pandemic. One such postcard outlined how busy Williams was with various trips, saying that his life was never dull.

He said: “Your behaviour was predatory and prolific and you kept it hidden for decades. You convinced and fooled everyone but not anymore. Your past has finally caught up with you.”

Representing Williams, Ramsay Quaife said his best mitigation was his early pleas and his poor health. He went on to note Williams’ previous good character before being interrupted by Judge Carr who said Williams’ life was a fraud from the beginning.

Sentencing Williams, Judge Carr said: “You were a teacher at what was then Bude Grammar School. I have read a significant number of references that paint a picture of one side of your life. That side was that you were a well-respected and loved teacher who attended church and sang in the choir. You were the epitome of a pillar of the community.

“But at the same time you were singing in the choir you were abusing children as young as six. The abuse was possible because of your position in society. You encouraged children to come to your house. They described it as a fun place to go. Games were played, rules were relaxed and children were allowed to stay overnight. You did this entirely to groom them.

“We’ve heard two extremely moving victim impact statements. Both knew your standing and who would be believed if they spoke out. That’s why you were able to get away with the abuse for so long. The abuse was systematic and sustained and went on for over a decade with abuse taking place on at least hundreds of occasions.

“These were both young men – I will call them survivors – who have struggled with what you have done. You are a predatory paedophile who groomed young children over a prolonged period of time for your own sexual gratification.

“You still believe in some way the children were responsible. A graphic example is how you reacted to one of the most moving victim impact statements. You found room to laugh and shake your head and when he spoke of a period of time when he wrongly blamed himself you nodded your head vigorously indicating you felt the child was responsible for the abuse you carried out.

“This had a devastating effect on both victims and I suspect you are wholly indifferent.”

Judge Carr noted Williams’ age and his bad health but said his previous good character means nothing. Williams was jailed for 16 years of which he must serve two thirds. He gestured goodbye to his supporters as he left the dock.

Description

A paedophile who sent his victims Valentine's Day cards and chocolates has been jailed for 10 years.

Peter Horsfield, 82, of Meadow Rise, Barnby Dun, was found guilty at Sheffield Crown Court of seven counts of sexual assault against children under 13 between 2004 and 2021.

His offending came to light when one of his victims confided in her mother.

After sentencing on Friday, Det Sgt Lucy Garside praised the victims' "exceptional courage and strength".

Ms Garside said Horsfield had "sought opportunities" to get the children alone before "taking advantage of their innocence".

"He subjected his victims to awful sexual abuse, which has had a devastating impact on their lives and wellbeing," she added.

In addition to imprisonment, Horsfield was placed on the sex offenders' register for life and will be made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order on his release.