Latest Offenders

Description

A man from Leeds who forced more than 100 victims into sexual activity and self-harm as part of a Com group, including them carving his online username into their bodies, has been sentenced to two years in prison after a National Crime Agency investigation.

NCA officers started an investigation into Justin Swaddle, 20, from Leeds, in January 2024.

Swaddle was first arrested by West Yorkshire Police in October 2023 for offences including possession, making and distribution of indecent images.

His digital devices were seized and his online presence was investigated. Swaddle was active across social media platforms including Snapchat, Telegram and Discord using usernames including 'Epstein', 'Rugen' and 'Moscow'.

NCA officers took over the investigation and examined the content of his phone and computer, finding hundreds of conversations, all of which involved young females and were of a sexual nature.

Investigators found Swaddle, who was 17 at the time of the offending, was operating in a Com group, a community of people online committing criminality including coercing victims to physically harm or sexually abuse themselves.

Com groups have an international membership and use online channels from messaging apps to gaming platforms to commit their crimes.

Offenders and victims are usually in the same groups, and offenders are usually not motivated by money or sexual gratification but by the status and notoriety that comes with sharing shocking content with other members.

The NCA identified a total of 117 female victims worldwide, aging from 13 to 17, and with eight in the UK that Swaddle had been in communication with.

One victim, 17, said she had met Swaddle in November 2022 through Discord before moving to Snapchat where conversations escalated to be sexual and self-harm was discussed. Swaddle requested nude images of the victim and told her to carve his username into her body.

She said Swaddle had obtained her name, address and school details. The victim stated she did what he wanted because she didn't want to upset him and that his mood changed if she did not comply.

She became aware that he had recorded calls where sexual activity had taken place and shared them with a group, and said that he had threatened to use the details about where she lived and went to school so that she would provide further images and videos.

Telegram messages recovered from Swaddle's device showed he had attempted to incite a child to sexually abuse a younger child and record it for him, threatening to leak indecent images if further content was not received.

Numerous images were found on his device showing victims with self-harm injuries, including Swaddle's aliases being carved into their skin, and indecent images of children in Categories A to C, with A being the most severe.

Officers estimated the children shown in images recovered from his devices ranged from three to 17 and several showed that the acts were directed or encouraged by Swaddle.

Using the NCA's International Liaison Officer network, investigators worked with law enforcement partners in the USA, Canada, Australia, Norway and New Zealand to speak to and safeguard victims.

Swaddle was charged with a number of child sexual abuse offences and blackmail. He pleaded guilty to all offences at Leeds Crown Court on 2 July.

He was sentenced at the same court today (10 August) to two years in prison. He will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years and is required to sign the National Sex Offenders Register.

HHJ Kelson KC described Swaddle as 'a predatory shark preying on children swimming in the dark waters of the internet' remarking it was 'one of the more extreme cases' seen.

Danielle Pownall Operations Manager from the NCA, said:

"Justin Swaddle targeted young and vulnerable victims all over the world to abuse and scare them into carrying out shocking self-harm and sexual activity, purely to gain popularity with his peers online.

"He gained the trust of his victims, before collecting private information about them so he could threaten to share their intimate images or report them to their school or parents to incite further content.

"While the number of people involved in Com groups are relatively small, the impact it has on victims is high and long-lasting, as Swaddle's offending shows.

"We are extremely grateful for the assistance of West Yorkshire Police, our international partners and specialist prosecutors at the CPS in bringing a dangerous offender to justice.

"The NCA is coordinating the response to Com groups in the UK, working with a range of law enforcement, health and safeguarding partners to better understand pathways into offending and identify opportunities for prevention and intervention."

Description

A predator who sexually abused two girls known to him has been jailed.

Oliver Cheesmur targeted both girls, who were both under the age of 13.

The girls, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, have received support from specially-trained officers.

Cheesmur, aged 50, was found guilty after a trial of seven counts of sexual assault by touching and one count of causing or inciting a girl under the age of 13 to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity.

At Brighton Crown Court on 3 August, he was sentenced to six years in prison.

The court was told how Cheesmur, formerly of Kemps, Hurstpierpoint, carried out the abuse over a three-year period against the girls.

One victim described the ongoing impact the abuse had, leaving her coping with daily panic attacks.
Meanwhile the mother of the other girl described how her daughter has become more isolated and described Cheesmur as a “predator”.

Cheesmur is now a registered sex offender, and the court imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years, as well as a restraining order not to contact the victims which also lasts for ten years.

Speaking after the case, Detective Constable Brenda Meyer said:

“I would like to commend both girls for their bravery coming forward to report their experiences to the police.

“We take reports of sexual abuse extremely seriously, and this case demonstrates our determination to both support victims and ensure offenders are brought to justice.

“We continue to encourage all victims of sexual abuse to report their experiences to the police.”

Description

A man from Bradford who admitted to a number of child sex offences has been jailed for six years.

Rehan Ali aged 24 of Falsgrave Avenue admitted two counts of inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity, making an indecent photograph of a child, attempt to incident a girl aged 13 -15 to engage in sexual activity and attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. 

The offences happened between October and November 2024 when Ali used snapchat to befriend two girls who were seven and eight years old. 

Ali then contacted a child he believed to be a girl aged 13, on Facebook and then WhatsApp. He engaged in sexual communications making attempts to incite the child into sexual activity. This was a decoy profile operation by an online child abuse group.

Today (10 August) he was sentenced at Bradford Crown Court to six years in prison, given a sexual harm prevention order and made to sign the sex offenders register. 

PC William Metcalfe of the Bradford’s Online Child Abuse Investigation Team said:

“We welcome the sentenced handed down to Ali today. Ali used social media to target and exploit children. 

“He deliberately contacted underage girls online for his own sexual gratification. 

“As a police force, we remain committed to safeguarding children and would encourage parents and young people to report any concerns about suspicious online content to us.”

Description

A registered sex offender has been jailed for three years after breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Alex Smith, 33, of Queens Drive, Swindon, was originally convicted of rape of a child under 13 in 2006 and has several further convictions between 2006 and 2026 for breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order/ notification requirements and possession of indecent images of children.

Due to these breaches, Smith is subject to a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order and notification requirements.

On July 7, Smith was arrested for breaching the SHPO after being found using a private web browser.

Following the arrest, Smith was remanded and was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on August 7 and jailed for three years.

PC Katie Owers said:

“Smith has continued to breach the orders imposed by the courts over a prolonged period of time so I am pleased that the courts have on this occasion given a custodial sentence, reflecting the serious nature of the offending.”

Description

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been convicted of multiple sexual offences.  

Goodness Sokoh, aged 35, of North Street, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, was found guilty by a unanimous jury of three counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, two counts of sexual assault by penetration, two counts of causing a child to watch a sexual act and one count of inciting a child into a sexual activity, at a hearing at Amersham Law Court, on Tuesday (4/8).

Between 31 October and 17 December of last year, Sokoh communicated with four girls, aged in their teens, via Snapchat, under the username handle 'GWDY_SXNGS'. 

Sokoh met with the victims, in Pitstone, Buckinghamshire, under the pretence of giving them free vapes and cannabis.  

After meeting the girls, Sokoh sexually assaulted and raped them. 

Following an investigation, Sokoh was arrested on 17 December 2025 and subsequently charged two days later (19/12).   

Investigating officer Detective Constable Natalie Palmer of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit said:

"I would like to begin by personally thanking each of the victims in this case for the immense courage they have shown in coming forward and reporting these offences to us.  

"Throughout the investigation, they engaged fully with police enquiries and demonstrated remarkable resilience, strength and determination during what has undoubtedly been an incredibly difficult period in their lives.  

"It takes extraordinary courage to support an investigation of this nature through to its conclusion. Their willingness to do so was instrumental in securing this conviction and ensuring that the defendant was held accountable for his actions.   

"The impact of these offences has been felt far beyond the four teenage girls at the centre of this case. Incidents of this nature inevitably have a profound effect on those closest to the victims.   

"Their families have endured this ordeal alongside them, providing unwavering love, support and reassurance throughout. The strength shown by both the victims and their families throughout this process has been truly commendable.   

“I am pleased that the jury came to their conclusion and that Sokoh has been convicted. His actions were pre-meditated and cruel. He groomed vulnerable young girls and violated their trust.  

"Thames Valley Police remains dedicated to tackling violence against women and girls by identifying and relentlessly pursuing those who commit these crimes.  

“The force is keeping an open mind to further offending by Sokoh and would encourage victims and anyone with information to come forward to us.  

“For victims of sexual assault, we understand that speaking to the police is incredibly difficult, but we urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault, or knows of someone who has, to get in contact.  

“Our dedicated officers, who are specialised in investigating sexual offences, will listen to you, protect your anonymity and support you through every stage of the process.” 

Description

A man has been jailed after grooming and raping a 13-year-old girl in Nottinghamshire.

Abdul Khan, aged 28, arranged to meet the girl about a week after adding her on the social media messaging app Snapchat.

Khan, who posed online as a 14-year-old boy, met the girl for the first time on the evening of 14 May last year, when she was taken into woodland near Clifton and raped.

Khan had believed his victim to be only 14 years old at the time of the offence.

By chance he was arrested the same day by officers from Derbyshire Constabulary investigating other sexual offences for which he was later jailed.

Nottinghamshire officers linked him to the rape by a mobile phone seized during his arrest and interviewed him at HMP Nottingham whilst he was on remand.

During his police interview on 10 July last year, Khan claimed to be a 15-year-old boy with a different name.

Even when confronted by damning DNA evidence linking him to the offence, he claimed not to have met the victim or to have visited the offence location.

He also said he'd never used Snapchat before and also suggested that his mobile phone could belong to somebody else – despite it having multiple images of him saved on it.

During a second interview on 18 February this year, Khan claimed to be another person entirely, and again denied any link to the victim or any of the multiple witnesses who picked him out during an ID procedure.

Detectives were eventually able to prove his identity after finding an image of an Afghan national ID card on his phone.

After a three-day trial at Nottingham Crown Court this week, Khan, of no fixed address, was found guilty of the following offences:

• Two counts of rape
• One count of engaging in sexual activity with a child
• Engaging in sexual communication with a child
• Meeting a girl under 16 following grooming
• Perverting the course of justice.

He was sentenced today (Monday 10 August) and was jailed for nine-and-a-half years. He also faces automatic deportation on completion of his sentence.

Detective Constable Madeleine Johnson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

"Khan is an opportunistic and predatory offender who poses a clear risk to teenage girls and other young women.

"As his previous grooming conviction demonstrates, he was absolutely determined in his ambition to strike up sexual relationships with young girls.

"The victim in this case was particularly vulnerable at the time of this offence and has unsurprisingly suffered a great deal as a result of what Khan did to her.

"It is thanks to her bravery and the compelling evidence she was able to give that this man is now off our streets for good."

Description

A rapist who attacked a teenage girl has been jailed for more than nine years.

Steven Coulson, 32, got into bed with the girl in the early hours of 8 January 2024 in Cambridge.

He began touching her and she asked him to stop but he continued to touch her.

When she tried to get out of the bed Coulson pulled her back and raped her.

Police were informed and Coulson handed himself in at Parkside Police Station on 10 January.

In interview, he denied raping the victim.

However, on Thursday (6 August), at Cambridge Crown Court, Coulson, of Newton Close, Cottenham, South Cambridgeshire, was jailed for nine years and nine months, having been found guilty of rape and assault a female 13 and over by penetration with part of the body.

Coulson was also handed an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and restraining order as well as being placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Detective Sergeant Molly Halksworth, who investigated, said:

“Coulson is a dangerous man who took advantage of the victim so I’m glad he’s been brought to justice.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the victim’s bravery in coming forward and supporting us with a prosecution.”

Description

A paedophile who sent sexual messages to an undercover officer, believing he was communicating with a 12-year-old girl, has been jailed for seven years.

Michael Richardson, 49, started messaging the officer on Kik, a social networking app, on 28 January.

He sent sexual messages requesting “she” touch herself inappropriately as well as asking her to send a photo of herself so he could “make a video.”

Richardson was arrested at his home in Money Bank, Wisbech, on 28 March and officers seized his phone, which was found to contain 48 indecent images of children.

On Monday (3 August), at Cambridge Crown Court, Richardson, was jailed, having pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children, attempting to cause/incite a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity (penetration), attempted sexual communication with a child and attempting to cause a child under 13 to watch/look at an image of sexual activity.

Richardson was also handed an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.

Detective Sergeant Julia Boon said:

“Richardson is clearly a danger to children, so I’m pleased he’s been brought to justice and given a sentence that reflects the severity of his offences.

“We will continue to do everything we can to arrest those who abuse or intend to abuse vulnerable people and put them before the courts.”

Description

A convicted child sex offender has been sent back to prison for further offences committed against the same victims.

Nigel Collier, 68, from Hull, was previously sentenced in 2017 to four years in prison after pleading guilty to three counts of sexual abuse against two girls. 

Following that conviction, police received additional information which prompted another investigation into further offending.

Detectives gathered new evidence relating to offences that had not been included in the original prosecution.

The investigation and subsequent court case resulted in Collier being convicted of six counts of sexual assault by penetration involving the same two victims.

The offences took place in Plymouth.

Following a five day trial at Plymouth Crown Court, Collier was found guilty on 25 June 2026. He returned to the court and was sentenced to 10 years in prison on 31 July.

Investigating officers have praised the victims for their courage in supporting the renewed investigation, saying the case demonstrated the importance of people continuing to come forward with information, even after a conviction has been secured.

Investigating Officer Detective Constable Cheryl Kearton said:

“The bravery shown by the victims throughout this process cannot be overstated.

“Thanks to the further information provided, we were able to build additional evidence and ensure the offender was held accountable for the full extent of his crimes.”

During sentencing, the judge described the offences as extremely serious and said the victims had endured significant and lasting harm as a result of the abuse.

The court was told that the new conviction and sentence reflected the full extent of the offending that had come to light following the original case.

Description

A brave survivor has spoken of the impact the night she was raped has had on her life as her rapist is handed an eight-year jail sentence. 

In a victim impact statement read in court, the survivor said:

"I will never forget the fear that I felt when this man took me to his house. I had no idea who he was. I had no idea where I was. I genuinely questioned if I would leave this place with my life.  

"There were so many thoughts running through my mind when I arrived at his house however, this man tried to reassure me and tell me that I was going to be safe and my boyfriend was coming. This was all a sick lie. 

"I don’t remember much of what happened in the room. I don’t want to remember. I do, however, remember how I felt. I remember not being able to move my body because I was so frozen with fear. I remember thinking “I am going to die”. I was thinking about my Children and how they would be able to live without a Mum. I just wanted it all to be over. 

"The next thing I remember is the police entering the room and I have never felt relief like it. I knew I was going to live. This was not the end of what happened to me. I feel like this was only the beginning."

In the early hours of 22 December 2025, the survivor walked through Piccadilly Gardens on her way to get a taxi home after a night out with a friend, while on the phone to her boyfriend. 

She realised she was being followed by two men and told her boyfriend; one of the men was Mohammed Al Masri. 

Al Masri approached the survivor and began to compliment her and wouldn't leave her alone. As she became upset, he falsely tried to provide her with some sense of compassion and offered to help her get a taxi home. 

The two men got in the taxi with her, and feeling unsafe, the survivor shared her location with her boyfriend who notified the police. 

Al Masri did not take her home; instead, he took her into his home in Abbey Hey, Manchester, where he raped her. Officers quickly arrived at the address and arrested him at the scene. The survivor was supported by specialist officers and an investigation commenced. Al Masri was found guilty following a trial in June 2026. 

On Friday 7 August 2026 at Minshull St Crown Court, Mohammed Al Masri (12/04/2001) of Gordon Street, Abbey Hey, was sentenced to eight years in prison after he was found guilty of rape. He was given a restraining order and handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years. 

The survivor continued:

"After it all happened, I felt like I was a zombie. I could not speak to anybody. I was numb. I was emotionless. I felt nothing. I couldn’t interact with my children and felt like I was unable to be a real mum. 

"I couldn’t leave the house. I was terrified. I did not trust anybody and couldn’t interact with anybody. I feel like I put myself in self-isolation. I was trying to process what happened but all I could think about was what this man has done to me.  

"I could not even rest in my own home due to the constant unsettling feeling of fear and anxiety running through me. It was constant. 

"People ask me if I’m okay and I say yes. In reality, I’m not. I am the one who has to deal with this and try and move on. I will never be able to forget what this man did to me. This man has changed me. When I met up with my friend on 21st December, I was a different person then, to who I am now.” 

"I will never be that person again because of what this man has done," she added.

Detective Constable Oliver Smith said:

"I'd like to thank the brave survivor for her courage and support throughout the process of this investigation. 

"I hope the sentencing of this vile sexual predator offers her a sense of solace while she looks to move on and rebuild her life. 

"I urge anyone who might have experienced rape or sexual assault to please come forward and report it. You will always be listened to and supported."

Description

A killer who sexually assaulted 10 women on London trains between October 2023 and May 2025, attempting to use a jacket tied around his waist to disguise his actions, has been convicted of a series of offences following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.  

Simon Levy, 40, and of Beaufoy Road in Haringey, was found guilty of 11 counts of Sexual Assault following a trial that ran between Monday 26 January and Wednesday 4 February 2026 at Inner London Crown Court. 

He was sentenced at the same court earlier this year on Tuesday 16 June to six years' imprisonment, with an additional three years on licence.  

Levy has today (7 August) been convicted of two counts of Murder and one of Rape in relation to a Metropolitan Police investigation, meaning reporting restrictions on the BTP trial earlier this year have now been lifted.  

During the BTP trial earlier this year, the court heard how Levy sexually assaulted ten different women on London trains between October 2023 and May 2025, alongside a sexual assault against a prison officer he committed while in HMP Brixton in April 2022.  

Time and again, Levy would board London Underground trains and use a jumper tied around his waist to attempt to conceal his hand as he sexually assaulted women.  

The offences he was convicted of included: 

• A sexual assault on a train near Canada Water on 24 October 2023 
• Two counts of sexual assault on a train near Chancery Lane on 21 October 2024 
• A sexual assault on a train near Liverpool Street on 28 October 2024 
• A sexual assault on a train near Seven Sisters on 27 March 2025 
• A sexual assault on a train near Finsbury Park on 7 April 2025 
• A sexual assault on a train near Charing Cross on 8 April 2025 
• A sexual assault on a train near Stoke Newington on 26 April 2025 
• A sexual assault on a train near Seven Sisters on 1 May 2025 
• A sexual assault on a train near Westminster on 29 May 2025 

Detective Constable Chris Jeacock said:

"Levy is a depraved and dangerous sexual predator who repeatedly targeted lone women travelling on the London railway network for his own gratification, exploiting busy trains and going to great lengths to conceal his actions.  

“His abhorrent offending was not opportunistic or isolated – it was persistent, calculating and determined, and I have absolutely no doubt that Levy is a twisted individual who deserves to spend the foreseeable future behind bars.  

"I would like to commend the bravery of the victims in this case, for coming forward and for taking the stand to give evidence against him. Their actions are highly commendable, and played a key role in ensuring we had the evidence to bring Levy before the Court.  

"We believe there may be more women who were targeted or assaulted by Levy who may recognise him and have not yet reported what has happened to them. I would urge anyone who thinks they may have been a victim of Levy to get in touch so that we can offer you the support and justice you deserve. 

"If you think you've been the victim of an attack by Levy, or have otherwise been the victim of a sexual assault on the railway network, I would urge you to get in touch with us by texting us on 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40. We take every report seriously, and will do everything we can to support you." 

Description

A man has been jailed for multiple counts of rape following South Wales Police-led investigations.

Najat Ismail, age 53, of Grangetown, was sentenced to 20 years in jail, with an extension of five years due to the seriousness off his offences, at Cardiff Crown Court on August 4.

His sentenced followed two separate trials, where Ismail was found guilty of:

• Three counts of rape (verdict delivered on April 20, 2026)
• Nine counts of rape (verdict delivered May 7, 2026)

Ismail has also been made the subject of a restraining order towards both victims.

DCI Geraint Higgins said:

“Ismail is a dangerous predator, and I would like to thank the victims in these cases for their immense courage and strength in reporting Ismail’s actions to us and enabling us to get to this verdict today. I hope they find some comfort in the jail sentence given to him.”

Description

The mother of a 13-year-old girl who was attacked while roller-skating home in Basildon has praised the "speed and compassion" shown by Essex Police throughout the investigation.

She said her daughter was "listened to, believed and treated with care" from the moment the incident was reported, and credited the swift police response with helping her daughter's recovery and ensuring the offender was quickly brought to justice.

Her comments come after Mohammed Younas, 31, was jailed for a total of nine years and two months with an extended licence of three years at Basildon Crown Court on Wednesday 5 August.

Younas - a British-born national - admitted a range of serious offences, including kidnap, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, being concerned in the supply of cocaine, possession of criminal property and possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis.

His conviction followed a fast-moving investigation which saw officers identify him through DNA evidence and arrest him within three days of the attack.

The victim had been spending time in Basildon with a friend on 30 April.

After visiting a shopping centre and roller-skating together, the pair headed home.

Having left her friend at her address, the girl continued towards her own home alone.

As she reached Parkside, she was approached by Younas, who began following her.

He asked if she "wanted a push", which she declined.

Younas then grabbed the girl, covered her mouth and forced her along a path towards an area of bushes.

There, he placed her on the ground, warned her not to scream and claimed he had a knife and a gun.

The incident lasted only moments before he discarded the girl's phone and fled.

The victim courageously made her way home and immediately told her mother what had happened.

Officers were alerted and an investigation began.

Arrested on his doorstep

Detectives and specialist officers launched a series of enquiries, including forensic opportunities, house-to-house work and patrol activity as efforts intensified to identify the man responsible.

The investigation continued at pace and, by 3 May, DNA recovered from the victim's shoe had been analysed and matched to Younas, identifying him as the prime suspect.

Officers attended his address in Bearsted Drive, Pitsea, and arrested him on his doorstep.

Searches of his home uncovered evidence of drug dealing, including a burner-style mobile phone, cocaine and cannabis plants.

Around 132g of cannabis, valued at approximately £780, and 66g of cocaine, valued at between £2,800 and £3,400, were recovered.

During interview, Younas initially sought to deny any wrongdoing.

In a prepared statement, he falsely claimed the victim had hit his car and pushed him, denying any assault had taken place.

However, his account was comprehensively undermined by the consistency of the victim's account and the DNA evidence linking him directly to the offence.

Faced with the overwhelming evidence gathered by investigators, Younas ultimately admitted the offences.

Around 132g of cannabis, valued at approximately £780, and 66g of cocaine, valued at between £2,800 and £3,400, were found at Younas' home.

"This will affect me for the rest of my life"

In an impact statement, the victim said:

“I think that this will affect me for the rest of my life. I don’t know how I’m supposed to trust anyone.

“I worry about how this may affect future relationships for me because anyone could do what that man done to me.

“I try to forget every day. I try not to think about it. But no matter how hard I try, it is always in my mind.”

"My daughter was listened to, believed, and treated with care and compassion"

The victim's mother said:

"I am incredibly grateful for the speed and professionalism of the police response to this incident.

“At the time, everything felt overwhelming, but I was reassured by how quickly officers acted and by the significant police presence in the area.

“From the very beginning, my daughter was listened to, believed, and treated with care and compassion.

“The swift actions taken by officers helped her recovery, giving her confidence that what had happened to her was being taken seriously.

"The suspect was identified and arrested quickly, and I am thankful that he will now be brought to justice. Throughout the investigation, the support provided by the police has been amazing, and we are so grateful.

“The judge showed great care and understanding throughout the case, and I really appreciated the way the proceedings were handled.

“I would like to thank PC Lily Dyer.

“She has been amazing throughout this investigation and has shown such kindness and support to my daughter.

“The relationship she built with her gave her the confidence to move forward, and I honestly don't think my daughter would have returned to school when she did without Lily's support.

“I am also pleased that the court has imposed both a restraining order and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

“Knowing that measures are now in place to monitor and restrict this man provides reassurance that steps have been taken to protect others from harm in the future. I truly believe we have prevented someone from going on to harm other children.”

"The courage shown by this young girl cannot be overstated"

PC Dyer, of our Child Abuse Investigation Team, said:

“This was a deeply distressing incident for a young girl and her family, who found themselves dealing with something no-one should ever have to experience.

"From the moment this offence was reported, officers across a number of teams worked relentlessly to identify the person responsible, while ensuring the victim and her family received the support and safeguarding they needed.

"The courage shown by this young girl cannot be overstated.

“Despite the ordeal she had been through, she immediately told her mum what had happened, which allowed us to begin our investigation without delay.

"Cases of this nature are thankfully rare, but when they do occur, we treat them with the utmost seriousness.

“Every available investigative opportunity was pursued, from forensic examinations through to extensive enquiries on the ground, resulting in Younas being identified, arrested and brought before the courts within days.

"Even when faced with overwhelming evidence, Younas initially sought to deny his actions and blame the victim.

“However, the strength of the evidence gathered left him with no option but to admit what he had done.

"I hope today's sentence provides some measure of comfort to the victim and her family. I would also like to thank them for the trust they placed in us throughout the investigation.”

Description

Winsford sex offender jailed for breaching court order

Luke Latham, of Old Spot Way, Winsford, has been jailed after breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) imposed to protect the public.

The 27-year-old was originally sentenced at Chester Crown Court on 6 May for two counts of sexual assault against a 14-year-old girl and one count of affray. The assaults, which took place in Winsford in 2024, involved non-consensual sexual touching. His Honour Judge Steven Everett imposed an 11-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years, with a nine-month alcohol treatment requirement. Latham was also required to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years and made subject to a 10-year SHPO.

The SHPO banned him from possessing any internet-capable device without notifying police within three days of acquiring it. It also prohibited him from living in, entering or remaining in any household where a child under 16 is present, and from having any unsupervised contact or communication with under-16s (except inadvertently or with parental/guardian consent and Social Services approval).

On 3 July, just two months later, Latham was found to have acquired three internet-enabled devices without informing police. He admitted the breach at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on 4 July. The case was committed to Chester Crown Court, where on 3 August His Honour Judge Simon Berkson sentenced him to 12 months’ imprisonment.

PC Howells of Cheshire Police’s sex offender management unit said:

“Latham had strict conditions under his existing SHPO not to own a mobile phone without notifying police. He purposefully obtained an unregistered device which he used to break his bail conditions, and contact someone he was prohibited from contacting. This highlights one of the ways in which Cheshire Police helps to protect communities and vulnerable people, also ensuring those who pose a risk are held accountable if they break the conditions imposed upon them.”

Description

Stephen Robson jailed for historic sexual offences against young girls

Stephen Robson, 57, of Tetbury Street, Minchinhampton, has been jailed for eight-and-a-half years after admitting multiple sexual offences against three girls in Stroud between 2000 and 2010.

The offences, committed when the victims were young girls, included gross indecency, indecent assault and sexual activity (both penetrative and non-penetrative) with underage girls. Robson pleaded guilty to seven counts at Gloucester Crown Court.

He received concurrent sentences totalling 102 months:

• 40 months for gross indecency with a girl under 14
• 44 months for indecent assault on a girl under 14; 20 months for gross indecency with another girl under 14
• 38 months for non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15
• And further concurrent terms of 289 days for additional offences of gross indecency with a girl under 14.

Robson must register indefinitely as a sex offender. On 18 June the court also imposed a 25-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

This prohibits him from living in the same household as anyone under 18 (unless the child is his biological offspring and he has written permission from children’s social services) and bans any contact or communication with a child unless he reasonably believes the individual is 18 or older.

Detective Constable Annabel Brittain, who led the Gloucestershire Police investigation, praised the three victims:

“It takes a great deal of strength and courage to reach out to the police about such sensitive issues, let alone to go to court to share such experiences and their impact to enable justice to be done.

“The three survivors’ fortitude and dignity throughout the process are therefore to be commended and I am pleased the robust sentence has brought them some closure as well as peace of mind that others are now protected.

“This case shows that even if the lapse of time makes a case appear challenging, we listen and we leave no stone unturned in seeking evidence so that justice can be done.”

Police released a custody image of Robson following the sentencing.