Latest Offenders

Description

A former Torquay hotel handyman has been jailed for a series of sex offences against children dating back four decades.

Maurice Button, 69, disappeared half way through his trial at Exeter Crown Court for offences against two girls who were aged just eight and 12 at the time.

But the paedophile gave himself up over the weekend and was found guilty by a jury.

During his sentencing one of his victims fought back tears when describing the devastating effect his abuse had on her. She said after years of trying to lock away her experiences in the back of her mind she had found the courage to speak out. 

She told Button: "I tried to forget over the years. I boxed you up and put you to the back of my head and threw away the key." She added: "I will go today knowing I fought my demons and won with the support of family, friends and the police."

Button was found guilty of seven offences and was jailed for 13 years by Judge David Evans. He must also serve a further year on extended licence.

The trial was told six of the offences were committed against the older of the two girls.

Button groomed the child over a two-week period, showering her with praise and telling her how special she was. He repeatedly indecently assaulted and had unlawful sexual intercourse with a child under 13.

The abuser gained his victims' trust with his outgoing and 'fun' personality. In reality he was a predatory paedophile.

In her statement to the court the victim said: "Your type think you have done no wrong. You singled me out then you started to fulfil your sick desires, to sexually abuse me and rape me. You ruined my path of life."

She said for many years she was still too traumatised to think about what had happened in her past.

She considered suicide as the final throw of the dice to rid herself of the memories. But since coming forward with the truth everyone in her family was proud of her for the courage she had displayed bringing Button to justice.

"You are the one who has brought shame and disgust," she told him. "Your picture will be in the local paper showing the sick and perverted paedophile you are."

Button's other victim said she had also fought to supress in her mind what had happened to her. Aged just eight, Button had committed an act of gross indecency.

The defendant has a number of previous convictions. In 1995 he was jailed for six months for indecently assaulting a child.

Ms Virginia Cornwall, defending, said since then Button had not offended and had been happily married for 20 years. She said he now suffered with diabetes and prison would be difficult.

Button, of Dandelion Close, Newton Abbot, told police the offences never happened.

On Wednesday of last week he was due to give evidence in his trial but instead left the court at lunchtime, changed his clothes and drove away. Police issued an appeal for the missing man saying he had last been seen getting off a bus in Sidmouth High Street at around 2.45pm.

Despite some delays the trial continued in his absence and he gave himself up over the weekend.

"Perhaps that was always due to happen given you had little to eat and nowhere to go," said Judge Evans.

He added: "You were avoiding overwhelming evidence against you in this trial. It was a deliberate attempt to evade or delay justice." He sentenced Button to six months for absconding. That sentence must be served before the 13 years can begin.

The judge said: "The truth was you are a paedophile and you had a sexual interest in young girls. You used your position as an adult with a reputation for being gregarious and friendly and fun as the means by which to trick the first victim when she was just eight years old."

He said that offence happened when the defendant was 28. He then went on to commit the even more serious offences against the older child.

"You were doubtless reasonably confident that neither girl would feel able to raise the alarm given their ages."

He said the consequences of Button's offending had 'cascaded down the years' and left a deep trauma for the victims.

The court was told the sentences available to the court in 2021 would be more severe than they were under 1980 laws. Judge Evans said he had to take that into consideration when reaching the total sentence.

Button must serve at least half of his 13 years in prison. He will then be considered by the parole board for release. Once the 13-year term is complete he will be subject to a further year on licence.

Description

A dangerous paedophile used Snapchat to groom a young teenage boy before abusing him.

John Smith, previously a junior football coach, was jailed in 2019 for using Snapchat to send pictures of his penis to boys.

But the sick 24-year-old was back in Liverpool Crown Court after using the app again to target a child before grooming and abusing him.

After discovering what had happened to her son, the child's mother said: "I feel like I don't know my own son at all anymore."

A Liverpool judge branded Smith's "unwanted and predatory instincts" as "dangerous" to young boys.

Peter Killen, prosecuting, explained that Smith first began speaking with the boy on a different app before he suggested they move onto Snapchat.

Mr Killen said that once on Snapchat they exchanged numbers and would FaceTime each other.

In the messages Smith said he thought the child was "17 or 18" but when the boy told him he was a young teen he went on to groom him.

Mr Killen said: "The conversations began normally, they exchanged information about one another."

Smith then began to ask the boy to "meet up for a kiss" and they later did meet near to Smith's workplace along with the boy's sister, and when she walked ahead of them Smith said: "Your sister has walked off now should we kiss?"

Mr Killen said the boy didn't reply as he was "embarrassed" but added that they did kiss.

He explained that once they left Smith "snapped him 'thanks for the kiss'".

The pair met up again on another occasion when they kissed again and as he touched the boy's genital area Smith said "kiss me if you want me to stop".

It was only when the victim's sister called him that the sexual abuse was brought to a halt, with the boy telling Smith he had to go home.

Smith had also asked the boy to send pictures of his genitals and sent the boy a video of him performing a sex act on himself.

Mr Killen explained the boy discovered Smith was also contacting his friend, while believing they were in a relationship.

When the boy's family then found out about the abuse the child told Smith they knew - and the paedophile then blocked him on social media.

In a victim personal statement the boy's mother said her son "hadn't been sleeping properly" and said he was in "overall bad health" and "very much not himself".

The mum said: "I feel like I don't know my own son at all any more. This is very upsetting."

She also said she didn't want to stay in the area and feels "her son isn't safe".

Smith was convicted after a trial in March 2019 for sexual communication with three boys, for which he was jailed for 18 months and ordered to adhere to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which he breached by committing the new offences.

Peter White, defending, explained Smith "accepted the Crown's case in its entirety".

He explained Smith "describes a very quiet, stable, happy childhood" with a "good education" and a "good history of employment".

Mr White said: "He has a very supportive family who are completely at a loss to understand, or able to make any sense about his offending behaviour."

He said Smith has "some issues regarding his own sexual orientation" adding it "in no way justifies this type of offending".

Mr White said Smith "genuinely is remorseful" and is "at a loss to explain his offending behaviour".

Smith, formerly of School Way, Speke, admitted four counts of sexual activity with a child, meeting a child following sexual grooming, sexual communication with a child and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

The judge, Recorder Ian Unsworth, QC, said: "You subjected another victim, another young boy, to your unwanted and predatory instincts."

Referring to the victim's interview the judge said: "He has nothing to blame himself for and neither does his mother."

The judge said: "You had [the victim] exactly where you wanted him and all of this for your own sexual gratification with a young boy."

The judge said Smith posed a "significant risk of causing serious harm" adding "it's clear you possess little or no insight into the damage your activity has caused".

Recorder Unsworth said Smith was a "dangerous" offender and jailed him for four years and six months, with an extended three years on licence.

This type of sentence means he will spend at least two thirds of the custodial term behind bars.

Smith will then only be released before the end of his four-year sentence if a parole board considers he is no longer a risk.

Description

A top maths teacher groomed and sexually exploited a vulnerable schoolgirl during a sickening campaign of manipulation.

Richard Chipchase once locked his victim in a storeroom when she refused to hug him and tried to win her over with cigarettes, McDonald's meals and car rides.

It was during one of those lifts that he sexually assaulted her.

Chipchase abused his position to target the girl while he was head of maths at Woodchurch High.

Liverpool Crown Court heard he initially singled the pupil out for preferential treatment, allowing her to get away with not doing homework and offering her access to his treat-filled storeroom.

Cheryl Mottram, prosecuting, said: He let her listen to music in the classroom, caught her smoking but didnt report her and started to buy her cigarettes.

"He would compliment her on her looks, telling her that she was pretty and would hug her at any given opportunity."

After concerns were raised about his behaviour towards the girl he passed her his mobile number while she sat a mock exam - sparking text conversations that would take place every day.

From this point he started to buy alcohol and cigarettes for her and giving her lifts.

He left her terrified when he once refused to let her leave his store room without hugging him, with Miss Mottram telling the court: He was saying to her that he wouldnt let her out until she gave him a hug.

"The space was only small and she recalls feeling really scared. When he eventually did unlock the door another maths teacher was stood outside. The defendant told her that the girl was just calming down.

After this incident she reports that her view of her relationship with Mr Chipchase changed. She began to feel that it was wrong.

On another occasion he placed his hand up her skirt and assaulted her while giving her a lift. He simply laughed at her when she pushed it away.

Miss Mottram added: From then on that he became more tactile with her, hugging her more, stroking her arm and back, kissing the top of her head.

"These acts were always out of the view of the other students and teachers in his classroom or in the store cupboard... Throughout the time at the school the defendant would write her letters, give her books and DVDs.

"He once gave her a book which he had written inside the cover 'I hope you enjoy this, love R' with a kiss. He bought her bits of jewellery and other small trinkets.

In an impact statement the victim told how his behaviour had an impact on her mental health and affected her relationship with her parents.

It also affected her maths grades although she has since been able to catch up.

The court heard she felt no one understood her and that the grooming had an ongoing effect on her.

Chipchase's campaign came to end when concerns were raised about inappropriate behaviour by him towards another schoolgirl.

This sparked an investigation by the Independent Safeguarding Authority and Chipchase was dismissed from the school and his teaching licence revoked.

The police were told but the victim did not tell them about the abuse in his car and they left matters to the school to deal with, Miss Mottram said.

Last year the victim contacted Wirral Council and Chipchase, now 55 and of Welford Avenue in Prenton, was interviewed by police during which he denied behaving inappropriately.

He was today jailed for 27 months after he pleaded guilty to four charges of sexual activity with a child.

Steven Swift, defending, said after his client's behaviour came to light he proffered his resignation but it was not accepted and he was instead dismissed and his teaching licence revoked.

Mr Swift said Chipchase has since rebuilt his life with a new career and has a partner and son and no other convictions.

The initial investigation into his actions led to the loss of his home and bankruptcy, he said, adding: It took him 18 months to really start his life afresh. He is held in high regard and has built his life anew. He has expressed remorse and regret, he said.

Judge Gary Woodhall told Chipchase: You abused and manipulated your position of trust in order to groom and then exploit this vulnerable young girl over a number of years for your own sexual gratification... You targeted her because you identified her as vulnerable.

He ordered Chipchase to sign the Sex Offenders Register for ten years and imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for seven years.

Description

A Keith man who downloaded indecent images and videos of children including a baby used a relative's internet connection on one occasion.

During October 2019, Police Scotland received intelligence that Facebook user Euan Davidson, of Fraser Place, had uploaded a Category A indecent image of a child on October 3, 2018.

A search warrant was obtained for Davidson's home but a preliminary examination of the 40-year old's electronic devices found no evidence of child pornography.

However they were then submitted for further analysis.

Speaking today at Inverness Sheriff Court, fiscal depute Robert Weir said: "During the examination of the mobile telephone 16 category A, B and C indecent images of children were found.

"The children featured were estimated to be between four and 14 years of age."

Mr Weir stated that as well as the still images, seven category A and C videos of boys aged between infancy and 15 years-old were also discovered.

Defence solicitor Matthew O'Neill said a background report would be required before sentencing.

Sheriff Sara Matheson deferred the case until May 17 and immediately placed Davidson's on the Sex Offender's Register.

Description

A "repeat offender" has been jailed for taking pictures up a schoolgirl's skirt on a Surrey train a year after he was in court for a similar offence.

Leon Chan was travelling on a train from Ewell to Ashtead on October 1, 2020, at around 3pm - the same time as a 17-year-old girl in school uniform was on the train.

Chan, 26, sat near her and stared at her before following her when she left her seat and moved to stand at the train door.

He was holding his phone camera and pointing it towards her. CCTV showed the light on his camera appearing to flash.

Chan then stood next to her and placed his bag on the floor. He crouched down and began rummaging through the bag with one hand, and holding his phone camera towards the victim's legs with his other hand.

The girl then moved away and he followed her, crouching down again and holding his phone towards her. She turned around and caught him pointing his camera up her skirt.

Chan left the train at Ashtead before quickly reboarding and continuing his journey. He was later identified by local officers in Sheffield, where he lives, and was arrested.

Appearing at Sheffield Crown Court on March 9, Chan was jailed for 20 months. The court heard that he'd been issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and a suspended prison sentence in 2019 following another upskirting incident in London.

Chan, of Burngreave Road, Sheffield, was convicted of outraging public decency at Southwark Crown Court in November 2019 when he was found to be videoing females at the Topshop branch in Oxford Circus.

The SHPO prevented Mr Chan from possessing any device capable of capturing or storing photographs or moving images unless he satisfied certain conditions. He was also prohibited from filming any female without her express consent.

In relation to the Surrey offence he was found guilty of recording an image under clothing to observe another without consent, and breaching the SHPO. He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for ten years and a new SHPO was issued.

Detective Constable Amina Khoyratee, of British Transport Police, said: "Upskirting is a truly horrendous invasion of privacy and I would like to make it absolutely clear that we will always take these reports seriously.

"Chan is a repeat offender who has shown no remorse throughout our investigation, so it's lucky he'll now have plenty of time on his hands in prison where he can reflect on his predatory behaviour.

"This is relatively new legislation, having only been introduced in 2019, but the bespoke powers make it much easier for us to charge suspects for this invasive and disgusting form of sexual offending.

Description

A RAPIST who lived on the Isle of Wight and who attacked a woman in Blackburn, Lancashire, has been deemed a dangerous offender.

Philip Shaw, of Parsonage Court, Sandown, subjected his victim to a terrifying sexual ordeal in October 2019, Preston Crown Court heard.

The 35 year old struck up a conversation with the woman, a sex worker, and a business deal was agreed for £40. He did not hand over the money.

When Shaw and the woman walked towards a more secluded area, he forced her over a nearby vehicle and attempted to rape her.

As a result of the attack, his victim suffered sleepless nights, stress, anxiety and has been left in fear of going out alone, the court was told.

Prosecutor Alaric Bassano said: “The defendant, who knew perfectly well she was not consenting and who could see and hear her distress, was quite unmoved, insensitive to her wishes and appeared to care only about his gratification.

“He menacingly threatened her, saying he would kick the f*** out of her.

“The woman, who was crying, pleaded with the defendant to stop.”

Shaw was only stopped when a car drove past, causing him to pull away from the victim who then fled and called the police.

Preston Crown Court heard how Shaw had previously been jailed for seven years, for raping a woman in Runcorn, Cheshire, ten years earlier.

CCTV footage recovered during a police investigation showed how the Blackburn attack lasted around two minutes.

Shaw told police that before he came across his victim, he had spent his last £10 on oral sex from another woman.

He went on to claim that he had told the woman he had no money, but that she wanted to have sex with him anyway.

He maintained a not-guilty plea until the trial, eventually pleading guilty on the second day in court.

He was jailed for 12 years and three months, of which 8 years and three months will be spent in custody, with the remainder on licence.

Recorder Geoffrey Payne said: “It is clear that you knew full well she was not consenting.

"This was a terrible ordeal for her.

"She says she feels guilty for putting herself in this position and although that is clearly misplaced, those are very real feelings on her part.

"You were arrested and you did not tell the police the truth."

Deeming him a dangerous offender, Recorder Payne added: “I am required to consider the issue of dangerousness - that is whether there is the risk of significant risk of you committing further specified offences and whether there is a risk of you causing serious harm.

“I am satisfied that you do posses such a risk. In particular you present a high risk of serious harm to sex workers and those women in who you have a sexual interest.”

Description

A VOYEURS string of sick offending came to light when a woman complained to police that hed tried to pay her son to video her while she slept.

That allegation, which was reported to police in Swindon in 2018, never resulted in charges being brought against John Berry.

But the claims led police to the home 36-year-old Berry shared with his mother, where they discovered a camera hidden in the bathroom ceiling and linked to a motion sensor device.

On Friday, Swindon Crown Court heard how over more than a decade self-described voyeurism addict Berry had filmed women and girls without their knowledge.

Starting in the mid-2000s, the images were taken using cameras or phones hidden in his then Witney home and at a friends property while they were away. He used a spy camera in a USB stick to film a woman while she performed a sex act on him and also filmed up an underage girls skirt on a bus.

His victims included a child who believed she was five or six when Berry photographed her, although his recollection was that she was older.

Berry told detectives hed deleted the images and videos from the computer, but admitted hed previously had a sexual interest in underage girls.

He said he was addicted to taking videos of unsuspecting people and acknowledged he needed to be punished, telling the officers: I know what Ive done. Im not going to try and argue my way out of it.

Digital forensics officers were able to find folders of images or videos relating to five women and girls taken up to a decade before.

Also uncovered from his computers were 150 indecent images in category A, 100 in category B and more than 2,700 in category C. The files included 83 videos in the most serious category A which includes depictions of child rape and showed children as young as three.

None of the files were accessible and none had been shared.

In court yesterday, Berry was seen to cover his ears as he heard his victims and the father of one girl tell of the devastating impact of his offending.

One woman said in a victim personal statement recorded by the police and played to the court: I suffer with anxiety. I havent been able to leave the house since [being told shed been secretly filmed].

I have kept my children at home because I feel like I need to keep them close to me because I dont want something to happen to them.

[There] is just so much going on in my head and I just think what if they [hidden camera devices] are in my house. What if my children are being videoed? Its just destroying me.

Sending Berry to prison for three-and-a-half years, Judge Peter Crabtree noted that one of the mans victims said she had felt guilty for speaking out.

She shouldnt, of course, the judge told Berry. The only person who is guilty is you.

He added: Anyone who downloads indecent images of children as you did and as is reflected in charges eight to 13 is fuelling an abhorrent industry which very often has serious life-long physical and psychological impact on the victims concerned.

Berry, now of Totnes Road, Paignton, pleaded guilty at the magistrates court to voyeurism, producing indecent images of children and possession of indecent images of children in categories A to C.

Gareth James, mitigating, urged the judge to spare his client an immediate prison sentence, citing the fact he had made admissions to the police when he was interviewed, his remorse, the efforts he had made to address his attraction to underage girls and the difficult conditions in prison during the pandemic.

Berry, who is self-employed, was said to be the primary carer for his mother, with whom he now lived in Devon. He had taken courses aimed at halting his interest in underage girls

Judge Crabtree said the offences were so serious that only immediate imprisonment would do justice to the case.

The defendant must register as a sex offender and remain subject to a sexual harm prevention order for life.

Description

William Palmer, 23, “manipulated” the child over several months by exchanging explicit photographs on messaging app Snapchat before committing the sexual touching offence.

Palmer, of Wisteria Drive, Verwood, was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison at Bournemouth Crown Court after he admitted charges of engaging in sexual communication with a child and engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a child under the age of 16.

Judge Jonathan Fuller QC told the defendant that he “exploited” the teenager and “pressured” her into sending intimate pictures after he first sent an image of male genitalia.

The judge described Palmer’s actions, which developed over a “significant period of time”, as “typical manipulation” of a child.

He said there was a “significant disparity” in age between the defendant and the victim.

“You were fully aware of her age and you were fully aware that you were at risk of going to prison,” said Judge Fuller.

“Nevertheless, you continued and continued for some time.”

Prosecuting, Emma Smith said Palmer was arrested after the child disclosed what had happened to police.

In interview, he initially denied receiving or sending any pictures, stating someone must have hijacked his account.

Under further questioning, Palmer broke down in tears and admitted there had been an exchange of messages but claimed the girl had asked him to send images.

When asked about sexual activity, he again denied it before making admissions and suggesting it was consensual and instigated by the teenager.

In court, Palmer accepted this was not the case and he in fact instigated the messaging and sexual activity.

As Ms Smith outlined the facts of the case, the defendant spent long periods with his head down in the dock.

Mitigating, Robert Grey said Palmer had no previous convictions and was remorseful for what he had done.

The barrister said the defendant had suffered from depression and anxiety for the past five years, adding that he lacks confidence.

Mr Grey asked the judge to consider a suspended sentence, but after jailing Palmer, Judge Fuller QC said: “Even if the sentence level was such that could be suspended, that would not be appropriate in this case.

“It would not mark the seriousness of the offence.”

Alongside the prison term, Palmer was placed on the sex offenders register.

Description

A voyeur who secretly photographed a woman in a shower and getting changed has been spared jail.

Harry Jeffrey Alfred Holland, 20, of Gwynedd, had pleaded guilty to two charges of voyeurism when he twice recorded a person doing a private act to obtain sexual gratification.

Caernarfon Magistrates today gave him a 24 week jail term, suspended for two years.

He must go on the Sex Offenders Register for seven years and pay 707 in costs and compensation.

However, bench chairman Julie Eddows said no amount of compensation would make up for the victims distress.

Prosecutor Diane Williams said the two offences took place last year.

There was an investigation and images of the woman having a shower and changing were found on a device.

In a statement, the victim said she wasn't sure whether to seek a prosecution but after "reflecting and absorbing'" what had happened she went ahead.

She said she wants Holland to face the "embarrassment and anxiety" that she has faced.

She said her life had been "turned upside down."

She feels "violated" and is now unable to shower without covering herself with a blanket.

She also said that she can't use public conveniences without checking for cameras.

The victim also says she doesn't feel that Holland believes he has "done much wrong."

Liz Jones, defending Holland, said her client insists he has not distributed any images.

The factory worker is of previous good character and feels "disgusted" with his behaviour. He has lost friends and become isolated. The court proceedings have given him a "steep learning curve."

Bench chairman Julie Eddows said the offences have had an "ongoing impact" on the victim, who cannot be named to protect her identity.

Handing down the suspended jail term, she also ordered Holland do rehabilitation activity for 80 days and go on a 45-session sexual offences treatment programme.

He must pay costs and 500 compensation to the victim.

Description

A former Princeton University student and professional rugby player has been jailed for 23 years after violently raping two women in London.

Paulo Kretteis, 22 of Northolt, west London was found guilty of two counts of rape and making a threat to kill following a trial at Isleworth Crown Court in January.

The dual Brazilian national, who previously played rugby professionally for the Ealing Trailfinders, was described as a 'real danger to women, who took 'real pleasure' in the 'fear, pain and humiliation' of his victims.

The former Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering student at the Ivy League University in New Jersey was thrown out of the prestigious school in May 2019 following a proven allegation of 'non-consensual sexual intercourse' following an internal investigation.

He appealed the decision, but was expelled. He never faced criminal charges following the investigation.

During the trial earlier this year, the court heard that Kretteis has been in London when he befriended his first victim outside The Chatsworth Bar in Acton in the early hours of October 13, 2019.

The court heard that he had walked the 25-year-old back to her home in Hammersmith and as they approached a secluded footbridge, he grabbed hold of her throat and threatened to kill her.

He then attacked her, hitting her in the face, before forcing her to perform a sex act.

In what was described as a 'particularly chilling' part of the attack, he told her to smile when she asked if she still had all her teeth left after he hit her.

The victim was able to escape and flag down a taxi driver for help before calling the police, but Kretteis ran from the scene.

He claimed he was not the man seen in CCTV footage because the hairstyle on the man in the clip was different to his own, but Instagram posts matched images of him at the scene wearing a Princeton University sports jersey.

The court heard that the victim now suffers numbness to the left side of her face and has difficulties with one of her eyes.

She also experiences repeated flashbacks, and has constant feelings of anger and uncontrollable crying.

In the early hours of December 15, 2019, Kretteis attacked his second victim at an apartment in Ealing.

The court heard that when the victim, 20, refused to let Kretteis film them having sex, he attacked her, grabbing her neck in what the judge described as 'the most dangerous and traumatic way for any woman.'

He attacked her a second time in a locked room where she was sleeping by forcing a pillow over her face.

She was left with bruising on her face and throat, as well as bite marks. Clumps of her hair were also found at the address.

The victim said she thought he was trying to kill her, and that she had been left 'physically, psychologically and emotionally' harmed by the attack, and took to sleeping with a kitchen knife by her bed.

She also said that she was unable to swallow solid food for days and could only sleep during the day with her mother in the room.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, she said: 'He made me feel like I deserved it and was being dramatic for reporting it to the police.'

Kretteis had tried to manipulate her and, on one occasion, tried to persuade her to retract her statement.

'He said he only did it to me because of how much he loved me which is something that has haunted me ever since,' she said.

'I have lost my ability to trust many people, especially men, and find it difficult to create new connections with new people.'

Kretteis was identified in February last year from the DNA found on the jacket his first victim had left behind in the struggle, which was found dumped in a nearby bin.

The court heard he alleged that his victims attacked him first.

One of his victims sat in court as Kretteis' barrister, Nicola Shannon, said his academic achievements and 'determination' showed 'promise' that he could be rehabilitated.

She told the court has was an A* student who supported his single mother and siblings.

She added that his 'dreams of playing for Brazil were thwarted by an injury, and have now been eclipsed by this offending.'

'He is some who appears before the court as someone with the ability to lead an upstanding life, to show determination, character, and assistance to others,' she said.

'He was exposed to violence in the home, whether that was from his father or step-father, consistently throughout early years years and into his teenage years. He had picked up those attitudes to deal with conflict and had become a habit that, when challenged, violence would be resorted to him.

'It does prove some reassurance that there is a known cause and a degree of understanding and insight on Mr Kretteis' part and that might lead to him begin to mature out of those attitudes going forward.'

Judge Giles Curtis-Raleigh sentenced Kretteis to 10 years in prison for the first rape, and handed a consecutive eight year term for the second, with a five year period on extended licence.

He also handed down concurrent sentences of three years and 11 months for the ABH offences and four years for making threats to kill.

He told Kretteis, 'In both their cases they were in no position whatsoever to resist the violence, both sexual and physical, you inflicted on them by reason of your considerable size and strength.'

'You had been expelled from Princeton University in May of that year after an internal [investigation] had concluded you had non-consensual sex with a woman there.

'It was the clearest possible warning for your behaviour society could give you apart from a criminal conviction.

'You continue, quite absurdly, to blame your victims saying that each had attacked you first. Their injuries were caused exactly how they described in the course of two ferocious attacks on them.

'When eventually arrested, because the police were called after the second incident, you were interviewed and you denied matters. You claimed she self-harmed. You represent a high risk of harm to women.

'It is a measure of your arrogance and lack of respect for women that, instead of being deterred by what happened in America, you went on to commit the serious offences for which I have to sentence you today.'

He will serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before he is considered for release.

Description

A paedophile caught with child rape photos says he's trying to change by learning the guitar and listening to podcasts.

John Hamilton was jailed for two years in 2011 for possessing, downloading and distributing indecent images of children.

The then 27-year-old, from Widnes, was told to sign on the Sex Offenders Register and hit with a 10-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).

That prevented him possessing a photo of any child under 16, unless they were a family member and he had the permission of their parent or guardian.

But when Hamilton rang police to tell them he had a new mobile phone in November 2019, officers discovered 1,205 photos of children on his old device.

And the pervert - now living in Liverpool's historic Gambier Terrance in the Georgian Quarter - confessed to downloading thousands of sickening files.

Liverpool Crown Court heard Hamilton, now 37, contacted officers on November 22, 2019 to say he had a new mobile and provide its IMEI number to the force.

Kenneth Grant, prosecuting, said he was visited by his offender manager and handed over the phone, which was satisfactory, but was then asked to produce his old one.

This Honor 6 device revealed two photos and a video of young girls aged around six, which Hamilton said he had received on WhatsApp, so the phone was seized.

It was found to contain 515 indecent images of children, a further 690 non-indecent images of children under 16, and also had a VPN attached to it.

Mr Grant said a VPN could be used to ensure greater anonymity on the internet and also assists in concealing a user's IP address and location.

The court heard there were 243 Category A files - the most serious category showing child rape - plus 243 Category B and 184 Category C files created between October 2017 and May 2019, which were all said to be photos.

The Category A photos including one of the rape of a girl aged between two and four, and another showing the rape of two boys, aged between two and three.

Judge Thomas Teague, QC, said there was also a "very disturbing" Category B photo of a boy aged between 12 and 18 months.

Mr Grant said Hamilton gave two interviews when he "denied any significant wrongdoing", before he contacted the police and asked to be interviewed again.

In his third interview he said he wanted to "admit everything" before he confessed that "over the years he had viewed thousands" of Category A images.

He admitted downloading thousands of the files between 2016 and 2019 and accepted he knew he was breaching his order, but said he never took the photos himself.

Mr Grant said: "He stated that he looked at images out of boredom. He stated he was attracted to children but he would never hurt a child and he did not want to have sex with a child."

Hamilton admitted breaching his SOPO and one count of possessing and three counts of downloading indecent images of children.

David Woods, defending, said Hamilton didn't seek to minimise his crimes, pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and had shown insight into the harm his offending caused.

He said his client had voluntarily taken a course with child sex abuse prevention charity The Lucy Faithfull Foundation and used the last two years "constructively" because "he takes the view quite rightly in my submission that if he's bored, without guidance, self control or he becomes idle, he's tempted to behave in the way that he has".

Mr Woods added: "First of all he has established a routine he has been playing competitive darts, he's been learning the guitar, he's been doing electronic games, reading, going out running, all sorts of normal, wholesome activities which fills in his day."

The lawyer said "unfortunately" Hamilton had been unable to gain a job since his last conviction and therefore had difficulty filling his time, but he was also listening to podcasts about stress and other issues, and talking to his older brother each day, who wasn't very comfortable with the subject matter or position, and wasn't a qualified counsellor, but was trying to help him.

Mr Woods said: "He's acutely aware he's brought embarrassment and distress to his parents and other wider members of his family."

He added that Hamilton's mum had heart problems and said his client "couldn't help but feel guilty" and wonder whether her health had been affected by his conviction.

The lawyer urged the judge to spare him jail, so he could be rehabilitated in the community.

Judge Teague accepted Hamilton had "come clean" over how many images he downloaded and was "candid" with the police.

However, he said the case was aggravated by the "age and vulnerability of some of the children" in the photos and his previous conviction.

He said: "I have to tell you straight away that in my judgement appropriate punishment in your case can only be achieved by immediate custody.

"I have to say that, having regard to the repugnant nature of the images, about which the court has heard, which are exceptionally depraved even by the standards, the appallingly low standards of this kind of case anyway."

Judge Teague said if Hamilton had possessed videos of the nature the court had heard about "you would be facing an even longer sentence" as he jailed him for 18 months.

The judge also made a new 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and told him to sign on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.

Description

A vile paedophile kept 'depraved' rape videos of crying babies.

The videos in Adam Whitfield's sickening collection were described by a judge as something "which would strike any normal person as disgusting."

Another 16 second video showed a three-month-old baby being raped. Other scenes were too graphic to even be described in this article.

The 26-year-old had 30 videos of children being raped on his phone and computer - which were discovered when his mother called the police.

Sarah Griffin, prosecuting, explained that police went to Whitfield's Newton-Le-Willows' address in relation to a "potential separate offence" which wasn't pursued.

Ms Griffin said police were called by Whitfield's mother and while there "she handed over a number of the defendant's devices including a mobile phone and computer".

After examining the phone and computer officers discovered 32 indecent images, 30 of which were videos of children being raped.

The videos were kept by Whitfield between July 25, 2017 and May 3, 2020.

Some of the videos included a three month old, a six month old and a child between five and seven.

Whitfield has no previous convictions.

Louise McCloskey, defending, said: "It is quite clear, your honour, to any right minded member of the community, hearing the description of those moving images will inevitably cause both a sense of outrage and revulsion.

"It's also clear that any member of the community would inevitably believe an immediate lengthy period of custody should be imposed to mark the seriousness of this case."

Ms McCloskey, urging the judge to suspend a custodial sentence, explained Whitfield is 26, has no previous convictions and is "vulnerable".

She said he is "ashamed of his actions" and explained he "clearly struggled" in his younger life, but no further detail was given in open court.

Ms McCloskey said: "While an immediate custodial sentence might mark the offence it will not address the issues or behaviours which this defendant needs to understand in order to ensure there is not further future offending."

Ms McCloskey explained that while the period of the charges spanned from 2017 to 2020, there wasn't consistent downloading of images over the years but a "flurry of activity" and then a "recent surge" in 2019.

Whitfield, of Alder Street, admitted three counts of making indecent images.

Judge Thomas Teague, QC, summarising the images, said: "Even the category C images would strike any normal person as disgusting."

The judge said the images, even for material of this type, are "exceptionally depraved".

Judge Teague noted Whitfield's pre sentence report makes for "troubling reading" describing Whitfield as "vulnerable" and as having had an "unhappy childhood".

The judge said the offences were aggravated by the fact some of the children in the images "display discernible pain and distress".

Whitfield was jailed for eight months and ordered to adhere to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years.

He must also sign the Sex Offenders' Register for 10 years.

Description

A paedophile network pervert who took illegal photos of a child was caught with thousands of indecent images of youngsters.

Adam Lumley exchanged thousands of photographs and videos with like-minded sex offenders online.

The 29-year-old, convicted of indecent exposure last year, had amassed his vile collection between 2013 and 2020.

Newcastle Crown Court he also distributed some of the material and was part of a network of paedophiles sharing images online.

Now Lumley, of Stanton Street, Arthurs Hill, Newcastle, has been jailed for more than three years.

Judge Julie Clemitson told him: "A large number of victims were caused great harm in the making of those images.

"People like you who trade in indecent images of children perpetuate the misery those children suffer as they are abused to produce those images for other people's sexual gratification."

Lumley pleaded guilty to distributing indecent images and possessing 2,611 of the most serious, category A, images, including 1,628 movies. He also had 1,674 category B and 3,021 category C.

The ages of the children ranged from babies to 15 year olds.

There were many thousands of other images on his devices and cloud platforms that police did not examine to see if they were illegal.

He admitted he planned to upload some pictures he took of a child doing a private act in exchange for more material from other users.

Lumley also admitted voyeurism, possessing extreme pornography involving an adult and a dog and possessing prohibited images of a child.

When he was interviewed by the police, he admitted he had a sexual interest in children.

Andrew Findlay, prosecuting, said: "He had spoken to others (on online cloud platforms) about their interest in children, fantasising about sexual activity with children and images were exchanged.

"There's clearly an active involvement in a network that creates and shares images of children."

Lumley was jailed for three years and two months and made subject to a sexual harm prevention order and sex offenders registration for ten years.

The court heard he has lost his marriage as a result of his offending and he he has become very isolated, with most of his family distancing themselves from him as they are appalled.

Brian Hegarty, defending, said he had been candid about what he had done from the outset.

He added that Lumley has been viewing pornography since he was 13, soon after his dad died, his mum having died when he was 11.

Mr Hegarty said: "He was very isolated and spent most of his time in his room involved in what was thought to be gaming activities but was him looking at pornography.

"Initially he looked at adult pornography but the searches he conducted caused him to look at indecent images. It's a habit which has developed over a number of years.

"He accepts he had a significant number of images and videos of the very worse sort."

Description

A "vile" paedophile who subjected two young girls to a campaign of sexual abuse has been jailed.

Edward Brady, 61, from Heaton, indecently assaulted two young girls for more than 10 years where he forced the young girls to carry out sex acts on him and he sexually touched them.

He also placed a camera in a toilet roll holder in a bathroom to obtain footage of his victims for his own sexual gratification.

But the victims bravely came forward and Northumbria Police's Safeguarding unit launched an investigation.

After he was questioned by police, Brady was charged with two counts of indecency with a child, three counts of indecent assault and one count of voyeurism.

Brady of Coast Road, Heaton, pleaded guilty to all six offences and was sentenced to seven years and eight months at Newcastle Crown Court last Friday.

He was also given an indefinite restraining order and an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which places strict restrictions on him as well as certain requirements he will have to comply with upon his release from prison.

Detective Constable Karin Mcmorrow led the investigation and hopes the sentencing can help the women move on with their lives.

Det Cons Mcmorrow said: "This has been such an awful case. Brady is a vile man and thankfully behind bars where he belongs. He exploited two innocent girls for his own sickening sexual gratification leaving his victims with a lifetime of emotional suffering.

"They have been so brave to speak out and I hope their strength can help encourage other victims who have suffered abuse - no matter when in their lives - to come forward.

"These victims are living a life sentence for what Brady has done to them but I hope the sentencing today can give them some closure."

Anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse - recent or non-recent - are urged to report it to police via the Northumbria Police website or contact 101.

There is also independent support and advice available through Victims First Northumbria.

Description

A paedophile took baby wipes and Mini Eggs with him for a '12-year-old girl' he planned to meet a McDonald's.

Paul Coulthwaite had called the child "sexy" and said he wanted them to meet in secret, planning to lure her away from her home.

But the 55-year-old didn't get to give the girl the mint Aero chocolate and WKD he bought her because instead of a schoolgirl he was greeted by police who arrested him for his sickening offences.

Christopher Hopkins, prosecuting at Liverpool Crown Court, said that between January 7 and January 19 this year Coulthwaite spoke with an officer who was pretending to be a 13-year-old called Paige.

They used Chat Avenue and texted and "literally within minutes" of the first message Coulthwaite said "I'm a bit horny".

Mr Hopkins said: "He went on to tell her she was nice and they carried on chatting. He suggested they meet."

Coulthwaite said he wanted to meet so they could "cuddle and have a cheeky kiss" before suggesting he could shower with the child.

When the 'girl' told him she was going to bed the sickening pervert told her she should perform a sex act on herself.

Mr Hopkins said Coulthwaite would persistently groom what he thought was a 13-year-old and "manipulated the conversation to sexual content at any opportunity and used flattery".

Between January 8 and February 10 in the same year Coulthwaite also spoke with what he thought was a 12-year-old girl called Rebecca.

Mr Hopkins said: "The conversation followed a similar pattern, he told her she was pretty and sexy."

He suggested they met and said: "We could meet away from your house one day when there's no lockdown."

Mr Hopkins explained Coulthwaite told the girl he wanted them to be "online boyfriend and girlfriend" and "told her repeatedly contact between them needed to be secret".

Coulthwaite said they would "kiss and cuddle and feel each other" before listing sex acts he wanted to perform.

When the police officer, pretending to be the girl, said she had "never cuddled and kissed a grown up" Coulthwaite said "hopefully that will change".

On February 12 he travelled from his Newton-Le-Willows home to a McDonald's on Longsands in Preston where he was hoping to meet the girl.

Having asked her "what she would like him to bring" the girl asked for WKD which Coulthwaite brought with him.

Instead of a schoolgirl Coulthwaite was greeted by police officers who found that as well as the alcopop he had brought baby wipes, a kitchen towel, a mint Aero chocolate, Mini Eggs and a necklace in a gift bag with the girl's name on.

Coulthwaite has no previous convictions.

Charlotte Kenny, defending, said: "This defendant is very much a man who is struggling still to come to terms with what he's done."

Ms Kenny emphasized he has no previous convictions and the court heard he has a history of work.

She explained he has not had the benefit of working with the probation service to address the issues behind his offending behaviour.

Ms Kenny said the "trigger appeared to be the end of a long term relationship".

She said: "He began to engage more in social media and found it easier to engage with younger people."

Ms Kenny said: "He very much wishes to engage with any assistance that can be provided within the prison."

Coulthwaite, of Haydock Street, Newton-Le-Willows, admitted two counts of sexual communication with a child, attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity and meeting a child following sexual grooming.

Judge Thomas Teague, QC, said Coulthwaite's sexual intent was confirmed when he turned up and "by the articles you brought".

The judge said: "You arranged to meet her at a branch of McDonald's in Preston near where she lived. You turned up for that meeting and were promptly arrested."

Judge Teague noted he had brought a "gift wrapped necklace", "chocolates", "drink" and "baby wipes" for the meeting and was "doing your best to groom" what he thought were children.

The judge said: "I have no doubt you would have done the same to 'Paige' if you had got as far as meeting her as you plainly would have liked to do."

Judge Teague noted in a pre sentence report Coulthwaite didn't accept full responsibility for his actions and is "still struggling to come to terms with your guilt of these offences".

The judge noted Coulthwaite had previously been arrested in relation to different offences which were not proceeded with and at that point "sought help" but was unsuccessful.

Judge Teague reduced the sentence to reflect Coulthwaite's guilty plea and the current impact of the coronavirus pandemic on prisoners.

Coulthwaite was jailed for three years and was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

He must also adhere to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life which bans him from being in the presence of any child under 16 unless social services are aware.