Latest Offenders

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A MAN has been jailed for 18 years after being found guilty of historical child sex offences against two girls. Stuart John Aldridge, aged 52 and of Bournemouth, was convicted of rape, two charges of indecent assault and two counts of sexual activity with a child following a trial at Bournemouth Crown Court. The offences were committed over a period of around 10 years, starting in the late 1990s and involved two child victims. One of the victims first disclosed the offences to police in April 2019 and the second victim was interviewed by officers the following month. Aldridge was subsequently arrested and charged. He appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court for sentencing on Wednesday, February 16, where a judge sentenced him to 18 years' imprisonment. Detective Constable Jo Shewbridge, of Dorset Polices Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: These two victims have shown great courage incoming forward to report the despicable abuse they suffered at the hands of Stuart Aldridge. This led to a detailed investigation by the Child Abuse Investigation Team and, with the support of the victims throughout our enquiries and the court process, we have now been able to bring him to justice for his terrible actions. I hope this case demonstrates that we will take reports of this nature extremely seriously and will fully support victims of sexual abuse who come forward.

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Speaking on the I'mPossible Conversation YouTube channel, Strachan, who calls himself a 'forgiveness life coach', said he has spent time learning about "personal development".

Strachan, from Edinburgh, told how he raped a girl while she was sleeping when he was 21.

He was asked by host Sukhee M: "You mentioned about 'forgiving myself for my past'. How can people use forgiveness to improve their lives?"

The DJ and event organiser, whose stage name is 'Craig Saint', replied: "Admit what you've done and just ask the universe. For me it was forgiving myself.

"When I had my spiritual awakening last year, it was so, so scary. I was reminded of something that happened when I was 21. When I was high and totally f**ked up I raped a girl.

"I had sex with her when she was sleeping. It lasted about 10 seconds - she was in my bed and as soon as it happened I instantly knew, 's**t, I should not have done that'.

"When I had my awakening, when I discovered god or the universe, this was 2019. And I kept getting all these horrible feelings because I was getting well-known in Edinburgh. My nights were getting really popular, and I had this like shadow behind me, like 'remember what you did - remember you can't forget this'.

"I got so, so bad. It got to like last summer and like it was eating me inside. It was absolutely tearing me apart. I've got a really upbeat, happy personality and I was trying to mask my real feelings by being happy.

"I was honestly dying, I felt so, so bad. I was contemplating suicide. I just wanted out - it was really, really hard."

After leaving Edinburgh he moved out to Ibiza and started dating another girl, who he said had also been raped.

'I MADE A HORRIFIC MISTAKE'

He said: "I felt so guilty. I kept feeling these feelings of guilt and shame for months afterwards."

Strachan added: "I really hope the girl forgives me one day... I was comparing myself to all these bad people when in actual fact I made a horrific mistake."

The interviewer asked him: "Have you forgiven yourself?"

Strachan, who now lives in Barcelona, said: "I think, right now, I have. I really do. This very second, I've been getting signs from the universe that I need to tell people about it, tell people my story."

The life coach said he lives by the "law of attraction", a belief that positive or negative thoughts bring positive or negative experiences into people's lives.

One concerned person told The Scottish Sun: "Whats concerning is lots of people are aware of this and this man is still being allowed to work in bars and nightclubs and no one seems to care or be bothered."

Strachan told The Scottish Sun: "I don't believe that someone should have to spend a lifetime carrying their mistake if they have done everything in their power to fix the situation. I did admit to this and I also got in contact with the girl and her family to apologise for the situation. And I really hope that they do.

"That's why I created The Forgiveness Movement - to help people who are afraid to speak up about their wrongs and give them help with how to seek forgiveness and forgive themselves.

"I believe we as a society need to have love, compassion and understanding for each other rather than blaming and condemning. We all make mistakes and we should forgive each other for our wrongs rather than shaming."

The description on the YouTube video reads: "Craig is an international DJ, producer and event promoter from Glasgow with a love for bringing joy into the lives of the people he meets - whether on the dance floor or in person. He is extremely ambitious, goal orientated and fun, inspiring others to create the best version of themselves.

"By having such a strong production work ethic, spending 5 focussed years in the studio, (releasing under his Sesentayuno alias) last year he landed gigs in Switzerland, Italy, Ibiza & across Scotland, as well as selling out events in his home club at The Mash House in Edinburgh.

"Local & international crowds alike bond with his ability to create an incredibly fun party vibe, which takes the dance floor on an unforgettable journey. Craig shifted his focus throughout the lockdown to personal development, the law of attraction, coaching & helping others through their spiritual awakening.

"Now focus back on music with a fresh perspective to producing & the industry, he is using his skills to coach others how to make 'Groovy Tech House' music and preparing tracks for upcoming releases."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: We are aware of the video and enquiries are being carried out.

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Paul Shakespeare 66 and of Scaleby Close, Upperby in Carlisle appeared at Gloucester Crown Court to be sentenced for one count of rape and one count of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. A pensioner has been jailed for raping a teenage dog walker more than 30 years ago after a DNA breakthrough. Predatory Paul Shakespeare, 66, was told by a judge he faced a "belated day of reckoning" as he was locked up for nine years for attacking the then 18-year-old woman. The court heard he targeted his victim as she strolled with her pooch on Cheltenham's Honeybourne Line, in April 1990. The teen had been walking along a public footpath when she was approached by the stranger who threatened her with a wooden stick adapted with a protruded nail. She was then dragged her the bushes and subjected to a "terrifying" rape while in a "paralysis" of fear, the court heard. Shakespeare then threatened to kill the victim if she reported him and fled the scene. Full DNA was recovered but despite numerous public appeals, including a Crimewatch reconstruction in 2008, he continued to evade justice for decades. The victim told the court today that her life was never the same after the attack and she even attempted suicide with an overdose to erase the pain she carried forward. She said that "It was the most scared I have ever been. I did not know if I would live or die." But she was finally able to see her attacker face justice after Shakespeare was arrested for a separate incident in August last year and a subsequent DNA sample provided a match. He initially tried to claim the sex was consensual but pleaded guilty to one count of rape and another of possession of an offensive weapon before the case came to trial.

"A belated reckoning"

Jailing him today at Gloucester Crown Court, Judge Michael Cullum said: "Today is a belated reckoning - some 30 years later. "Any young woman would be traumatised for life by what you did. "I am so relieved this day has finally come for the victim. Thirty years she has been denied justice and lived daily with the nightmare that you inflicted on her. "That nightmare of course does not end with the sentence. "She knew that this day would come and her remarkable faith in the system of criminal justice has been borne out. At least she and all women will be safe for you for a considerable period of time." The court heard the defendant had a sharpened stick with a nail driven through it that he used as an adapted weapon and had 'eyed up' several women in the area before choosing a victim to rape.

"You know you are a rapist"

Judge Cullum added: "You were walking around waiting for a victim. "This was planned. When you found your victim, you threatened and frightened her into the paralysis of compliance. "You then twisted the situation and said she had waited for you. "She would surely doubt and question her own actions - over which she would have had no control and no choice at the time. The judge added that the victim was "stripped of her clothing and dignity" and told Shakespeare: "You embarked upon an attack that had nothing to do with consent - but everything to do with your physical power over her." The judge added: "She was raped while walking a dog with people around and in daylight. "Fortunately your physical limitations now mean people are going to be protected from you. "This was not anything like consensual and as a result of your actions your victim tried to end her own life. "That day you went out to rape. You did rape and you know you are a rapist."

"I had to pretend to myself it did not happen"

In a statement, the victim said she relived the trauma daily and would never be able to "forgive or forget." She added: "I felt embarrassed, violated and dirty and did not want to share this with anyone. "To cope I had to pretend to myself it did not happen and I did not share my dark secret. "Each day I lived in fear and was fearful of my personal safety. I lost all confidence and had some very dark moments. I suffered nightmares and panic attacks for at least a year after the incident. "Every night when I went to sleep I relived that night." The victim said she also tried to take her own life with an overdose and hit "rock bottom". She said she spent her life putting up barriers and felt like she was "broken and damaged goods". "It does not get easier," she added. "Still after time had passed I felt dirty and unworthy and thought about what happened every day. She said she relived her "intrusive" trauma by taking part in Crimewatch in 2008 but the appeal yielded no results. But last year she received a knock on the door telling her her rapist had finally been identified. She added: "I honestly don't know how I felt. Being raped will haunt me for the rest of my life. It was the most scared I have ever been. I did not know if I would live or die. I was petrified wondering if this man is going to kill me. "I can not ever forgive and certainly can never forget. If I could take something to erase my memory I would. I know what happened made me a different person and stopped me being the person I want to be. "Finally admitting what he has done does not take away the devastating impact for years of evading arrest. He never came forward and left me broken and unable to cope for many years. "I hope he hears this statement and understands what his actions did for me. I only hope he is remorseful, to not just me but to his family."

"A deeply horrifying incident"

Shakespeare, of Carlisle, appeared via video link today and told he would serve at least two thirds of his sentence but would remain on the sex offenders register for life. His defence team said he had "started to show remorse" for what he did and deserved credit for pleading guilty and avoiding the need for a trial. Officer in the case, Detective Constable Simone Bowley said: "I would like to commend the victim as her bravery and courage has been phenomenal right from the day this horrific crime took place, through to present day. "She has had to wait for more than 30 years for Shakespeare to admit his abhorrent crimes. The case has been reopened and reviewed over this time, and she has continued to work with us in the hope that one day he will be caught and brought to justice. "This was a deeply horrifying incident which happened to a teenage girl who was walking her dog on a late Sunday afternoon. The impact of this crime was felt within the wider community too, as people were fearful of what took place day. "We all had hope that we would be able to identify the man responsible for this, and I am glad that day has finally come."

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A 'depraved' Emersons Green man drugged a woman so he and others could rape her.

Daniel Bishop obtained the GHB 'date rape' drug from a Dutch website, Bristol Crown Court was told.

After slipping it into her drink he forced himself on her while she was unconscious and broadcast the abuse via the internet.

And he also arranged for other men to similarly abuse her, the court heard.

Bishop, 43, pleaded guilty to three rapes, three attempted rapes, a sexual assault and administering a noxious substance.

Judge James Patrick, who categorised him as a dangerous offender, jailed him for 14 years and eight months with extended licence of eight years.

He told Bishop: "You fall to be sentenced for a set of depraved offences.

"What you did is, in my judgement, degrading and humiliating."

The judge ordered Bishop to register as a sex offender for life and barred him from working with children and vulnerable adults.

Giles Nelson, prosecuting, said Bishop drugged the complainant before arranging for a man to rape her.

Though he invited other men to do the same they declined, the court heard.

When he raped the unconscious woman twice himself he put the assault online, the court heard.

Mr Nelson said: "The defendant was frank about his feelings as a sexual predator.

"He stated he preyed on prostitutes and said he had a sex addiction for which he had sought help."

Charley Pattison, defending, said her client had been blighted by mental health issues and addiction to alcohol.

She said: "He is devastated by what he has done.

"He has now, for the first time, come to terms with childhood experiences of trauma and how it may well have made him the person he is today.

"He is beyond sorry for what he has done."

Detective Constable Cheryl Aucott, the investigating police officer in the case, said: Daniel Bishop has been convicted of a series of appalling offences following a sensitive and complex investigation.

The victim in this case has shown incredible bravery in supporting these court proceedings.

"We hope this conviction encourages other victims of sexual offences to have the confidence to report incidents to us, so offenders can be brought to justice.

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Some of the pictures found on Andre Kertesz's electronic devices were described in court as 'pretty much as bad as it gets' A paedophile is facing jail after being found with a staggering 190,000 vile images and videos of children. Some of the sickening pictures in Andre Kertesz's depraved collection were described in court as "pretty much as bad as it gets" and involved very young kids and penetrative sexual activity. Magistrates in Newcastle heard that the 56-year-old amassed his disgusting stash over a seven year period until his electronic devices were seized in 2018. Now, the pervert, living at Otterburn Villas South, in Jesmond, at the time but now at Dene Crescent, in Wallsend, is facing time behind bars after he pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of a child and one of possessing a prohibited image of a child. Prosecutor, Jonathan Stirland, said due to the "sheer volume" of photos of videos, the case should be finalised at the crown court. Mr Stirland added: "Aggravating factors include the time period over which the images were collected and possessed, which is seven years. "The sheer volume in relation to 1,368 category A images, the most serious and, quite frankly, these images are repulsive - it's pretty much as bad as it gets. The images are pretty horrific. "Then, we have the huge number of category C images. "Certainly, the Crown's view is these matters are way outside your sentencing powers." The court heard that, in total, Kertesz had 191,303 child sex abuse photos and videos, including 1,368 category A, 1,301 category B and 188,634 category C, and collected them between May 2011 and May 2018. Peter Doherty, defending, conceded that the case should be sent to Newcastle Crown Court for sentence. Magistrates agreed and Kertesz was released on unconditional bail to appear there on February 9. In the meantime, he must sign the Sex Offenders' Register.

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A Portsmouth man has been sentenced to 28 years in prison for a number of non-recent child sex offences spanning several decades.

Anthony Plummer, 71, of Clydebank Road, Portsmouth, appeared before Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday (14 January) following a trial at the same court in November.

On Friday 3 December 2021 a jury found Plummer guilty of:

- Two counts of rape

- Two counts of attempted rape

- Two counts of causing/inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity

- Three counts of assault by penetration

- Two counts of sexual assault

- Two counts of indecent assault.

During the trial, the court heard how Plummer abused four girls aged between 9 and 16 across several years, with his first offence taking place in 1978 and the final reported offence taking place in 2009.

In 2019 one of Plummer's victims contacted police, prompting three further victims to do the same and a thorough investigation followed which lead to Plummer being arrested and charged.

Plummer pleaded not guilty to all offences, but was found guilty by a jury and has now been sentenced to 28 years in prison with a two year license extension following this.

Sentencing, Judge David Melville QC said that no-body could fail to be moved by the impact statements of the victims, which were bravely read out in court.

He added that Plummer was a dangerous person and a predator.

DC Graham Skull, who led the investigation, said: "The victims in this case have been remarkably brave in coming forward to report these crimes and giving evidence in court about such a traumatic period of their young lives.

"They have had to live with the memory and effects of Plummer's abuse for decades and the impact of that on their lives is almost inconceivable for those of us who have never experienced such abuse. I would like to commend them on their remarkable bravery and courage today, without which we would not have secured this result. We are pleased that the victims have now finally found justice having suffered the effects of this terrible abuse for decades.

"I hope that this sentence today shows that we will treat all reports of this nature with the utmost seriousness and investigate thoroughly, no matter when they occurred. I would like to appeal to anyone who has been affected by abuse of this type to come forward and talk to us, and be reassured that you don't have to suffer in silence."

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A former Maidstone teacher found guilty of sexually abusing a child has been jailed for six years.

Carly Dear, of Braemore Close, Thatcham, met the victim and carried out the abuse during her time working as a PE teacher at Maidstone Grammar School for Girls more than 15 years ago.

When the victim was in her teens, Dear started to have private conversations with her in the changing rooms, offering her sweets and giving her lifts home.

Eventually Dear’s behaviour escalated and became sexual, touching the girl before taking her to Dear’s then-address in Whitstable, or a hotel, where she would abuse the victim.

Dear continued to regularly contact and abuse the victim grooming her and insisting the activity was normal.

Dear was arrested by Kent Police after the victim reported the abuse in 2018, leading to an investigation into the non-recent offences, and resulting in the 46-year-old being charged.

Following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court in October 2021, Dear was found guilty of inciting sexual activity by a person in a position of trust, four counts relating to indecent assault, and one count of sexual activity with a child by a person in a position of trust.

The jury found her not guilty of one count of sexual assault.

She was sentenced last Friday (January 13) to six years in prison.

She will also be put on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Hannah Crittenden said: "Carly Dear took advantage of a child for her own selfish desire and the victim’s memories of growing up will be affected by what Dear has done.

"I hope the victim recognises that she was extremely brave in speaking up but did the right thing by doing so.

"I hope that she will now focus on the future, unafraid and knowing that she was believed and Dear is facing the consequences of her own illegal actions."

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A teenager pestered underage girls to send him naked pictures. Joe Law, now 22, sent vile messages to eight Facebook profiles purporting to belong to young girls in 2018 and 2019. But at least five of the girls were actually members of so-called paedophile hunter groups, posing as girls aged 12 to 14 in an effort to catch would-be abusers. Oxford Crown Court heard that Law sent repeated requests for the girls to send him pictures of their bodies despite being told they were as young as 12. When one of the youngsters told him she was at school, he wrote back: Well, go to the toilet, then. You wont get into trouble by doing that. Or do it after school when youre in your bedroom. Another girl, who was asked for sexy pics of herself, was instructed not to tell anybody about their conversations and ordered to delete their Facebook Messenger conversations. On April 5, 2019, members of group Catching Online Predators or COP staged a sting, going to Laws home in Banbury. He wasnt in, with his mum calling police to report there were people outside her property taking pictures and asking to speak to her son. Law was later reported missing. Two days later he called West Mercia Police to say that hed seen the appeal and reassuring them that he was safe. He met officers in Hereford and was arrested in connection with the illegal chats. The conversations with at least one decoy Facebook profile continued after his arrest. Asked by the girl why he got into trouble, he told her that there were individuals trying to make me go to prison and that hed been warned not to talk about it. Despite the warning shot across his bows, he asked the girl during a game of truth or dare in their Facebook Messenger conversation to send him a picture of her body and boasted of being 6ft 7ins tall. Messages found on his phone after his arrest pointed to him speaking to another four girls aged between 11 and 14 in addition to the four girls linked to differed vigilante group. He was interviewed by the police and claimed not to remember the Facebook interactions, telling detectives hed been in a bad way at the time. Its all on my phone so I cant deny anything, he said. Law, of Artizan Road, Northampton, pleaded guilty at the magistrates court to attempting to cause a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and attempted sexual communication with a child. He was given a three year community order, a sexual harm prevention order until further notice and must sign on as a sex offender for five years.

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A prolific predator from Moray has been jailed for eight years today for a catalogue of sex crimes against 10 victims.

A judge told Matthew Watson that his behaviour was "utterly despicable".

Lord Richardson stated the 36-year had used his victims for sexual gratification, adding his actions have had a profound and long-lasting effect on some of them.

Speaking at the High Court in Edinburgh, Lord Richardson added: "As you will surely recognise a lengthy period in custody is the only appropriate sentence I can pass on you to reflect your appalling conduct.

"You subjected each of these women to deeply distressing experiences."

Lord Richardson also ordered Watson should be kept under supervision for a further five years following his eventual release from prison.

The court heard that Watson of Mannochmore, Thomshill, had been assessed as posing a high risk of being convicted again for sexual offences in the future.

Lord Richardson said a background report prepared on the rapist revealed that he continued to deny responsibility for his most serious crimes.

Watson was earlier found guilty of five offences by a jury.

These included three charges of rape and one of assault with intent to rape.

He also admitted a further 13 offences, including indecent conduct and having sex with a minor.

The offences occurred across Moray and in Inverness between 2005, when Watson was 19, and 2018.

One victim told police that Watson had sent her a friend's request through Facebook after her 14th birthday.

His messages to the schoolgirl quickly became flirtatious, then increasingly sexual.

He asked for naked pictures.

As a result of his persistence she sent him a topless photograph.

Watson responded with pictures of his naked torso and penis.

He went on to pick up the child in his car and drive her to a wooded area for sex on two occasions.

Another 14-year-old was raped inside a car at a location in Inverness.

Watson will be placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely.

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A WEYMOUTH sex offender living rough on the streets of Bournemouth failed to let police know of his changed circumstances and assaulted a community safety officer, a court heard.

John Mark Poole - who also goes by the name Leon Park - admitted to failing without reasonable excuse to notify police that he was no longer residing at his registered address in Park Street, Weymouth, which he was required to do within three days under the Sexual Offences Act.

Appearing at Poole Magistrates Court via live video link on Tuesday January 11, Poole also admitted assaulting a victim on November 8 2021 who was acting in his duty under a community safety accreditation scheme, and a further offence of criminal damage while subject to a conditional discharge order.

The case was adjourned until February 17 in order for a medical or psychiatric report to be prepared.

Poole was granted conditional bail until the next court date, during which time he must report to Weymouth Police Station and live and sleep in Weymouth to ensure appearance at his next court date, and to prevent reoffending. He must also engage with REACH drug and alcohol service and engage with psychiatrists in the preparation of a report.

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A man from Glastonbury has been jailed for 12 years after he admitted posing as a teenage girl to manipulate schoolboys into sending him naked photos and videos of them abusing other children.

The National Crime Agency began investigating Oliver Derbidge, 25, in January 2021, after the Australian Federal Police shared details of a UK-based online account with links to an Australian offender, who had been sharing indecent images of children (IIOC).

NCA investigators identified Derbidge as the person behind the account and found that he had expressed a sexual interest in young boys across a number of child abuse forums.

He was arrested soon after and his electronic devices were seized. These were found to contain indecent images of multiple teenage boys, as well as records of online conversations in which Derbidge blackmailed a boy into sexually abusing another child.

The evidence gathered showed that his offending spanned a five-year period from 2016 until his arrest this year.

Derbidge admitted to posing as a teenage girl during that time, using the alias Emily Beecham to target schoolboys on Snapchat. He would send them friend requests and ask them to send naked photos of themselves, sometimes sending back naked images of a female he had found online.

In total 23 boys, aged between 11 and 16, were identified by NCA officers as victims of Derbidge. Each of them confirmed they had sent photos to Emily Beecham, as they believed they were speaking with another teenager.

Some explained that Derbidge had threatened to share their naked photos with friends and family if they did not send him additional images or footage of them abusing another child.

Derbidge pleaded guilty to causing or inciting a 15 year old child to engage in penetrative sexual activity, five counts of causing or inciting a child aged 13-15 to engage in sexual activity (non-penetrative) and three counts of making IIOC (categories A-C).

Today (14 January) at Taunton Crown Court he was sentenced to 12 years in prison. He was also placed on the sex offenders' register for life and a given a lifetime sexual harm prevention order.

NCA Senior Investigating Officer, Phil Eccles, said:

"Derbidge went to great lengths to satisfy his sexual attraction to young boys.

"Like many online offenders, he attempted to mask his real identity with a convincing persona to exploit teenagers into sending him sexual content.

"When they did not meet his demands, he even blackmailed some of them into abusing other children.

"His abuse has had a profound impact on these vulnerable young victims who have been extremely brave throughout the course of our investigation.

"Sadly, this can happen to anyone. I'd encourage parents to speak with their children about who they communicate with online and what they share.

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A man has been jailed for 15 years for sexually abusing a child over a four year period in Gosport.

Shaun Healy, aged 73, abused the girl between 2016 and 2020, with the assaults beginning when the child was under the age of 13.

Police were contacted about the abuse in March 2020, and following an investigation Healy was charged with the following offences:

4 counts of assault by penetration of a girl under 13

Rape of a girl under 13

He denied the charges, but was found guilty of all the offences following a trial which began on 6 December 2021 at Portsmouth Crown Court.

Appearing at the same court for sentencing today (Friday 14 January), Healy, formerly of Maynard Close in Gosport, was handed a 10 year prison sentence with a five year extended licence period.

Following the sentencing, DC Marie Todd said: "This was a shocking and prolonged period of sexual abuse perpetrated against a child.

"The bravery shown by the girl in this case has been outstanding, and I want to commend her for having the courage to talk to police about what happened and for helping us bring Healy to justice.

"No child should ever have to suffer abuse, and I want to encourage anyone who's been affected by this type of offending to speak out about it. You can talk to the police, someone you trust, or speak with any of the excellent support services available if you don't feel comfortable contacting the police."

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A man has today been jailed for 28 years after being convicted of indecent assault and rape.

Marcus Benson, 53, from Raglan Close, Aldershot, was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court following a three-and-a-half week trial in November.

The offences took place against three girls between 1993 and 2004.

Benson had denied four counts of indecent assault against two girls and three counts of rape against two girls.

Two of the indecent assault charges and one of the rape charges were multiple count offences.

Benson was convicted on all seven counts.

Today (Friday 14 January), he was given a 28-year custodial sentence.

Detective Constable Michelle Carrig, from Operation Amberstone North, said: "I cannot underestimate the trauma that all three victims have suffered because of what Benson did to them.

"I hope today's sentence has provided the victims with some element of closure, knowing that Benson has been jailed for a very long time for the harrowing crimes he committed against them.

"I would like to praise the victims for showing courage by coming forward to report these offences to the police.

"I would like to encourage any other victims, or anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse, or if they know someone who has been impacted by sexual abuse, to contact police on 101.

"We take offences of this nature extremely seriously and victims can speak with our specialist officers with confidence."

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A SEX offender, who twice denied to police that he owned a mobile phone, had been accessing internet sites online, using aliases, in breach of a court order.

Steven Watson was made subject of prohibitions relating to his use of the internet as part of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), imposed for offences committed in 2011.

The order was replaced by the newly introduced Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), superseding SOPOs, in March 2015.

But Watson was back in court after being found to have breached the order and his notification requirements as a sex offender.

It followed an unannounced visit by police to Watson's home in August 2020, when he claimed to have lost his mobile phone, after being asked to produce it for examination.

Durham Crown Court was told that more than seven weeks later he again told police he did not have a mobile phone, but claimed he planned to acquire one shortly afterwards.

Police phoned him by landline in October 2020, to inform him his annual registration as a sex offender was imminent.

But days later an anonymous caller told police Watson had met a woman in Upon his subsequent arrest he showed police a mobile phone which he claimed to have been in possession of, for only a matter of days,

That phone was examined and evidence of him making searches for pornography emerged.

Watson admitted he had been looking at teenage pornography, but claimed it was available on legally-permitted sites.

Prosecuting counsel Katie Spence said it transpired that Watson had used various aliases, in breach of the SHPO, in making online searches.

Watson finally confessed that he had owned a phone for much longer than he had previously told police.

He claimed that in accessing dating sites he sometimes forgot password information and so created new details.

The 39-year-old defendant, who has been living at a charity-run men's hostel in Plawsworth, near Chester-le-Street, admitted doing acts in breach of the SHPO and failing to comply with the notification requirements as a sex offender.

Judge Ray Singh, who described them as, "persistent breaches", imposed concurrent prison sentences of 32 months.

Watson will remain subject of the orders on release.