Latest Offenders

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A man who groomed a nine-year-old girl and encouraged her to engage in sexual activity was jailed for 54 months when he appeared at Guildford Crown Court last week.

Daniel Willacy, 29 (DOB: 08/06/1997), from Woking was also issued with a 10-year restraining order against the victim after pleading guilty to charges of causing/inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity, engaging in sexual communication with a child and attempting to meet a girl under 16 years of age following grooming.

Willacy’s offending was reported in February 2024 after the victim’s mother and sister found Snapchat and Instagram messages on her phone from Willacy encouraging her to take videos of herself while engaging in sexual activity.

Following further enquiries, officers established that the offending Instagram account was shown to have been used at Willacy’s home address on a number of occasions and he was arrested.

Further forensic investigation work on the victim’s phone located the chat log with Willacy’s account, as well as the video that she was groomed into making and sending to him.

It later transpired that Willacy had used an alias when he first contacted the victim. However, his messages quickly became sexual in nature, with him sending 36 messages within 26 minutes at one point.

Messages were also found including repeated requests for indecent photos and videos of the victim.

Detective Constable Jo Holland, who investigated the case, said:

“Willacy used an alias to trick the victim into engaging with him, but it didn’t take him long to reveal the real reason he had reached out to her.

“His demands for photos and videos of the victim were wholly inappropriate and unacceptable, and thankfully his abhorrent behaviour was stopped in its tracks before they were able to meet up.”

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A rapist from Sandwich who repeatedly abused his victim has been jailed for 18 years.

Shane Higgins, from Foxborough Close, pleaded guilty to numerous offences including rape and sexual assault before Canterbury Crown Court.

Investigation

Kent Police was alerted to the offending in May 2026, when the victim disclosed to a trusted person that they had been abused by Higgins on multiple occasions.

An investigation was immediately launched involving specialist detectives from the force and Higgins, 37, was arrested the same day.

Jailed

Enquiries were swiftly completed and, on 1 June, the offender was charged. He later admitted his guilt and was sentenced at the same court on Friday 18 September.

In additional to the custodial period, Higgins will have to spend 6 years on licence when he becomes eligible for parole.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Karla Walker, said:

‘The victim in this case showed immense courage in speaking out about the appalling abuse they suffered. Our priority was to engage with them sensitively and compassionately, while ensuring we secured the best possible evidence.

‘That evidence allowed our detectives to act swiftly to build a compelling case against Higgins, resulting in his prompt arrest, charges and, ultimately, his guilty pleas, meaning there was no trial. Higgins has now rightly received a lengthy prison sentence.‘I hope the conclusion of this case can provide the victim with some measure of justice and allows them to move forward with the continued support they deserve.’

Description

A man has been jailed for 16 years after encouraging a child to send him indecent images of herself and her cousin.

It was reported Lloyd Sweeting, 34 years, from Speke contacted a 10-year-old child online and encouraged her to take indecent photographs of herself and her cousin, also a child.

The owner of the account was identified as Sweeting and he was arrested on 18 April 2024 and devices seized for examination.

Following extensive enquires and the examination of his devices and interactions with the victim, he was charged and ultimately convicted of the following offences:

• Four counts of causing or inciting a female under 13 to engage in sexual activity
• One count of possession of extreme pornographic images
• Two counts of possession of indecent photographs

Sweeting appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday 22 September where he was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Detective Superintendent Siobhan Russell said:

“The victim in this case, who lives in the UK, sent images to Sweeting out of fear of the repercussions if she didn’t.

“She has been left traumatised by Sweeting’s appalling actions and the psychological impact of what he subjected her to will be long-lasting.

“Sweeting poses a clear danger to children, amongst the most vulnerable in our society, and it is right that he will now spend a significant period of time in prison.

“I hope he spends that time considering the full impact of his actions and the ordeal he has put his victims through.”

Det Supt Russell added:

"While we would always encourage parents and guardians to be aware of their children's online activity, young people should be able to use technology without being targeted and exploited by adults seeking to abuse them for their own sexual gratification.

“We remain committed to identifying and prosecuting those who seek to exploit children online and will continue to work tirelessly to safeguard vulnerable young people.”

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A man has been jailed for more than a decade for the rape and coercive control of a woman in Stafford.

Kamljit Sahota, aged 48, of Cannock, was handed a 10-year-and-two-month jail term at Stafford Crown Court on Friday (11 September) after admitting two counts of rape, engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour, as well as making threats to destroy or damage property.

The offences took place from July to October last year.

Sahota had initially denied the offences, but after being presented with evidence from the survivor, changed his plea in court.

Along with his prison sentence, Sahota was also ordered to check in with police indefinitely upon his release and made subject to an ongoing restraining order.

He was also ordered to pay a surcharge of £228.

Speaking following sentencing, Detective Constable Andrea Chidgey, of our rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO) team, said:

“Sahota deliberately and callously intimidated and overpowered every aspect of the survivor’s life.

“He deliberately inflicted a great deal of harm with no thought for his actions, believing that he was immune from the consequences.

“I’d like to commend the survivor in this case who showed exceptional courage in coming forward and trusting us with her disclosures on what she went through.

“I hope she is able to continue her journey to recovery and hope this case shows how we are determined to support survivors of abuse and bring perpetrators to justice.”

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A West Yorkshire Police staff member has been sentenced after trying to arrange sexual activity with a child.

Christopher Thompson, 33, who was working in Regional Scientific Support Services at the time of his arrest, was found guilty following a trial at Kingston-upon-Hull Crown Court in July of two counts of making indecent photographs of a child, one count of sending communication conveying a threatening message and one count of intentionally encouraging or assisting the commission of an either way offence. The either way offence was trying to arrange sexual activity with a child under 13.

He appeared at Great Grimsby Crown Court yesterday where he was given an extended custodial sentence of six years. He has also been also added to the Sex Offenders Register for life and made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and indefinite restraining orders in relation to the two victims.

The investigation by West Yorkshire Police's Professional Standards Directorate looked into messages sent by Thompson to two women in January 2024. The day after the first report, Thompson was identified, arrested and suspended from duty.

On his arrest, a number of devices were also seized from Thompson and indecent images of children were found on them.

Detective Chief Superintendent Tanya Wilkins, Head of West Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Directorate, said:

“This police staff member has been involved in some really concerning behaviour online and as part of this has tried to arrange sexual activity with a child.

“We acted swiftly on the information that was provided to us and on identifying that the suspect was a police staff member ensured he was immediately arrested and suspended from duty.

“Following the conclusion of this court case, we will now be arranging misconduct proceedings with a view to him being barred from working in any further role within policing.”

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A man has been jailed for various sexual offences following a South Wales Police investigation.

Adam Chard, 22 from Bridgend was sentenced to three years in prison and given a restraining order following his conviction. He’s also been placed indefinitely on the Sex Offenders Register.

The sentencing took place on Friday August 21 at Cardiff Crown Court, where Chard pleaded guilty to 14 counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, three counts of possessing indecent images of Cat A B and C, one count of sexual communication with a child and one count of engaging in coercive/ controlling behaviour.

The officer dealing with the case said:

“This sentence sends a hugely positive message to victims of sexual abuse that they will be believed, their attackers will be identified, and they will be brought to justice.

We cannot praise the victim enough for the bravery she has shown to tell police what happened to her and secure justice against a despicable man – and that is before even mentioning Adam Chard’s part in the offending”

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A man has been sentenced for child sex offences after a complex police investigation.

David Richardson, 31, has been sentenced after he sent sexually explicit images and videos to someone he believed was a 14-year-old boy.

However, what Richardson didn’t know was he was actually speaking to an officer from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) carrying out a police investigation.

Following his arrest on July 17 at his home address in Denton Burn, Richardson was charged with attempt to cause a child to watch images of sexual activity and attempt to engage in sexual communication with a child.

Today (Wednesday), he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court for sentencing having pleaded guilty to all charges at an earlier date.

Richardson was sentenced to 12 months in prison suspended for two years, a 10-year sex offender notification requirement and a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Speaking after the sentencing, NEROCU Detective Constable Lee Robertson, said:

“This is just the latest investigation which has seen a dangerous predator have their day in court.

“Our work will not stop and we will continue to work to tackle online child abuse and sexual exploitation and would urge anyone who has been a victim of this type of offending, or has concerns about someone’s behaviour, to come forward and talk to police.”

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“I hope one day I can feel safe again, trust people again and stop questioning ordinary things. I hope one day I feel like myself again.”

These are the words from a victim of child sex offences in Bradford.

James Eisen aged 53 of Hall Lane, Manchester admitted to four child sex offences in court.

He abused her whilst she was asleep.

At Bradford Crown Court yesterday (21 September) he was sentenced to three years and six months in prison, he was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 15 years and made to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely.

He admitted to two counts of taking an indecent photograph of a child and two counts of engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15.

In a Victim Personal Statement read out in court she said:

“What he did to me has changed me as a person. I often feel like I’m still trying to work out who I am now.

“Before everything happened, I didn’t question myself or the world around me like I do now. If I could make sense of something, I think I could start to move on, but I’ve gone through every possible scenario in my head, and I still can’t understand why someone would do this to another human being.”

DC Alishia Walsh of the Bradford Child Safeguarding Unit said:

“What Eisen did to this young girl as you heard through her own words, has had a profound effect on her life.

“I hope the sentence today can bring her some closure and justice as she starts to rebuild her life.

“Eisen is a danger to children and deserves to be behind bars.

“I hope this case shows that we treat these offences seriously and do get positive outcomes at court.”

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A paedophile who messaged people he believed were children and arranged to meet them has been jailed.

Timothy Pavitt, 73, was brought to police attention after he uploaded indecent images of children to a Kik account in 2024.

Officers were able to trace the IP address of the account, which led them to Pavitt’s home in Boxworth End, Swavesey.

He was arrested on 19 February 2025 and claimed in interview to be “lonely” and using chat sites to speak to children and download images.

A review of his devices found he had been speaking in a sexual manner with users he believed to be children and arranging to meet up with them.

The devices also contained more than 350 indecent images.

The identities of the people he was messaging have never been confirmed.

Pavitt was jailed for four years and eight months after admitting 18 counts, including communicating sexually with children and making indecent images, at Peterborough Crown Court yesterday (21 September).

He was also handed an indefinite sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).

Det Sgt Zip Lloyd said:

“Pavitt knew what he was doing was wrong but continued to seek out users he believed were children, encourage sexual conversations and make indecent images.

“He was also actively sharing those images for others to view, further fuelling the exploitation of children. I am pleased he is now behind bars

“Protecting young people from harm is one of our top priorities and we will continue to work tirelessly to keep children safe.”

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An 82-year-old man has been jailed for 19 years after being convicted of raping and sexually abusing three young girls in West Berkshire in the 1960s and 1970s.

David Fisher, of Halifax Place, Thatcham, was sentenced at Reading Crown Court yesterday (21/9) after a jury found him guilty of 12 historic sexual offences against three victims who were children at the time, following a trial this summer.

The court heard that Fisher, who worked for the former Berkshire County Council and lived in Hampstead Norreys when the offences were committed, subjected the girls to repeated sexual abuse over a six-year period. The victims were aged just 10 and 11 when the abuse began.

The offences were reported decades later after one of the victims saw Fisher on a bus.

A Thames Valley Police investigation subsequently identified two further victims and uncovered a sustained pattern of offending between 1966 and 1972.

During the trial, jurors heard how Fisher would persuade the children to get into his car before driving them to secluded woodland areas across West Berkshire, where he sexually abused them. This included areas near Hampstead Norreys, Thatcham, Bucklebury, Yattendon, Frilsham, Stanford Dingley, Hermitage and Aldworth.

Fisher was found guilty of:

• Six counts of rape
• One count of attempted rape
• Four counts of indecency with a child
• One count of indecent assault

He was convicted of five counts of rape, that occurred on at least 50 occasions, in connection with victim one.

Fisher was convicted of three counts of indecently assaulting victim two.

In relation to victim three, he was convicted of one count of attempted rape on at least 10 occasions, one count of indecent assault on at least 10 occasions, one count of indecency with a child on at least 10 occasions and one count of rape.

Sentencing Fisher to 19 years’ imprisonment, Judge Rachel Drake praised the courage and resilience shown by the victims in coming forward.

Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Alex Lister, of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said:

“David Fisher committed appalling offences against three young girls over a number of years, abusing their trust and causing harm that has remained with them for decades.

“I would like to commend the victims for their courage in coming forward and bravery throughout the investigation and trial. They have ensured that Fisher has finally been held accountable for his actions.

“This case shows that no matter how much time has passed, we will listen to victims, investigate reports thoroughly and do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.”

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A man from Bridgend has been jailed after carrying out a sexual offence against his victim.

21-year-old Daffydd Piper, from Bridgend, changed his plea from not guilty to guilty of one count of rape when he appeared before Cardiff Crown Court on Friday July 24.

During his sentence hearing on Monday September 21 at Cardiff Crown Court Piper was sentenced to three years and five months in prison. He was also given a five-year restraining order.

Detective constable Lucy Weaver said:

“The bravery it takes to come forward and reporting offences like these not to be underestimated.

“We hope that this sentence will go some way in helping the victim rebuild her life and heal from the awful events that took place.

“An extensive amount of work went into this investigation which we believe gave Piper no option other than to plead guilty and therefore prevented the victim from having to give evidence in court.”

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Two child sexual predators have been jailed – after arranging to travel overseas to abuse children. 

Carl Simmons, 51, and Kevin Smith, 42, are now behind bars after they were caught making arrangements to carry out sexual abuse of young children overseas – even booking flights and preparing for travel.

Thankfully, officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) and Durham Police’s Online Child Abuse Investigation Team took immediate action and arrested both males preventing them from travelling abroad.

In October last year, Simmons and Smith both made an arrangement online to sexually abuse and rape children overseas. 

They both used sexually explicit language and Simmons even sent sexual images of himself.

However, what they didn’t realise was they were actually speaking to a police officer who was quickly closing in on the evil pair through their investigation.

Simmons and Smith were both arrested in October 2025 and subsequently charged with arranging the commission of a child sex offence and later pleaded guilty.

Today (Monday) they appeared at Teesside Crown Court and Simmons, of Tilery Close, Bowburn, Durham, and Smith, of Grangefield Road, Stockton-on-Tees, were both sentenced to six years imprisonment, a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an indefinite Sex Offender Registration.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Georgina Lewis, said:

“Both Simmons and Smith made their vile desires very clear, and their actions demonstrated the lengths they would go and the money they would pay to sexually abuse children.

“They’ll now face the consequences of their actions thanks to the hard work of officers.”

“We would urge anyone who has been a victim of this type of offending, or has concerns about someone’s behaviour, to come forward and talk to police – support is available and you can help safeguard other vulnerable children.”

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A ‘manipulative offender’ who groomed a young girl before subjecting her to serious sexual abuse has been jailed for more than 20 years.

James Groves, 51, of Little Stoke, South Gloucestershire, was sentenced to 20 years and six months for several offences at Bristol Crown Court on Friday (18 September).

A jury found Groves, who also goes by the name of April, unanimously guilty of 19 separate non-recent offences against their victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, including nine counts of rape, and was convicted following a trial at the same court on Friday 5 June.

Groves will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for an indefinite period.

The offences were reported after Groves was arrested for inappropriate communication with a child, and the victim then went on to disclose that she had been sexually abused and raped by Groves over a number of years. Groves was further arrested for those offences while they were in custody.

A thorough investigation was then carried out, and specialist support services were put in place for the victim, with Groves then being charged on 18 October last year.

The full list of offences Groves was convicted of:

• Four counts of the rape of a child (contrary to section 5 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003)
• Four counts of sexual assault against a child.
• Two counts of assault of a child by penetration.
• Five counts of rape (contrary to section 1 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003)
• Two counts of assault by penetration.
• One count of the possession of indecent photographs of a child.
• Attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child.
• Carrying out acts intended to pervert the course of public justice.

Groves’ victim explained the impact the offending had on her in a statement which was read in court:

“I felt that because Groves groomed me, I did not realise how serious what was going on was. They built up a relationship with me, and, in my head, I did not feel like it was enough for me to contact the police.

“People have said to me that I am not the bright, bubbly girl I once was, and I am just a shell of my former self. I don’t remember chunks of my childhood because of what Groves did, and this is because of the trauma I have been through.

“I have lost my childhood because of what they did, and I will never get it back.”

DC Ben Perrett, from our Criminal Investigations Department (CID), said:

“This has been an extremely distressing case involving the sustained abuse of a vulnerable young girl, who was targeted and manipulated by the offender over several years.

“Groves’ actions demonstrate a calculated pattern of grooming designed to gain trust and exert control. I would like to commend the victim for her exceptional bravery in coming forward and supporting the investigation.

“Her courage has been instrumental in securing this conviction and preventing further harm. I hope this result sends a clear message that we take offences of this nature extremely seriously. We will work tirelessly to protect vulnerable individuals and bring those responsible to justice.”

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A man has been given a nine-year sentence for sexually assaulting and attempting to rape a young girl. 

Kyle Tyson was 17 when he committed the offences against the girl – someone he knew - at a wake following a funeral in Preston in May 2022.

His actions had a profound effect on his victim who was only 12 at the time.

In a Victim Personal Statement read to the court at Tyson’s sentencing hearing, the girl said:

“I was a child who should have been able to enjoy life, focus on school and spend time with friends and feel safe within my own family.

“Instead, I was left carrying trauma that I was far too young to comprehend.

“The assault had a serious effect on my mental health. I developed severe anxiety, which became so overwhelming that I could not go to school.

“Eventually, I stopped going because I found it so difficult to cope.

“While other children my age were able to continue their education and enjoy their teenage years, I was struggling with the consequences of what had happened to me and at the time, I felt like I had no one to turn to. There was no one who could help, so I carried this burden myself for what seemed like forever.

“Having to report the abuse and go through the criminal justice process has been difficult.

“Speaking about what happened has forced me to relive some of the most painful experiences of my life. Knowing that I would have to give evidence and talk about this has caused me anxiety and distress.

“There have been times when I have felt overwhelmed by the process, but I knew it was important to tell the truth. I should never have been put in a position where I had to choose between staying silent and reliving my trauma in order to seek justice.”

Tyson, 20, formerly of Hillside Crescent, Chorley, was found guilty by a jury of attempted rape of a child under 13 and of sexual assault after a trial in June.

Appearing at Preston Crown Court Sessions House last Friday, he was given a nine-year sentence, comprising six years custody and three years on extended licence.

Tyson was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life and made subject of a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Det Con Nikki Houghton of Lancashire Police, said:

“This was an horrendous and traumatic ordeal for the young victim.

“I hope that Kyle Tyson being convicted of these serious offences and given a significant custodial sentence brings her a sense of justice.

“If you have been the victim of a sexual offence, please report it. Lancashire Police will listen to you, support you and investigate in order to put offenders before the courts.”

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A man from Crewe has been jailed for online child sexual offences.

Rory Need appeared at Chester Crown Court on Monday 21 September where he was sentenced to six years and six months.

The 37-year-old, of Rimsdale Close, Wistaston, was earlier found guilty of possessing indecent images of children, making indecent images of children, distributing indecent images of children, causing a child to look at images of sexual activity, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, and engaging in sexual communication with a child, following a three-day trial.

Cheshire Police arrested Need in March 2024 after officers received information from Dyfed-Powys Police relating to a Snapchat account which had been engaging in sexual communications with a 9-year-old girl. The account was linked to Need.

His devices were seized and several of indecent images of children were recovered.

Need was ultimately charged with multiple offences.

On top of his custodial sentence, he must sign the Sex Offender Register indefinitely and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Constable Faye Taylor said:

“Need is clearly a danger to children and has rightly been handed a prison sentence that reflects the severity of his crimes.

“He was well aware that his victim was underage, and as a 37-year-old man he knew what he was doing was wrong, but despite this he continued to cause significant harm.

“Through the use of social media, he specifically targeted a 9-year-old girl, plying her with sexualised messages and indecent images in order to fulfil his own sexual desires.

“Thankfully, as a result of the evidence we gathered, he has now been held accountable for his actions and will no longer be able to pose a threat to other children.”