Latest Offenders

Description

A Snodland man who used mobile phone apps in attempts to groom a child for sex has been jailed.

Reece Cano, 29, repeatedly sought indecent images of a child he believed was only 12 years old and then arranged to meet her in order to carry out abuse, a court heard.

Between September 19 and October 11, Cano accessed dating and instant messaging apps to contact another user who posted as a juvenile.

Despite her sending several replies stating she was only 12, he used the online exchanges to try to entice her into sexual activity and to send him illegal images.

Cano’s messages contained a series of explicit demands and included suggestions of meeting in a hotel.

During October, he made preparations to meet the child at "a quiet location" in the Snodland area, where he planned to abuse her.

But unbeknown to him, the 'child' was actually a police officer and he was arrested after a search warrant was executed at his home on October 11.

The search led to the discovery of a mobile phone in an airing cupboard, which provided evidence of the online conversations.

Cano was charged with two counts of attempting to cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity, attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and with arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence.

He was further charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order (which had been imposed in 2019 following previous and unrelated convictions for sex offences), and failure to comply with notification requirements.

Cano pleaded guilty to all charges when he appeared before Maidstone Crown Court.

He was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment, with an extended licence period of a further four years.

Cano was categorised by the court as "dangerous" and will be required to serve at least two thirds of the sentence before he can be considered for parole.

He was also made subject of a sexual harm prevention order and added to the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Kent Police Investigator Natalie Armstrong, of the West Kent Offender Management Unit said: "Reece Cano made persistent and repeated efforts to contact a child for the purposes of his own gratification.

"He has displayed a clear desire and determination to sexually abuse a child and the graphic detail he included in his messages was hugely concerning.

"This case should act as a reminder to parents of children who have mobile phones and tablets to speak to them and help them understand the precautions they should take when using the internet, or the many instant messaging services that are available.

Description

A couple have been jailed for sexually abusing three young girls after a judge at Chester Crown Court said they had ruined their victims lives.

Judge Steven Everett described John Blake, 61, of Pine Grove in Chester, as an sexual monster with deviant sexual desires, who preyed on three young children. On 16 April 2021, he jailed him for 26 years for 17 counts of sexual abuse.

Blake cannot be considered for parole until he has served at least half of his sentence and must also serve a further two years on extended licence after he has been released.

Judge Everett described his partner, Emmalene Jones, 31, of Crabwell Place in Chester, as truly despicable as he jailed her for two years for two counts of causing a child to take part in a sexual act.

Judge Everett said that although she was under the influence of Blake, that she did her best to encourage the children to take part in the sexual acts.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) successfully applied to the court for restraining orders to prevent both Blake and Jones from ever contacting the victims or their families again.

Both of the defendants have also been placed on the Sexual Offenders Register, Blake for life and Jones for 10 years. Both are barred from ever working with children.

The CPS said that the abuse happened in the Chester and Saltney Ferry areas between 2008 and 2015, when their victims were aged between nine and fifteen. The CPS secured guilty verdicts against both Blake and Jones after a ten-day trial at Chester Crown Court in November 2020.

The victims attended court to read out moving Victim Personal Statements about the impact that the abuse had on them. They all spoke of the long-lasting effects on their relationships and ability to cope. One said that, by saying nothing about the abuse, she had felt that she was keeping her own family safe.

One of the victims said: I know now that for the rest of my life I will never be able to trust males the same and I will always judge them. My mind is broken and the scars run deep and this will forever haunt me and unfortunately the damage is done.All I can try and do now is move on and allow myself to try and live a long and happy life.

Senior Crown Prosecutor Amber Quinn, a specialist lawyer with CPS Mersey-Cheshires Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) unit said: This has been a complex and disturbing case.

There was a lot of extra material in this case that the CPS was required to disclose to the defence and this took a significant amount of time to process. The evidence was also disturbing and shocking at times.

The impact of these crimes is long lasting and the courage and determination of the victims has been remarkable, despite the difficulties that coming forward and speaking about the abuse has caused them.

This determination was shown in their request to attend the sentencing hearing in person to read out their Victim Personal Statements themselves, while John Blake and Emmalene Jones looked on.

This is the work of the CPSs RASSO unit and demonstrates the crucial role both we and the police play in bringing the perpetrators of this dreadful type of offending to justice. The passage of time will not hinder our determination to prosecute.

Description

A man caught with sick images of children as young as one 'can't explain' why he had them, a court heard.

Such images 'revolt' and sicken' Christopher Nolan, his barrister said.

But Nolan, 26, was found to have downloaded 63 indecent images, with more than 20 being of the most serious category.

Nolan, from Wythenshawe, admitted he'd 'brought shame' on himself and his family.

He had 'time on his hands' and had been drinking as well as using cocaine and cannabis, Manchester Crown Court heard.

"There is some issue as to what motivated the defendant," his barrister Richard Vardon said.

"I cannot explain satisfactorily how these offences occurred, nor perhaps can the defendant.

"All I can point to is there is nothing in his history which suggests he has a predilection as far as children are concerned."

Mr Vardon said there 'may be other reasons which are not sexual which perhaps explain his motivation'.

Nolan, who has previous convictions including for domestic violence, denies that he had any interest in 'child pornography' and said it 'revolts and sickens him'.

Police went to his home after receiving information that he had been accessing indecent images.

A Samsung phone was seized after a warrant was executed, on March 24 last year.

Officers found 22 category A images, the most serious type, as well as 13 category B and 28 category C images.

"The majority of the images related to five to 10-year-old children, however the ages of the children ranged from between one and 12-years-old," prosecutor Neil Fryman said.

He said 'virtually all' of the images had been deleted, except one.

Nolan made no comment to all questions during his police interview, except confirming a mobile phone number was his.

Mr Vardon said Nolan's actions were at the 'lower end of offences of this nature', while saying the defendant recognised it is 'not a victimless crime'.

He pleaded guilty at first opportunity and no longer drinks, uses drugs or goes on the internet, the barrister said.

Sentencing, Judge Hilary Manley told Nolan: "You rightly described to me in your letter you have submitted to me, that you have brought shame on yourself, your friends and your family for the offences you have committed.

"Such images are of victims of sexual abuse.

"You have observed and watched children who are being sexually abused.

"There can be no excuse ever for viewing and accessing such images."

The judge said she could avoid sending Nolan to prison, given he has a prospect of rehabilitation and because of his remorse.

He was sentenced to 12 months in jail, suspended for two years, and was ordered to complete the Horizon programme.

Nolan, of Farden Drive, must sign the sex offender's register for ten years.

He admitted three counts of making indecent images of children.

Description

A Stamford man who downloaded indecent images of children has escaped an immediate jail sentence at Lincoln Crown Court.

Tyler Curtis downloaded hundreds of images including one of a baby being raped which he then stored in a cloud system.

Abigail Hill, prosecuting, said that police received information which led to officers raiding his then home in Dickens Drive, Stamford and his work place.

A total of 320 indecent images of children were found on three different devices together with 26 prohibited images of children.

Mrs Hill said: The images were downloaded over an eight year period between May 5, 2012 and March 17, 2020.

When the defendant was interviewed he admitted he had been storing images in his Google Drive account. He said he hadnt realised they were illegal.

He denied any sexual interest in children. He said he uploaded the images to a cloud system so that his wife didnt see them.

Curtis, 34, now of Milner Court, Wharf Road, Stamford, admitted three charges of making indecent images of children and one charge of possessing prohibited images of children. He asked for a further matter of making indecent images of children to be taken into consideration.

Steven Gosnell, in mitigation, said Curtis had no previous convictions and is working.

He has engaged in counselling. That is something that he has paid for privately.

Mr Gosnell said that as a result of the offences Curtis has separated from his wife.

He has been through a great deal of pain but he accepts it is because of his actions that he is in this position.

Mr Gosnell said Curtis was focussing on rehabilitation and has faced up to his issues as well as now admitting he is sexually attracted to girls.

Curtis was given a 14 month jail sentence suspended for 18 months with a 35 day rehabilitation activity requirement. He was ordered to complete a sexual offending treatment programme and has to pay 425 prosecution costs.

He was placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years and given a 10 year sexual harm prevention order.

Description

A CONVICTED paedophile from Worcester who was caught by an online group of hunters has been ensnared again just two months after he was sentenced.

Online paedophile hunters from a group called Innocent Voices confronted Ian Pursall in a video streamed on Facebook and viewed more than 50,000 times.

Pursall had already been convicted of attempted sexual communication with a child in February after being caught by a different group of online hunters form a group known as "Leave Our Kids Alone"

In the video, released on April 24, Pursall can be seen being held by the arms by two of the group as a third, a woman, announces why they are there.

They accuse him of communicating with a child decoy, which is an adult pretending to be a child in an online chatroom.

Pursall initially tries to deny the allegations, but the hunters call for the police and the 40-minute long video ends with them saying the police are on their way to arrest him.

A West Mercia Police spokesman confirmed they had arrested a man in Worcester on that day. They said: "A 38-year-old man from Worcestershire was arrested on April 24 on suspicion of breach of a sexual harm prevention order.

"He has been released on bail while we investigate the online incident which took place on 24 April.

Pursall is already a convicted paedophile, having been sentenced in February for the same offence.

In that case, he had been confronted by a group called "Leave Our Kids Alone".

He was convicted at Worcester Magistrates Court on February 25 where he was given a six-month prison sentence suspended for two years.

In addition, he was made subject to a seven year sexual harm prevention order.

Under this order, he was banned from:

Using any device capable of accessing the internet or storing images unless it has the capacity to retain and display internet usage history, that this function is enabled at all times, and that this function is enabled at all times.

He also must not delete any of his internet history and be able to show it to police when requested.

He was also banned from changing any of his passwords and had to submit all electronic devices for police Visor management, should they request it.

In a post on the Innocent Voices Facebook page, the group said: "Ian from Worcester, stung by us on April 24, 2021 and arrested for breach of his sexual harm prevention order.

"Ian was previously sentenced in February 2021 for sexual communication with a child.

"We also handed fresh new evidence in regarding further sexual communication with a child and he also sent sexual images and videos of himself and badgered her for indecent images.

"He also wanted to meet the child for sex. Well done to LOKA (Leave Our Kids Alone) for the previous conviction, let's hope he gets an actual prison sentence now if not at least he's been exposed."

In the video, the hunters ask Pursall why he used a false name (Michael Cade) when speaking to children online.

In response, he tried to claim the name was a nickname.

Description

A PAEDOPHILE has been locked up after being caught with more than 1,000 indecent images of children.

Dominic Osborne Robinson was caught with more than 1,000 images of children being abused.

Police raided the 34-year-old's home after getting a tip-off he had been uploading indecent images and talking about abusing youngsters online.

Officers seized three phones, a laptop and a tablet and a number of cameras.

They contained a mix of category A, B and C images as well as sexualised communications with children.

He was arrested the same day at his workplace in Portsmouth on January 28, 2019.

Appearing at Portsmouth Crown Court on Tuesday he was charged with three counts of making indecent photographs of children, two counts of attempting sexual communication with a child and one count of encouraging or assisting the commission of an offence believing it would be committed.

He previously pleaded guilty.

Robinson, of Midway Road, Colchester, was jailed for 20 months in prison after being found in possession of indecent images of children.

He must register as a sex offender for ten years and will also be given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years.

DC Stephen Hill of Hampshire Constabulary's Internet Child Abuse Team said "Behind every indecent image of a child is a vulnerable victim and these crimes are among the most appalling that we investigate.

"Robinson is a habitual collector of indecent images that include category A, the most serious kind, for his own sexual gratification.

"He was found to not only have been in possession of such images but also actively sought to communicate with children.

"Tackling online viewing of indecent images and safeguarding children online is a priority for police and we will do everything in our power to bring offenders to justice."

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."

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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.

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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.

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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.