Latest Offenders

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Calum Blair carried out four sickening attacks over a four-year-period.

He targeted the youngster, who can’t be named for legal reasons, when she was aged between four and eight.

Paisley Sheriff Court heard that Blair, of Howwood, carried out the first two attacks when the youngster was aged between four and five.

He later struck another two times when she was aged between seven and eight.

Blair, 19, interfered with the girl at his own home and a house in the Renfrewshire village of Brookfield.

When he appeared in the dock in July Blair pleaded guilty to the two charges he faced.

He admitted one charge of using lewd, indecent and libidinous practices and behaviour towards the girl when she was four and five by touching her private parts and performing sex acts on her.

Blair committed those attacks between October 2007 and November 2008, when he was aged 12 and 13.

He also held his hands up to sexually assaulting her when she was aged seven and eight by doing the same — touching her inappropriately and performing sex acts on her.

Those offences were committed between December 2010 and March 2011, when Blair was 15.

He had been accused of sexually assaulting the girl as late as October 2013 but prosecutors agreed the abuse had stopped in March 2011.

Blair was reported to police over his actions leading to him appearing in court over the attacks last year.

Sheriff Colin Pettigrew deferred sentence on Blair last month and when he returned to the dock on Tuesday he was placed on the sex offenders register and banned from having unsupervised contact with children aged up to 18.

The sheriff also placed Blair on probation for two years, explaining that the lack of criminal record and Blair's age at the time of the offence had influenced his decision to impose a community-based disposal.

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A 42-year-old man has been jailed after pretending to be a teenager on Facebook to groom a child. Douglas Warren, 42, of Edenbridge in Kent, exchanged explicit images and videos with his victim and even planned to meet her at a hotel. The booking was cancelled when he found out Kent Police knew about what he was doing online. The court heard how Warren claimed to be aged 19 when he first sent his victim a friend request on Facebook in February 2015. After the request was accepted he sent her explicit images of himself and encouraged her to do the same in return. He also suggested that they could one day move in together and possibly get married. Officers seized Warrens mobile telephone, laptop computer and other devices following his arrest on March 27. They found more than 4,000 child abuse images and 31 extreme pornographic images. He clearly poses a risk to children, who should be able to use social networking websites without being targeted by people like Warren who exploit them for their own sexual gratification. Det Con Gordon Lindsay Warren was jailed for 21 months at Maidstone Crown Court admitting four counts relating to child sex offences and eight counts relating to the possession and/or making of pornographic images including child abuse images. In addition to a custodial sentence of 21 months, Warren must also sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.

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Matthew Lovage began shaking and breathing heavily, unbuttoned his shirt and clutched his chest as he was told he was guilty.

The 27-year-old, of Sir Bernard Paget Avenue, Repton Park, was allowed half an hour to recover before learning he faced a lengthy term behind bars.

Lovage was found guilty by the jury at Canterbury Crown Court of the rape of a young child and sexual activity with the same victim.

He was arrested after allegations were reported by an Ashford children’s nursery – but he denied the of­fences.

The victim gave evidence at the three-day trial via CCTV from a special room in the crown court.

The sentencing hearing was adjourned for five weeks while reports are prepared which will consider what danger Lovage poses to children in the future.

His lawyer, Kieran Moroney, made no application for bail and Judge Heather Norton ordered Lovage to sign the sex of­fender register.

Mr Moroney said Lovage had an undiagnosed medical problem and was undergoing medical tests.

Judge Norton told Lovage: “You should prepare yourself for a custodial sentence – and one of some considerable length.”

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Former private school teacher jailed for making indecent images of children A former teacher has been jailed after admitting making indecent images of scores of children using hidden cameras at a boarding school, behaviour the judge called his fatal flaw. Jonathan Thomson-Glover, 53, who taught at Clifton College in Bristol, pleaded guilty to 36 counts of making, taking and possessing indecent images of children. Thomson-Glover, of Wadebridge, Cornwall, was jailed for three years and nine months by Judge David Ticehurst at Taunton crown court. The charges relate to more than 120 victims filmed by hidden cameras at the 11,000-a-term Clifton College and an address in Cornwall over a 16-year period. Thomson-Glover admitted 27 charges of taking an indecent image of a child; seven charges of making an indecent image of a child and two charges of possessing indecent images of children. He was charged following a joint investigation between Avon and Somerset police and Devon and Cornwall police. The judge told Thomson-Glover he was a man looking at a life that is now in ruins. He said: That life was a good life and you have made a positive contribution. It is a life now reduced to rubble as a result of your fatal flaw. You are the author of your own misfortune and there can be little sympathy for you. It is impossible to calculate the harm and damage you may have caused to those who trusted you or were in your care. Thomson-Glover remained emotionless as he was led from the dock. He was ordered to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely and banned from working with children on his release. The court heard Thomson-Glover first became part of the school at the age of six, as his father was working as a pastor there. He returned to teach at the school and was well regarded. Prosecuting, Howard Phillips said: To pupils, many describe him as being more a friend than a teacher. He was a man who had a relaxed attitude and allowed his pupils to smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol and engage in sexual relations on the school premises. The parents regarded him as the consummate professional, he appeared very caring, achieved good exam results and went above and beyond. But the reality was somewhat different. Thomson-Glover was arrested in August 2014 after the National Crime Agency discovered his IP address had been used to download indecent images of children. Officers seized four computers, discs and a number of Hi-8 camcorder tapes, with 330 VHS video tapes from three address they searched. Thomson-Glover was arrested but chose to make no comment. Police discovered that he had been downloading thousands of indecent images of children, using search terms such as pre-teen boys. Analysis of the tapes revealed 2,500 hours equal to 104 days of footage taken at Clifton College and an address in Cornwall, relating to more than 120 victims. The footage had been taken on hidden cameras placed at various locations around the two sites, and in a camera carried around in a bag with a hole in it. It included pupils engaging in sexual activity, using the bathroom and showering and taking part in private sexual acts. In further interviews, Thomson-Glover admitted the offences, telling police: It was a compulsion and was fuelled by the internet. The court heard there is no evidence the footage was shared or that Thomson-Glover behaved improperly to any child. Representing Thomson-Glover, Andrew Langdon QC said his client was remorseful and wanted to seek forgiveness. Langdon said the footage was never shared and the majority of it was never watched, with pupils filmed engaging in sexual acts aged 16 or 17 at the time. He had repressed feelings of homosexuality as a teenager. Growing up in the 1960s and 70s attitudes to homosexuals then were quite different. Langdon said his client had been in relationships with women but this drove him to breakdowns and to attempt suicide. He later joined the school as a teacher and installed the hidden cameras after viewing images online. It led to a schizophrenic existence, Langdon said. On one hand he was successful. On the other hand, he had a secret addiction. It is too simplistic to say that the good he has done was merely in aid of facilitating the bad. Some parents whose children were filmed wrote letters to the judge on Thomson-Glovers behalf, after meeting him following his arrest. I met a man who was deeply sorry and contrite, one mother wrote. The court heard Thomson-Glovers mother has suffered two strokes since his arrest, while his father has also become unwell. He never intended suffering by others, Langdon added.

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Josh Bennett pleaded guilty to two counts of abduction and two counts of grooming.

Josh Bennett, who used Facebook to pester underage children for sex and allowed his flat to be used as a refuge for missing children, has been sentenced.

Bennett (born 17/11/1996), of Underwood, Rochdale pleaded guilty to two counts of abduction and two counts of grooming at an earlier hearing.

He was sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court, to 40 months in prison, is subject to a sexual offences prevention order and must sign the sex offender’s register.

Bennett's offending came to light in December 2014 when someone with access to his Facebook account saw numerous messages sent to underage children aged between 12 and 15-years-old. The tone of the messages were overtly sexual and were asking the children to meet him at his flat and have sex with him.

The messages show Bennett was well aware the children were underage but he persisted with his sexual advances regardless.

No evidence was found to suggest Bennett did in fact meet these children and engage in any sexual activity.

The Facebook messages were passed to Rochdale Social Services, and a joint investigation was launched by Greater Manchester Police’s Sunrise Team based at Rochdale and the local authority.

As the investigation unfolded, officers established that Bennett had also allowed his flat to be used as a sanctuary for teenagers who had run away from home. While at the flat, he would ply them with alcohol knowing full well they were underage and vulnerable.

On the day Bennett was arrested at his flat, one of these missing children - a 15-year-old boy - was found hiding in a roof inside Bennett's flat.

Detective Constable Ben Harris, from The Sunrise Team, said: "At a young age himself, Bennett has displayed very alarming signs of having a sexual predilection for young children.

"He also allowed his flat to be used as a refuge for children who were missing from home, and plied them with alcohol.

"As we have seen in the press recently, not only does this increase the cost and burden on police and local authorities who are trying to trace missing teenagers as people like Bennett effectively hide them from the authorities, but also places these vulnerable young people in even more dangerous circumstances at a time when they desperately need help and support.

"I would like to thank the individual who reported the alarming Facebook messages to the authorities. This allowed ourselves and Rochdale Council to investigate Bennett’s offending thoroughly and undoubtedly safeguarded the welfare of a lot of young people.

"It is also clear from the Facebook messages that the recipients rebuffed his advances and were aware Bennett was trying to groom them, which is great credit to them.

"Social networking sites are extremely popular and generally safe, but there is always a risk that they can be abused by people like Bennett. I would urge parents to keep a close eye on what their children are doing online and if you have any concerns don’t hesitate to report them. Ourselves and Rochdale Council will take action against anyone we suspect of being involved in grooming or child sexual exploitation and in doing so protect vulnerable young people."

The Sunrise team falls part of Project Phoenix, a multi-agency response to CSE across the whole of Greater Manchester. The project brings together police, local authorities, NHS and third sector organisations, using their collective expertise to safeguard vulnerable young people at risk of exploitation and target those who would try to exploit them.

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A MAN who sexually abused a child after grooming her via mobile phone has been jailed.

Robert Barnes sent the girl sexual images of himself via text messaging service Whats App and unsuccessfully tried to get her to do the same.

The 28-year-old, of Farhalls Crescent, Horsham, then abused her at his previous address in Nicolson Way, Sevenoaks.

He was arrested at this address on June 12, 2014 after concerns were reported to police.

Barnes refused to comment during police interview but officers seized his mobile phone which contained evidence of the messages he had sent his victim.

Following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court, he was convicted of three counts of sexual activity with a child under the age of 16, two counts of intent to entice a child to engage in sexual activity and one count of grooming.

Barnes, who met the victim through an acquaintance, was sentenced on August 20 to five years and six months in prison, and must sign on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Detective Constable David Turner, of Kent Police’s public protection unit, said: ‘Barnes has groomed his victim with the intention of committing sexual offences against her.

"He knew exactly what he was doing and has exploited a young and vulnerable person for his own gratification.

"He will now have plenty of time to reflect on his actions and I hope this sentence offers some comfort and reassurance to the victim and her family."

Sussex Police ask the public to help them detect the signs of child sexual exploitation, which involves the manipulation and/or coercion of young people under the age of 18 into sexual activity.

Young people may be expected to engage in sexual activity in exchange for things such as money, gifts, accommodation, affection, status, food, drugs or alcohol, police say.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "A significant difficulty for parents and agencies seeking to protect children is that this is a form of abuse which is often misunderstood by victims and outsiders as consensual.

"Victims can be tricked into believing they are in a loving relationship, but the law is clear - no child under the age of 18 can ever consent to being abused or exploited."

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A FORMER Basingstoke school teacher has been jailed for 15 years for a ''systematic abuse of trust'' by carrying out sexual assaults on two boys, one aged just seven.

Lloyd Dennis, 33, of Sopwith Road, Eastleigh, Hampshire, pleaded guilty at Southampton Crown Court to 12 charges of sexual offences against the young boy and his older brother, who was aged between 12 and 14 at the time.

The defendant also admitted seven charges relating to indecent images of children, including one of his younger victim, and one count of extreme pornography.

Judge Peter Henry explained that the sentence he imposed would consist of 15 years in custody with an extended period of eight years.

He also made Dennis subject to a sexual harm prevention order and ordered him to pay a victim surcharge.

He said: ''I accept that there is no suggestion here that you have sexually abused young pupils but nonetheless it's deeply troubling that you should obtain such a position.''

He added that the defendant's choice to become a teacher ''in my judgment is an indication of how you are out of control when it comes to young children.

''I do consider you pose a high risk to young children and I feel it's appropriate to impose on you an extended period of imprisonment.''

He added: ''You were abused as a child, that is deeply regrettable and a sad history but, in the circumstances, I do not regard that as mitigation in terms of lessening the impact you have had on your victims.

''You were aware of the damage, you were a qualified primary school teacher.''

Rob Welling, prosecuting, told the court that the defendant ''systematically abused'' the trust placed in him by the mother of the boys who allowed the younger sibling to stay overnight at his home where the offences happened.

Mr Welling said when these offences, which happened between September 2013 and November 2014, were revealed, the boy's older sibling suffered flashbacks to his youth and recalled the defendant's abuse of him dating back to the late 1990s when Dennis was aged about 16.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, the boys' mother said the offences had left her ''completely stunned'' and she said: ''I feel guilty I didn't notice anything.''

She said that she had trusted Dennis and had even sought his advice because of his position as a teacher.

She said: ''I thought as a primary school teacher he would be able to help, he used to blame other people but he was to blame.''

Describing the effect on her younger son, she said: ''He is not the same little boy he once was, he is full of anger. He has constant nightmares about what happened.''

David Lyons, defending, said that his client was ''deeply remorseful'' and said he had himself been abused as a child.

He said: ''It's tragically true that very often those who offend were offended against as a child and there is a cycle.''

He added: ''He is, when confronted with the enormity of what he has done, deeply remorseful and while he accepts the family may reject it as too little too late, he would like to convey his sincere apologies and regret for what he has done.''

Dennis taught at a number of schools across Hampshire including Basingstoke College of Technology, in Worting Road, where he was a lecturer in health, social care and education, and at Marnel Junior School, in Popley Way, Popley, where he was a classroom teacher. 

Mr Lyons said: ''He will never teach again, this is entirely unrelated to his employment, he will be barred from teaching and having anything to do with young people and will have his life very much restricted.''

Detective Constable Sarah Fox, officer in the case, said: “This was a complex and disturbing case.

"Lloyd Dennis gained the trust of both these boys and used that power to sexually abuse them repeatedly.

"I would like to thank both victims and their families for their patience and understanding throughout this investigation.

"It has been an extremely difficult time for them and I hope that through these convictions and the sentence they can come to terms with what happened."

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A "predatory and manipulative" carer who sexually abused seven boys over an 11-year-period has been jailed for 17 years.

Benjamin Mercer, 41, abused boys as young as five years old in Hornsea, East Yorkshire, and another in Newquay, Cornwall, during the 1990s and 2000.

He was found guilty of 13 charges including rape, which he denied, following a trial at Hull Crown Court.

Police believe there may be more victims and urged them to come forward.

The court heard how Mercer, of Seafield Road, Hove, East Sussex, took sexual advantage of two boys while they slept.

He systematically raped a boy, who reported "terrible pain", up to three times a week for almost four years.

Mercer, who grew up in Hornsea, started abusing boys from the age of 15.

He was known as "cool Ben" because of his clothes and would take the boys to the park and the beach, as well as on fishing and clay pigeon shooting trips, the jury was told.

'Sleeping with a knife'

The jury heard how the carer had "groomed" one of his victims, giving him cannabis at age of 12 and then alcohol at the age of 13.

Sentencing him, Judge Tremberg told Mercer: "You have been predatory and manipulative and viewed your victims as objects, putting your needs and desires over their welfare.

"You exhibited a capacity to act with premeditation and opportunistically. You tested these young boys to see how vulnerable they were.

The judge described how one of the victims "ended up sleeping with a knife under his pillow and contemplated suicide".

"He bore the secret and shame of what you did, which has been ruinous. It caused deep-seated emotional suffering and physical harm."

'Sexual predator'

Mercer was arrested in Hornsea in 1998 but police said there was "insufficient evidence to charge him with any offences at that time".

He continued to abuse again, the court heard.

After his arrest he moved to Newquay and then to the Brighton area in 2000.

It was only after further reports of abuse that police carried out a full investigation in March last year.

Det Insp Emma Heatley, of Humberside Police, said: "He is clearly a sexual predator and we believe there may be more victims of Mercer over the last 20 years.

"We would encourage any further victims of Mercer... to come forward and call the police, so that we can ensure he is brought justice for all his offending."

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A former council senior planning officer, convicted of downloading child abuse images, is re-considering appealing his dismissal.

Kingsley Drinkwater (51), was fined 1000 and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for five years after he pleaded guilty in February to the charge.

After he was later dismissed by Midlothian Council for failing to inform his manager of the charge he originally appealed.

He told the Advertiser: I did appeal. They seemed to take none of my personal circumstances into it.

But my circumstances have changed now. I dont know if I would gain much from it. I had thought I had nothing to lose. But to be honest the stress of the wait has come back to me.

It probably looks worse than it is. There is a whole lot more to this.

Its something I still dont understand why I did it.

Im in a difficult situation. Im trying to get myself back together. I have had a terrible time since 2008.

It doesnt look good and I know it. But it was a minor offence that I have been fined for and thats it.

In February this year Mr Drinkwater pleaded guilty to downloading indecent photographs of children on August 23, 2013, at his home in Edinburgh.

He told the Advertiser that his life had been hell when he committed the offence.

He said: I have lost my daughter, I get limited access.

Im trying to put my life back together. I have lost pretty much everything. Its been hell. My house was repossessed. And at the moment I cant afford to pay the rent on my current house.

I have been climbing mountains for the last 10 years, particularly the last four years. Every time I think I think I have got clear something else happens.

And right now you have presented me with another mountain to get over.

I have dreaded it since February that something would happen, but there is a lot more to it than just what it says on the charge sheet.

There is people that deserve to be handled in this way. But I havent been involved in anything, just looking at stuff on the internet.

There was no offence against any person, just looking at stuff and deleting it.

Because I was at such a ridiculously low point at the time I wasnt thinking about what I was doing.

Believe it or not Im a decent person who tries to help others and always does the right thing, but I was so low at the time. My mind wasnt with it. I could have done anything.

A spokesperson for Midlothian Council said: Midlothian Council does not comment on individual disciplinary matters.

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A VIOLENT rapist who launched a terrifying attack on a young student before beating a brave stranger who came to her rescue is today behind bars thanks to a selfie. Shumel Ahmed hid in bushes ready to pounce on the 19-year-old who he subjected to a severe beating before raping her and threatening to kill her as she screamed desperately for help. It was only thanks to the bravery of another student walking past who rushed to her rescue having heard her blood-curdling screams that she was able to get away. But little did 21-year-old Ahmed know that a selfie he had taken on his own phone would be the key to getting him jailed. Southampton Crown Court heard how the Southampton University student was walking home from a night out with friends in Southampton when she was grabbed round the neck and dragged backwards into some bushes on Portswood Road, at around 1am, on February 26. Just yards from his own home, Ahmed punched her in the head repeatedly as she screamed for help and then threatened to kill her if she didnt stop. Prosecutor Rachel Robertson said: She knew if she struggled it would get worse. She lay there praying for help. She said I wont tell anyone, just dont kill me. She added: Her prayers to some degree were answered when she heard someone saying whats going on. That was another student from the university who was also on his way home after a night out. As he came to her aid, Ahmed started beating him, giving the teenager a chance to make her escape. Ahmed, of Portswood Road, demanded money and a mobile phone from his male victim, who managed to get up, hit his attacker and fled. She suffered several injuries including a hairline fracture to her jaw and the male suffered a chipped tooth, concussion and a black eye. Officers were quickly on the scene, having been alerted to residents who had heard her scream and set up a cordon. But within just 90 minutes of the attack Ahmed had been arrested after he was spotted returning to the scene by the officer guarding the cordon. When officers searched through his phone they found a selfie of Ahmed wearing the same baseball cap found at the scene, giving officers enough evidence before forensic came back to charge him and keep him off the streets. The court heard how forensic tests later found both Ahmeds and the rape victims DNA on the hat (see below) and her DNA in his underpants. Ms Robertson also told how shortly before the attack, a couple driving on Portswood Road had seen a man, matching Ahmeds description chasing another woman, who was running. They felt so concerned they stopped to offer her a lift home. Ms Robertson added: We can say the running lady was extremely fortunate. Defending Ahmed, Christopher Bauer said the defendant, who had no previous convictions for sexual assault, did show remorse and had pleaded guilty early on. Sentencing Ahmed to 14 years in prison -10 years for rape and four years to run consecutively for assault with intent to rob, Judge Gary Burrell said it was frightening attack which has had a physical and psychological effect on both victims. Speaking about the student who intervened, he added: Goodness knows what would have happened if he hadnt because you were beating that girl up very badly and she sustained some very bad injuries. Stating the importance of the selfie after the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Paul Harrison, said: This was a pivotal piece of evidence that allowed us to charge him before forensic evidence became available, making the streets of Southampton a safer place to be within 24 hours. I would like to pay tribute to the bravery of our female victim, who was subject to the worst possible ordeal but still found the strength and courage to keep shouting and screaming which alerted witnesses to what was happening. We are also very grateful to our male victim who didnt think twice before stepping in and confronting Ahmed during the horrifying attack. The work of all involved in this investigation has resulted in this dangerous man being taken off our streets.

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HE WAS the man who was supposed to protect her from harm but he stole her childhood in the most terrifying way.

Caroline* was just 11 years old when her depraved dad John Farmer raped her in the family home.

He subjected her to a catalogue of vile crimes including sneaking into her room to assault her while she slept and forcing her to perform sex acts on him.

When he had finished with her, he would call her his special princess and tell her she could tell nobody otherwise she would be taken away.

When she was 12, Caroline raised the alarm at her school, but though it put an end to the abuse, the schoolgirl was not believed and authorities failed to take action.

It was only decades later that Caroline plucked up the courage to report what happened and bring her dad to justice.

The mum-of-four was in court to see the 71-year-old, pictured below, sentenced to 12 years in jail for rape and sexual assaults over a two-year period.

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Echo, Caroline said: It is your dad, the one man in the whole world you should have 100 per cent trust in and who you believe would never hurt you.

When I was finally able to speak out, it was like a huge dark cloud had been lifted off my shoulders. It was no longer a dirty secret that was swept under the carpet.

Caroline, who has an older sister and two brothers, said family life had always been normal.

We were just a normal family doing normal family things. Like any other kids, we would jump into bed with mum and dad in the morning. Youd think nothing of it at that age.

However one morning, her innocent care-free life ended.

I had woken up and climbed into mum and dads double bed like any other time. Mum was downstairs making breakfast at the time. Dad pulled me towards him and started play fighting with me but all of a sudden, he put his hands under my nightie and touched me.

I felt complete disbelief and fear. Afterwards you just freeze, you become numb.

Terrified, Caroline hoped the abuse by her controlling father would never happen again, but it did, and it got worse.

I was in his bed one morning having cuddles and he started tickling my back.

The next thing I knew, he forced himself on top of me and raped me.

I just wanted it to stop. It was painful.

I looked at him and no longer saw my dad. Instead of guarding me from the monsters, dad was a monster.

Caroline, pictured below as a child, describes losing interest in life as her living hell continued for two years in the family home in Fritham Road, Harefield, as well as in Wales when her dad abused her on a family holiday.

Farmer, who worked as a labourer, often abused his daughter after tucking her in at bedtime and once even sneaked into the bedroom she shared with her sister at night and sexually assaulted her while she slept.

Every time he would just get up, walk away and carry on as if everything was just totally normal. Hed never say a word about it, as if it never happened.

It was at school in February 1979 that Caroline plucked up the courage to tell her teacher what had happened to her.

She explained: I was sent home with mum and remember feeling so frightened, I was clinging on to her hand. When we got back I was sent up to my bedroom.

"There was a heated conversation downstairs between her and dad. He admitted to her hed touched me as if a kiss and a cuddle and that was it.

"I was called downstairs, but I didnt say anymore. Mum said it had been a misunderstanding and walked me back to school.

Knowing what I know now, I feel so let down by the school.

Carolines mum and dad divorced shortly after Farmer had an affair and though initially hurt that her mother did not protect her, she now feels she too was brainwashed by his lies.

For years, the horrific abuse took its toll on every aspect of Carolines life.

She married four times and at one stage became so depressed she became alcohol dependant, lost her job and unable to cope with the mental trauma, got in trouble with the police and became so low she even tried to take her own life before a stint in rehab.

I remember one time my daughter asked me did I remember when I lost my virginity and I couldnt answer her. I felt sick.

It was her husband and the support of her older brother Steve that finally gave her the strength to report her dads evil crimes two years ago.

Caroline, now 48, contacted Hampshire charity Southampton Rape Crisis who supported her to get justice.

Farmer, of Bye Road, Swanwick, was arrested and charged with rape and indecent assault, but he pleaded not guilty and Caroline had to prepare herself not only for a trial, but also to be cut off from family members.

I was 100 per cent frightened to speak out. When I did, it felt like I was finally free, but it wasnt easy.

On Facebook Ive had abuse from family members I was called a prostitute, a drama queen, a liar.

It did really hurt me but it makes me appreciate the people who do love me.

In May, the trial began at Southampton Crown Court and adamant to look her abuser in the eye, Caroline took to the witness stand where she relived every detail of her nightmare.

Five days later the jury found him guilty of one count of rape and seven counts of indecent assault.

Earlier this month, Farmer was sentenced to 12 years in prison and is on the sex offenders register for life.

Caroline explained: There was no remorse on his face at all. I didnt care if he got a year or a hundred years, I just wanted justice. After months of sleepless nights and seeing his face in nightmares, I felt like I could finally breathe again.

As the victim of a serious sexual crime, Caroline was entitled to lifelong anonymity, but in an act of incredible bravery, she has decided to waive that right in order to give others hope that there is life after rape.

It takes so much courage at any age to speak out to know if you are going to be believed but not talking about it, means it festers inside.

If you do nothing, it will eat away at you and it will destroy you.

Once you make that first little contact, you feel like you have taken control of your life again.

Ive become a strong person now. I feel empowered.

I cant call him my dad. I say I dont have a dad if anyone asks. John Farmer saw me as a victim but he didnt count on me being a survivor.

Investigating officer DC Alison Humby, from Western CID, told the Daily Echo: Hampshire Constabulary will always endeavour to investigate all reports of non-recent sexual abuse in a thorough and compassionate manner.

The victim in this case is an extremely brave person. She has shown strength of character and Ive seen how, over the last two years, she has been able to move on in her life.

Farmer committed a series of appalling sexual offences against his daughter when she was aged between 10 and 12 years old.

"The breach of trust in this case is immeasurable. His conviction demonstrates that sex offenders can and will be brought to justice regardless of the length of time it takes for their crimes to be brought to light.

*The victims surname has not been used to protect her identity.

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A rape victim was forced to play dead in a desperate attempt to survive a sex attack by a predator, a court was told.

Vile Jason Sedgwick was convicted of a string of sex assaults after pleading guilty to rape at Derby Crown Court.

He was jailed for 16 years after the court heard how in one sex attack he ripped his victim's clothes off and put his hands around her throat.

The victim then played dead, which police claim is the only reason she survived the ordeal.

Derby Crown Court heard Sedgwick, 30, also sexually assaulted two other women - attacking all three in the space of eight months.

Sedgwick stalked one of his victims to her home and then went inside uninvited to sexually assault her while her mother and son slept upstairs.

The court was told how he groped a third woman in the street, putting his hand down her top.

Judge John Burgess told him he was "a danger to women" as he jailed him for 16 years.

He said: "Looking at all the offences together, it is a very disturbing pattern, because what you were doing was loitering outside pubs and clubs, waiting to find a vulnerable, lone female who had been seriously affected by drink.

"And on three occasions you exploited their situation for your sexual gratification."

He said the offences were "planned, purposeful and predatory".

Sedgwick, of Long Eaton, Derbys, admitted the rape charge on the first day of his trial held in March.

While the rapist denied the two sexual assaults, which were committed in the months leading up to the rape, a jury found him guilty on both counts.

Grace Hale, prosecuting, said of Sedgwick's final attack that he approached the woman after she became separated from friends in the early hours of July 6 last year after leaving a nightclub in Long Eaton.

She said: "He kept picking her up like a baby and she told him to put her down. He did it a few times. He put her down eventually and she said she needed to ring her friend."

Her friends however we unable to find her until after the attack had taken place, the court heard.

Sedgwick was arrested after police put out an appeal and a witness came forward and identified him.

Kath Goddard, for Sedgwick, said he had no recollection of the rape, but when he had become aware of what he had done, he was "truly appalled and ashamed" that he was capable of doing such a thing.

Sedgwick was told he would be on licence in the community from when he was released until 2036. He will be on the sex offenders' register for life.

Following the sentencing Detective Inspector Donna Sisson said: "This could have been a murder investigation."

She added the three victims had been "incredibly brave in coming forward and going through the judicial process".

Investigating officer Detective Constable Ritchie Parkins said: "I'm pleased all three of the victims have got justice and hope they can take some comfort that this dangerous man has now been taken off the streets."

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A man has been remanded in custody after he admitted sexually assaulting two girls and later causing a commotion in the Lerwick court building.

Owen Haughian, 32, of the towns Hoofields admitted two separate sex offences one on 1st August and another on 24th January when he appeared in the dock today.

Procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie said Haughian committed the sex crimes after befriending the girls over social media.

The case against Haughian was initially set down for trial yesterday . But he turned up late and behaved obnoxiously outside the court room.

He had drunk a bottle of vodka before attending, and was refused access to the courtroom because of his drunken behaviour.

The upshot was that Haughian was arrested. In court this morning a rather contrite-looking Haughian also admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner, shouting, swearing and being disorderly while child witnesses were waiting in the nearby witness room.

Sentence was deferred until 23rd July for Haughian to be dealt with by sheriff Philip Mann, by which time background reports will be compiled by social workers.

Defence agent Tommy Allan urged honorary sheriff Sandy Cluness to release Haughian on bail. He said Haughian feared losing his job and his tenancy if he was remanded.

However, Mr MacKenzie opposed bail. He highlighted Haughians previous convictions, with a number of offences that were of an unpleasant nature.

The situation for him is that he has backed the court into a corner and left the court without any discretion, the fiscal said.

Honorary sheriff Cluness told Haughian: Ive listened carefully to what your solicitor has said, but these are serious charges so serious that sheriff Mann has decided to deal with them himself.

In view of all that has been said and the seriousness of the charges I will defer sentence until 23rd July, and you will be remanded in custody.

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A charity supporter and former vicar who volunteered at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, the British Legion and was part of the Isle of Wight Music Dance & Drama Festival Committee, has been jailed for 7 years and 2 months after being found guilty of historic indecent assault, including abusing an altar boy. John Charles Hibberd, 77, was found guilty of six counts of indecent assault dating back as far as 1967 when he appeared at Kingston Crown Court in London yesterday (Friday). Hibberd, originally from Chiswick in London, worked as a priest in the area before joining the staff of the Diocese of London as finance secretary. He was there for 12 years before retiring to the Isle of Wight when he moved into a bungalow at Lake. He worshiped at the Church of the Good Shepherd in the town. newportpolice400 Hibberds sentencing has come after one of his victims contacted the police in 2013 to make a allegation of sexual abuse dating back decades. The unnamed victim became an altar boy and Hibberd targeted him for abuse. During the investigation, two other victims were identified and contacted by the Police. After gathering evidence, officers arrested 77-year-old Hibberd at his home in Lake and charged him in March 2014 with six counts of indecent assault on a boy under 14 between 1967-1982. He categorically denied all the offences put to him and refused to admit any wrong doing against the victims of his crimes. During his time on the Island, Hibberd volunteered at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, the British Legion and was a committee member for the Isle of Wight Music Dance & Drama Festival. *John Hibberd did not have any connection with the Medina Marching Band There is no evidence or suggestion that any crimes were committed during his time on the Island or as part of these organisations, or that any organisation failed to safeguard. DC Nikki Honey of the Metropolitan Polices Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command says it is not inconceivable that he may have abused more boys. She said: Hibberd preyed on vulnerable young boys who didnt really understand what was happening to them at the time. As in many cases of this nature, the victims did not complain, due to the fact that the assailant was a vicar. This coupled with the embarrassment, and the belief that they themselves would be in trouble. It is not inconceivable that he may have abused more boys and I would urge any other victims to contact the police via 101.

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A Thanet man has been given a 12-year extended sentence for a string of child sex offences going back many years.

Mark Lloyd, 47, of Westgate on Sea, sat passively in the dock as one of his victims watched from the public gallery at Canterbury Crown Court just a few feet away.

Lloyd, of Victoria Road, Westgate On Sea had been found guilty of nine child sex offences after a trial at Canterbury Crown Court last month.

The court also heard that when police raided his home they discovered he was growing 72 cannabis plants in three rooms.

The pervert pleaded guilty to cultivating the drug but denied the sex offences.

He was given a 12-year extended sentence made up of a nine-year jail term and an extra three years on licence.

Judge Heather Norton told him he wont be eligible for parole until 2021 and will have to serve up to six years on licence when released.

The judge told him that he posed a significant risk of committing future sex offences against children and the public needed protecting.

Judge Norton said his victims are suffering and will continue to suffer from some years to come.

She added: You have shown no pity or remorse, no insight whatsoever for your offences.

The offences relate to three young victims and took place more than 10 years ago.

Lloyd declined to comment when officers interviewed him about the abuse which took place after he had been drinking and also failed to take to the stand in court at his trial.

The court heard how, following the report of the assaults to Kent Police, officers searched Lloyds home in September 2014 and found 72 cannabis plants growing in the spare room, bedroom and loft.

Also seized from his house were two books on horticulture and how to grow cannabis, two sets of scales, a safe, numerous clear plastic bags, latex gloves and various fertilisers.

"You have shown no pity or remorse, no insight whatsoever for your offences" - Judge Heather Norton

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Paul Deslandes of Kent Police said: "I would like to commend the victims in this case for their bravery in coming forward to disclose their abuse, in what has been a very emotional time for them all.

"Lloyds abuse has not only affected the victims but also their families and I hope that all those involved can finally begin to move on with their lives, knowing that Lloyd will be behind bars for the foreseeable future."

Lloyd was told he will be on the Sex Offenders' Register for life and was made subject to a sexual harm prevention order to stop him being alone or working with children.

After Lloyd left to start his sentence, Judge Norton praised the victim for her courage and thanked her for attending the sentencing.