Latest Offenders

Description

A 'feared' evangelical pastor who used his trusted position to abuse children and adults over 20 years has been jailed for 34 years after his conviction for multiple rapes of members of his congregation.

Self-styled prophet Michael Oluronbi, originally from Nigeria and living in Birmingham, was found guilty of the offences against six women and a man in January, actions described by a judge as 'one of the worst cases of sexual abuse of multiple children to come before the courts'.

Some of his offences were carried out after he convinced victims, five of whom attended his church, to take part in 'spiritual bathing', which he claimed would 'cleanse' them of evil spirits.

During the trial at Birmingham Crown Court, a jury heard that some of his young female victims became pregnant multiple times but were taken to abortion clinics by qualified pharmacist Oluronbi, to cover up what was happening.

He was convicted of 15 counts of rape, seven counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault - as his sentencing hearing heard there were at least 88 separate occasions on which he raped his victims.

Judge Sarah Buckingham said the real purpose of the 'spiritual baths' was to 'fulfil your insatiable sexual appetite'.

The 60-year-old's wife Juliana was jailed for 11 years after being found guilty of three counts of aiding and abetting rape after helping arrange some of the terminations.

Both defendants will be required to sign the sex offenders' register for life.

Sentencing 'arrogant' Oluronbi on Friday, Judge Buckingham said: 'You claimed that God was instructing you to conduct holy baths.

'Its real purpose was to fulfil your insatiable sexual appetite.

'The children feared you and this enable you to continue your grip.

'Your offending has had an extreme and severe impact on all of your complainants.

'Any attempt to suggest otherwise would be without foundation.

'You abused your position of trust - they trusted you like God.'

The judge continued: 'You did this because you are an arrogant, selfish and vain man.

'In my judgment, your offending must be one of the worst cases of sexual abuse of multiple children to come before the courts.'

The religious leader was brought to justice after one of his victims, now an adult, came forward.

When eventually confronted about his offences, Oluronbi said 'the devil made me do it'.

In statements read to the court by the prosecution, one of the victims said the defendant's actions made her 'question if my life was worth living'.

During the trial, jurors heard Oluronbi was linked to a Christian church in Edgbaston, Birmingham, the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, whose roots were in Nigeria.

He set up on his own splinter group for about 40 adults and children, separate to the church and located at another address, where he began a practice of 'spiritual bathing'.

The offences took place in Birmingham and London.

Phil Bradley QC, prosecuting, told the jury: 'The Crown's case is that Mr Oluronbi used what he called 'spiritual work' as a subterfuge for that sexual abuse.

'The main tactic he employed was to claim that God had instructed him to administer 'holy baths' to some of his congregation in order to 'cleanse' them and protect them from evil influences.

'That activity began when his victims were children.

'There can be no doubt that its real purpose was to serve his sexual gratification.'

He added that for some of the female victims the offending 'progressed to repeated rapes, on many occasions leading to unwanted pregnancies and terminations'.

'You will learn that this man, who was revered and feared by his victims, kept a vice-like grip on many of them and continued to abuse them well into adulthood,' Mr Bradley said.

Oluronbi's victims described him as 'controlling' and 'almost like a king'.

The offending happened over a period of 20 years, at various locations, going back to the 1980s.

Oluronbi was arrested at Birmingham Airport in May last year, while trying to leave the country for Nigeria with some of his ceremonial belongings and a sum of cash.

Police are unable to say whether he was trying to flee justice, but pointed out he had recently been confronted about the abuse by one of his victims.

For his victims, the ordeal has taken a 'massive' physical and mental toll, detectives said.

Describing Oluronbi as 'intelligent', Detective Superintendent Nick Walton of West Midlands Police said the pastor 'laughed' in court on several occasions while giving evidence in his own defence.

Mr Walton said Oluronbi had been working as a pastor until his arrest in May 2018.

Police also believe there could be more victims and have urged anyone with information to get in touch.

Description

A repeat Lewisham sex offender who uploaded child pornography of an extreme nature online despite being under supervision has been jailed for three-and-a-half years. Police traced the upload to Aron Mortlock, 37, of Waters Road, a registered sex offender previously convicted of making indecent images of children in May 2018. Bromley Magistrates' Court heard that in September 2019, officers received intelligence that a Category A indecent video of a child had been uploaded to the internet. Research showed it had been uploaded by Mortlock, who was arrested at his home on suspicion of making and distributing indecent images of children. A number of items, including a phone and hard drive were seized from the property, and a large amount of indecent images of children found on these devices. Mortlock pleaded guilty to three charges of making an indecent image, distributing an indecent image and attempting to arrange the commission of a child sex offence on Wednesday February 12. He was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on Wednesday, 4 March. He will remain on the sex offenders' register for life. Detective Constable Katie Slee, from South East Safeguarding, said: Mortlock is a repeat offender and despite being under supervision continued to download horrific images of children. He has never shown any remorse for his behaviour and did all he could to stop police gaining access to the items seized from his address. "We are pleased he is now behind bars and will have no access to any devices which allow him to facilitate any further crimes. An spokesperson for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children said: Mortlock has committed a number of appalling offence that typify the horrific trade in child abuse images currently taking place online. Law enforcement cannot solve this problem alone. "Big tech must also be made to use their expertise and resources to quickly remove this terrible content from their platforms and identify who put it there in the first place.

Description

A FORMER police employee from York has been jailed for four years for possessing and distributing “depraved” indecent images of children.

Bradley Paul Smith, 36, who worked as a safety camera van operator with North Yorkshire Police, also admitted voyeurism.

Detectives found videos - which Smith had filmed - taken from inside the men’s changing room at a gym, a video of a teenager getting changed inside a bedroom and a child asleep on a bed.

Smith was arrested on February 6 last year and suspended from duty. He has since been sacked.

Detective Sergeant Lee Allenby, of the North Yorkshire Police online abuse & exploitation team, said it was “very concerning” that Smith, while still on police duties and on the same day he was arrested, had uploaded two serious Category A indecent images of children on his personal tablet.

He added: “This showed how deeply he was embroiled in this depraved and secretive world. However, there is no evidence or suggestion that offences were committed using police equipment.”

Smith was arrested after information was supplied police by the National Crime Agency.

North Yorkshire Police forensically examined numerous smart phones, tablets and laptops to secure evidence.

A large collection of indecent images of children, going back to 2011, were recovered including those classified in the most extreme Category A, as well as Category B and C offences.

The investigation team also recovered the videos taken by Smith.

Smith appeared at York Crown Court on February 10 where he pleaded guilty to making more than 3,000 indecent images of children, as well as distributing images, taking an indecent picture of a child and eight counts of voyeurism.

Smith was jailed for four years at York Crown Court yesterday.

He was also made subject to a sexual harm prevention order and placed on the sex offenders’ register.

DS Allenby added: “When the evidence of his offending was presented to him during the investigation, Bradley Smith initially claimed he was only interested in adult pornography and that the indecent images of children were downloaded accidentally.

“However, we were able to prove beyond doubt that he is a serious offender and it is pleasing that he admitted his guilt at court. He is now facing up to the consequences of his sickening actions.

“This case shows that North Yorkshire Police is determined and equipped to secure justice in such a complex investigation. Also that we operate without fear or favour even when the suspect works for the same police force.”

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “Smith has fuelled an industry where children suffer the most horrific abuse for the sexual gratification of sickening individuals like him, who can access these images and videos in just a few clicks.

“The NSPCC is calling on tech companies, law enforcement and government to work together to find ways to cut this vile material off at source.”

Description

A DEPRAVED pervert who sexually abused a friend's dog while looking after the animal has been caged.

Vile paedophile Andrew Flanagan, described as 'extremely sick' at court, was exposed after he photographed the animal abuse in which he forced a Rottweiller to engage in a sex act with him.

On investigating the 37-year-old of Field Avenue, Oxford, it was also revealed that he had in his possession a haul of banned images of child sex abuse, involving children as young as four, and had sent images to others.

Flanagan had already admitted six counts of making and distributing indecent images of children, as well as two counts of possessing extreme pornography and causing a serious sexual offence with an animal.

Oxford Crown Court heard at his sentencing hearing yesterday how the offences all took place in Oxford between October 2017 and September 2018.

Outlining the case, prosecutor Christopher Hewertson said that police raided Flanagan's Blackbird Leys home at about 6.30am on September 26, 2018.

Various electronic items were seized including smart phones and a Lenovo laptop and Flanagan told officers he 'knew immediately why they were there'.

A subsequent investigation of the equipment found a haul of indecent images of children and animals being sexually abused.

In a sinister and unusual discovery, four images were found depicting Flanagan himself engaging in a sex act with the dog that he had been looking after for a friend.

Prosecutors said at the sentencing hearing that Flanagan was caring for the dog while the owner was at work and there was no indication that they knew of the abuse being dealt to the animal.

Of the banned images of children that were also uncovered investigators found that he had a total of 287 images in category A - the most severe category, 103 in category B and 125 in category C.

It was also revealed that Flanagan had used file-sharing software such as eMule to distribute a number of the banned images to others.

He had sent to others six images of category A, two in category B and one in category C.

Search terms also revealed deliberate hunting for indecent images, which the judge called 'systematic searching for class A images' online, including terms such as 'pre-teen hardcore' and searches for five-year-old children.

Online chats also detailed Flanagan 'discussing and revelling in the sexual gratification that can be taken from sexual abuse of children'.

Officers also found that he had read Oxford Mail and Times articles about previous offenders being sentenced for having indecent images.

In mitigation yesterday his defence barrister James Reilley said his client suffered with 'extreme and severe depression and anxiety' and was taking medication for a diagnosis of HIV.

He said that Flanagan had had 'bouts of suicidal thoughts as a result' and called his client 'a good man' who had committed the 'out of character' offence at his 'lowest ebb'.

Mr Reilley added that Flanagan was 'clearly extremely sick' and was 'terrified' at the prospect of going to prison.

Sentencing, Judge Nigel Daly said: "The possession of indecent images of children, you know because you are not an unintelligent man, that before these images can exist there has to be a child.

"And that child has to be assaulted and that child very often is in extreme distress.

"These images will never go away and they will be there for as long as we have got the internet available."

As Judge Daly told him he had to impose an immediate jail term Flanagan broke down in tears and sobbed.

Flanagan was jailed for a total of 30 months for all the offences and he will sign the sex offenders register for life.

Description

A man has been jailed after engaging in sexualised online chats with a 13-year-old boy.

St Albans Crown Court heard how Jacob Taylor (Miles Esterson), of Mimms Lane, Shenley, started having innocuous chats with the boy before it became increasingly sexualised between October and November last year.

Taylor had suggested the pair meet up to engage in sexual activity.

Taylor, 37 arranged to meet what he believed was the young boy behind McDonalds at The Galleria in Hatfield on November 9, 2019 - but on arrival found police officers waiting for him.

He pleaded guilty to meeting a child following sexual communication and attempted sexual communication with a child.

Appearing at court yesterday (Thursday February 27) he was sentenced to two years in prison.

Detective Constable Georgina Fenge, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Child Online Safeguarding Team, said: “Taylor is a dangerous individual who clearly has no inhibitions about engaging in illegal conversations with children.

"Even after learning the teenager’s age, he continued to send inappropriate messages and was keen to meet up in order to engage in sexual activity with a minor. It is a relief to know he is now in a place where he can no longer offend.

“Hertfordshire Constabulary takes this type of crime extremely seriously and we are doing, and will continue to do, everything in our power to protect the vulnerable in our society by rooting out those who prey on children.”

Description

A "TRULY disgusting" paedophile from Ellesmere Port who incited three children to engage in sexual activity has been jailed for a total of 23 years. David McMurtry, 49, of William Johnson Gardens, was found guilty after a trial of 10 charges of child sex offences against three young girls, the youngest of whom being just seven or eight years old at the time of the offences. McMurtry was also found guilty of possessing 26 indecent images of children. He had earlier pleaded guilty to one charge of possessing 161 prohibited images of children. Sentencing at Chester Crown Court on Thursday, February 27, Recorder of Chester Judge Steven Everett said the evidence against McMurtry had been "overwhelming" and the jury had "rightly" found him guilty of all charges. Prosecuting, Nicholas Williams said the offences began more than 10 years ago and occurred over a number of years. In each case, McMurtry had incited the young girls to engage in sexual activity. Judge Everett agreed those three charges would be the most serious and, after taking into account the principle of totality, would impose consecutive sentences for those three counts. The three victims none of whom can be identified had each come to court to read out their victim impact statements. Each of them told of the "devastating impact" McMurtry had had on them, and how they would have nightmares and night terrors in the years following the sex attacks. Between the three of them, they had suffered depression, anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia and felt like their social lives had been compromised. All spoke how their childhood had been taken away from them because of McMurtry's actions. One said: "I hate him and I am upset for what he did to me." The same victim also told how, after she had given her statement to police before the trial, there was an occasion when McMurty sat next to her at Ellesmere Port Market, making her feel very uncomfortable. Another victim told how McMurty had seen her in the street about a year ago and he was laughing at her. "I can't put into words how much I hate him; he disgusts me," she told the court. Judge Everett said to the victims: "There is only one person to blame [for what has happened] and that is him. It's not you. There is nothing that any of the three of you did wrong." The court heard while McMurtry had no previous convictions, he had taken advantage of three girls who were "extremely vulnerable". Defending, Simon Mills said the length of the expected prison sentence, and the imposition of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, meant the likelihood of McMurtry committing offences of this nature again was "as close to nil as possible". He added McMurtry would find prison more difficult than if he was a young, fit and healthy man, and upon his eventual release would find himself in isolated, lonely circumstances. Mr Mills said of McMurtry's health: "He is sufficiently overweight for his life expectancy to be reduced. He has had major surgery in the past." Judge Everett, sentencing, told McMurtry his behaviour had been "truly disgusting". He added: "Your victims had to go through the truly awful process of coming forward and giving evidence in court. "They were courageous enough to give evidence against you. The one thing they should take from this is they were believed and everybody knows what you did to them when they were three young girls. "You knew, or believed, that nobody could touch you, because of their sheer vulnerability. "You showed you have no remorse or understanding of the damage you caused, sitting next to one of them at the market, laughing at another. It just showed you thought you were untouchable. "The jury rightly saw through that and rightly convicted you of these terrible offences. "I need to send out a message to you and to others that if they are ever tempted to do something like this, they will go to prison for the same length of time as you. "I sentence to punish you and to protect the public from the likes of you and to send the message out to the public. "You heard the victim statements and the devastating effect it has had. One can only hope they will be able to get some closure and get something of a decent life in the future." McMurtry was jailed for a total of 23 years and placed on the sex offenders register for life. Judge Everett told him: "In my judgment that is the least possible sentence. You will serve at least half that sentence, possibly more." McMurtry was made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order prohibiting from making any sort of contact with the victims or unsupervised contact with any female under the age of 16 except with parental/guardian permission from someone aware of McMurtry's convictions. The order, among other requirements, prevents McMurtry from owning a device capable of storing images, data encryption software or having access to the internet, except in circumstances which allow police to monitor his usage. The devices he used to obtain the indecent and/or prohibited images were to be forfeited and destroyed. McMurtry showed no emotion as he was led to the cells. Afterwards, Judge Everett told the victims and their families: "Any sentence that I pass here today is not long enough as far as you are concerned. I hope it gives you some sense of closure. "There is only one person to blame here and that is the person who has gone through the door [to prison]."

Description

A former soldier who encouraged underage girls to send him naked pictures has been spared jail.

Josh Boynton-Eckles embarked on behaviour described as the stuff of parents nightmares when he was serving in the military in 2015 and 2016.

Hull Crown Court heard how Boynton-Eckles, of north Hull, sent naked pictures of himself to girls under the age of 16 and images of bondage equipment and cartoons of adults spanking saying this is going to be me and you.

The 24-year-old also admitted to using the identity of another woman on anonymous chat site so he could encourage gay or bisexual women to send him naked pictures.

His offending first came to light when the mothers of two of his victims contacted police after they found indecent images on their daughters phones.

Their two daughters were friends, said prosecuting barrister Claire Holmes. One mother became aware that her daughter had been taking pictures of herself whilst naked in the shower and posted screenshots of the defendants chats to police.

Both mothers were able to identify the defendant by finding the Facebook account linked to the messages."

At the time, Boynton-Eckles was around 20-years-old and serving in the armed forces stationed in Thirsk, North Yorkshire.

A police investigation found he contacted a number of girls aged between 12 and 17 online from around the world.

In a conversation with one victim, aged 13 and 14 at the time, he discussed kissing and touching her bottom when they met and sent her a cartoon image of a man smacking a womans bottom saying this is going to be me and you.

In another conversation, again with a girl of a similar age, he discussed having sex with her and sent her an image of bondage equipment laid out on a bed.

Ms Holmes said: "He regularly chatted to females using various online applications. He would repeatedly ask for images.

"He was not deterred by age or vulnerability and would in fact use their vulnerability to get the images he wanted.

"Im looking at one such example. These are conversations with one complainant. She says I look a mess to which he says I bet you are beautiful. She says I assure you I am not and he says prove it.

"In my submission that is an example of a female expressing doubt in the way she looks and he was using that in order to get her to show him a picture."

Boynton-Eckles also encouraged a 15-year-old girl to send him naked pictures on Whatsapp and made references to taking her virginity.

Ms Holmes said: She confirmed she had sent him naked images and the conversation had been sexual and they discussed meeting up for sex. She said no such meeting took place.

Boynton-Eckles pleaded guilty to five counts of causing or inciting a girl under 16 to engage in sexual activity and appeared at Hull Crown Court to be sentenced.

In a victim impact statement, one of his victims said she felt a lot of shame after her encounter with Boynton-Eckles saying it made her feel stupid and worthless.

Boynton-Eckles also stood in the dock to be sentenced for one count of fraud after he admitted to using the identity of another woman on the anonymous social media app Whisper.

He would use her name and images to create a profile encouraging gay or bisexual women he was speaking with to send him naked photos, Ms Holmes told the court.

She said: Examination of the Whisper app chat records showed he used a womans image on a number of occasions and pretended to be her by name or without a name.

There are 20 examples of the defendant using her identity in order to obtain sexual chat and or pictures and two specific examples are when he exchanged naked pictures of the woman with the person he is speaking to.

Boynton-Eckles was also sentenced for one count of making an indecent photograph of a child and distributing a photograph of a child, after police found 59 category C images on his mobile phone.

Mitigating barrister, Keith Allen, told the court that Boynton-Eckles put a stop to his behaviour when another soldier sent him an indecent image of a child.

If I can start by addressing the slightly unusual feature of this case," said Mr Allen. "The defendant was a serving member of the military.

"During the period of his service he was contacted and in communication with another member of the military that sent to him indecent images of children.

He reported that to the military police and he handed over as part of their investigation the devices. It is in fact that time period where his report of the other person to the police is in essence the end of his offending behaviour.

The realisation appears to have dawned on this defendant the behaviour he was engaging in was unlawful and also wrong.

Mr Allen also referred to a psychologists report suggesting Boynton-Eckles had difficulties in interpersonal functioning likely caused by childhood trauma.

The report read: Mr Boynton Eckles offending behaviour is most likely to be driven by his difficulties in interpersonal functioning, most likely to be the result of childhood trauma.

He has struggled to relate to people his own age and has found it difficult to trust and feel rejected by them.

He has become isolated and experienced low mood and has coped with these difficulties by turning to the internet for social contact and found it easier relating to young girls.

Sentencing Boynton-Eckles to 20 months imprisonment suspended for two years, Judge David Tremberg said his behaviour was the stuff of parents nightmares.

He said: We have already seen in many ways you found young girls easier to manipulate, to groom, to control, to exploit, and the indictment reflects your involvement with three young girls who you groomed and exchanged indecent photographs with and encouraged into sexual activity.

In other devious criminality you even went as far as a form of identity fraud masquerading as a young woman exchanging indecent images of her in order to wheedle indecent images out of other women of a significant age.

What you did is likely to have a serious and emotional effect upon the girls. Your behaviour is the stuff of parents nightmares, that people like you should be floating about on the internet looking for the opportunity to take advantage of children.

There are no contact offences here. If there was the sentence would have been much greater.

I bear in mind you have been in no trouble since and you appear willing to take help available to you. I bear in mind you psychological presentation has been a factor in your offending.

In all the circumstances of the case and by a rather fine margin I am satisfied that justice can be met by imposing a sentence that does not require immediate custody.

Boynton-Eckles must complete 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement and take part in the Horizon programme.

He will also be a registered sex offender for the next ten years and adhere to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years.

Description

A MAN who was stung by waiting police officers after driving 200 miles from Norfolk to Hampshire to meet an 11-year-old child has been jailed for six-and-a-half years. Jeffery Batty, 50, was arrested after travelling four hours from Edingthorpe to the Rownhams Services between J3 and J4 of the M27. He expected to be greeted by an 11-year-old child, whom he had plans to abuse, but was instead met by a swarm of police officers. The officers from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit had already been investigating him for months. Batty, of Rectory Road, Edingthorpe, was jailed after admitting several child sex offences at Southampton Crown Court on Thursday. He was sentenced with an extended licence period of eight years and pleaded guilty to 17 charges in total. Police said Batty travelled to Hampshire in January, 2019 but continued to commit offences after that, despite knowing he was being investigated. This even continued after he was charged with arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence and 11 offences of possession and distribution of indecent images in August last year. That culminated in another arranged meeting with an eight-year-old child after being released on bail. Batty was again greeted at the arranged meeting point by police officers and charged with five more offences. They included arranging to meet another child for the purpose of sex and possessing and distributing indecent images and videos of children. However, he was later remanded. Batty will now be put on the sex offenders register for life and will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Detective Inspector Phil Attwood, from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit, said: Batty is clearly a depraved, dangerous individual who was fully committed to undertaking abhorrent abuse of children. It is only right that he has received a lengthy prison sentence, and Id like to highlight the work of the investigators involved in this case for ensuring that he was unable to carry out his sordid intentions. This investigation forms part of our continued priority to protect children from sexual exploitation from those who seek to do them harm, and I would urge anyone who has information on child abuse or is a victim to report it to your local police force right away via 101. We will always follow up allegations of abuse, no matter when they occurred, and victims can talk in confidence to experienced investigators who will help them get access to a range of support.

Description

A former police officer who was jailed after he was caught with indecent images of children has been thrown back behind bars after he was caught using a laptop.

David Pamment was jailed for eight months in March last year after he was caught with 31 indecent images of children.

The 55-year-old was also made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order, banning him from using a laptop without telling the authorities.

But when officers attended his Eastleigh home after his release they found a laptop – which had not been registered with police.

Now Pamment, who worked as a police officer for the Ministry of Defence, has been jailed again after admitting one count of breaching his sexual harm prevention order.

Southampton Crown Court heard how police originally visited Pamment's home, in Charlie Soar Court, on February 11, 2018.

When they examined his electronic devices, they found a total of 31 indecent images, including 17 category A images, 12 category B and two category C.

Pamment pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of a child and was jailed for a total of eight months.

Prosecutor Jane Terry said that Pamment was released in July last year, after serving half of his sentence.

She said Pamment was twice taken through the terms of his sexual harm prevention order, which included a requirement to register an internet enabled computer within three days of purchase.

But the court heard that during an unannounced visit to his property on October 4, police discovered a laptop in his living room.

Pamment was sentenced to nine months in prison.

His 10 year sexual harm prevention order and 10 year notification requirements will continue.

Description

A PAEDOPHILE caught sexually messaging an 11-year-old girl was released by police only to be caught offending again when he was snared trying to meet what he thought was a underage teen. Martyn Dunn, 27, was arrested when the 11-year-old's mother discover the sexually explicit messages on the girl's phone. But after collecting the messages as evidence, and having conducted a police interview, officers released Dunn under investigation for more than a year. In the meantime, Dunn arranged to meet what he thought was a 14-year-old schoolgirl after graphic conversation about sex. But the online profile was actually operated by a paedophile hunter group, who handed him into the police. While sentencing Dunn to a 10 month prison sentence, a judge hit out at Hampshire Police's decision to release him after he was caught the first time. Judge Peter Henry said: "You committed the second offence while being investigated by the police and released. "I question why you were not charged when interviewed in Summer 2018. I have absolutely no idea why when police had all the evidence they subsequently used. "You should have been charged then, whether that would have prevented the second offence I cannot say. But you must have been well aware that it was against the law to contact child, but you went ahead and did it." Police have since defended the decision, claiming an early charge was "not appropriate" in Dunn's case. A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: "In order to ensure a fair and thorough prosecution, investigating officers must collect all available material - whether it points towards a suspect or away. This also allows for fair disclosure the defence. "It is only once all reasonable lines of enquiry have been completed that a case can be presented. This can then be done so in the knowledge there is no material which would otherwise undermine the case. "Whether any such material exists is not always known at the point of interview and the bar for considering an early charge, with enquiries left to complete, is rightly set high." Southampton Crown Court heard how Dunn was arrested in April 2018 after exchanging sexual messages with an 11-year-old girl which were later found by the child's mother. The court heard he was later caught messaging what he thought was a 14-year-old in January 2019. But it was actually a fake profile, named Emily, which was being run by paedophile hunter group TRAP. Prosecutor Simon Foster told the court that after weeks of messaging, Dunn agreed to travel more than 60 miles from Southampton to Weymouth in order to meet the girl in June last year. He was later arrested and charged with both offences. In mitigation, John Dyer said Dunn suffered from autism and his messages with the girls were "naive". He said: "When talking to Emily they talk about Weymouth and his reply is that there are nice buses there. "He also sent a message in which he said he needed to go for a pee now and asked if she liked trains." Mr Dyer added that Dunn was facing eviction from his supported living accommodation, provided by Autism Hampshire, in Chessel Avenue, Southampton. Dunn, who pleaded guilty to one count of sexual communication with a child and one count of attempting to meet an underage girl after grooming. He was sentenced to 10 months in prison, given a 10 year sexual harm prevention order, barred from working with children and made the subject of notification requirements for 10 years.

Description

A "dangerous" paedophile has been jailed for sexually assaulting a teenage boy at knifepoint in woodland next to Basingstoke Canal more than 35 years ago. The then 13-year-old was walking along the towpath at around mid-morning on April 26, 1982, when Ian David Harmer, now 63, asked if he had seen his dog. Harmer then told the victim he had a knife and the boy immediately felt pressure in his lower back leading him to believe he was telling the truth. The teenager was then directed into woodland next to the towpath where he was sexually assaulted. Harmer made off after telling the boy to count to a certain number before getting up. The teenager ran home and told his parents what had happened, and they reported it to police. New forensic techniques Although a thorough investigation was carried out at the time, Harmer was not identified. However, the case was kept under regular review and in 2016, with the development of new forensic techniques, samples taken from the victim were compared to profiles held on the national DNA database and came up with a match for Harmer. Officers tracked him down and he was arrested and charged with buggery - now defined as rape under legislation changed - in February 2017. Harmer, of Aspen Lane, Northolt, Ealing, was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment, reduced to 11 years after he pleaded guilty, when he appeared at Guildford Crown Court on February 19. A 'dangerous predator' Detective Inspector Paddy Mayers, who led the investigation, said: Harmer was a dangerous predator who took advantage of an innocent teenage boy in broad daylight. "The victim was left severely traumatised by his ordeal and has had to endure more than 35 years of thinking his attacker would never be caught. Fortunately, when the case was reviewed in 2016, the advances in forensic techniques meant that samples taken from the victim at the time could be compared to profiles held on the national DNA database and Harmer was identified as being responsible. This has enabled us to finally bring him to justice for the heinous crime he committed that day and will hopefully allow the victim to begin to move on with his life. Harmer thought he had got away with it, but this case demonstrates that no matter how long ago a crime took place, we will never give up in our pursuit to bring the person responsible to justice.

Description

An absconding registered sex offender who is "a risk" to young women and girls was last seen in east London.

Daniel Joslin, 40, is wanted after failing to comply with a registered sex offender notification and a breach of court bail, according to the Metropolitan Police.

The force said Joslin was last seen in east London and also has a previous connection with Kent, but he may have travelled anywhere in the country.

Joslin is described as a white male, 6ft 1ins tall and of slim build. Police say he is known to use a number of aliases.

A Met spokesperson said: "He has previously targeted young women and girls and is considered to be a risk to both.

"If Joslin is seen do not approach him but call 999 immediately."

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC. Please quote 3602/17FEB.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

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A man who persistently exposed himself to women in Chichester streets has been jailed following a police investigation.

Lee Matthew Davidoff, 50, unemployed and of no fixed address, was sentenced when he appeared at Brighton Crown Court on Thursday (13 February), having previously been convicted of four counts of exposure during November 2019; two in North Walls, one in North Street, and one in Crane Street, police said.

He was also sentenced for being in breach of a suspended sentence.

He was given a total of 86 weeks imprisonment and will be a registered offender for ten years, confirmed police.

Davidoff was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) to last for ten years, placing requirements on his clothing and behaviour in public.

He had previously been a registered sex offender for ten years and subject of an SHPO after being given a six-month suspended sentence at Norwich Crown Court in January 2019 for similar offences in Norwich.

Detective Sergeant Debbie Ricks said:

Davidoff was a persistent offender who had not taken advantage of attempts to help manage his behaviour by the police, probation and the courts.

We took prompt action and traced him when his further offensive behaviour, which caused distress and alarm to the women involved, was reported.

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Grandfather jailed after vile child images and 'depraved' chats found

After separating from his wife, he strayed into the dark side of the internet and obtained and shared 'horrifying' images

A man who was found with "sickening" child abuse images including ones which involved the rape of a baby has been jailed.

Christopher Bate, 67, of St John's Road in Frome, pleaded guilty to distributing A Class images between September 2013 and November 2018.

He also admitted possessing Category A, B and C images as well as an extreme porn image.

In total, he had 2,976 images and 879 movies in the most serious Category A.

He appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday (Febuary 12) to be sentenced.

The court heard how Bate was once married with children and grandchildren, Bristol Live reports.

But the court was told after separating from his wife, he strayed into the dark side of the internet and obtained and shared images which a judge described as "horrifying".

He was brought to book when Avon and Somerset Police called on him due to intelligence they received.

Nicholas Fridd, prosecuting, said Bate accessed child abuse movies and police made an appointment to see him.

Mr Fridd said officers found child abuse images across the category range on his computer tower and a further image on his phone.

When police identified websites Bate visited, they found he had said he liked "fit men and boys" and indicated he would like to sexually abuse a five-year-old boy.

His collection of vile images included babies and young boys being raped, the court was told.

Edward Hetherington, defending, said after separating from his wife Bate turned to the internet for sexual gratification and "short-term relationships"

Mr Hetherington said: "He then developed an interest in the darker, illegal, harmful part of the Internet.

"He still maintains it was a way of attracting attention and it would open up interest of others who would not otherwise engage in sexual conversation with him."

The court heard wheelchair user Bate had a plethora of ailments which included ulcers on his legs and feet, which ran the risk of amputation.

Judge Paul Cook jailed him for 28 months.

He told Bate: "The images were sickening and horrifying and demonstrate a focus on the most extreme abuse of very young children.

"They involved the rape of a baby.

"You have been communicating with other paedophiles and sharing movies and images.

"The conversations you had can only be described as depraved."

Bate was told to register as a sex offender and was handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, both for ten years. His computer devices were forfeited.

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Bristol man jailed for taking photos of himself sexually abusing boys

Martin Berry is starting a hefty jail term after admitting a plethora of child sexual assaults and child exploitation charges

A Bristol Man took indecent photos of boys and pictured himself sexually abusing them.

Martin Berry regularly had the children at he and his partner's home for games and sleepovers, Bristol Crown Court heard.

Unbeknown to parents who trusted him, he was a convicted paedophile who sexually exploited the youngsters for his own perverted ends.

Berry, 58, now said to be of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to multiple sexual assault and attempted sexual assault as well as causing the sexual exploitation of a child.

Today (February 12, 2020) he also pleaded guilty to a further charge of causing the sexual exploitation of a child, two charges of voyeurism and possessing indecent images of a child.

The recorder Mr Adam Vaitilingam QC handed him a 12-year prison sentence with four years' extended licence.

He told Berry: "You are a sophisticated sex offender with previous convictions and a caution for sex offences.

"You identified families with young children.

"You manipulated parents into trusting you.

"You manipulated children into trusting you too.

"This was a gross breach of trust which the parents and children placed in you."

Berry was handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order designed to stop him re-offending and his electronic devices were forfeited.

Fiona Elder, prosecuting, said Berry sexually abused three boys aged between five and 11.

As well as touching their private parts Berry was found to have photos on his phone in which he captured his indecent acts or photographed the boys in semi-clad or naked poses.

One lad was asleep when Berry abused him, the court heard.

When police forensically examined his phone they found videos and stills of unknown youngsters aged between five and 12 being sexually abused, which he accessed via the dark web.

Tabitha Macfarlane, defending, said as a child her client was sent to a "boarding school for maladjusted boys" where he took comfort from sexual behaviour with other pupils.

He then joined the Army aged 16.

She said Berry had stated: "I'm utterly horrified as to what I've done"

"I sincerely apologize to all the boys and their families.

"I'm willing to enter therapy if offered."

Miss Macfarlane described her client's health as "chronically bad", having suffered an amputated leg following severe osteoarthritis.