Latest Offenders

Description

A carer who groomed a vulnerable woman with dementia before forcing himself on her has been jailed.

Darren Williams was working as the woman’s in-home carer when he began sending her inappropriate text messages and buying gifts for her.

The 45-year-old then forced himself on the woman, who is in her sixties and living with mixed dementia, and made her have sex with him.

His offending came to light when the woman told her family what had happened and police were informed.

Williams was arrested by police, which led to his dismissal from the private care company.  

He was later charged with sexual activity by a care worker with a person suffering a mental disorder, which he admitted at a court hearing in February.

Williams, of Oakenshaw, near Crook, appeared back at Durham Crown Court on Friday (July 31) where he was jailed for 30 months.

In a victim impact statement, the woman’s son described the effect Williams’ offending had on his mother.

“He was not just a stranger. He was a professional with a duty of care,” he said. “His job was to be part of Susan’s daily life, to her sense of safety and to her social and emotional wellbeing. For someone living with dementia, this relationship was meant to be the support system around a life that is becoming harder to hold together. He destroyed that.

“Since the assault, Susan began to withdraw much more profoundly. The moments of clarity, of connection with her family sharply diminishing. The person who was meant to be her support became, in the cruellest way possible, a source of fear and confusion she cannot fully articulate or process.

“Her family believes, with good reason, that this assault has accelerated the progression of her disease. The psychological trauma inflicted on a person with dementia does not stay still. It compounds. What was taken from Susan was not only her dignity and her safety – it was time. Time with her family, time as herself.

“She deserved safety. She deserved dignity. She deserved to spend whatever time remains to her feeling protected and loved. That was taken from her by someone who knew exactly what he was doing, and chose to do it anyway.”

Detective Constable Graeme Whitfield, from Durham Constabulary’s West Safeguarding Team, led the investigation.

He said:

“Williams’ actions represented an appalling abuse of trust. He exploited his position as a carer by pursuing an inappropriate relationship with a vulnerable woman, despite being fully aware of her dementia.

“He visited her home address while off duty, targeted her with gifts, sent inappropriate messages, all while knowing she lacked the capacity to consent. This was particularly concerning given that he had received safeguarding training through his employment and should have understood both his professional responsibilities and the vulnerabilities of those in his care.

“The impact of his offending on the victim’s emotional and physical wellbeing has been significant.

“I would like to thank the victim’s family, as well as Williams’ colleagues, for raising concerns at the earliest opportunity. Their vigilance and prompt action were instrumental in bringing this offending to light and ensuring that Williams was held accountable for his actions.”

Description

A Maidstone sex offender is starting a prison sentence after investigators tracked down 5 of his victims.

In November 2022, Kent Police received information from a third-party that Tony Mansford had raped a teenager more than a decade earlier.

Officers quickly identified the victim who reported further offences. Mansford was interviewed under caution after which further enquiries were undertaken.

Investigators then located 4 more of Mansford’s victims who said he had targeted them when they were children. A sixth victim also came forward to make a report.

In March 2023, Mansford, of Concord Avenue in Chatham, but previously from Maidstone, was arrested. He was later charged with 2 counts of rape, 9 counts of indecent assault, attempting to indecently assault, 2 counts of sexual activity with a child, causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual assault and child cruelty.

He pleaded not guilty but following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court was convicted of all the offences. Mansford, 58, was sentenced on Thursday 30 July 2026 at the same court to 25 years' imprisonment.

Detective Sergeant Helen Bateman said:

'The investigating officer involved in this case went above and beyond to establish the full extent of Mansford's offending. They worked diligently to identify and engage with victims, ensuring they received the support they needed.

'I would like to commend each victim who showed immense courage in supporting the investigation and bringing Mansford to justice.

‘I would encourage anyone who has been the victim of a similar offence to contact us, regardless of when it occurred. Our specialist officers are here to listen and support you.'

Description

A 41-year-old man has been sent to prison after he was found guilty of attempted rape.

On November 8, 2025, Bishan Shiekh approached a vulnerable woman inside a property in Northampton and attempted to rape her.

Thankfully she managed to get away and the offence was reported to Northamptonshire Police.

Shiekh was arrested and subsequently charged with one count of attempted rape, taking the case to a trial which started on April 28 this year at Northampton Crown Court and lasted for five days.

At the end, the jury found him guilty.

Shiekh returned to the same court earlier this month (July 10) where he was sentenced to seven years in prison with another two on extended licence. 

Detective Sergeant Liz Jeeves from Northamptonshire Police’s SOLAR Team said:

“This was a frightening and traumatic experience for the survivor of this incident, who showed great courage throughout the investigation and court process. Thanks to the dedication of the officer in the case, DC Adam Smart, the strength of the evidence presented, and the bravery of this woman, Bishan Shiekh has now been held accountable for his actions.

“Violence against women and girls remains a priority for Northamptonshire Police, and we are committed to relentlessly pursuing those who commit these offences. We take every report of sexual violence extremely seriously, thoroughly investigating allegations, supporting victims and doing everything we can to bring offenders to justice.

“We hope this sentence provides reassurance that reports of this nature will be acted upon and that anyone who has experienced sexual violence feels able to come forward and speak to us. You will be listened to, supported and your report will be investigated.”

Description

A sex offender has been jailed after targeting a child on the Isle of Sheppey.

An investigation was launched into Joseph Hatton after his victim disclosed they had been indecently touched in the past.

Arrest

Hatton was arrested on 27 September 2025 and a review of his mobile phone uncovered hundreds of indecent images of children.

The 40 year old was later charged with multiple offences including sexual activity with a child, making indecent images of a child and possessing extreme pornographic images.

Court

Hatton, of Plough Road, Eastchurch, denied the allegations but was convicted of all counts by a jury at Maidstone Crown Court.

At the same court on Wednesday 29 July 2026, he was sentenced to 6 years and 10 months’ imprisonment.

Hatton will also be subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and has been placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Investigating Officer Detective Constable Robert Hughes said:

‘Hatton’s vile crimes have had a significant impact on his young victim, and his denials to the jury have only added to their trauma. I would like to commend their courage in coming forward and supporting the case against him.

‘Hatton’s possession of indecent images show he remains a risk to children and it is quite right he is now behind bars. His conduct will be restricted by a court order when he is eventually released and any breaches will lead to his immediate arrest.’

Description

Child Rapist Exposed by Love Bite After Hiding Past from New Partner

A North East child rapist who failed to declare his convictions to a new partner was caught when police spotted a love bite on his neck.

Mark Hubbard, 32, of The Crescent, Middlesbrough, remains subject to a sexual risk order (SRO) because he continues to pose a danger to the public, Teesside Crown Court heard. He was jailed for 12 years in 2014 for raping a child under 16 and convicted again in 2016 of engaging in sexual activity with a child.

Prosecutor Albany Kidd said Hubbard, classified as a very high-risk sex offender, was required under the SRO to inform any new partner of his previous convictions and notify the authorities.  

“A police officer attended his home to carry out an unannounced review with him,” she told the court. “The officer noticed that the defendant had a love bite on his neck and he stated – ‘I have been seeing a lass for a couple of day and she doesn’t know about my past’.”

The woman, who believed he was called Mark Wilson, told police she was “disgusted” when she learned of his record.  

The court heard Hubbard had previously breached the SRO within days and received a 12-month jail term. He was released from that sentence on 18 June and was on licence when he committed the latest offence, resulting in his recall to custody.  

Hubbard pleaded guilty to the breach on 5 July. Tom Bennett, mitigating, said he had pleaded at the earliest opportunity and “acknowledges this is something that will result in another custodial sentence.”  

Judge Andrew Hatton sentenced him to two years’ custody. He said: “The police spoke to the woman and she indicated you had given a different surname and you had engaged in a sexual relationship with her with alerting her. She indicated that she felt disgusted at the thought of what you had done.”

Description

A 62-year-old man who indecently assaulted a child four decades ago and sexually abused a woman on multiple occasions in 2023 has been jailed for more than four years.

Neil Lawrence, of Poole in Dorset, pleaded guilty indecently assaulting a 12-year-old child he knew in 1987.

In a statement read out at last week’s sentencing hearing, the victim said: “I feel like it stripped the innocence from my childhood, that I could not put back.”

Lawrence further offended in 2023 against and adult female and denied offences of three counts of assault by penetration, voyeurism, sexual assault and threatening to disclose private sexual photographs.

He claimed that they had all been consensual however, the jury found him guilty of each count and he was convicted in May.

In a statement read out at the sentencing hearing on Wednesday 22 July, the second victim said: “I’m angry that he was able to do these things to me. It upsets me that I can’t even give a hug to my kids. They had to ask my permission before hand. I don’t want anyone to touch me, it makes me feel filthy and not me.”

On he was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison, given an indefinite restraining order, and added to the sex offenders’ register.

Speaking after the sentencing hearing, Detective Constables Annabelle Winter and Vikki Doble said:

“The victims have shown such incredible bravery to report this and support the police investigation. I hope that this conviction brings them some closure and the justice they deserve.

“We would urge anyone who has been a victim of Lawrence – or of any other person, no matter how long ago the offence took place – to report this to the police if they feel able to.”

Description

Ziaullah Badshah, 25, of Brighton Road, Rhyl, was found guilty of two counts of rape, two counts of conspiracy to traffic, two counts of conspiracy to require a person to perform compulsory labour, supplying cannabis to another.

A total of five defendants have today been convicted at Caernarfon Crown Court following a major child sexual exploitation investigation led by North Wales Police.

• Mustafa Iqbal
• Mohamed Usman Arshad
• Ziaullah Badshah

The convictions relate to the exploitation and abuse of three teenage girls in Rhyl and the surrounding area between April 2022 and March 2024.

The victims’ ages ranged between 14 and 16 at the time of the offences, which occurred in cars, residential addresses, and at business premises in the Denbighshire area.

During a three-month trial, the court heard evidence of rape, sexual assault, child sexual exploitation, modern day slavery offences, drug supply, and attempts to obstruct justice.

All offences were reviewed by North Wales Police detectives as part of linked investigations named Operation Embank and Operation Zirconium, which targeted those involved in child sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

Each of the defendants had denied the charges brought against them at court and maintained their innocence throughout proceedings.

Following a unanimous jury verdict in court, the five defendants were found guilty of more than 40 separate offences.

Mustafa Iqbal, Mohamed Usman Arshad, Ziaullah Badsha and Jaswinder Singh have all been remanded in custody and will now be sentenced at Caernarfon Crown Court on Friday, 25 September.

Sarah Gray was bailed to also appear for sentencing at Caernarfon Crown Court on Friday, 25 September.

Senior Investigating Officer, DCI Richard Sidney said:

“Today, my thoughts are first and foremost with the three young women at the heart of this case.

“They were children, aged just 14 to 16, when they were subjected to exploitation and abuse by adults who took advantage of their vulnerabilities and sought to manipulate and control them for their own gain.

“No child should have to experience what these young women endured. The impact of child sexual exploitation can be profound and long-lasting, and the harm caused by these offences cannot be understated.

“Today's verdicts represent an important step towards accountability and justice. While no court outcome can undo the trauma these young women have experienced, I hope this result offers some measure of recognition of the harm done to them.

“Throughout this investigation and the three-month trial, the young women engaged with the criminal justice process despite the significant challenges that can come with revisiting traumatic experiences. By sharing their evidence, they helped ensure those responsible could be held accountable for their actions.

“I would like to thank them for the trust they placed in the investigation team and acknowledge the difficult journey they have been through. I also want them to know that what happened to them was not their fault. Today's convictions are a reflection of the offenders' actions and decisions, not the actions of the children they exploited.

“Mustafa Iqbal, Mohamed Usman Arshad, Ziaullah Badsha, Jaswinder Singh, and Sarah Gray, denied almost every allegation against them from the outset.

“Rather than accepting responsibility for the appalling harm they caused, they forced these young women to endure the additional trauma of a lengthy trial, requiring them to relive their experiences in a courtroom.

“I hope today’s outcome sends a clear message that those who seek to groom and exploit vulnerable children will be relentlessly pursued.

“We remain committed to identifying offenders, supporting victims and working with our partners to protect young people from those who seek to abuse and exploit them.

“I would also like to recognise the professionalism and dedication of the investigative team, specialist staff, prosecutors and partner agencies who have worked tirelessly to support the victims and present this case before the court.”

Description

Mohamed Usman Arshad, 36, of Clifton Grove, Rhyl, was found guilty of three counts of rape, two counts of conspiracy to traffic, two counts of conspiracy to require a person to perform compulsory labour, and supplying cannabis to another.

• Mustafa Iqbal
• Mohamed Usman Arshad
• Ziaullah Badshah

A total of five defendants have today been convicted at Caernarfon Crown Court following a major child sexual exploitation investigation led by North Wales Police.

The convictions relate to the exploitation and abuse of three teenage girls in Rhyl and the surrounding area between April 2022 and March 2024.

The victims’ ages ranged between 14 and 16 at the time of the offences, which occurred in cars, residential addresses, and at business premises in the Denbighshire area.

During a three-month trial, the court heard evidence of rape, sexual assault, child sexual exploitation, modern day slavery offences, drug supply, and attempts to obstruct justice.

All offences were reviewed by North Wales Police detectives as part of linked investigations named Operation Embank and Operation Zirconium, which targeted those involved in child sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

Each of the defendants had denied the charges brought against them at court and maintained their innocence throughout proceedings.

Following a unanimous jury verdict in court, the five defendants were found guilty of more than 40 separate offences.

Mustafa Iqbal, Mohamed Usman Arshad, Ziaullah Badsha and Jaswinder Singh have all been remanded in custody and will now be sentenced at Caernarfon Crown Court on Friday, 25 September.

Sarah Gray was bailed to also appear for sentencing at Caernarfon Crown Court on Friday, 25 September.

Senior Investigating Officer, DCI Richard Sidney said:

“Today, my thoughts are first and foremost with the three young women at the heart of this case.

“They were children, aged just 14 to 16, when they were subjected to exploitation and abuse by adults who took advantage of their vulnerabilities and sought to manipulate and control them for their own gain.

“No child should have to experience what these young women endured. The impact of child sexual exploitation can be profound and long-lasting, and the harm caused by these offences cannot be understated.

“Today's verdicts represent an important step towards accountability and justice. While no court outcome can undo the trauma these young women have experienced, I hope this result offers some measure of recognition of the harm done to them.

“Throughout this investigation and the three-month trial, the young women engaged with the criminal justice process despite the significant challenges that can come with revisiting traumatic experiences. By sharing their evidence, they helped ensure those responsible could be held accountable for their actions.

“I would like to thank them for the trust they placed in the investigation team and acknowledge the difficult journey they have been through. I also want them to know that what happened to them was not their fault. Today's convictions are a reflection of the offenders' actions and decisions, not the actions of the children they exploited.

“Mustafa Iqbal, Mohamed Usman Arshad, Ziaullah Badsha, Jaswinder Singh, and Sarah Gray, denied almost every allegation against them from the outset.

“Rather than accepting responsibility for the appalling harm they caused, they forced these young women to endure the additional trauma of a lengthy trial, requiring them to relive their experiences in a courtroom.

“I hope today’s outcome sends a clear message that those who seek to groom and exploit vulnerable children will be relentlessly pursued.

“We remain committed to identifying offenders, supporting victims and working with our partners to protect young people from those who seek to abuse and exploit them.

“I would also like to recognise the professionalism and dedication of the investigative team, specialist staff, prosecutors and partner agencies who have worked tirelessly to support the victims and present this case before the court.”

Description

Mustafa Iqbal, 43, of Trellewelyn Road, Rhyl, was found guilty of four counts of rape, three counts of conspiracy to require a person to perform compulsory labour, three counts of sexual assault, three counts of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, two counts of conspiracy to traffic, conspiracy to supply cannabis to another, conspiracy to supply cocaine to another, supplying cannabis to another, arranging or facilitating the travel of another person with a view to exploitation, and breaching a slavery/trafficking risk order.

A total of five defendants have today been convicted at Caernarfon Crown Court following a major child sexual exploitation investigation led by North Wales Police.

• Mustafa Iqbal
• Mohamed Usman Arshad
• Ziaullah Badshah

The convictions relate to the exploitation and abuse of three teenage girls in Rhyl and the surrounding area between April 2022 and March 2024.

The victims’ ages ranged between 14 and 16 at the time of the offences, which occurred in cars, residential addresses, and at business premises in the Denbighshire area.

During a three-month trial, the court heard evidence of rape, sexual assault, child sexual exploitation, modern day slavery offences, drug supply, and attempts to obstruct justice.

All offences were reviewed by North Wales Police detectives as part of linked investigations named Operation Embank and Operation Zirconium, which targeted those involved in child sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

Each of the defendants had denied the charges brought against them at court and maintained their innocence throughout proceedings.

Following a unanimous jury verdict in court, the five defendants were found guilty of more than 40 separate offences.

Mustafa Iqbal, Mohamed Usman Arshad, Ziaullah Badsha and Jaswinder Singh have all been remanded in custody and will now be sentenced at Caernarfon Crown Court on Friday, 25 September.

Sarah Gray was bailed to also appear for sentencing at Caernarfon Crown Court on Friday, 25 September.

Senior Investigating Officer, DCI Richard Sidney said:

“Today, my thoughts are first and foremost with the three young women at the heart of this case.

“They were children, aged just 14 to 16, when they were subjected to exploitation and abuse by adults who took advantage of their vulnerabilities and sought to manipulate and control them for their own gain.

“No child should have to experience what these young women endured. The impact of child sexual exploitation can be profound and long-lasting, and the harm caused by these offences cannot be understated.

“Today's verdicts represent an important step towards accountability and justice. While no court outcome can undo the trauma these young women have experienced, I hope this result offers some measure of recognition of the harm done to them.

“Throughout this investigation and the three-month trial, the young women engaged with the criminal justice process despite the significant challenges that can come with revisiting traumatic experiences. By sharing their evidence, they helped ensure those responsible could be held accountable for their actions.

“I would like to thank them for the trust they placed in the investigation team and acknowledge the difficult journey they have been through. I also want them to know that what happened to them was not their fault. Today's convictions are a reflection of the offenders' actions and decisions, not the actions of the children they exploited.

“Mustafa Iqbal, Mohamed Usman Arshad, Ziaullah Badsha, Jaswinder Singh, and Sarah Gray, denied almost every allegation against them from the outset.

“Rather than accepting responsibility for the appalling harm they caused, they forced these young women to endure the additional trauma of a lengthy trial, requiring them to relive their experiences in a courtroom.

“I hope today’s outcome sends a clear message that those who seek to groom and exploit vulnerable children will be relentlessly pursued.

“We remain committed to identifying offenders, supporting victims and working with our partners to protect young people from those who seek to abuse and exploit them.

“I would also like to recognise the professionalism and dedication of the investigative team, specialist staff, prosecutors and partner agencies who have worked tirelessly to support the victims and present this case before the court.”

Description

Anderson Ishiekwene jailed for attempting to meet child for sex after online grooming

An international student has been jailed for three years after being caught by online paedophile hunters while trying to meet a girl he believed was 14 for sex.

Anderson Ishiekwene, 25, a Nigerian national, was arrested in Washington eight days after starting a sexual conversation with a decoy profile. Newcastle Crown Court heard he exchanged more than 300 pages of messages with the account run by a paedophile hunter group, repeatedly asking the “girl” to delete his messages.

Ishiekwene admitted attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child and was found guilty of attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming.

He arrived in the UK from Nigeria on a student visa in August 2025 and settled in Sunderland. On 2 January he messaged the Facebook profile of a supposed 14-year-old girl. The conversation moved to WhatsApp.

Prosecutor Cole Cockburn told the court Ishiekwene was repeatedly informed the girl was 14. Over subsequent days he asked about her school and uniform, posed intimate questions about her body, requested pictures and sent an image of his naked groin. When she refused to send photos he called it “unfair” and claimed it was “a normal thing for people to do in a relationship.”

They arranged to meet at the Galleries in Washington on 10 January. Ishiekwene said he wanted to kiss and sexually touch her like “lovers.” On arrival he was confronted by members of the hunter group and arrested by police.

He denied the meeting was for sexual purposes but was convicted after a three-day trial. Judge Robert Spragg said the planned activity on 10 January was a “precursor” to full sex on a later occasion. The probation service concluded there was “little doubt” Ishiekwene was “attracted to children.”

Upon release he is likely to face automatic deportation. Ishiekwene was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register and comply with an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.

Description

Marley Murray (23/06/2007), of Cotefield Road, Manchester, has been sentenced following a series of violent and sexual offences committed against a 16-year-old girl over a period of several months in 2025.

Thanks to the immense bravery and support from the survivor, Murray has been sentenced at Manchester Crown Court to six years in prison after he was convicted of rape, threats to kill and three counts of common assault. He was also handed a 10-year restraining order and has been placed on the sex offenders' register.

She first reported in March 2025, where the survivor recalls during an argument, Murray grabbed her by the throat, restricting her breathing, and struck her head repeatedly.

In June 2025, Murray subjected her to prolonged violence in her home. Murray verbally abused her and damaged her personal items. Murray raped the victim, ignoring her repeated refusals. 

The horrific display of abuse continued into July 2025, when Murray was once again violent with the victim at his address in Wythenshawe. He made threats to kill the victim whilst holding a knife, and physically assaulted her, causing visible injuries. 

Following this assault, the survivor managed to contact police covertly and escape the address.

In a statement shared with the court, the victim said:

"Marley was capable of ruining everything, he would ring me constantly accusing me of seeing other people.

"Every time I would go to sleep, I would have flash backs of everything the moment I close my eyes.

"I still have these flashbacks now of what he did to me, specifically I still have flash backs of the rape.

"I was used to Marley hitting me, it got to a point where it didn’t bother me because I was used to that, but being raped has impacted me differently.

"I always think the worst in a situation because of the trauma he’s put me through.

"I now am trying to rebuild my life."

Detective Superintendent Richard Hunt from Rochdale Police says:

"It is crucial to acknowledge the bravery and resilience demonstrated by the survivor in this case.

"Murray's utter disregard for his actions and continued attempts to contact, hurt, and abuse the victim highlights the importance of this sentencing.

"Her courage in coming forward and supporting the investigation has been instrumental in securing justice and ensuring the safety of others.

"Operation Soteria underscores the importance of victim-focused approaches and collaborative efforts between police, the Crown Prosecution Service, and support services to enhance the criminal justice response to such heinous crimes.

"The survivor's bravery not only highlights the personal strength required to confront such trauma but also serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment for other victims.

"It is through initiatives like Operation Soteria that we strive to create a more supportive and responsive environment for survivors, ensuring their voices are heard and their experiences validated.

"I urge anyone who might have experienced anything similar to please come forward and report. You will always be listened to and supported."

Description

Convicted sex offender jailed for hiding phones and using Snapchat

Ryan Watkins, a convicted sex offender, has been sentenced to 27 months in prison after repeatedly breaching his sexual harm prevention order by using undeclared mobile phones and apps including Snapchat.

Watkins, 34, of High Street, Blaina, was convicted in June 2017 of attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity. He received 20 months’ imprisonment and a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.

On 28 May, police carried out an unannounced visit to his home. Watkins handed over a Samsung Galaxy phone and claimed he had no other devices. Officers noticed a Google Play Store tab open on the WhatsApp page (the app was not installed). He admitted deleting it, in breach of the order. The phone was seized.

When asked how best to contact him, Watkins revealed a second Samsung Galaxy that had not been registered with police and had Snapchat installed. That phone was also seized.

Police returned on 9 June. Watkins said he had no internet-enabled devices. Officers searched the property and he admitted having a phone hidden behind a wardrobe. It contained Snapchat on an account police had not been told about, and Watkins had posted a story just 11 hours earlier. He was arrested.

Watkins pleaded guilty to five breaches of the sexual harm prevention order. Prosecutor Sarah Grace noted there was no evidence he had used the devices to contact children or vulnerable people.

He had four previous convictions for nine offences, including failing to comply with sex offender notification requirements, and was already subject to a suspended sentence imposed in April the previous year for an earlier breach of the same order.

Defending, Gareth Williams said:

“The defendant is realistic. Ultimately he had to register it with the police and he didn’t.” No illegal material was found on the devices. Williams described the breaches as “unsophisticated”, adding: “If you didn’t want them to find something, you could find somewhere better than behind the cupboard. And you wouldn’t take them to it.”

Judge Shomon Khan remarked:

“It doesn’t make any sense. If he’s using it for legitimate purposes, just register it.” Sentencing Watkins, he said: “You have to accept this order is in place. The whole purpose of the order was to monitor the way in which you used internet-enabled devices and the way you operate online. You repeatedly breached that order.”

The 27-month total includes the activation of six months of the suspended sentence.

Description

A rapist has been jailed after targeting a teenage victim.

Dane Perren, of Sittingbourne, was accused of raping the young woman in June 2023.

The 41-year-old was charged with rape, attempted rape, assault by penetration and sexual assault.

Perren denied the sexual offences and was put on trial at Maidstone Crown Court.

A jury found him guilty of all charges last Thursday (July 23).

The following day, he was sentenced to seven years in prison.

He has also been put on the Sex Offenders’ Register and is subject to an indefinite restraining order.

Description

A retired music teacher has been jailed for the historic rape of a teenager he groomed at his home.

Keith Allen, aged 82, was jailed for eight-and-a-half years when he appeared at Birmingham Crown Court on June 23.

Allen, from Sibford Gower, Oxfordshire, had been found guilty at trial of the rape of a 16-year-old girl back in the 1990s.

Allen had groomed the teenager from the age of 15 when he had invited her to his home in Harborne for clarinet lessons.

His behaviour progressed from sexually touching her to full intercourse. She made a formal complaint in 2023 and we investigated.

DC Andrew Jones, from our Major Crime Team, said:

“Allen abused the position he had as a music tutor to groom, sexually abuse and rape the teenager.

“He now faces years behind bars where he can reflect on what he has done and the harm he has caused.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the brave woman who came forward to report what Allen had done to her as a child. She has been so brave throughout the investigation and court process.”

Description

Booth jailed for 38 months over indecent images and SHPO breaches

A man known as Booth has been sentenced to 38 months’ immediate imprisonment after being convicted of possessing indecent images of children and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

The indecent images offence involved 93 printed pictures, mainly of females aged around ten, which had been hidden inside the pages of magazines at his home. The SHPO breaches came to light when police discovered a mobile phone wrapped in aluminium foil. The device contained software capable of hiding his identity and concealing his internet use.

Prosecutor Mr Wilson told the court that Booth had a significant history of similar offending. This included convictions for indecent images of children in 2004, indecent images and an SHPO breach in 2006, a further SHPO breach and indecent images in 2015, and the 2018 offences that led to his most recent SHPO. Each had resulted in a custodial sentence.

Defending, Ryan Rothwell referred to the pre-sentence report, saying: “I am afraid it doesn’t make for the brightest reading. Nor does his record, or these offences.” He acknowledged the seriousness of the behaviour and accepted that immediate custody was likely. Booth had been recalled to serve the licence period of his eight-year 2018 sentence and, after completing it, had spent three months on remand for the current matters, which would count towards any new sentence. Mr Rothwell invited the court to impose concurrent terms, citing totality.

Sentencing, Mr Recorder Paul Lewis said he was “wholly satisfied” that Booth had installed the software in order to “conceal from the authorities your determined and continued hunt for illicit and indecent imagery.”

In addition to the 38-month custodial term, Booth must pay a £228 victim surcharge within six months of release. The judge indicated he is likely to serve up to half the sentence in custody before release on licence.