Latest Offenders

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A St John Ambulance volunteer from Weston will serve 11 months in prison for grooming underage girls for sex.

David Cardwell, aged 52, of Sunnyside Road, pleaded guilty to three counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child at Bristol Crown Court in May.

Cardwell, an NHS agency worker, was caught out by paedophile hunters who were posing as girls aged 12-14.

More than 1,214 explicit cartoon images 'of the very worst kind' involving children and babies were also found on his computer.

Judge Mark Horton, sentencing Cardwell at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, said: "There was grooming and sexualised conversations, including a discussion about meeting in Bristol for a sleepover and about how you would show her how to have sex."

Cardwell made contact with the 'girls' over a dating app before encouraging them to use WhatsApp and Kik so their conversations could be deleted.

Robin Shellard, prosecuting, said the 'decoys' never made first contact and all stated their age in the first communication.

Cardwell told the paedophile hunters he preferred young girls and asked them to send him pictures of themselves.

Police, after his arrest, found images of other unidentified girls of a similar age in his possession.

The court was told Cardwell has lost his family, house and job, and has been suffering from suicidal thoughts since his arrest.

The medic, who has worked in the operating department at Weston and Bristol hospitals, volunteered with St John Ambulance and the Air Training Corps and also ran basic first aid courses for children.

Judge Horton said: "Since these events the internet has taken its revenge on you and your family in a way which society would say is deserved, but is as personally crushing for you as it would be for families if these young girls had really been approached by you in the way you intended.

"There's no substantial remorse one would expect for the gravity of offence and no comprehension of the seriousness of the impact of this offending."

Cardwell was sentenced to 11 months in prison, followed by a 12-month supervision order.

He was ordered to sign the sexual offenders register for 10 years and given a sexual harm prevention order.

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William Bushby, 83, of Mongers Lane, Lewes, East Sussex, was convicted of eight counts of indecent assault on a child, said Surrey Police.

He was sentenced to 18 months in prison when he appeared at Guildford Crown Court on June 4.

The crimes took place in Woking and Pirbright, Surrey, said police.

A police spokesman said: Surrey Police launched an investigation after the victim came forward in 2017 and made an allegation of historic sexual abuse dating back to the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Speaking after the sentencing, the victim said: I am delighted with the outcome of this case.

Although I am slightly disappointed with the relative leniency of the sentence, it is still a significant result and testimony to the hard work of the Surrey Police Sexual Offences Investigation Team.

I hope my experience has shown that no matter how long ago a crime was committed it is still worth coming forward to report it.

Truth and justice will find its way out. You will be believed.

Temporary Detective Sergeant Guy Hookway, who investigated the offences, said: William Bushby groomed the victim and completely abused the position of trust he was in, in order to commit sustained sexual abuse on a child over a number of years.

I have nothing but praise and respect for the victim who had the courage to give evidence against Bushby in court. I hope that the guilty verdict will allow the victim to put this behind them and finally move on with their life.

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A convicted Mytchett paedophile was jailed again for viewing indecent images of children while on licence for similar offences.

Christopher Manley, of Coleford Bridge Road, used a monitored laptop and a tablet he had hidden from police to look at the images and message girls online.

The 50-year-old googled terms such as "chubby teens" but told police when they visited his home on June 1, 2018: "I was looking at porn but not children, I wasn't searching for that.

"I was looking for teen stuff but nothing younger than that."

He was jailed for three years at Guildford Crown Court in June after admitting to possessing extreme pornographic images, six counts of making indecent images of a child and breaching a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).

The offences were racked up on two separate occasions, with the second offences being committed while Manley was under investigation for the first set.

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Shawn Bennett, 29, of Gilbert Road, Smethwick, was found unanimously guilty by the jury at Worcester Crown Court of two counts of rape including rape of a girl under 16-years-old, eight counts of sexual offences, two counts of assault, theft and a threat to kill today, Thursday, June 6.

The court on the afternoon of Monday, October 22, 2018, Bennett held a woman at knifepoint, in her home in Redditch, and assaulted and raped her.

Later that afternoon he followed a 14-year-old girl who was leaving from a bus in Redditch, pulling her into the bushes where he assaulted, raped and threatened to kill her.

In the evening, Bennett then travelled to Rubery. After making inappropriate suggestions to two women he has then tried to drag them both into some undergrowth.

He was then apprehended by officers at the scene of this final attack.

Bennett was sentenced to 30 years in prison and must serve a minimum of 16 years and sign the sex offenders register.

Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Bailey from West Mercia Police said: “Bennett is an extremely dangerous sex offender who spent the day of Monday, October 22 carrying out these horrific crimes.

 

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Paedophile Darren Smith has been warned he faces a 'substantial prison sentence' after being convicted of raping the same girl five times.

The 36-year-old - who lives in Irene Avenue, Mill Hill - was also convicted of five counts of indecent assault following a trial.

He will be sentenced on July 18 alongside three other men - aged between 45 and 60 - who were also convicted of carrying out multiple historic rapes and indecent assaults on the same victim.

Following the verdicts, Judge Tim Gittens told the court: You have been convicted of heinous and wicked crimes against the victim.

"You will be produced at court on July 18 where you will receive substantial prison sentences. In the meantime, you will be remanded in custody.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the catalogue of abuse spanned six years. The victim was offered to the four men for sexual purposes in return for money, fags and alcohol.

Following the verdicts, Detective Constable Jaclyn Younger, from Northumbria Polices safeguarding department, said: "This victim has stood up to the men who abused her as a child.

"She has suffered much of her childhood by being brutally raped and assaulted and this has undoubtedly had a huge impact on her as an adult as well.

"She can hold her head high and know that by speaking out she has made a difference and can now hopefully move on with her life."

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A dangerous sexual predator who stalked a woman from the Seven Sisters Road McDonalds and then attacked her was jailed at Blackfriars Crown Court yesterday.

Dean Burke, of Edmonton, was sentenced to 21 months imprisonment and will be on the sex offenders register for 10 years, after he sexually assaulted a woman in December.

The survivor was on her way home after a night out when she stopped at McDonald's. She was listening to music on her headphones as she walked home.

As she got to her address, she removed her keys. She felt someone touch her right hip. It was at that point she became aware of Burke standing close to her.

He grabbed her with both hands, touching her upper body as she tried to push him away.

Burke then touched her through her clothes - the survivor pushed and kicked him trying to break free. She screamed for help. Burke ran away.

CPS prosecutor Nim Hennessy said: "This was a terrifying attack by a stranger who followed the victim home and assaulted her on the doorstep.

"This is clearly a dangerous sexual predator who will now spend time in prison for his crime.

"We hope that this conviction, which benefitted from a strong police investigation, provides some comfort for this victim."

CCTV showed Burke making a purchase at McDonald's shortly before the attack. Police got his receipt from McDonald's and through financial checks were able to identify his details and arrest him.

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A prolific criminal from South Devon has been jailed for 10 years for sexually assaulting a woman in her home.

Royston White broke down the woman's door then armed himself with knives before the terrifying assault, Exeter Crown Court was told.

He demanded she tell him her PIN number so he could take out cash to buy drugs.

She wrote it down for him and he sexually assaulted her.

When police arrested White, also known as Southhall, he threatened to slit the woman's throat.

The defendant, 40, of Church Street, Paignton, was found guilty at a trial in April of assault by penetration, blackmail and possessing ketamine. He also admitted possessing two knives in a public place.

He refused to attend most of the trial and stayed in his cell for the sentencing on Monday. The court was told he was studying Buddhism in jail.

Recorder Martin Meeke QC said White had rarely worked and had notched up 61 previous court appearances, mostly for dishonesty offences but some violence.

He considered whether to impose an extended sentence but had decided, after reading the pre-sentence report, that the defendant did not pose a danger to the wider public.

"The defendant has been a drug addict for many years," said Recorder Meeke.

"He said during the trial it would be easier to say which drugs he had not taken rather than those which he had.

"At its worst he had a drug habit of £300 a day."

The trial was told White would regularly steal to feed his habit. He admitted he would 'make a complete a***hole of myself' if he did not get what he wanted.

Mr William Parkhill, for White, said he was an intelligent man whose senses were confused by drugs. He could not remember the sexual assault.

South Devon police commander Ch Supt Keith Perkin tweeted after the hearing: "Due to an excellent investigation from the South Devon Sexual Offences & Domestic Abuse Team, Royston Southall has been sentenced to 10yrs imprisonment. This was not an easy investigation and outcome, a credit to the investigators."

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A sex offender groped a naked woman at a house in Derby just three months after being released from prison for carrying out the exact same offence.

Derby Crown Court heard how Edward Felix “took advantage of the situation” when he sexually assaulted his latest victim at a property in Darley Abbey.

The 39-year-old, who was previously jailed for touching a different victim and taking photographs of her private parts, then “pretended to fall asleep”.

His latest victim, who suffers anxiety, left the property immediately and Felix then sent a text message the following morning apologising for what he did.

She now locks the door to her own home when she is left alone there and has increased her medication, the hearing was told.

'Back to your old ways'

Jailing Felix for 18 months, Judge Shaun Smith QC said: “In March 2018 you were released from a custodial sentence which was imposed for offences of voyeurism, sexual assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm and, within three months, you were back to your old ways again.

“This woman was at that house and felt ill.

“She was in a room under the covers and naked and you took advantage of the situation.

“You started by stroking her hair, moved your hand up to her rib cage and then she was aware of you groping her left breast.

“She moved away but you stroked her stomach and then moved your hand towards her genital area.

“She had the presence of mind to ask you what you were doing and, instead of apologising, you pretended to fall asleep.

“She wanted to leave and went to a friend's house. The following morning, you admitted you stroked her in places you should not have stroked her.

“You sent a text message saying you were sorry.”

Sarah Slater, prosecuting, said the offence took place in June of last year at a property in Darley Abbey.

She said Felix, of Cropper Lane, Oslaston, Ashbourne, had been out drinking and a number of people then found their way back to the address.

While there, the victim began feeling ill and so went to one of the rooms, undressed and got into bed.

Miss Slater said Felix entered the room, got under the covers and started stroking the woman’s hair.

Cupped her breast

She said: “He put his hand under the duvet and she felt him direct his hand to her rib cage and then cup her left breast.

“She did not know what to do and so moved away but then felt his hand on her stomach and then moved down towards her pubic area.

“She said to him ‘what are you doing?’ and he pretended to fall asleep.”

Miss Slater said the woman left the property and, the following morning, Felix sent a text message which read “I really am so sorry”.

In a victim personal statement, the woman told how she feels “jumpy and dirty” if someone touches her and locks all of the doors at her own property when her boyfriend is not in.

Felix was arrested and at first denied anything had happened at the house in Darley Abbey.

But he later pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault.

Miss Slater said he was jailed for 22 months in March 2017 after taking intimate photographs of a woman’s private parts and showing them to his friends.

Julia King, mitigating, said her client was back living with his parents and has admitted himself to Aquarius, which is based in London Road, Derby, and helps people with alcohol and drugs issues.

She said: “Without minimising the seriousness of the offence, there is no significant planning and no violence was involved.

“He has reached the realisation he has a real problem which he needs to address.”

Judge Smith said although the probation service recommended Felix would benefit from a three-year community order, which was also urged on him by Miss King, he would be “failing in his public duty” if he did not send him into immediate custody.

He also placed him on the sex offender’s register for 10 years and handed him a 10-year restraining order not to contact the victim directly or indirectly.

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A PAEDOPHILE pensioner who sexually abused a six-year-old girl has been told he is likely to die in prison.

Thomas Cattermole also attempted to sexually assault another vulnerable child while in his 80s.

The 84-year-old was jailed for seven years by Judge Christopher Parker QC, who described his behaviour as monstrous.

In sentencing, Judge Parker said Cattermole, who has a number of illnesses and conditions, was likely to spend the remainder of his life behind bars.

Southampton Crown Court was told how Cattermole had targeted two girls, one in the 1960s and another in 2017.

The court heard how Cattermoles first campaign of abuse began in the early 1960s, when his victim was six.

Prosecutor Rose Burns said Cattermole had forced the girl into performing various sex acts on him.

He also sexually touched her, when she was 15.

His victim said the abuse had left her with urges to take her own life.

She said: I wanted to escape the abuse that haunted me.

Childhood should hold the happiest memories, but that isnt the case for me.

The victim said she did disclose the abuse as she was scared of Cattermole.

His crimes finally came to light in 2017, when he attempted to abuse another child, aged six.

The court was told he invited the girl, described as especially vulnerable, to sexually touch him on a number of occasions.

Cattermole was caught when the girl disclosed the abuse. His other victim then came forward.

The former delivery driver denied the allegations.

A jury found him guilty of three counts of indecency with a child, one count of indecent assault and another of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Mitigating, Sarah Jones said Cattermole suffered from a number of illnesses and conditions, including hypertension and diabetes, and was likely to die in prison.

She said: For him, it is a bitter end to a life which other than this has been lived working and getting on with things in a relatively unobtrusive and unremarkable way.

His offending has caused desperate pain, not only to his victims, but to his wife.

Judge Parker said Cattermole legally had to be sentenced for his historic offences in line with legislation at the time when they carried significantly lower sentences.

He later described Cattermoles behaviour as outrageous.

Judge Parker said: Your victim grew up bearing the scars of your abuse and kept it from others for years. She was wrongly, but understandably, feeling ashamed.

She had nothing to be ashamed about, you had much to be ashamed about.

(Your second victim) you must have understood she was especially vulnerable.

Judge Parker said Cattermole, of Victoria Road, Netley Abbey, would serve three and a half years of his seven year sentence behind bars.

Cattermole was also made subject of an added one year extended licence period.

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A 26-YEAR-OLD father who sexually abused a 14-year-old girl has been jailed for five years. Daniel Reed of Oak Close, Farley, appeared at Salisbury Crown Court today after previously pleading guilty to six counts of sexual activity with a child. The court heard that the abuse took place between February and May last year after a "wholesome friendship" between Reed who is a father to two young children and his victim turned physical, starting with kissing before moving to sex. Judge Andrew Barnett told the defendant: "You ruthlessly exploited her [the victim] by pleasuring yourself in the way that has been described here today. "You have effectively robbed her of her childhood. "She is left with the difficulty of never really every being able to have a proper relationship, because of what you have done." Tears were shed by relatives of the victim, who were present at the hearing, with a cry of "yes" when the jail term was delivered. Speaking after the decision, Wiltshire Police Det Con Kim Weston praised the girl for her bravery in cooperating with the investigation. She said: Over many months, Reed groomed his 14-year-old victim to the point that she trusted him and believed that she loved him. During some of her most vulnerable times, he used that trust to enter into a sexual relationship with her. The victim has shown unbelievable strength through this process and I hope that the sentence today allows her time to heal and move forward with her life. She added: We know that child sexual abuse can have a long-lasting impact on victims, right into adulthood and that they need appropriate specialist support.

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A pervert who sneaked a secret camera into a bathroom and filmed a woman draped just in a towel has been jailed for a total of 18 weeks after admitting four counts of voyeurism.

Daniel Chalmers obtained footage of the female in a state of undress at an address in Glastonbury and when the camera was discovered by another person the matter was reported to the police several years later.

When Chalmers appeared before Somerset Magistrates at Yeovil to be sentenced he said he had taken many steps to address what happened but had now lost a lot of his social standing and respect from friends and people he cared about.

He said he was a creative person and said his upbringing had been confusing, especially around sex.

He said he did not know what was acceptable and what was not and had been exploring the boundaries of his inner adolescent sexuality.

Chalmers, 42, of Ebbor Lane, Wookey Hole, pleaded guilty to three counts that on or before March 16, 2016, at Glastonbury he recorded another person doing a private act with the intention that he, for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification, looked at an image of that person doing the act, knowing that they did not consent to that recording.

He also admitted installing equipment with the intention of enabling himself, for the purpose of his own sexual gratification, to observe another person doing a private act, knowing that they had not consented.

Prosecutor Suzie Butler said that the police were contacted after the hidden camera was found in a bathroom.

It was discovered to be a recording device that looked like a USB stick and it loaded up a number of files, she said.

When it was viewed it showed images of a female who was just wearing a towel.

Chalmers asked the person who had found it if they had taken anything from the bathroom and appeared to be quite upset and said he really needed it.

When he was interviewed by police he said he felt an enormous sense of remorse having lost the trust of his family.

He said his upbringing was confusing, especially around sex, and he had been made to feel ashamed by his mother after accessing porn at an early age even though she was having sexual relationships, she said.

He said he did not know what was acceptable and what was not and felt ashamed and appalled at his actions.

He said his intention was to see how it felt to use a remote recording device and was exploring the boundaries of his inner adolescent sexuality.

He said he did not know why he had filmed it and never actually saw the footage.

But he said it was not so much for sexual gratification but finding the boundaries between right and wrong and trying to understand that.

The court heard that the defendant worked at festivals during the summer and was also a craftsman making jewellery and taught bush craft skills.

Chalmers addressed the court himself and said that in the two years since the offence he had taken many steps to address what happened and had now lost much of his social standing, respect and trust, along with the woman he loved.

He said: I am so remorseful and upset at my behaviour and have lost my family and the respect of people and myself and it has led to a profound change in me.

He added that he was willing to financially support any of the people who had been affected by his actions if they needed counselling or professional support.

Chair of the magistrates, Mary Ellis, told the defendant there had been a serious abuse of trust and his offending had crossed the custody threshold.

You bought a camera and chose to place it in the bathroom and it was not a chance occurrence but a deliberate plan, however you view it, she said.

They sentenced Chalmers to a total of 18 weeks in prison and ordered him to be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for the next seven years. A 115 victim surcharge was also imposed, payable on his release.

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A predatory sailor subjected a young boy to an "utterly vile" campaign of rape - during which he showed him sick videos of other children being abused and filmed his own horrific attacks.

To the outside world, John Henderson was a trusted and respected member of the armed forces, having served in the Royal Navy for 16 years.

But today he can be unmasked as a paedophile who stole a little boy's innocence in a series of sordid attacks to fulfil his "warped desires" - sometimes buying him gift cards in return for hurting him.

Even after being arrested by military police and suspended when footage of him attacking the boy was found on his phone, Henderson continued to abuse his innocent victim.

As the 32-year-old, of Amble, Northumberland, was jailed for 14 years for eight counts of rape, four sexual assaults and two indecent images offences, the victim's family told of their devastation and disgust.

In a victim impact statement which the boy's mum read out at Newcastle Crown Court, facing Henderson and aiming it at him directly at times, she said: "I got a phone call from social services, the type of phone call any family would dread.

"This is when I found out he had been sexually abusing my little boy. I was stunned and our world fell apart.

"It's as if we are living in nightmare. I keep thinking I will wake up and everything will be alright. I cry every day.

"(The victim) had always been a happy boy but he is different now, he seems confused and doesn't understand what is happening and he suddenly bursts into tears. I don't know how to make this right."

Turning to Henderson, she said: "How could you sexually abuse (my son). What have you done to him?

"What if he becomes a sex offender, copying you.

"You have robbed him of his innocence and in my troubled mind all I keep asking is why. Why did you do it? Why (my son)? Why me?"

She said her son had begun to draw "disturbing pictures" referring to "hate and die" and she is concerned about the impact on him.

The victim's dad added in a statement read to the court: "I was heartbroken to discover the abuse my son has endured.

"I have watched his behaviour deteriorate and become confrontational and I think this was as a result of the abuse he was subjected to.

"John Henderson deprived him of his innocence and he will forever be scarred by John Henderson's vile actions.

"I now look at everyone as a potential child predator and I feel I failed him by failing to protect him.

"I'm so worried about his future, John Henderson has destroyed my son's childhood. He abused my son and took his innocence away and the hate I feel for him is unbearable. He disgusts me."

The offences began to come to light when the Navy police received information and began to investigate him.

His mobile phone was seized and chat logs were found between him and the youngster.

Chats were also found between Henderson and a like-minded pervert based overseas, in which he made various disturbing comments, including: "Had sex with with my little friend this morning".

When the other man said he needed to find a child to have sex with, Henderson replied: "You will one day, try looking at your friends' kids."

The military police officer found a number of videos on the phone showing Henderson abusing the boy, including on his birthday.

In an online chat with another man from Los Angeles, Henderson told him he was "having fun" with the victim, who he referred to as a "super sexy boy".

A police investigation identified who the victim was and when he was interviewed, he revealed Henderson had bought him gift cards to engage in sexual activity with him.

Prosecutor Ian Mullarkey said: "He said he showed him adult gay porn and child pornography involving an adult male and a young boy.

"The complainant said he thought it was quite weird, that it was shocking him and the defendant did it and it was even more shocking other people did it as well."

Henderson was told he will serve up to half of the 14 year prison sentence. He must also sign the sex offenders register for life and was made subject to a sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order for life.

Judge Julie Clemitison told him: "He is a little boy in pain who is struggling to deal with what you did to him.

"He and his family have had their lives turned upside down by your behaviour, which can only be described as utterly selfish and utterly vile.

"His mother describes her fears for the future - all of this so you can satisfy your own warped desires. One can only imagine the pain this family must be suffering."

The judge, who said Henderson gave the boy gift cards "in return for allowing you to hurt him", said he poses a high risk of carrying out further sexual abuse of children.

Geoff Knowles, defending, said: "He served 16 years in the Navy and did active service on two tours.  He had for many years led a very productive and exemplary life."

He added that Henderson had mental health issues and blamed himself for the death of his father, who died following a fall after drinking with him.

Mr Knowles added: "None of that, of course, takes away from the truly dreadful acts he them committed against the complainant. He knows that.

"He says sorry through me but he knows it's simply not enough, it never could be, and he knows they will never forgive him.  He feels shame and remorse for what he put this little boy and his family through and he asks me to apologise."

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An ex high school associate head teacher has been jailed after he admitted collecting more than 2,000 sexual abuse images of children and possessing class A drugs.

Paul Newbury, 50, from Wood Green, London was sentenced to two years and four months at Southwark Crown Court today (Thursday 23 May).

In October 2017, Newbury, was in an online video conferencing room where the live sexual abuse of a 10-year-old girl was shown.

He was using the username 'north London' which National Crime Agency investigators linked to his home in Wood Green, London.

In February 2018, NCA officers arrested Newbury – who at the time was working at Acland Burghley School, Camden, London – and found drugs at his home which included 717 milligrams of cocaine.

In interview Newbury admitted possession of class A controlled drugs for personal use, which he used while in the video conferencing platform. He also admitted making, possessing and distributing indecent images of children.

A review of his digital devices identified more than 2,000 child sexual abuse images and videos ranging from category A (the most severe) to category C.

There is no evidence to suggest he was in sexual contact with any children and no evidence to link his offending to the school which sacked him on 7 March 2018.

Newbury admitted four counts of making indecent images of children, one of distributing indecent photographs of children, two counts of possessing class A drugs, possession of a prohibited image, showing an indecent photograph of a child, and possession of an extreme pornographic image at a hearing in March.

NCA operations manager Graham Ellis said: "Newbury and men like him who make and distribute horrific images of children are fuelling online child sexual abuse.

"The NCA knows that the scale and severity of this offending against children is worsening."Newbury was present when the live abuse of a 10-year-old girl was committed."Though his offending was not connected to his school, he is guilty of a tremendous betrayal of trust."The NCA and our law enforcement partners will not stop pursuing these offenders and will do everything in our power to bring them to justice."

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Recently released from prison, thought to be in Folkestone area. A judge gave a manipulative paedophile a piece of his mind for trying to lure children away with promises of high profile football games. Judge Mark Weekes dealt Rivers a barbed sentencing speech as the paedophile bowed his head, and sobbed while his body shook in the dock. Rivers, 49, was found guilty of six breaches of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order, banning him from trying to be alone with under-18s. Sentencing Rivers to four years in jail, the judge labelled him a predatory paedophile whose behaviour was sinister. He said: You used your interest, alleged or real in football, to repeatedly breach the order made. You remain a high risk - I dont doubt that you are not a manipulative man, Judge Weekes added. He scalded Rivers for attempting to coax the children away, adding it is in the parents' credit they stood firm. Sentencing Rivers to four years in jail, the judge labelled him a predatory paedophile whose behaviour was sinister. "You used your interest, alleged or real in football, to repeatedly breach the order made..." Judge Weekes Rivers, 49, was jailed for sexually assaulting a minor in 2010 and slapped with a sexual offences prevention order, to help deter re-offending. The order banned the social media specialist from being alone, or seeking to be alone, with people under-18. But Rivers would later flout the ruling - by trying to befriend a family then attempting to lure the children and be re-arrested in 2018. Rivers was found guilty of six breaches of the Sexual Harm Prevention Order at Canterbury Crown Court on Wednesday, and cleared of two other alleged offences. The court heard today the family remain disturbed over his advances, which included trying to coax a child from his parents with promises of watching Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. The mother revealed she feels suspicious of everyone following the ordeal, according to her victim impact statement. This trial has been very traumatic for all of us, explained Mr Hunsley. Now when I see a car similar to his I feel my stomach turn. Im worried what will happen when Alec is released back into the community. I feel sorry for others in the area who are not aware of his convictions. "Im worried what will happen when Alec is released back into the community..." victim statement Details of his improper behaviour surfaced last year during a routine police inspection, where Rivers admitted playing football with a child. The confession prompted officers to trace the childs family, who described Rivers intensifying behaviour. Giving court evidence, the mother told how Rivers occasionally struck up banal conversation with her outside the family home in 2015. Gradually, Rivers, of Firs Lane in Folkestone, approached more frequently, kneeling down and turning to the children, inviting exchanges about football. By 2017, his loitering became so claustrophobic the mother dreaded going home, instead staggering the time shed arrive from school with her little ones. "When I returned home collecting the children from school he would come and talk to us on the drive way, she told the jury. "It was getting to me. It was getting to the point where I was dreading to go home. "Mr Rivers was interested in football and the conversation would go on from there. He started using the children's football but would later arrive with his own one," she said. "How often would he ask to play football with your children?" asked prosecutor Mark Hunsley. "Almost daily," she replied. She continued: "He asked my son to come to a football match which I said no to - Mr Rivers became quite aggressive. "He said I shouldn't wrap my children up in cotton wool and should let them go away from us. "It was getting to me. It was getting to the point where I was dreading to go home. Rivers has learned his lesson and was remorseful, according to a statement read by Mr Fitzgerald. In mitigation he said: Im sorry I put the parents through this, I should not have had interaction with them. Im generally sorry for the family. He was found guilty of persistently inviting a child to play football, inviting them to a London football match, inviting a child to look at his shed, and inviting a child inside his flat. He was acquitted for allegedly inviting a child to the park and offering to babysit the children.

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A SEX fiend who offered a seven-year-old boy 20p before dragging him into a supermarkets toilets and sexually assaulting him has been jailed for seven-and-a-half years. And after hearing the sickening details of how 39-year-old Dennis Walsh abused the boy in a cubicle at Sainsburys in Burnley last November, Judge Sara Dodd deemed him to be a dangerous offender. That means he will be subject to an extended licence of seven years once he is released from prison. Burnley Crown Court heard the boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, had gone to use the male toilet while his stepmother took his sister into the female toilets. The boys stepmother and sister came out a few minutes later and waited for him. After checking with the boys father to see if he was at the till with him, his stepmother opened the mens toilet door and shouted for him. Amanda Johnson, prosecuting, said the victims stepmother noticed one of the cubicles was occupied and the boy shouted he was inside. Roughly five minutes later he came out and the family left. Ms Johnson said: The boy was very quiet after that and reported he was nearly kidnapped. He said a man grabbed his arm and did not let go. The court heard the family took him to a police station to report the incident. Ms Johnson said on the way to the station he revealed Walsh had inappropriately touched him. She added: The man offered to give the boy 20p, took hold of his arm and pulled him into the cubicle where he then pulled his pants and underpants down. The boy asked the man if he could go and he said not yet. At that point was when the mens toilets was opened and his stepmother shouted through. The boy was instructed not to tell anyone. She said following the attack, the boy would not go to sleep and started wearing boxing gloves in bed. He also wore a family members motorcycle helmet and would only go to bed fully dressed. In the aftermath of the attack, police released an appeal, in a bid to identify the man responsible, and Walshs mother saw it. She confronted her son and told him to hand himself in. Walsh went to a police station the following day. In his police interview Walsh denied he had sexually assaulted the boy and said he went into the cubicle to change an incontinence pad. But Walshs DNA was found on the waistband of the boys underpants. Walsh, of Albert Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a child. The court heard by committing his latest offence Walsh had breached a a 16-month suspended sentence order he had received for sexually assaulting a child in February 2017. Nicholas Clarke, defending, said Walsh has learning difficulties and there was little in a pre-sentence report to indicate Walsh knew what he did was wrong. He said: There is no question this is a prison sentence and a prison sentence of some length. As part of his suspended sentence he successfully completed a sexual offender treatment programme. It is hoped on his behalf hes not going to trouble the courts in the future. If he commits further offences he will be ostracised by his family. Judge Dodd said the victim had changed and had anger in him since the incident. She said: Hes fallen behind at school. He refuses to get changed during a sporting activity and the pressure in doing so caused him to have a panic attack. He doesnt want to go to his fathers as he thinks it will happen again. I have no doubt there is possibly a significant risk you will commit further sexual offences and by doing so you will cause serious physical and psychological harm, in this case to children.