Latest Offenders

Description

A man has been jailed after pleading guilty to 26 child sex offences at Carlisle Crown Court.

Ryan Cruden, 25, of Chapel Street, Egremont was sentenced yesterday (11 Dec) to nine years in prison with three years to be served on licence, for numerous offences including sexual communication with a child, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, making indecent images and distributing indecent images.

He was also made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and has ben placed on the sex offenders register.

The offences were committed against 20 victims from 2022 to 2024.

Cruden's offending came to light after an external law enforcement agency contacted Cumbria Police to report indecent images being accessed at Cruden’s home address.

A warrant was conducted in May 2024 and Cruden’s mobile device was examined at scene by officers who identified category A and B indecent images. He was arrested and other devices were seized from the address for further investigation.

On those devices officers identified a photo messaging app account. The account, linked to Cruden’s details was using the account under a female identity asking his victims to send indecent images. This account was found on the devices of the identified victims.

In July, Cruden was further arrested for indecent image offences and inciting a child after the photo messaging account was accessed and attempted to add a victims new account. His home address was searched, and a mobile phone was seized. Data found he had accessed the account after his arrest at IP addresses linked to him and also in Greece whilst on holiday.

Speaking on the case Detective Constable Sarah Aiston from the Cyber and Digital Crime Unit said “Cruden poses a significant risk to children. He has sexually communicated with vulnerable children, ranging in age from 8 years to 14 years old.

“He went to great lengths to conceal his offending, posing behind a fake account, pretending to be a teenage girl with the sole purpose of inciting children to engage in sexual activity, coercing them into sending indecent images of themselves and communicating with them in a sexual manner. Cruden then distributed the images he received of the children to other people and used these images to cause further harm.

“Offences of this nature can have a lasting impact on the victims involved. I would like to thank the victims in this case for their courage in speaking to the police and would like to extend those thanks to their families who have supported the investigation and have also been deeply affected by what has occurred.

“We are committed to proactively targeting individuals who view and share child sexual abuse images, as well as those who communicate inappropriately with children online. 

“I would encourage anyone who has been victim of a sexual offence to contact police so that our officers can investigate. Your report will be dealt with sensitively and professionally.”

Description

A vile and cruel man has been jailed for eight years for raping a woman in Southampton.

Jack Stott carried out the twisted attack on her at an address in the Swaythling area of the city in December last year.

A court heard the 23-year-old, of Orion Close, Southampton, had repeatedly ignored the woman's pleas for him to stop as he forced himself upon her.

In an exchange of messages after the incident, Stott admitted to the attack when confronted about it, telling her he didn't know why he had done it.

Appearing at Southampton Crown Court on Tuesday (9 December), he was jailed for eight years after pleading guilty to rape.
In addition to the time he will now spend behind bars, the judge also ordered Stott be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order lasting 15 years, must remain on the Sex

Offenders Register for life, and serve an extended four years on licence following his release from prison.

As he was taken away to begin his prison sentence, Stott showed his true colours, as he directed threats towards his victim in the court room.

Detective Constable Rebecca Grannon, who led the investigation, said:

“I want to pay tribute to the bravery of the woman in this case. Coming forward after such a distressing experience takes immense strength, and her continued support throughout our investigation has been vital in securing this outcome.

“While no sentence can undo the harm caused, I hope this result provides her with some sense of closure. It also sends a clear message that sexual violence will never be tolerated in our communities.

“Survivors can be assured that if they come forward, they will be listened to, believed, and supported while we investigate thoroughly to bring offenders before the courts.

“Stott is a vile and cruel man whose behaviour in court, including threats towards the victim, showed his utter disregard for others. I am glad that justice has been delivered in this case, and he will now face the consequences of his crimes away from society.

“This sentence not only holds him accountable for his actions but also protects our community from further harm. Jack Stott is a dangerous individual who cannot be trusted, and the public should feel reassured that he is where he belongs”

Description

The man pictured below is Robert Court, he is 33 years old, and he is a paedophile.

Between 2011 and 2013 he committed sexual offences against two boys inside a caravan in Earby. On a separate occasion, Court took one of his victims home and abused him.

Court was in his early 20s at the time, and his victims were between the ages of 12 and 14. He went by the name Gyles at the time.

The first victim bravely came forward and reported what Court had done in March 2021. Our officers then made contact with the second victim, who outlined the offences Court had committed against him.

Court, now of no fixed address but formerly of Newton Street in Darwen, was arrested and initially denied knowing either victim. In a subsequent police interview, he admitted knowing both victims but denied any wrongdoing.

Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Court was charged with a number of offences including rape; causing / inciting a boy under 13 to engage in sexual activity; sexual assault; engaging in sexual activity with child.

After a trial at Preston Crown Court earlier this year, he was found guilty of seven counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child and two counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

Court appeared back in the dock yesterday (10th December 2025) where he was jailed for six years. He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

In an impact statement to the court, the first victim wrote:

“I finally gathered the strength to report this to the police in 2021. I reported it then because I finally realised that this was abuse, and not what I had been led to believe all along that it was experimental. It wasn’t experimental, I was a child, it was child abuse.

“I didn’t report it at the time, because I was a child, I couldn’t process what had happened to me, I didn’t know the words to verbalise it, and I didn’t want to give people another reason to bully me. I didn’t want people thinking I had been a victim, and I felt ashamed. I tried to mask it as much as I could, even minimising what I told my parents because I couldn’t bring myself to say the words.”

He continued:

“From the last incident in his bedroom, the effects on me were slow burning. I felt emotions hard to show and struggle to trust people. I felt a burden on people so would always do things to try to make people happy and I think Court played on that. When the penny finally dropped in adulthood about what had happened, it felt like I was being abused again.”

The second victim wrote in his statement: “Following the abuse I felt shame and embarrassment:

“It played on my mind every single hour of every day and contributed hugely to the significant mental health problems that I have suffered my whole life.”

DS Keziah Harrison, from our East Child Protection Team, said:

“Court is a manipulative individual who targeted two vulnerable and impressionable boys for his warped sexual interests.

“His offending has had a significant impact on his victims which continues to impact on their daily lives. In a final act of control over his victims, Court forced them to re-live their ordeals while giving evidence during the trial. He did this despite knowing exactly what he had done to them.

“I want to place on record my admiration for the victims and the bravery they have shown throughout the judicial process, and for trusting us to diligently investigate this case and bring their abuser to justice.”

Description

A man’s been jailed for 26 years for raping a child in the late 90s in Batley.  

Anthony Restall aged 59 of Manhatten Way, Coventry was found guilty of six offences after a trial at Leeds Crown Court in August.

He was convicted of four counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 14 years, one rape of a female under 16 and a further rape but on multiple occasions.

The offending took place between 1998 and 2003.

Detective Constable Sally Porritt of Kirklees Child Safeguarding Team said:

“I would like to praise the bravery and resilience of the woman in this case.

“Restall has finally had to face the consequences of his abhorrent crimes he committed on a young child.

“I hope today’s significant sentence can bring her some comfort and closure on what has been a harrowing ordeal for all these years.”  

“If you have been a victim of a sexual offence and haven’t yet reported it, we have specialist teams who will listen to you and support you throughout the process, it will be treated with the utmost sensitivity and professionalism.”  

Description

A millionaire Highland lodge owner has been convicted of indecent communication, placed on the sex offenders register for two years, and ordered to pay his victim £2,000.

Kevin Booth, 65, from Altnabreac, Caithness, instructed his housekeeper to massage him weekly and asked about her previous sexual relationships and whether she knew how to spank.

Wick Sheriff Court heard he was assessed as high risk of reoffending and showed no remorse.

Sheriff Eilidh MacDonald said Booth held "a position of power" over the employee in his "extremely isolated" home, far from her family.

He will be under social work supervision for two years and must complete a sex offender rehabilitation program.

'Abuse of trust'

The court heard the woman, hired in August 2022, received a document requiring weekly massages. She lacked skills but reluctantly agreed after Booth insisted.

Concerned after the first massage, she told her husband, who urged her to quit, but she stayed for the good pay to support her family abroad.

For safety, she recorded massages. Sheriff MacDonald noted one recording where Booth asked: "Do you know how to spank?" He also discussed performing a sex act, with the woman's responses showing non-consent.

"This offence was a complete abuse of trust," said Sheriff MacDonald.

'Extremely unpleasant'

The sheriff described Booth as a "big man" and the housekeeper as a "small woman," vulnerable and alone.

"You abused that position of power," she said. "You thought that nobody would know that you were saying these sexual things to her."

She called it an "extremely unpleasant" non-contact sexual offence.

Due to no previous convictions presented by the Crown—despite a justice social work report suggesting otherwise—Sheriff MacDonald treated Booth as a first offender, limiting sentencing options.

Booth is already under a civil Trafficking and Exploitation Order restricting foreign travel.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service noted the sheriff's statement.

Description

A man who saved over 43,000 indecent images of children, including AI-generated abuse material and self-written paedophile manuals, has been sentenced to three and a half years, following a National Crime Agency investigation.

NCA officers investigated Charles Cornelius, 57, from Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, after receiving information that an account linked to him had uploaded ten indecent images of children to the internet.

Cornelius was permanently living and teaching in Thailand when he travelled back to the UK in June 2022 and uploaded the images to the internet.

NCA officers arrested Cornelius at Manchester Airport on 9 August 2023 when he returned to the UK for possession, making and distribution of indecent images.

He provided no comment at interview and was released on bail with conditions. Magistrates denied an application to allow him to return to Thailand while the investigation was ongoing.

Analysis of his devices discovered known and AI generated child sexual abuse material, as well as prompts used to create the AI images.

Two self-generated paedophile manuals were also discovered despite attempts to encrypt devices and conceal the material.

Cornelius had previously taught young children in multiple countries. It is believed he took a course in teaching English to non-native speakers before working with the British Council Thailand from 2012 onwards.

Cornelius pleaded guilty to all charges at Manchester Magistrates Court in September and was sentenced at Chester Crown Court today [11 December].

Danielle Pownall, NCA operations manager, said:

Cornelius sought out and created images showing horrific abuse of children, including using AI to create further depraved imagery.

His creation of paedophile manuals reflects a disturbing desire to prey on the most vulnerable in society. He did all this whilst putting himself in a position of trust around children.

The NCA is committed to prosecuting criminals who engage in child sexual abuse activity and pursue justice for victims.

Description

A dangerous rapist, Liam Cowley, 32, crept into a pregnant woman's Liverpool home at night using a stolen key and subjected her to a horrific hours-long attack, raping her repeatedly as she screamed and begged for her life. He blackmailed her, threatening to report her to social services and have her children removed.

Cowley, of no fixed abode, entered her house multiple times, sometimes raping her while she slept. Prosecutor Martine Snowdon told Liverpool Crown Court: "The defendant on a number of occasions just did what he wanted when he wanted in circumstances where she was not consenting to it, and he was repeatedly threatening and intimidating her."

One night, with her children asleep upstairs, Cowley headbutted and spat on her, demanded she cook him steak, punched her when she refused, and smashed her phone as she tried calling 999. Ms Snowdon said: "With no means to call for help, she ran out of the front door to scream for help, but no one responded and he dragged her back inside. He grabbed her round her throat and started choking her.

"Briefly he let go but then did it again, this time she blacked out and woke up on the floor, where he then proceeded to kick her. She pleaded with him saying 'you know I’m pregnant', which was true, in the hope that was stop him attacking her.

"Instead of bringing him to his senses he picked up the metal tube from the hoover and snapped it holding it over her as if he was going to hit her with it. She said she was lucky because he changed his mind and hit the television, not her.

"She went to go upstairs and he began ripping at her clothes. He told her she couldn’t check on the children, she couldn’t go to the toilet and wasn’t to leave his sight.

"He continued to be aggressive and took two knives from the kitchen, putting one on the side near the door and another next to her on the sofa and said 'you know what’s going to happen next'. She said 'I don’t know, you’re probably going to kill me', and believed that is what he was going to do. His response was 'no, much worse'."

He raped her twice before falling asleep, allowing her to flee with her children to a nearby phone shop and call police. Cowley was arrested but absconded before his 2024 trial, fleeing to Norfolk under the alias Tommy Lee King.

There, he worked at a bar, dated a 19-year-old colleague, and moved into her mother's Wareside home. Over five months, he assaulted her multiple times. Ms Snowdon said: "She described occasions when, during an argument, Tommy would try and strangle her. He would pin her to the bed and grab her throat. This had happened a few times but she specifically recalled it happening on two occasions, both taking place during arguments in which he physically assaulted her as well as strangling her. She also described him spitting at her in the course of arguments."

On December 7, 2024, after a punch and strangulation, she sought hospital treatment and police photographed her injuries, though she initially declined to complain. Later, via social media, she discovered his true identity and alerted authorities.

Cowley, formerly of Kingham Road, Wareside, was rearrested and tried at Liverpool Crown Court in July 2025. He denied three rapes, four intentional strangulations, and threats to kill but was convicted; he pleaded guilty to two assaults and breaching bail.

Sentencing was delayed for unverified claims of OCD, ADHD, borderline personality disorder, and brain injury. Defence counsel Graham Wilson said: "I have seen nothing of medical notes. It seems the injuries he has reported to his head were never reported and he never went to hospital for them.

"The defendant during his time in custody has done many courses. He has been an enhanced prisoner in Bedford and Liverpool. She was working in mental heath and also in the neurodiversity area to understand his own, what he describes as ADHA, although that is not confirmed by any medical or psychological evidence. The defendant believes he has ADHD and that's what he believes was a factor in his assaults.

"He has work lined up for when he gets out of prison. That, he accepts, could be a number of years. This is a man who, despite these very serious offences, is in many ways trying to come to terms with what he is and why he behaves in the way he has. I accept he doesn't accept guilt on the rape matters. The sentence is bound to be a lengthy one."

On December 10, 2025, Cowley received 18 years' imprisonment plus a five-year extended licence for dangerousness, totaling 23 years.

Description

An 81-year-old paedophile, Henry Renton, who posed as a kindly pensioner, was exposed and arrested for raping and abusing a young girl in Northumberland after her father used Sarah's Law to check his background.

Already serving a 15-year sentence in Scotland for multiple child rapes—with an earliest release in 2032—Renton now faces additional prison time, and his barrister says he is likely to die behind bars.

The abuse surfaced when social services prompted the father to apply under Sarah's Law, revealing Renton's prior convictions. The victim then disclosed the ordeal, which began with "accidental" groping followed by apologies and £5 payments.

Prosecutor Joe Culley said: "Things escalated from there. He plied her with alcohol and paid her money. He asked if he was too ugly for her and she describes feeling sorry and guilty. This was manipulation into sexual activity with him."

Renton was convicted of two counts of rape, two of sexual assault of a child, five of sexual activity with a child, and one of assault by penetration.

In her impact statement, the victim said: "The abuse I suffered has ruined my life. When I smell the smell of an elderly person, it reminds me of him and makes me feel sick.

"If I'm reminded of his smell or hear his voice in my head, it ruins my day. I feel sick because of what he did to me.

"No matter how much I rub and clean my skin, I can't rid myself of those memories."

She added: "I hear (Renton's) voice in my head and I struggle to sleep. When I do sleep I have nightmares involving him.

"It's damaged my mental health significantly and I've lost self-confidence. I used to be a happy girl but not now."

Defending, Lorraine Mustard said: "He is unlikely to be released from prison. He is more likely than not going to die in prison."

Judge Stephen Earl adjourned sentencing until December 19, telling Renton: "It's a realistic prospect that you will receive a lengthy prison sentence."

Description

I will not let what happened to me define who I am. It is a part of my story, but not the end of it. I choose to keep fighting, to love more, and to rebuild the parts of myself that were broken.

A man has been sentenced to eight years in prison in his absence for sexually assaulting a woman in Colchester thanks to the work of detectives who tracked him down just hours after the incident.

Arjun Rajan, of Affleck Road in Colchester, was seen on city centre CCTV from about 12.30am on 24 July 2022 having driven there alone and parked in High Street, then walking to Head Street.

After 30 minutes, the 33-year-old saw the victim as she walked to get a taxi home. He continued to watch and follow her as she walked to the High Street before offering her a lift.

Believing he was a taxi driver the woman got into the car and Rajan drove away towards her home address, but he sexually assaulted her in the car before they arrived.

The woman told him to stop the car, and she walked the remaining journey home where she then disclosed what had happened and the police were alerted.

Our officers quickly identified Rajan and arrested him the same day.

He was later charged with sexual assault and first appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on 14 July 2023, but subsequently left the country. A warrant for his arrest has been issued.

On Tuesday 7 October 2025 a jury found him guilty of the sexual assault in his absence and on December 4 he was sentenced to eight years in prison, as well as being added to the sex offenders’ register for life and being given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

'Fought through fear, shame and heartbreak'

In her victim personal statement shared in court, the woman in this case said:

After the assault, I shut myself away from the world. I was too afraid to leave my house, terrified that he might find me or approach me it.
I kept what happened a secret from most people in my life.

For over three years, this has weighed on me and my family.

But I can say this: I fought through fear, shame, and heartbreak not because I wanted to, but because I had to for my daughter, for my family, and for every survivor who feels voiceless.

I will not let what happened to me define who I am. It is a part of my story, but not the end of it. I choose to keep fighting, to love more, and to rebuild the parts of myself that were broken.

'Remarkable strength throughout'

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Jade Lawton said:

The woman in this case has continued to show remarkable strength as this case reached its conclusion.

She has supported our work consistently since this began more than three years ago, and I cannot thank her enough for that commitment.
Every interview, appointment and court hearing requires courage on her part and she has faced them all as well as delays to this trial, made longer after Rajan fled the country.

Despite the distress this caused she waited months longer to give evidence in court with dignity and help secure this conviction.

Rajan took advantage of a vulnerable woman alone after an evening in Colchester.

He had the opportunity at every stage of this offence to leave this woman alone or to go home and he never took this. He deceived her, assaulted her, and the judge was left with no choice but to impose a lengthy custodial sentence.

Our work with law enforcement partners internationally is ongoing and we remain committed to ensuring Rajan faces justice.

Description

A man has today (10 December) been jailed for sexual offences with a child.

Jordan Meek, 22, of Lonsdale Terrace, Maryport was sentenced to five years in prison.

He was also given an eight year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and a life-time restraining order.

Meek was found guilty of eight child sex offences against one child following a trial in August. The offences occurred between 2016 and 2020.

He pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply a controlled drug - Cannabis prior to the trial. He received a two-month sentence for this.

Speaking on the case Detective Constable Gail Penman from Cumbria Constabulary’s Public Protection Unit said:

“Meek is a dangerous offender who subjected the victim to multiple assaults over a number of years.

“Sex abuse can often be difficult for victims to talk about; we would encourage anyone who has been a victim of such offences to contact police so that our officers can investigate.

“Your report will be dealt with sensitively and professionally and you will be supported throughout our investigation.”

Description

Following his appearance at Grimsby Crown Court on Friday, 5 December, a man has been sentenced to 12 years behind bars, and handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and Restraining Order for attempting to rape, grooming, and sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl over a prolonged period of time.

After a seven-day trial in October 2025, Patrik Seidenglanz, 50-years-old, from Grimsby, was found guilty of five counts of sexual assault, attempted rape, assault by penetration, and causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.

Seidenglanz first came to officers’ attention in May 2025 when a 14-year-old girl and a family member came into Victoria Street Police Station in Grimsby to disclose that Seidenglanz had attempted to rape her and touched her inappropriately on multiple occasions.

An investigation was immediately launched by our Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, and after the victim named Seidenglanz as the offender, he was swiftly arrested at his home address on suspicion of sexual assault by penetration.

His phone was seized as part of initial enquiries, and following an analysis by our Digital Forensics Unit, correspondence between the teenager and Seidenglanz uncovered he had been grooming the 14-year-old girl over a number of months.

Whilst in custody and during interview, Seidenglanz denied any knowledge of the allegations put to him, saying that the girl was a liar, and claimed he was the one who had been sexually assaulted by the teenager instead.

In all other interviews thereafter, Seidenglanz answered no comment to any questions asked.

Leading the investigation from our Protecting Vulnerable People Unit was Detective Constable Enea Luciano, who said: “The 14-year-old girl has been subjected to unimaginable crimes at the hands of a perverted individual.

“I admire her and her family for taking that brave first step and coming forward to report Seidenglanz’s detestable behaviour, it is because of their courage he is now behind bars for a very long time.

“Seidenglanz even continued to maintain an element of control by forcing the teenager and her family to endure a trial, making what was already an extremely complex and lengthy investigation, even longer and retraumatizing.

“He is a cruel and depraved individual, and whilst the result here does not take away the pain and suffering the girl and her family must now live with, I hope it provides some reassurance that he is in prison and unable to harm anyone else.

“It is never the victim’s fault, and we would urge anyone who has been subjected to crimes of this nature, or anyone who believes these crimes may be taking place, to please come forward and tell someone.

“We take any report of sexual offences extremely seriously, and we will do everything we can to hold offenders like Seidenglanz accountable for their despicable actions.”

Description

A man who was found guilty of a series of non-recent sexual offences against three children has today (Wednesday, 10 December 2025) been sentenced to 22 years in prison following his appearance at Grimsby Crown Court.

Edward Sherriff, 77-years-old, of Wainfleet Road, Grimsby was found guilty of rape of a child under 13, four counts of sexual assault of a child under the age of 13, two counts of sexual assault of a child under the age of 16, eight counts of indecent assault, three counts of gross indecency assault, and exposure.

An investigation was launched in 2022 when Sherriff came to the attention of officers after we received a report that three individuals had come forward and disclosed that they had been subjected to sexual abuse over a prolonged period of time.

Arrested in June 2022, Sheriff was interviewed by detectives and swiftly denied having any sexual interests in children.

Following a seven-day trial at Grimsby Crown Court, a jury returned a verdict finding Sherriff guilty of 19 sexual offences.

Detective Sergeant Chris Clarke from our Domestic Abuse Investigation Team, who led the case, said:

“While no sentence can truly reflect the trauma and lasting impact of this man’s actions, I hope today’s outcome may provide some closure from an extremely painful journey for the victims and their family.

“Sherrif’s actions are utterly deplorable, a calculated and prolonged abuse of trust against innocent and vulnerable children, spanning more than four decades from 1980 to 2022.

“He deliberately manipulated, threatened, and emotionally abused his victims to silence them, committing sustained abuse that has caused unimaginable harm.

“I’d like to commend the victims for their extraordinary bravery and strength in coming forward and throughout the entirety of the investigation and complex court proceedings.

“Sherriff subjected the victims and their families to a trial, forcing them to relive the horrendous ordeal all over again. Whilst the verdict will not detract from the pain and suffering endured, I do hope it offers some reassurance knowing such a sickening man can no longer cause harm to them or any other child.

“It is never the victim’s fault, and I would strongly appeal for any child who is being manipulated into doing something they don’t want to do, or anyone who suspects crimes of this nature are taking place, to please speak to a trusted adult or friend and report it to us, when you are ready.

“I also want to take a moment to commend Blue Door for their vital work in supporting victims, their ongoing efforts are crucial in helping victims find a voice and access the care they deserve. For anyone seeking further support or information, I encourage you to visit the Blue Door website: www.thebluedoor.org.

“It doesn’t matter if the offences happened five hours or 50 years ago, we take all reports of this nature extremely seriously and will do everything we can to bring predatory offenders like Sherriff to justice.”

Description

A father and son who raped and abused a child have been jailed for a total of 32 years.

The "horrendous" abuse was discovered after the child told a teacher that a man used his phone to photograph their private parts. The man was identified as Victor Blowers, 69.

Upon arrest, Blowers readily admitted the abuse, saying he was “besotted” with the child, thought they were “pretty,” and had “just got carried away.”

Further evidence revealed his son, Alexander Blowers, also sexually abused the child. The victim described being driven to remote locations and abused in the back of a car, with Victor on one side and Alexander on the other. The child was also raped by Alexander.

Alexander Blowers, 41, of Morello Place, Cambridge, admitted two counts of sexual assault, one count of rape, and making indecent photographs of a child. He was jailed for 20 years, plus five years on licence.

Victor Blowers, formerly of Stafford Road, Great Yarmouth, admitted nine offences, including rape, sexual assault, assaulting a child under 13, and taking and making indecent photos of a child. He was jailed for 12 years, plus four years on licence.

Description

A man has been jailed for rape following a detailed and extensive investigation by detectives.

Martin Hancill, 40 and of Corfe Mullen, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Tuesday 9 December 2025 to ten years in prison for charges of rape and sexual assault.

He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for an indefinite period.

On the evening of Monday 24 October 2022, Hancill attended the victims address and raped her.

The victim, a teenage female, was known to the defendant and they had been communicating via text in the days leading up to the rape.

The incident was promptly reported to police and Hancill, a white British man, was arrested within a few hours of it occurring.  

He denied the offences in interview, but forensic examination of the scene and examination of phone messages between the victim and Hancill provided further evidence to prove that the sexual assaults took place.

Hancill was subsequently charged and faced trial at Bournemouth Crown Court beginning Monday 8 September 2025.

The jury found him guilty of rape and sexual assault.

Detective Inspector Rich Barnett, of Dorset Police, said:

“I want to thank the victim in this case for the incredible bravery she has shown in coming forward to report this incident and for the support she has provided throughout our investigation.

“As a result of her courage and resilience, and support from her family, we were able to compile evidence and hold Martin Hancill accountable for his appalling and contemptible actions on the evening of Monday 24 October 2022.

"I would also like to thank the witnesses who supported the investigation and attended court to give evidence, as this was not easy to do. 

“I hope that the result of this case helps and inspires other victims of rape and sexual offences to find the strength to come forward and report matters to us. Victims can be assured that they will be fully supported by specially trained officers and that we will thoroughly investigate the offences.”

Description

Victims of an abuser who committed sex acts on children while under 18 were left feeling suicidal, with one saying the ordeal ruined her life.

Kai Lewis, now 29, sexually assaulted his first victim starting when she was of primary school age and he was in his mid-teens. At Cardiff Crown Court on Friday, the hearing revealed he abused his second victim, also of primary school age, when he was in his late teens. Lewis, of Tweedsmuir Road in Tremorfa, Cardiff, was convicted.

One victim realized the abuse was wrong during school sex education, while the other understood it during a sleepover.

In her victim personal statement, the first victim said: "I am not going to sit here and say this hasn't defined my life, it has. It has ruined my life and changed me as a person. I have been abused by this man since I was a child and it has shaped the person I am today.

"I was not able to have a normal childhood or teenage years like my friends and it has had an impact on all adult aspects of my life. I have not been able to form healthy relationships or trust another man in my life."

She described severe mental health impacts, including flashbacks and multiple suicide attempts, adding: "The image of him still haunts me to this day. I see his face in all men around me and ask myself if it will ever get better. I will never be able to get over the abuse."

The second victim stated: "I am making this statement to express my feelings of how the abuse has impacted my life. He made me feel disgusting and that I need to scrub my skin at all times. I can feel his hands on me and have vivid dreams about it happening all over again.

"He made me feel vulnerable and scared of all men, I fear any man can assault me, not only him.

"I can't remember my childhood, I think I was trying to block out all the memories... I am on anti depressants, struggling with my mental health and felt like I wanted to end my life. I am getting flashbacks triggered by random things. I feel disgusting in my own body and will never feel clean or good enough.

"I feel like I am finally getting the justice I deserve after such a long period of time and I'm looking forward to starting the process of healing."

Lewis denied the charges but was convicted after trial of assault by penetration, causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of sexual activity with a child.

Prosecutor Kathryn Lane said: "(The victims) thought the defendant's behaviour was normal as they were so young when it occurred. They were unaware this ought not to be happening." The victims later reported separately to police.

In mitigation, Heath Edwards noted Lewis committed the offenses as a youth, is registered blind, unemployed, and lives an unstructured life. Lewis has one prior robbery conviction.

Judge Richard Kember sentenced Lewis as if he were under 18 at the time, imposing four years and six months' imprisonment, plus an indefinite restraining order, sex offender notification requirements, and an eight-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.