Latest Offenders

Description

A man has been jailed for 16 years for violent and sexual crimes in the Fife, Dundee and Moray areas between 2006 and 2024.

Stephen Whitehurst, 44, was found guilty of 13 offences, including rapes, against five women at the High Court in Dundee on Tuesday, 5 August, 2025.

He was sentenced on Friday, 5 September, 2025, at the same court, to 16 years in prison, placed on the sex offenders register and given indefinite non-harassment orders in relation to all five women.

Detective Inspector Gordon Patullo said:

“Stephen Whitehurst clearly poses a threat to women and he now faces a lengthy period behind bars for these despicable crimes.

“I commend the strength of the women in coming forward to report his offending and throughout the court process. I hope the outcome brings them some form of justice.

“Police Scotland is committed to tackling all reports of sexual crimes, regardless of when they happened. I’d urge anyone who has been a victim to report it to us. I can assure you, we will fully investigate and you will be supported by our specially trained officers and partner agencies.”

Description

A child rapist’s despicable offending was exposed when officers went through his phone.

Carl Andrews put himself on the police’s radar after uploading indecent images of children online.

When confronted with this, Andrews admitted to owning the images, but denied doing anything else.

Not buying this, officers reviewed all his devices and discovered videos of him sexually abusing young children.

Both the victims – a boy and a girl – are believed to have been targeted during 2022 by Andrews in Nottinghamshire.

Distinctive tattoos on Andrews’ hands that were visible in the videos were used by police to link him to those crimes.

More than 1,400 indecent photos and videos of children were also discovered on the sexual predator’s phone and other devices.

He would go on to be charged with a range of child sex offences.

This included rape, inciting someone to engage in sexual activity, assault by touching and three counts of making indecent images of children.

Faced with the damning evidence against him, Andrews elected to plead guilty to the six separate counts on 18 July this year.

He returned to Nottingham Crown Court to be sentenced on Wednesday (3 September).

Andrews, of Charles Street, Arnold, was handed an extended sentence of 13 years in jail.

He was also put on the sex offenders’ register for life, made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order and issued with a restraining order banning him from ever contacting his victims.

PC Laurenie Haynes, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said:

“The content we found on Carl Andrews’ devices was disgraceful and vile.

“Amongst the more than 1,400 indecent images of children were videos of Andrews himself sexually abusing and in one case raping young children.

“There are truly no words to describe how much of a heinous crime that is.

“We were able to prove it was him in the videos because of distinctive tattoos on him that were clearly visible in the clips.

“Thankfully, the evidence we gathered was sufficient to pressurise Andrews to admit what he’d done, so his victims and their families didn’t have to sit through a trial.

“Andrews is a despicable individual who belongs behind bars, so we’re pleased to see he’s now been jailed.

“Despite this, we believe there could be other victims out there, who may have been targeted by Andrews but haven’t felt able to report it yet.

“To them, we’d say please come forward. It doesn’t matter if it happened years and years ago, we will listen to you and investigate further.”

Description

A Brixham man has been jailed for seven and half years for the sexual abuse of two boys.

Graham Bartlett, 56, from Briseham Road in Brixham, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court on Thursday 4 September after previously being found guilty by a jury of sexual activity with a child and four counts of sexual assault of a child under 13. He had previously pleaded guilty to three charges of possessing incident images of children.

Bartlett was found not guilty of a number of other child sexual abuse charges.

During the trial, the court heard how in 2008 a then teenage boy disclosed that he had been abused by Bartlett, however no action was taken against Bartlett at this time.

Eleven years later in 2019, another adult male disclosed been sexually abused by Bartlett when he was a child, leading to the 2008 case being reopened.

On his arrest, indecent images and videos spanning Categories A, B and C were found on Bartlett’s phone.

The court heard that Bartlett had groomed the boys before the sexual offending occurred.

In interview Bartlett admitted knowing both victims but denied having any sexual interest in young boys, and any sexual activity taking place. The victims were not known to each other.

He blamed the indecent images on his phone on a cracked screen and viruses.

Bartlett appeared in court yesterday where the judge sentenced him to seven and a half years in prison. He will also sign the sex offenders register for life.

Officer in the case DC Julian Smith said: “Graham Bartlett has now been convicted of a number of sexual offences committed against children.

“Despite overwhelming evidence pointing to Bartlett having a sexual interest in young boys, he’s never had the courage to admit what he did and as a result, forced the victims to give evidence at court.

“I would like to thank all those connected to the case for remaining engaged during the court process.

“We will continue to investigate all allegations of child sexual abuse, regardless of when it was reported, and support victims every step of the way.”

Description

A man has been jailed for several years after raping a woman in Warminster.

Shaun Bundy, 41, of Pookfield Close, Nunney, Frome, appeared at Winchester Crown Court yesterday (04/09) after being found guilty of rape following a retrial.

He was sentenced to eight years imprisonment plus an extended five years on licence.

He is also required to sign on to the Sex Offender’s Register indefinitely.

On May 26, 2023, Bundy attended the home of the victim, a woman in her 30s who was known to Bundy, to collect tools.

He loaded the tools into the back of his vehicle and asked for a drink of water, which the victim agreed to.

Inside the address, Bundy has then raped the victim, before leaving and ordering her not to tell anyone.

The victim bravely reported the incident to the police shortly after and Bundy was arrested the same day at his home address.

In interview, he denied the offence, claiming he had been to the victim’s address but no sexual activity had taken place.

After Bundy’s DNA was found following a forensic examination, he was re-interviewed but continued to deny any sexual contact had taken place.

He was subsequently charged with rape and pleaded not guilty, forcing the victim to relive the experience through the court process.

He was found guilty in a re-trial following a hung jury in the first trial.

DS Toni Nugent of South CID said:

“Firstly I want to pay tribute to the victim for the incredible bravery she has shown throughout the process.

“Not only did she come forward to make the report but Bundy then forced her to go through a trial twice despite the forensic evidence.

“The victim also had the support of an independent sexual violence adviser (ISVA) – these are specially trained advisers who provide specialist support to victims who have experienced rape and sexual assault.

“An ISVA provides impartial information to the victim/survivor about their options throughout the process.

“I am pleased that after a court process lasting for more than two years for the victim, Bundy has now been jailed for his crime and will also be on the Sex Offender’s Register for life.”

Description

“It was not just about ensuring a man was convicted of a crime but also that an extremely brave child and her family were looked after during the most horrendous time”.

On Friday (29 August), Ashley Carnell, 52, of Willoughby Waterleys, Leicester, was sentenced to five years imprisonment at Leicester Crown Court after being found guilty following trial of sexual touching of a girl under 13.

Carnell was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register.

The investigation came following a brave disclosure by the victim, who was aged seven at the time of the offence, to her parents who contacted the police.

Detective Constable Kamran Kalia, from the force’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit, was the officer in the case.

He said:

“It was after the victim became upset and her parents realised something was wrong, that they had a gentle conversation with the victim which led to the victim bravely telling her parents about what had happened. Her parents immediately made contact with the police.

“While one of our priorities was of course to speak to the suspect, it was important we did this in the right way with the victim at the centre of our investigation. It was not just about ensuring a man was convicted of a crime but also that an extremely brave child and her family were looked after during the most horrendous time. This included ensuring we approached the victim at the right time, in the right way and with the right support available. We also worked to ensure the victim’s parents were kept fully involved and updated during a very upsetting and distressing time.

“Specialist interviews were carried out with the victim by trained officers to ensure the victim felt as comfortable and as supported as possible. An independent trained specialist advisor was also put in place to ensure the victim had a consistent point of contact to provide advice and support.

“Carnell was charged and as we progressed to court, we put measures in place so that the victim could pre-record her evidence to be presented in court, thereby ensuring that we were doing everything we could to support a young person in very difficult and distressing circumstances.

“I’m extremely grateful to the victim and her family for the bravery and co-operation they have shown throughout which has allowed us to ensure the conviction of a sexual offender."

Description

A man casually told his wife he had been having sex with a teenage girl - and she alerted police, a court heard.

Paul Robinson's wife was said to have been 'horrified' at his confession, which he disclosed 'as if it was quite normal', a judge was told.

Robinson, a former care worker, then attempted to blame his victim by maintaining that he had been 'manipulated' into his actions.

Liverpool Crown Court heard on Thursday that his offending came to light after he 'disclosed to his wife that there had been sexual activity' between him and the teenager. The 38-year-old, of no fixed address but formerly of Stockbridge Village, made the confession 'as a matter of fact, as if it was quite normal'.

But Philip Astbury, prosecuting, described how his wife was left 'horrified' and contacted the police. Officers discovered a string of messages between Robinson and the girl.

While the complainant was initially "afraid to speak" to detectives, she later detailed how he had plied her with cannabis before "touching her inappropriately", reports The Echo.

Robinson has one previous conviction, receiving a community order in 2020 for disclosing private sexual images with intent to cause distress. Stella Hayden, defending, told the court: "This will be his first custodial sentence. During the course of his interview with probation, he was able to articulate a degree of remorse. He described being disgusted by his actions. He did express shame for the serious harm that he has caused.

"In custody, he has been referred for therapy and appreciates that he must work to address his offending behaviour. He is committed to engaging with all of the intervention that is offered to him. One can only hope that the intervention and rehabilitative work will address the risk that has been identified.

"The pre-sentence report details much of the defendant's background. The phrase used is his combined experience of trauma, including the loss of both of his parents at a relatively young age. He has suffered a decline in his mental and physical health in the past few years. The report discusses attempts on his own life and self harm."

Robinson admitted six sexual offences. Appearing in the dock wearing a peach coloured t-shirt, he was jailed for six years and eight months and told to sign the sex offenders' register for life.

Sentencing, Judge Neil Flewitt KC referenced Robinson giving an account to the author of his pre-sentence report that the victim had instigated the sexual activity herself and claimed that he had been "manipulated" by her.

He said of this:

"If you have maintained that position, I would not have accepted it.

"This came to light when you told your wife about what had been happening. You groomed her through the messaging and the provision of cannabis. I note that, although you have been diagnosed as having a mild to moderate learning disability, you have been employed, primarily in the care sector. I take on board the submission that you have a limited criminal record, with only one previous conviction for a dissimilar sexual offence.

"This is your first custodial offence, and you have been making use of your time in custody. It is said that you have expressed remorse, but that is tempered with your attempts to blame your victim. She is trying to rebuild her life. She is trying to put all of this behind her."

Description

Following an investigation by Thames Valley Police, a man has been jailed in connection with non-recent child sex offences in Oxfordshire.

David Kuca, aged 80, of New Road in Didcot, was found guilty by a jury of three counts of indecent assault on a girl, two counts of sexual assault of a child, one count of causing a child to watch a sexual act and two counts of making indecent photographs of children.

During a trial in May which lasted for 16 days at Oxford Crown Court, the jury heard how Kuca had sexually abused two young children in South Oxfordshire on numerous occasions between 1995 and 2001 and 2013 and 2017. Kuca was arrested on 5 December 2022 and indecent images of children were found on computers which were seized from him. He was charged with numerous child sex offences on 5 March 2024, following a comprehensive police investigation.

The jury found him guilty on 21 May this year and he returned to the same court on Tuesday (2/9), where he was sentenced to 12 years in prison, comprising of 11 years in custody with a one year extension on licence. He has also been served with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order to last for 15 years, and an indefinite restraining order in relation to the two victims.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Sophie Holliss, of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said:

“I sincerely hope that this sentence brings some closure to the two victims involved in this case, following an extremely complex and lengthy investigation.

“I would like to thank both the victims and witnesses in this case who have shown immense bravery, not only in coming forward to report what happened to them, but also throughout the court process where they were required to give evidence.

“Nothing can change what they have been through, but I hope that the victims in this case are now able to begin moving forward with their lives and heal from what has happened.

“I hope that this case shows that we will take all reports of sexual abuse seriously, no matter when it happened or how much time has passed. I would encourage any victim of a sexual offence to contact Thames Valley Police with the confidence that they will be listened to, and that we will do everything we can to bring those responsible to justice.”

Description

Surgeon Jailed After Self-Amputating Legs for Insurance Fraud and Possessing Extreme Pornography

An NHS vascular surgeon who had his own legs removed has been jailed for two years and eight months for insurance fraud and possessing extreme pornography.

Neil Hopper, 49, of Truro, Cornwall, carried out hundreds of amputation operations before having his own legs removed in 2019.

Truro Crown Court heard he lied to insurers by claiming that injuries to his legs were the result of sepsis and not self-inflicted.

Details of the Self-Inflicted Injuries

The court heard that in May 2019, Hopper underwent below-knee amputations after a "mysterious illness." In fact, he had used ice and dry ice to freeze his own legs so they had to be removed, said prosecutor Nicholas Lee.

Hopper had both legs amputated after complaining that his feet were in pain. He was treated for suspected sepsis before surgeons advised amputation, and he underwent the operation. He did not tell the medics the real cause of his injuries, the court heard.

The court heard Hopper, who admitted two counts of fraud and three of possessing extreme pornography, had a "sexual interest in amputation."

"His motivations were a combination of obsession with removing parts of his own body and a sexual interest in doing so," Mr. Lee said. "It seems to have been a long-standing ambition of his."

Hopper had suffered body dysphoria since childhood, and his feet were an "unwelcome extra" and a "persisting never-ending discomfort" to him, said defense counsel Andrew Langdon, KC.

Fraudulent Claims and Motivations

The fraudulent insurance claims from two firms totaled more than £466,000, the court heard.

Hopper had been tempted by "greed," said Mr. Lee. He had messaged a friend about the claims, saying he should "milk it," the court heard. He "enjoyed" the interest from the media in his case, Mr. Lee told the court.

The Crown Prosecution Service said it would be making an application under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2022 to recover the money that Hopper acquired through the fraud.

Extreme Pornography Charges

The extreme pornography offenses were connected to videos of body mutilations that Hopper had purchased online and did not include children, the court heard.

Hopper was identified following investigations into Marius Gustavson, who ran the EunuchMaker website. Mr. Lee told the court that Hopper had bought three videos from the website for £10 and £35, respectively, showing men willingly having their genitals removed.

He also exchanged about 1,500 messages with Gustavson about his own lower leg amputations and how he had done it, including asking how much dry ice he used.

Gustavson was jailed for life with a minimum term of 22 years at the Old Bailey in 2024 for leading an extreme body modification ring.

Sentencing and Mitigation

Judge James Adkin said in sentencing that he accepted that Hopper, who had no previous convictions, was remorseful.

However, the "level of harm" in three videos of body mutilation which were the subject of the pornography charges was "exceptionally high," he said.

In mitigation, Mr. Langdon said the offenses had been a "shock" to friends. He said: "He [Hopper] has been committed to working to the service of others. The whole saga is very difficult to comprehend."

Hopper did not regret the operations but "bitterly regrets" the "dishonesty" about their cause, Mr. Langdon said. After the operations, Hopper had been "totally overwhelmed by support from friends and family which made it even more difficult to tell them what had really happened."

Aftermath and Professional Impact

After the amputations, Hopper was back at work in just under six months with prosthetic legs. He was arrested in March 2023 and has been suspended from the medical register since December 2023.

Hopper, who is originally from Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, had been employed by the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) from 2013 until he was arrested in March 2023.

A spokesperson for the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust said after the case that the convictions did not relate to Mr. Hopper's "professional conduct" at its hospitals.

The trust had carried out "comprehensive clinical reviews of surgery" by Hopper, "including engaging an experienced independent clinical expert to review decisions to operate," they said.

"We want to reassure the public that our exhaustive investigations have found no evidence whatsoever to indicate any risk or harm to patients at our hospitals," they said.

Assistant Chief Constable Jim Pearce said after the case that Devon and Cornwall Police had "worked closely" with the trust and "none of the criminal charges related to Hopper's professional conduct with no risk to patients he treated in his work at the hospital identified during the current police investigation."

Hopper also worked at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport, Wales, for a period of training in general surgery in 2011, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board has confirmed. In an interview with the BBC in 2023, he also said he had worked in Swansea and Bangor. The relevant health boards have been asked to confirm.

Reactions from Former Patients

However, former patients of Hopper, including some who underwent amputations, have contacted a South West-based medical negligence firm. They said they were concerned about the treatment they received from Hopper, in light of the criminal charges brought against him.

Mike Bird, partner at Enable Law, said the case had caused "shock and grave concern" among his former patients. "Some have had life-changing surgery and are now worried it was not really needed," Mr. Bird said.

"While we understand that RCHT have said that the charges do not relate to his professional conduct and there is apparently no evidence suggesting any risk to patients, this is such a serious situation that there must be a rigorous public investigation."

Jason Abbot, 38, from Hayle, whose foot was amputated by Hopper in November 2022 after painful arthritis in an ankle, said he had no concerns about his care. "He was great, very supportive of the situation, [he gave] me loads of information about it and told me to have a really good think about it and I did."

He said he "felt shocked" that Hopper had been convicted. "I never thought he would do anything like that."

Description

A transgender woman who exposed himself to children in a Lancaster park has been jailed for 28 months.

Laura Mart, 35, of Game Street, Great Harwood, appeared at Preston Sessions House, where she was charged with one count of indecent exposure and breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The incident took place on July 18 while Mart was walking in Williamson Park on Wyresdale Road. A child playing on the monkey bars spotted Mart holding his penis and wiggling it toward her. The child immediately informed her friends and father.

At the time, Mart was under a lifelong sexual harm prevention order, which prohibited him from being within 10 meters of any public place where children were likely to be present.

Mart has a prior history of similar offenses, including four convictions for exposure and an indecency charge from 2017.

During the hearing, Judge Andrew Jeffries noted the repetitive nature of his offending and considered imposing an extended license period, but explained that this was not possible under the guidelines for these specific offenses.

He stated: “There is a real risk posed here to the public.

"If I had the power for an extended licence, I would have taken it, but it is not such an offence.”

In mitigation, Rebecca Holmes argued that Mart had not visited the park with the intent to offend but "couldn’t control the urge she had there."

Ms. Holmes added that while being transgender provided no excuse for the crime, it presented significant personal challenges.

She said: “She is transgender and identifies as a woman.

"There is no excuse for this offence, and it is a complex thing to deal with, and they have to wake up feeling they are in the wrong body.

“There is a clear path of offending, and since her last offence she has suppressed her libido, and it is to her credit she takes this and makes efforts to improve her behaviour.

“It demonstrates she is willing to comply with any intervention whilst in custody, which I do submit is a positive for her, and there can be improvements in her offending.”

In sentencing, Judge Jeffries described Mart's frankness with the probation service as a double-edged sword: while it was refreshing that she acknowledged his issues, it also highlighted the ongoing danger he posed.

Mart received a 28-month prison sentence and a lifelong notification requirement.

Description

A sex offender has been jailed for offences against children that took place almost 20 years apart.

Christopher Atherton (02/07/1978), of Milnthorpe Way, Manchester, was jailed for 13 years at Manchester Minshull Street Court this week (1/9/25) following an earlier trial.

His offences against two girls in the Trafford area dated back to the early 2000s.

He was found guilty of sexual assault of a child under 13 and causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity relating to an incident in 2019.

Atherton was also found guilty of three charges – two of indecent assault and sexual assault - dating back to between 2001 and 2004 when his female victim was aged under 16.

Detective Constable Steve Matthias, of our Trafford Child Protection Unit, said:

“Atherton put his victims through two ordeals, firstly by carrying out this horrific abuse and then compounding that by denying his criminality and making them testify at his trial.

“The judge deemed him to be a significant risk of causing serious harm in the future and a danger to girls, and ordered that he remains on Sex Offender Register for life.

“I would like to commend the victims for coming forward to report his crimes and for giving evidence at his trial – that cannot have been easy.

“We want to reassure all victims and survivors that they will be supported regardless of how long has passed since the abuse took place and we will investigate all allegations.”

Description

A man has been jailed for ten years for rape and a domestic-related offence against a woman in Cronton.

Joshua Chesters, 35, of Cronton Road, in Cronton, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court today (Thursday 4 September) after he was found guilty of rape and controlling and coercive behaviour.

In February of this year, Chesters raped a woman inside an address in Cronton.

The victim sustained multiple injuries and reported the incident to police once Chesters left the property the following day.

He was arrested and subsequently charged with the offences.

As well as a prison sentence, Chesters is also subjected to a 12-year restraining order and placed on the Sex Offender Register for life.

Detective Constable Tomas Bath said:

“This was an appalling case of sexual violence and I hope this sentencing brings the victim some comfort.

“Despite this woman’s horrific experience, she bravely contacted police to report what happened.

"I hope this sentencing helps others come forward and shows what will happen to their perpetrators.”

Description

A man who was arrested within minutes of sexually assaulting a teenage girl in Epping has today been convicted of a series of offences.

Hadush Kebatu was arrested after we received reports of a man behaving inappropriately towards a teenage girl in High Road at 5.20pm on Tuesday 8 July.

As a result of the work of officers in the hours after the arrest, separate offences which took place on Monday 7 July were then reported for the first time and an investigation was launched.

Overnight, the 41-year-old, with an address in High Road, Epping, was charged.

He denied all offences during preliminary hearings and a three-day trial was held in Chelmsford and Colchester Magistrates’ Courts which finished today, Thursday 4 September.

The court heard that on 7 July Kebatu tried to kiss the teenage girl on a bench whilst also asking her to kiss him. He also made numerous sexually explicit comments.

The following afternoon, on 8 July, Kebatu encountered the same girl and again tried to kiss her before sexually assaulting her. He also made further sexually explicit comments despite being told the girl’s age and the fact that she was wearing her school uniform.

Shortly before this interaction, Kebatu had sexually assaulted and attempted to kiss an adult woman who had offered to help him create a CV to find work.

When she then saw Kebatu also interacting inappropriately with the teenage girl, she called 999 and he was quickly arrested.
Today, District Judge Christopher Williams found Kebatu guilty of:

• Two counts of sexual assault
• One count of attempted sexual assault
• One count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity
• One count of harassment without violence

Kebatu will be sentenced at a hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on 23 September.

District Judge Williams warned Kebatu he would be facing an immediate custodial sentence.

Description

A 57-year-old man who fled abroad after being accused of sexual offences has now been convicted.

James Clacher, who was reported missing from Bellshill in May, 2022, was returned to Scotland to face trial after he had been traced in Spain in May, 2024, and arrested on an international warrant.

He has now been convicted of the serious sexual assault of two women in August, 2019 and September, 2020.

Detective Inspector Bruce Fyfe said:

“It's difficult to comprehend the distress and suffering Clacher caused the women in this case. I hope this conviction brings them some form of comfort. He will now face the consequences of his actions.

“Following the missing person report, extensive enquiries were carried out to establish his whereabouts.

“As the investigation into the missing person and sexual offences progressed, it became clear he had left the country to evade justice after faking his own death.

“We worked closely with our international law enforcement colleagues, including the National Crime Agency and Spanish Police and the perpetrator was subject to extraditions proceedings.

“This conviction demonstrates our commitment to thoroughly investigating serious offences and pursuing those who seek to avoid prosecution, no matter where they go.

“If anyone is experiencing or has experienced any type of sexual abuse, we have detectives dedicated to investigating such offences. Please report it and be assured you will be fully supported and listened to."

Description

A man who groomed and raped two young girls in Rotherham in the early 2000s has been jailed for 19 years today, 4 September.

A trial at Sheffield Crown Court heard how Obaidullah Omari, 46, from Sheffield, targeted the two, who were aged between 13 and 14 at the time of their abuse.

The offences, which occurred between 2003 and 2004, were investigated by officers from the National Crime Agency’s Operation Stovewood, which is looking into child sexual abuse in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013.

Omari, in his 20s at the time, gave the girls alcohol and drugs before abusing them.

Omari raped the first girl multiple times at two different locations – his house in Eastwood and in his car – and raped the second girl on one occasion.

Both victims came forward to Operation Stovewood more than 20 years after the abuse took place, providing their accounts to officers who then went on to arrest Omari in 2019.

Following a two-week trial at Sheffield Crown Court, Omari was found guilty of three counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault.

Following the sentencing today, NCA senior investigating officer Alan Hastings said:

“Today Omari begins an appropriately substantial prison sentence for the sexual offences he committed against two girls more than 20 years ago.

“The victims demonstrated immense courage both in reporting Omari’s crimes and in giving evidence against him. I’m pleased that Operation Stovewood has been able to secure justice for the women and I hope Omari’s conviction helps them move forward with their lives.

“I encourage victims of child sexual abuse to report it to police, no matter how long ago the offending took place.”

Description

A man sexually groomed a schoolgirl and got her pregnant, a court has heard. Liam Peat then lied about not knowing the real age of the child, a lie he maintained until the first day of trial when his young victim turned up at court to give evidence against him.

Swansea Crown Court heard that what the defendant did made the complainant feel "worthless" to the point she no longer wanted to be around, but she said that while she would have to "live with the horror" of what happened she was not going to let it take over her life.

Dyfed Thomas, prosecuting, told the court that when Peat began chatting to the girl on Snapchat she was aged 13 and he was 19. He said the pair began to meet in secret and the child started "confiding" in the defendant about matters in her life, establishing a level of trust.

The court heard that as matters progressed, communications became sexual, with Peat asking for intimate pictures and sending her a video of himself masturbating. He would tell the girl to delete messages between them.

The prosecutor said the defendant and complainant had sexual intercourse on a number of occasions when the girl was aged 14 and 15, with protection rarely used. He said it was the prosecution case that Peat "groomed and manipulated" the girl.

The court heard the offending culminated in the child becoming pregnant and telling her mother. Police were notified, and Peat attended a voluntary interview, answering "no comment" to all questions.

The prosecutor said that at the time, the girl did not feel strong enough to make a formal complaint and no further action was taken, but in April 2023 she contacted police to pursue it.

Peat was arrested and in interview gave a prepared statement accepting sexual activity took place on a number of occasions but saying it was always consensual and that the girl had told him she was in college, leading him to believe she was of corresponding age.

In a statement read to the court, the complainant said what the defendant did has had a "massive effect" on her life. She said Peat made her feel "worthless" to the point she no longer wanted to be around, but while she would have to "live with the horror" of what he did she was not going to let it take over her life.

Liam Peat, 25, of Heol y Graig, Crynant, Neath, pleaded guilty on the day of trial to two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child. He has no previous convictions but two cautions for battery from incidents on nights out.

Matt Murphy, for Peat, said the defendant accepted immediate custody was the only sentence possible. He said the offending occurred when his client was an immature young man with "difficulties" including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Judge Paul Thomas KC said when Peat had been, to all intents and purposes, a man, he sexually groomed a child after "inveigling" himself into her life. He said while there was now "some regret" from the defendant, it would carry more weight if not so late, when the complainant had come to court prepared for cross-examination.

With a 10 per cent discount for his guilty pleas, Peat was sentenced to 45 months in prison. He will serve up to half in custody before release on licence.

The defendant will be a registered sex offender for life and was made subject to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.