Latest Offenders

Description

A lying rapist has been jailed for 13 years after a teenager suffered a horrendous gang attack in a town centre subway.

The 17-year-old victim was attacked on July 14 last year in the subway that runs under the A62 Castlegate between New North Road Baptist Church and the old Technical College building.

Saddam Muhamadaim, 26, of Blacker Road, Birkby, was sentenced on Friday to 13 years for three counts of rape and one count of attempted rape after being convicted by a jury.

His sentencing was adjourned from March pending an investigation into his age, which could have affected the length of his sentence.

Leeds Crown Court previously heard Muhamadaim, who came to the UK from Sudan, gave his date of birth as January 1993 in an asylum registration form document, but he later told police it was March 2001 - making him 17 at the time of the offence instead of 25.

Muhamadaim is now 26 years old.

Two other men were jailed in March for their roles in the attack.

Abdul Latif Salih, 35, of Trinity Street in Huddersfield, and Bahaldin Doud, 21, of Village Terrace in Burley, Leeds, were each sentenced to 13 years in prison after being convicted by a jury.

Salih was convicted of one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, one count of rape and one count of attempted rape.

Doud was convicted of two counts of attempted rape.

All three men were arrested and charged by police a couple of days after the attack after being forensically linked to the inciident.

The Judge commended the investigation team at the end of the trial.

Detective Inspector Mark Catney, from Kirklees CID, who led the investigation, said: "These men have been handed lengthy prison sentences for the crimes they committed against a 17-year-old girl.

"They prolonged her ordeal by making her relive the incident through the court trial, but we are pleased that they were found guilty by the jury and have been given significant sentences.

"This was a distressing incident for the victim, but thankfully detectives at Kirklees Safeguarding Unit carried out a thorough investigation and within days of the incident, we had all three males in police custody.

"I would like to praise the victim for her bravery in coming forward to report the offences to police. She was subjected to a horrendous ordeal but now I hope that today’s sentences will allow her some closure to what has happened.

"Anyone who has suffered any sexual crime is urged to come forward to the police so that we can investigate it. We have specially trained police officers who will offer support and advice throughout."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the police via 101 or information can be passed to police anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Description

Christopher Sansam bragged about incest when he was jailed for eight months The relative of a convicted paedophile has spoken of his disgust after finding out he is reportedly living close to a school after being released from jail halfway through his sentence. Christopher Sansam was jailed in February after he was found with 237 indecent images including of babies and toddlers being sexually abused, as well as two movies lasting more than seven minutes. Hull Crown Court heard how he also boasted about incest, referring to getting his daughter pregnant in an online chat, despite not having one, and had used file-sharing software KIK to distribute the most extreme category of images. Sansams barrister described him as simple during the sentencing hearing, hoping it may be some mitigation for him. But speaking after finding out he had been released, one of Sansam's close family members, who wanted to remain anonymous, claimed this is not true. People should see his photograph so they can protect their children from him, said the relative. Hes not simple at all. He did well at school getting his GCSEs and he went on to gain a full mechanics qualification at college. He even worked as a temporary supervisor at Cranswick Foods hes not simple at all. He knows right from wrong and Im so ashamed of what he has done. Sansam, 24, admitted to liking children between the ages of eight to fourteen, and his online behaviour was brought to the attention of Humberside Police in March 2018. He admitted three offences of possessing indecent images, and two of distributing them. Judge Mark Bury sentenced him to eight months in prison, and he was also made subject to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years and was ordered to sign the sex offenders registers for a decade. But Sansam's relative said he was now living near a primary school in the east Hull area. Hes only served four months and hes out already, claims Sansams relative. The whole family are ashamed of him and we are sickened he has been moved to near a school. I just cant believe he has been near my children when he was charged with all of this and none of us ever knew. It wasnt until he was in court we knew anything about it. What Christopher did makes me sick and everyone needs to know what he has done.

Description

A man from Wellington has been jailed for 10 years for child sexual offences.

Philip Hawkes, 55, was charged with 32 offences relating to online grooming of teenage girls and inciting them to commit sexual acts and send him indecent images.

He was also found in possession of numerous indecent images of children on his media devices.

Hawkes was handed the 10 year sentence at Bristol Crown Court on Tuesday (July 2) after pleading guilty at the first hearing.

Hawkes will also be placed on the sexual offenders' register for life and be required to abide by Sexual Harm Prevention Order conditions.

Detective Sergeant Chris Jay said: We are committed to hunting down any person who uses the internet as a way to abuse children, or view or share indecent images of children.

This conviction and sentence demonstrates that the police and courts will not tolerate this kind of behaviour.

Description

Update 2022-07-08 A SOUTHAMPTON sex offender is back behind bars after breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). Jordan Larcombe, of Summit Way, was handed the SHPO on April 5 2017 after he was convicted of sexually abusing two teenage girls on the Isle of Wight. Under the conditions of the SHPO, 26-year-old Larcombe is prohibited from using any phone or device capable of accessing the internet unless it can retain the internet history. He must also make the device available for inspection on request by police, and he must not delete any internet history or mobile phone use. During a home visit on June 14 this year, officers examined his phone and saw he had been messaging a woman over WhatsApp. He had also configured the disappearing messages facility, meaning any new messages in the chat would disappear after 24 hours a breach of his SHPO. In one message, he told the woman that she could begin flirting with him now because he had just put disappearing messages on. Appearing at Southampton Crown Court he was jailed for two years for breaching the order. PC Rob Thomas, from the Western Offender Management team, said: We take the management of sex offenders incredibly seriously, and invest significant resources into doing so in order to keep the public safe. Officers will often make unannounced visits to offenders where they may be subject to an intrusive investigative interview process. This helps us understand an offenders routine, interests and behaviours so we can closely monitor them. On this occasion, we visited Larcombes home and quickly established that he had deliberately and knowingly breached his Sexual Harm Prevention Order. These orders are put in place to protect the public, and ensure that individuals do not re-offend. Where they choose to disregard them, they are rightly punished and I am pleased that Larcombe is now back behind bars. 2019-07-05 A SEX offender convicted of sexual activity with a child was given additional prison time after breaching the terms of an order by posting pictures of himself online. Jordan Larcombe, 23, of Chale Green, was caught out when police officers found an Instagram account he had started, including communications with a young female, and references to a Snapchat account, Rose Burns, prosecuting, told the IW Crown Court. A court order prohibits Larcombe from having an internet enabled device without notifying police, which he did not do. Ms Burns told the court that Larcombe had breached his sexual harm prevention order on a previous occasion and had been sent back to prison. He then breached the order again, having acquired a mobile phone and posted on social media. He was released in April and went to live with his mother. It wasn't until May 29 that police found the account. Larcombe admitted the breach and said that he had felt lonely in prison and his friends had ditched him. Ms Burns said: "He is a persistent breacher of this order. It presents a serious risk. "He is messaging young girls with the intention of meeting up with them." For Larcombe, Oscar Vincent said his client had been living an isolated existence since his release from prison, with no prospect of employment and no social interaction. Mr Vincent said that Larcombe's communications from the phone were mostly one-way, with only one person responding, who was a 20-year-old ex-girlfriend of his. Mr Vincent said the breach did not represent sophisticated activity and was very easily detected, with no attempt made to hide his identity. "Mr Larcombe is 23 years of age, but does have have a low IQ. He has learning difficulties and if he were school age, he would be classed as special needs," Mr Vincent said. Sentencing, Judge Timothy Mousley said: "This was a deliberate breach and constituted a very high risk of causing harm. "This is not the first time you have breached the order and you have a history of failing to comply with other court orders." Larcombe was sentenced to 16 months in prison.

Description

A man has been jailed for 23 years for what police have described as horrific sexual abuse over six years that began when his victim was just 12 years old.

Kevin Langford, 54, of no fixed address, was handed his prison sentence today (5 July) after he was convicted of 29 different charges at an earlier court hearing in May.

The abuse spanned a six-year period when he was living in Wootton.

He had already pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual activity with a child and was found guilty of the other indictments, which included possessing and distributing indecent images of children, causing/inciting a child into prostitution/pornography and trafficking a person out of the UK for sexual exploitation.

The jury at Luton Crown Court heard how the abuse started when the victim was just 12 years old.

Langford regularly assaulted her and forced her into taking part in sexual activity with him.

As she got older, he made her pose for provocative photos, which he posted to an adult website claiming she was 18, and started taking her to hotels to engage in sexual activity with other men, including once trip overseas.

On one occasion one of the men even filmed her and Langford used this as a threat against her in case she told anyone.

In April 2017, the victim came forward and disclosed to police about the abuse that she has endured over the past six years.

As well as the 23-year jail sentence, Langford will be on licence for two years after he leaves prison.

Detective constable Jenny Bryce said: I am delighted that Langford has received such a substantial custodial sentence as he not only subjected his victim to years of sexual abuse, but he also exploited her in the most horrendous way by advertising her online to strangers.

I cant praise the bravery of the victim enough for coming forward and disclosing all of Langfords sickening actions. I hope this sentence can serve as some kind of closure for her so she can move on with her life.

Child sexual abuse is one of the most heinous crimes and it will never be tolerated in our county.

We are committed to tackling these sickening individuals and ensuring that they are made to pay for their actions.

Description

A man who sexually assaulted a 17-year-old girl after she spurned him on Snapchat has been jailed for eight years and four months.

Aaron Irvine, 19, of Bedford, was dressed in black and carrying a "rape kit" when he went to the girl's home.

He was convicted at Luton Crown Court in July of sexual assault and trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence.

Judge Barbara Mensah said the assault in January was a "planned operation", calling him "a dangerous individual".

"It's quite clear you have developed an obsession for the girl. You had an obsession with her and you were infatuated with her," she said.

Irvine, of Thor Drive, had also admitted common assault and possessing a bladed article. He was cleared of attempted rape.

The court heard the day before Irvine's attack, he had sent the girl a Snapchat message asking if she had a boyfriend.

She said she was "out of a relationship" and he replied with "well, I'm known to be very good at making girls happy".

The girl "wasn't comfortable" with the response, she said.

The next day on 2 January he arrived at the girl's house in Bedfordshire armed with a hunting knife and carrying a bag containing rope, tape, a black utility belt, wet wipes and a change of clothing.

She described it as a "rape kit" and said she felt "revulsion, anger and fear" when he came to her home, where she was with a friend.

Once inside the property, Irvine began caressing the girls at knifepoint and sexually touched the girl who had rebuffed him.

When her friend kicked him in the groin, the girls escaped.

Irvine ran into nearby woods and changed clothing, but was arrested by police shortly afterwards.

Description

A predator who targeted girls in teen chat rooms was unmasked as a convicted child rapist by a Scotland Yard sting operation.

Daniel Robinson pretended to be a 17-year-old and encouraged a 13-year-old girl to touch herself and send him images without realising he was in fact messaging an undercover police officer.

He was jailed after police tracked him down to his home and found images on his computer of a previous victim of his grooming.

Robinson, aged 34, was already on the sex offenders' register because he raped a 14-year-old gymnast who he met while working as a fitness trainer in Taunton in 2006.

He drove the girl to the countryside near his former home in Watchet where he raped and sexually assaulted her. He was jailed for six years at Taunton Crown Court in 2006.

Chef Robinson, of Conygar View, Dunster, admitted attempting to cause a child to engage in sexual activity, attempting to engage a child in sexual communication, and making indecent images of children.

He was jailed for two years by Recorder Jonathan Barnes at Exeter Crown Court and made subject of a sexual harm prevention order which restricts his future contact with children and use of the internet.

He told him: "These offences are aggravated very seriously by your previous conviction for rape. After anxious consideration, I am persuaded, just, that you should not be classified as a dangerous offender."

Mr Robert Yates, prosecuting, said Robinson contacted what he thought was a 13-year-old girl called Libby on the kids' channel of the Chat Avenue website in June 2017, claiming to be a 17-year-old boy.

Mr Yates said: "The conversation was of a sexual nature and he suggested a video call in which he proposed to masturbate."

He went on to urge 'Libby' to show her breasts and vaginal areas on Skype and to touch herself sexually. The Metropolitan Police passed his details to colleagues in Barnstaple and his home was searched.

An analysis of his computer found four images of young girls exposing themselves which he admitted had been sent after contact in chat rooms.

Mr Rupert Taylor, defending, said there had been no physical contact with any girl and the Skype conversation was not with a real person.

He said Robinson is now living with his family and working as a head chef. The probation service have recommended that he go on a sex offender treatment programme, which would not be available in jail.

Description

A businessman and former taxi driver raped a girl dozens of times over two years.

Vincent Matthews groomed his victim, who was under the age of 13, into thinking she was in a relationship with him.

But instead the former director of Morriston RFC was abusing his victim.

The 56-year-old, of Cwrt Cilmeri in Morriston, pleaded guilty to six counts of raping a girl under 13 and two counts of attempted sexual assault.

Swansea Crown Court was told the actual number of offences was estimated to be "dozens".

John Hipkin, prosecuting, told the court Matthews' grooming had "succeeded in making her (the girl) believe she was in a relationship with him."

He added: "He began by squeezing her leg and kissing and cuddling.

"She did not know about or understand anything sexual, but this proceeded to taking her upstairs to a bedroom, paying her compliments, suggesting she take a bath, and proceeded to having sexual intercourse with her.

"She mentioned pinning her arms down to achieve the act, but it is emphasised by the Crown this case is one of extensive grooming.

"He would put a blanket over her mouth to prevent her screaming. He told her not to tell anyone what they were doing."

Susan Ferrier, defending Matthews, said: "It is clear he is somebody who does need help and by pleading guilty he is making himself available to whatever help is available during what he accepts will be a long sentence.

"He apologises not just to you (the judge) but to the victim and her family and his family. He has lost everything.

"He had his own business, that is gone. He will have a long time in custody to reflect what from the outside looked like the life of a successful middle age man and that is something he has to live with."

Sentencing Matthews, Judge Paul Thomas said: "You deliberately and cynically set out to rape a girl when you were in your mid fifties.

"At her age she was not only never mature enough to consent with what you were doing, it is highly questionable she understood the significance of what you were doing to her at that age.

"She does not. As is almost inevitable in these cases it has had a profound long term impact on her both psychologically and emotionally.

"These offences do not end when acts ends. There are consequences that go on for years and years and years.

"I suspect Mr Matthews, I do not have to tell you because you are an intelligent man.

"Your earlier involvement with the court system did not dissuade you.

"Your concern was only for your own sexual needs. You pursued her and made her consider you were in a romantic relationship with her. You were not. Your paedophile lust was your motivation.

"Your level of persistent, cynical opportunism and inability to control your attraction to pre-pubescent children means you clearly represent a very significant risk to pre-pubescent children in the future."

He added: "[After] Your business and sporting standing of many years, your public fall from grace is precipitous."

Judge Thomas gave Matthews an extended sentence of 23 years, with 16 years in custody and an extended seven years on licence.

He was also made subject to a sexual prevention order for life, and made to sign the sex offenders' register.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Morgan, of South Wales Police, said: We would like to praise the bravery of the victim for coming forward.

Investigating sexual violence is a priority for South Wales Police and we are committed to investigating all reports of sexual abuse - regardless of when they occurred - in order to ensure that those who exploit the most vulnerable members of society are brought to justice."

Description

A paedophile has been jailed for 11 years after he was convicted of sexually abusing a girl.

Richard Rowles, 42, of Churchill Way, Sunbury, began abusing his victim when she was just six years old and did so on repeated occasions.

The victim only came forward in October 2017, prompting a police investigation and Rowles' eventual conviction for multiple offences including sexual assaulting a girl under 13 and causing or inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

Detective Constable Sara McDowell, who investigated the case, said: "I would like to pay tribute to the victim for her bravery in not only coming forward in the first place, but then for re-living her ordeal when she gave evidence in court.

"I hope that the fact that Rowles has received a lengthy jail sentence can help her to move on with her life.

"Surrey Police takes all reports involving sexual offences extremely seriously and we would encourage anyone who believes they have been the victim of a similar offence to come forward."

Description

Sex fantasist Gary Hoyles has been given an extended 22-year jail sentence today for a "campaign of rape" against a child.

The 50-year-old was told he is dangerous and poses a threat to children in the future.

He was given an immediate 18-year sentence and told he will have to serve two-thirds before he can even apply for parole.

And if and when he is released he will serve an extra four years on licence.

Judge Adele Williams told Hoyles, of The Street, Willesborough he had "perverted and distorted" views and had shown no remorse of insight into his crimes.

Maidstone Crown Court heard he had committed the offences between 2011 and 2017.

Port of Dover’s bid approved to create 17 flats at Grade II-listed Waterloo Crescent, Dover
Watch More
Hoyles had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of rape and a further five counts of sexual activity with a child.

In total he has admitted four counts of rape, four counts of raping a child, four counts of sexual activity with a child, one charge of sexual assault on a child and one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Prosecutor Chris May told police discovered letters drafted by the twisted fantasist, which read: "It will kill me to lose you. I want to run away with you so we can be truly together in love.

"You are the only true love I have ever had. I love you, love was made for you.

"It took an incredible amount of courage for the victim to not only report this matter to us but face him again in court"

- Mandy Poulter

"Love is not about sex, that is just expressing love.

"Don't let prison win please wait for me."

Mr May added: "He clearly has a deluded view of relationships."

Detective sergeant Mandy Poulter, of Kent Police, said:

"Hoyles is a cruel and depraved offender who subjected a young girl to horrendous sexual abuse.

"It took an incredible amount of courage for the victim to not only report this matter to us but face him again in court.

"While nothing can undo the harm caused to her, I hope she can take some comfort from the fact her bravery has resulted in an extremely dangerous and perverse offender being jailed for a substantial amount of time.

"I also hope that victims of non-recent sexual abuse, who may feel anxious about reporting being offences committed against them, can look at this result and gain confidence about contacting us for support."

Description

An intruder who crept into the bed of a sleeping woman and started kissing her back has been jailed for 22 months.

Steven Lhirondelle, 30, sexually assaulted the woman as she lay frozen by panic in the bed.

Fearing she would be raped she summoned the courage and leap out of bed before running into the street and shouting for help.

Lhirondelle was later arrested by police and said 'I'm sorry. I don't know why I did it'.

The defendant was described as a lonely but otherwise hard-working man when he appeared at Exeter Crown Court.

He admitted knowingly trespassing on premises with the intention of committing a sexual offence and sexually touching a woman without her consent.

The victim, a woman aged in her 60s, said she still could barely believe the offence had happened and was frightened of returning to her home and bed.

The offence happened in Torquay in May.

Prosecutor Ms Bathsheba Cassel said the victim, who lived alone, had gone to bed only to be woken in the early hours by an intruder. Lights were switched on and off and a voice said 'I will steal' a number of times.

"Shortly afterwards she felt someone in the bed," said the prosecutor.

She did not know who it was or recognise the man during the assault.

She felt the man stroking her back and then kissing it 10 to 12 times. Lhirondelle remained silent during the assault.

"The victim describes being still and feeling confused about what was happening and frightened about what was about to occur," said Ms Cassel.

"She feared she was going to be raped and felt she had to get away."

Summoning the courage she jumped out of bed and ran downstairs as quickly as she could.

"She felt panic, despair and shock," said Ms Cassel.

"She screamed for help as loudly as she could."

Police were called and arrived at the scene soon after.

Lhirondelle remained calmly at the scene for some time before running off. Police arrested him later that morning.

He told them: "Yes, I've had a bit too much to drink and tried to get into the house." He apologised and said he was just looking for somewhere to sleep.

He couldn't remember kissing the woman but agreed she wouldn't make it up.

Mr Martin Salloway, defending, said the defendant could not really explain his actions. He was sorry for what he had done and had been moved to tears by the victim's account of what had happened.

"He is a sad and lonely soul," said Mr Salloway. He said Lhirondelle had admitted is crime at an early stage and spared the victim a trial.

The victim said in a statement: "I cannot sleep in my bed, I cannot bear the thought. I will have to clean and disinfect the house. I am shaken and overwhelmed. Part of me doesn't believe it's happened but I am choosing to think like that because I'm still in a trace."

Judge David Evans said the defendant's crime was too serious to suspend the sentence.

"She feared she would be raped. I accept that was not your intention but that was the terrifying prospect she feared. You must have realised that possibility and had you been sober you would have realised anybody waking up to that situation would be likely to fear that as the ultimate outcome."

He said the defendant, of Babbacombe Road, had given no explanation for his scary behaviour but accepted it was out of character.

Description

A 'hard-working' grandad of previous 'impeccable character' who said he downloaded sick images of children being sexually abused because he was 'curious' has avoided jail.

Alan Crabtree, 72, was found to have saved 85 indecent images of children onto his two mobile phones - 13 of these were classed as category A, the worst serverity.

The retired miner, who has lived in Salford all his life, said looking at the disturbing images became a 'compulsion'.

He said he initially used social media to find the pictures out of curiosity.

His family, who described him as a 'loving and supportive father', knew nothing of his shameful secret until cops came knocking at the door of the family home and seized his personal devices.

At Manchester Crown Court, Crabtree admitted three charges of making indecent photographs of children.

But he walked free with a 12-month community order after a judge said he was 'astonished' to see a man of his character commit this type of crime.

The offences - which took place between April 2015 and December 2017 - came to light when police received intelligence from the National Crime Agency.

Prosecutor Juliet Berry said: "After receiving the information, police attended at his address on 8 December 2017 and executed a warrant.

"They seized two laptops and two mobile phones - one Acer phone and one Samsung phone.

"He was interviewed and admitted that the images could be found on the phones."

Crabtree's lawyer, Suzanne Hargreaves, told the sentence hearing how her client was 'deeply ashamed' of what he had done.

She said he made full admissions to his family and has already taken steps towards rehabilitation.

"He was born and bred in Salford and is a hard-working man dedicated to his family", Ms Hargraves added.

"He worked in the mines. He then took up any work that was available and worked his whole life until retirement.

"He and his wife are now retired. He is a carer for her."

Crabtree avoided a custodial sentence with the judge saying his hitherto impeccable character meant he could be rehabilitated in the community.

Passing sentence, Recorder Geoffrey Lowe, said: "It's astonishing to see a man of your background in this situation.

"These are not victimless offences. The children whose photos are taken are abused.

"Some of these images reflect the most serious sexual abuse of these children.

"You regarded this as something that started out as a curiosity then became a compulsion.

"You have shown remorse and sought to seek assistance. This is a blemish on an otherwise exemplary record.

"If these matters are addressed there is no reason why you cannot go back to being the hard-working and respectful man you was."

Crabtree was handed a 12-month community order made up of 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

He must sign the Sex Offenders Register for five years.

He was also made subject to a sexual harm prevention order, which will limit his access to the internet.

Description

A FATHER who owned a pink stretch-limousine which he hired out and used to drive schoolgirls to their prom party, was exposed today (June 26) as a paedophile with "an unhealthy interest in young children." A judge heard that 38-year-old Robert Westgarth from Priestwood was addicted to pornography when he was arrested by police who found indecent pictures of children aged from six to 16 years on his electronic devices. Westgarth hit Bracknell News headlines several years ago when he offered to take a group of young girls to their school prom in a pink limousine as a 'good deed' after he received a cancellation for his chauffeur services. The Bracknell man will face a 21-month suspended jail sentence and ordered to attend 25 rehabilitation courses after a jury convicted him on charges of making and obtaining indecent images of children, some of which were of the most serious category. The prison term was suspended for two years. Prosecutor Kirsty Allman told the judge: "The four offences relate to the production and possession of 35 indecent images, both still and moving, of children found on Mr Westgarth's devices, aged from six years to 16 years." Sitting at Reading Crown Court, Judge Angela Morris said: "Police visited your home and found indecent images on your storage devices and a video the jury found you had deliberately taken on your mobile phone. This was deliberate and premeditated but you maintained that it was entirely innocent. "On the storage device you were found to have deliberately searched for indecent images of children which were category A, B and C. "You are now 38 years of age and until this came to light, you were a family man. You have admitted in the pre-sentence report and to the jury, that you have an addiction. To put it bluntly, it has been said that you have an unhealthy interest in young children." However, Judge Morris stressed that being addicted to something was not a defence. Defence counsel, Giuseppina Silvio said: "Mr Westgarth has admitted a serious addiction to pornography. He has demonstrated that he has taken serious steps to address his obsession." Judge Morris said: "It seems to me that you are still in that place, there is still a long way to go. You still maintain that story you gave to the jury despite them rejecting it but you have not made much of accepting the reality of the situation. You still have little or no insight into why the jury found you guilty." Westgarth was made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order which lasts for 10 years and he was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of 140 and to pay 500 prosecution costs. Judge Morris added: "Show to your family that you are the man that they had all hoped you were, the man you were before this and the man you want to be."

Description

A paedophile who preyed on a "10-year-old girl" suggesting she slept with him, dress up in leotards and move in with him at his home in Yeovil has escaped jail when he appeared in court to be sentenced.

John Jannikos had no idea at the time that he was engaged in conversation with a decoy profile of a young girl in a trap set up by a paedophile hunter group.

He regularly talked to her over the course of several months, asked if she knew what a condom was and asked her for sex, reassuring her it was ok after she suggested her mum would not allow it.

He also said he had bought her some leotards and sent her photos of a pink and blue one saying he couldn't wait to see her wearing them.

When he was confronted outside his home with evidence of his activities by members of the group the police were called and searched his home.

In his bedroom they discovered the same two leotards in the pictures sent to the 'victim' covered in semen stains along with a sex toy resembling a young girl.

The 31-year-old defendant, of Willow Road, denied a charge that between August 28, and September 25 last year in Somerset he attempted to communicate with a person under the age of 16 who he did not believe was 16 or over, and the communication was sexual, namely talking about sex and asking her if she knew what a condom was, and for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification.

However he was convicted of the offence following a trial held before Somerset Magistrates at Yeovil.

They sentenced Jannikos to a three year community order with a direction to comply with a sex offenders programme.

He must also carry out a 20 day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and complete 150 hours unpaid work.

Costs of £775 and an £85 victim surcharge were also imposed and he was ordered to remain on the Sex Offenders Register for the next four years.

Prosecutor Suzie Butler said that it was a case of internet grooming by the defendant who thought he was speaking to a 10-year-old girl but it was really a decoy profile.

The profile had been set in the name of a "girl" called Amy Beech and a male with Facebook profile of John Jannikos soon contacted her and a number of conversations took place between them between August and September last year.

"During these conversations the defendant offered to buy her a leotard and bikini and asked if she wanted to move in with him," she said.

"He also asked her if she knew what a condom was and said he knew there was an age gap but he would like them to be together.

"He said he loved her and cared about her and then sent the question 'Sex?' followed by a thumbs up sign.

"Jannikos also told the 'girl' he ordered her a leotard and four sets of swimwear and wanted her to try them on and send him pictures.

"He also said he loved her, sent her pictures of a pink and a blue leotard when the order was delivered and said he couldn't wait to see her in them."

When the defendant was confronted by members of the paedophile hunter group he said he was ashamed.

The police were called and he was arrested, and when they searched his address a mobile phone, tablet and laptop were found.

They also discovered two leotards, similar to those in the photos, and when stains were found on them the officers asked Jannikos what it was and he said it was semen.

He said he had been "so stupid" but when he was voluntarily interviewed he made no comment to all questions asked of him.

A data extraction report showed evidence that the defendant had purchased the two leotards from an online retailer although no indecent images of children were found on the devices.

Defending solicitor Ray Peters said that his client "still maintained his innocence" despite being found guilty following a trial.

He said that Jannikos lived with his uncle for whom he was a full-time carer.

"He admitted carrying out certain acts to the Probation Service and has confided that he would benefit from some help from them, although denies any inappropriate sexual urges towards young children," he said.

"He would be required to comply with an accredited sexual offending programme which would be a severe restriction on his liberty and a great commitment for quite a lengthy period of time."

Description

A paedophile jailed for sexually assaulting two schoolgirls and other offences lived and worked in Burnham-on-Sea.

Dale Fellows was sentenced to 18 years behind bars at Wolverhampton Crown Court earlier this month (June 3) for 12 offences which included rape, sexual assaults and attempted rape between 2016 and 2017 against one of the girls.

He was also found guilty of three charges against the other victim between 2008 and 2015.

The 34-year-old was caught after the girls - who were both 13 when they were abused - bravely came forward and recalled their experiences to West Midlands Police, who were then able to build up a case.

A source confirmed to Somerset Live that Fellows lived and worked in the seaside town at some point between 2008 and 2017 - when some of the offences were committed.

It is unclear when - and why - he left the area.

Depraved Fellows, whose address was given as Rosehilll Gardens, Willenhall, Walsall, in court, was also made to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Sergeant Vicky Kelleher, from West Midlands Police, said: "Without the courage of the victims in coming forward we would not have been able to bring Fellows to justice.

"Their bravery enabled us to fully investigate and ensure no-one else will have to suffer sexual abuse at his hands in future.

"The force has specialist officers to support victims and work tirelessly to ensure those responsible do not escape the full force of the law."