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A man has been jailed for almost a decade after raping a woman.

William Flamson raped the woman at an address in Gateshead in September 2024.

The victim-survivor disclosed what had happened to a friend, who then quickly reported it to the police.

Flamson was arrested shortly afterwards and questioned in connection with the offence. He denied any wrongdoing and was released on bail.

The now 41-year-old was later charged with one count of rape. He pleaded not guilty to the offence.

After a three-day trial at Newcastle Crown Court in February 2026, where the victim gave evidence against him, Flamson of St Cuthberts Court, Bensham, Gateshead, was found guilty of rape.

He was also charged with one count of theft which he pleaded not guilty to and was later acquitted at trial.

He appeared the same court on Monday (March 30) where he was sentenced to nine years behind bars.

Flamson will also spend the rest of his life on the Sex Offenders Register and was given an indefinite restraining order.

In a Victim Personal Statement (VPS) read to the court, the victim-survivor said:

“My life changed forever on the day I was raped by William Flamson.

“While I am trying to rebuild my life, it won’t ever be the same.

“I now consider him to be a horrible dirty beast who has ruined my life.

“Until this happened to me, I would’ve described my life as brilliant.

“Through the actions of Flamson, I am no longer able to do the things I used to enjoy.

“Since he raped me, I have been unable to sleep. If I did manage to sleep, I would regularly have nightmares seeing his face and relive what he did to me.

“I have been petrified to leave my house alone, fearing I would see him outside.

“I used to take several showers a day and scrub myself clean as I felt disgusting and dirty. I would scrub until my skin was raw.

“As I was fearful of leaving the house, I also had to leave my job. I had to leave through no fault of my own and due to the actions of Flamson.

“My partner has been very supportive and is helping me rebuild my life.

“I have thought about what I would like to say to Flamson today. The only words I have are that I hate you. I hate you for what you have done to me. I hate you for ruining my life. I hate you for making me feel disgusting and dirty.

“With the love and support of my family, I will now rebuild my life, although it will never be the same.”

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Steven Raeburn from the Force’s Safeguarding Department said:

“Flamson’s actions were predatory and cruel.

“This was a woman who was subjected to an appalling and lifechanging ordeal.

“I want to commend her extraordinary courage — not only in coming forward, but in supporting the investigation and seeing the judicial process through to conclusion.

“No sentence can undo the trauma she has endured, but I hope today’s outcome provides some measure of reassurance that he has been held fully accountable for what he did.

“We remain absolutely committed to pursuing offenders like Flamson and ensuring victims receive the support, respect and protection they deserve.

“I would urge anyone who has experienced sexual violence to come forward and speak to us. You will be listened to, you will be believed, and we will do everything we can to help you.”

Description

A 47-year-old man who hid in the women’s toilets at Newcastle railway station and waited for someone to come in has been jailed, following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Paul Southern, 16/10/1978, and of no fixed address, was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on 26 March after pleading guilty to Voyeurism.

He was jailed for four months and will sign the sex offenders register for seven years.

The court heard how on Thursday 5 February this year, Southern had entered the women's toilets at the station and waited there for 40 minutes before a woman entered to use the facilities.

The victim, aged in her 40s, entered a cubicle and just seconds later noticed Southern's head appear under the divide. He looked at her for a few seconds before she shouted "what are you doing?" at him. She then banged on the door to try to get Southern to leave.

The victim then ran out of the toilets and informed her partner who approached BTP officers who were on patrol at the station.

Southern was then confronted by the officers, who asked him what he was doing before arresting him.

CCTV footage captured Southern’s movements leading up to the crime, during which he had been aimlessly wandering around the station before entering the women’s toilets.

BTP Detective Sergeant Graham Marshall Batey said:

“Southern’s actions that day were calculated as he laid in wait for a woman to enter the adjacent cubicle. It’s down to the bravery of the woman who reported his disgusting behaviour that we were able to immediately arrest him and put him before the courts.”

Description

A former West Yorkshire police officer who admitted sexual assault and misconduct in a public office has been sentenced to three years in prison.

Patrick Banks, 42, who previously worked as a Detective Constable in Leeds, appeared at Sheffield Crown Court on Monday 2 March where he pleaded guilty to two counts of misconduct in a public office and one count of sexual assault.

He denied the theft of a mobile phone and the judge ordered this charge to lie on file.

The offences happened both on and off duty and involved Banks trying to inappropriately befriend two women during 2024 and 2025.

One of the women reported her concerns about Banks in April 2025, with the officer arrested the same day. He was released on bail and suspended from duty.

The court heard how he had sent inappropriate messages to the woman, visited her home multiple times whilst off duty and sexually assaulted her by touching her inappropriately. He also asked her to translate a message which said: "I want to take your underwear off with my teeth".

Following Banks’ arrest, a second woman reported that she also had concerns about his behaviour.  

He had regularly messaged her and also visited her four times at her home address, with only one of these occasions being on duty and recorded on the police system.

Banks appeared at Sheffield Crown Court today (1 April) where he was sentenced to three years in prison. He was also given a seven year restraining order and made the sign the sex offenders register for life.  

He has already resigned from the force and was subject to an accelerated gross misconduct hearing in October 2025 where a panel decided he would have been dismissed were he still serving.

Detective Chief Superintendent Tanya Wilkins, head of West Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Directorate, said:

“The actions of this former officer are abhorrent and clearly fall far short of the standards we expect all officers and staff to uphold.

“Banks was immediately suspended from duty when the offending was reported to the police and he has already been added to the College of Policing barred list, preventing him from gaining any further employment in policing on his release from prison.

“I would urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual offences, regardless of the occupation of the perpetrator, to please report it to us. I hope this prosecution and sentencing shows that you will be listened to, and swift action will be taken.”

Description

A man who exposed himself to commuters outside Derby railway station has been sentenced to seven months in prison following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Christopher Pittar, 44 and of Princip Street, Birmingham, was sentenced at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on 18 March after being found guilty of one count of Exposure. He also pleaded guilty to a count of Indecent Behaviour in a Police Station.

Pittar was also ordered to sign sex offenders register for seven years and handed a five year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) which prohibits him from entering any railway station in the UK without valid ticket or reason, and from undoing, loosening or removing items of clothing or touching himself in stations or on trains. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge.

The court heard how on 26 February 2025 just before 7pm Pittar was walking around outside Derby railway station.

He then laid down on the floor, lifted his jacket and exposed himself with his trousers pulled down. He then proceeded to shout out to draw more attention to himself.

A woman who saw Pittar exposing himself outside the station walked away from him and spotted a patrolling BTP officer who she reported his actions to. Pittar was swiftly arrested and taken to custody.

While in custody he exposed himself a second time to officers and staff there.

BTP Detective Sergeant Nick Tatlow said:

"Pittar showed no remorse for his senseless behaviour, even repeating his actions while in custody. He targeted a woman with his disgusting actions, and I am thankful to her for reporting the incident so we could bring Pittar before the courts and now behind bars.

“If you experience or witness a sexual offence on board a train or at a station, I urge you to report it to one of our officers on the network or by texting us discreetly on 61016. We take every report seriously and will stop at nothing to bring sexual offenders like Pittar to justice.”

Description

A man who abused a family’s trust to secure alone time with a young girl and threatened to harm her if she spoke out about the sexual abuse, has been brought to justice.

He has today been sentenced to 15 years in prison following a detailed investigation led by Met detectives.

Kamran Khan, 44 (07.02.82), of Streatham High Road, Lambeth, was sentenced Wednesday, 1 April and received 15 years at Inner London Crown Court.

Khan was found guilty at the same court on Thursday, 15 January for ten sexual offences against a child. This included the rape of a girl under the age of 13, and the assault of a girl under 13 by touching. The offending relates to one victim.

Khan was brought to justice after the hard work and dedication from Met Officers. The team used detail phone analysis and forensics to prove Khans multiple offences against the girl.

Detective Constable Franky Green, part of the Met’s Child Abuse Investigation Team said:

“I commend the courage of the victim and her family who came forward to bring light to Khan’s terrible offences. Khan prayed on a defenceless child and took advantage of formed connections which he used as a smokescreen for his abusive crimes.

“The immeasurable bravery of the victim and their family is tremendously appreciated.

“Our Child Sexual Exploitation team works tirelessly to create a safe, supportive environment where victims feel able to speak freely. Their specialist approach ensures that children and families are heard, protected and empowered throughout the investigative process.”

Khan was arrested on 6 July 2025, and an investigation subsequently began following a report from a family member accusing Khan of rape and the serious sexual assault of a child.

The range of abuse was uncovered after a family member witnessed an interaction between the child and Khan. Despite Khan threatening the child would be killed if she disclosed the harm he subjected her to, she bravely spoke out to a family member. She shared the sexual abuse she had suffered at his hands within her home, in her bedroom, and on a park bench.

With offending having been committed against a young child within her own home, officers worked resourcefully to secure evidence.

Khan’s phone was seized at the point of arrest and downloaded for review. The victim had disclosed that she had been forced to watch videos on his phone, and officers found corroborative pornographic material within his search history.

Additionally, forensic samples collected from Khan, as well as DNA samples from the victim, showed sexual contact had occurred.

The Met continues to strengthen its efforts to tackle child abuse across online, institutional, familial, and community settings, with officers remaining determined to bring offenders to justice. We have intensified our response through major investment in digital forensics, rapid analysis software, and advanced monitoring tools to track the activity of registered sex offenders. These efforts have contributed to three times more cases solved last year and 134 additional suspects being charged.

In addition to his 15-year sentence, Khan is now on the registered sex offenders list and was served with a restraining order as well as a sexual harm prevention order.

Description

A 60-year-old man from Trowbridge  has been jailed, after he admitted sexually abusing a girl under the age of 13.

Appearing before Salisbury Crown Court two weeks ago, Stephen Hudd, was sentenced to a total of 13 years and 9 months imprisonment for a catalogue of sexual offences against his young victim.

He had earlier pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 years of age, three counts of causing a child under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity, and three counts of assault by penetration.

He will serve at least 12 years and 9 months in custody and be released on licence for a year following this term.

Hudd will also be placed on the Sex Offenders register, preventing him from working unsupervised with children or young people.

In a powerful personal statement read to the court, the girl’s mother said:

"Although my daughter is the victim in all of this, these events and the trauma it has caused has n ot just impacted her. This has had a devastating effect on our entire family, and it has blown our world apart.

“The consequences of his actions have had a huge ripple effect and continue to affect every part of our lives. It is truly heartbreaking. He has ruined everything for her - how she views men, how she views the world, and he has taken the innocence of her childhood away.”

DC Danielle Swanborough said:

"Hudd's selfish and predatory actions have been devastating for his victim and those around her.

“I would like to praise the bravery of the survivor of this abuse and the support we have been given by her family during this investigation. Hudd will now serve a significant amount of time in prison.”

Description

On 11th August 2025, officers from the Management of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offenders unit were on a routine visit to Woolley when they found that his phone had a social media app with deleted messages.

His phone was seized for forensic examination, which resulted in six victims who were found to have been contacted by Woolley.

He was charged with eight breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and six counts of sexual communication with a child under 16 years.

Today (Tuesday 31st March), Woolley was sentenced to 28 months in prison at Teesside Crown Court.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Carl Middleton, said:

“Regular checks on those who are subject to sex offender notification requirements mean that we can protect the public by identifying any further offences which may have been committed to bring offenders to justice. I am pleased that other potential victims have now been safeguarded from Woolley’s persistent offending.”

Description

A 44-year-old man from Chandler’s Ford has been jailed for 20 months for two breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Craig Sankey, of Devon Close, was sentenced when he appeared at Southampton Crown Court on Friday 27 March.

He had pleaded guilty to the offences at a previous hearing at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 17 February,

Sankey was made subject to a ten-year SHPO on Friday 13 September 2024 following conviction for engaging in sexual communications with a child.

As part of the conditions of the SHPO, he is required to notify police within three days of acquiring any new mobile phone or other internet-enabled device.

On Tuesday 4 November 2025, Sankey had failed to inform police of a new phone and computer and was arrested.

PC Sean Davies, of the Management of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offenders team, said:

“We take the management of sex offenders incredibly seriously, and invest significant resources in 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 offender’s routine, interests and behaviours, so we can closely monitor them.

“On this occasion, we visited Sankey’s 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 reoffend.

“Where they choose to disregard them, they are rightly punished and I am pleased that Sankey is behind bars.”

Description

An Exeter man has been sentenced to a total of eight-and-a-half years in prison for rape and other offences.

Colby Hill, 22, of no fixed abode in Exeter, also known as Colby Seatherton, was found guilty at a trial at Exeter Crown Court on Tuesday 3 February on two counts of rape of a woman, charges he denied.

Appearing before the court for sentencing on Monday 30 March, he was imprisoned for eight-and-a-half years, plus one year’s extended licence and made subject of an indefinite restraining order as a result.

Hill was also jailed for intentional strangulation and two other non-sexual charges, to which he pled guilty at the start of the trial.

Detective Constable Jay McGhie, who led the investigation said:

“We welcome the sentence that he has been given which follows Hill’s conviction following a thorough investigation.

“Today’s positive outcome is a testimony to the strength shown by the victim in this case, not only in coming forward to report this but also for showing great resilience throughout the judicial process.

“We take all such incidents seriously and would encourage victims to come forward – you will be listened to, you will be believed and your reports will be investigated.

“Devon & Cornwall Police is committed to working the criminal justice system to make our communities safer.”

Description

An Uber Eats delivery driver who returned to a customer's address in Boston and raped her after a delivery has been jailed.

Jitendrakumar Prajapati, 47, of Castle Square, Wyberton West Road, Boston, appeared before Lincoln Crown Court on 27 March. He was sentenced to a five-year custodial sentence, reduced to three years and eight months after pleading guilty to rape. He was also sentenced concurrently for 18 months for sexual assault and served a deportation order.

The court heard how that Prajapati’s vulnerable victim had used the delivery service just after lunchtime on 19 January. He struck up conversation with her, stating that he’d just moved to the area and didn’t know anyone, that he needed help getting a visa and help to work. He asked for the victim’s Instagram account details, and they swapped phone numbers, playing on the good nature of the victim - to be able to keep in touch about helping him with his visa application.

He returned to the property at around 5pm the same day where they engaged in general conversation for a while before things took a sinister turn and he raped his victim.

After leaving the property, he sent a message to his victim saying, “Hey I am sorry”.  He then changed his WhatsApp username and enabled ‘disappearing chat after 24 hours’. More messages were exchanged where the victim accused him of raping her. His responses were apologetic and begging her not to tell.

Thanks to the courage of this young woman, police were notified, and swift investigative work identified the vehicle that he had used to make the initial delivery, which was traced to Prajapati. He was swiftly in custody by around 9pm, having been arrested on suspicion of rape and non-fatal strangulation, a charge which was later dropped at court.

The detective investigating this case, Detective Constable Jessica McKiernan, said:

“Bringing this offender to justice was made possible by the extraordinary courage shown by the victim in coming forward at the earliest opportunity. Her trust in us allowed our officers to begin swift and focused inquiries, which led to the suspect being located within hours. Her bravery has been vital in ensuring he is now held to account. We hope this outcome offers her some sense of reassurance as she moves forward on her own terms.”

Description

A teenager who was the victim of a sexual assault was praised by a judge during the sentencing of the man who attacked her. 

The girl had to give evidence to a jury in the trial of Jonathon Wignall (pictured) at Preston Crown Court.

When jailing Wignall in a hearing last week, Judge Graham Knowles KC, commended the victim for her bravery and confidence in the manner she gave her evidence.

She was 15 when Wignall assaulted her at a house in Preston in 2023.

In a Victim Personal Statement read to the court, the girl spoke about having to give evidence at the trial.

She said:

“I wish you’d told the truth from the very start.

“Not only did you put me through such an horrific thing when I was only 15 years of age, but by lying and trying to avoid the truth at every opportunity, you have dragged this out through a trial and forced me to give evidence in a court room and tell a room full of strangers what you did to me.

“Fortunately, I knew I was strong enough and once I’d stopped shaking in the witness box, I knew it was worth it to get justice for what you’d done.”

Wignall, 35, formerly of Stocks Road, Preston, was found guilty of sexual activity with a child and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child after a trial in February.

Appearing back in the dock for sentence last Thursday (26th March), he was jailed for four years and six months, made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 20 years, and put on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.

Det Con Chris Mills of our south division’s Child Protection Team, said:

“Wignall behaved in a disgusting way towards his young victim, and she then had to relive her experience by giving evidence at the trial.

“Lancashire Police take all reports of sexual assaults seriously, we will support victims and investigates reports thoroughly in a bid to bring offenders to justice.” 

Description

A former Wakefield man has been sentenced for non-recent sex offences against a child.  

Jeffrey Fisher committed the offences in Wakefield district during the 1980s.  

The victim came forward to report the offences almost 40 years later sparking an investigation by officers from Wakefield’s District Safeguarding Unit.  

Fisher was traced to an address in Lancashire and summonsed to court for a number of non-recent sex offences which he denied.  

Following a trial at Leeds Crown Court in December 2025, he was found guilty of two counts of indecent assault of a girl under 14, said to have taken place between 1981 and 1982; indecent assault of a girl under 16, said to have taken place between 1982 and 1984; and one count of rape of a female aged over 16, said to have taken place against a teenage girl in 1984.    

Appearing before Leeds Crown Court for sentencing yesterday ( 30 March) , Fisher, aged 64, of Kincraig Road, Blackpool, Lancashire, was sentenced to 12 years in prison.  

He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register and was made subject of a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Speaking after the sentencing hearing, Detective Khi Smith, on behalf of the Wakefield District Safeguarding Unit, said:

“I’d like to thank the victim for coming forward and providing an account of her abuse at the hands of Fisher. It wasn’t easy for her having to endure a lengthy court process but she showed courage and resilience in giving evidence against him after all these years. It is because of this bravery that we have been able to secure justice.  

“Fisher’s predatory actions make him a risk to children. I’m pleased that he is now behind bars for the harm he has caused.  

“I would also like to thank Victim Support for their vital work in supporting this case.  

“It is never too late to report sexual offending. West Yorkshire Police has dedicated safeguarding teams in every district who are specially trained to work with victims of non-recent offending. We are ready to work with victims whenever victims feel it is the right time to come forward.”

Description

A 67-year-old man who asked a 15-year-old boy for sex after the “kind” youth stopped to check if he was alright has been jailed for three years.

Richard Henderson, from Warkworth, had been agitated after an altercation with a group of youths unconnected to the victim at Morpeth Bus Station. The boy, on his way home from school, saw he was “upset” and “approached to ask if he was alright,” Newcastle Crown Court heard.

Their conversation quickly turned sexual when Henderson propositioned the teenager for sex. The boy was immediately “anxious and upset,” left the scene and told his mother what had happened that night.

In a victim statement read to the court, the youth said he was an “innocent kid” who “just wanted to get the bus home” but had been left “intimidated and scared” and “traumatised” by the advances. He added he could no longer get the bus or ask anyone how they felt.

Henderson, who has 40 previous offences including causing more than £100,000 damage to Warkworth Church (for which he received a suspended sentence in December 2024), denied the charge but was convicted of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Judge Gavin Doig said the boy had approached Henderson “out of kindness” and that Henderson had turned matters sexual. He added that the only person lying was the defendant.

Henderson was also ordered to sign the sex offender register and comply with a sexual harm prevention order for the rest of his life.

Description

A former Hampshire police inspector who sexually assaulted young men in custody during unnecessary strip-searches has been convicted of sexual offences and misconduct.

Gerard Hutchings, 66, abused 18 victims at police stations between 1999 and 2007.

A jury at Bristol Crown Court found him guilty of five counts of indecent assault, five of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, and one of misconduct in public office. He had already admitted 17 further counts of misconduct in public office and will be sentenced on 24 July.

The victims, aged 17 to 31, had been arrested for minor offences and attended stations for cautions or reprimands. Eight told the trial they were strip-searched without justification.

One man, arrested for shoplifting, said:

He was trying to humiliate me. I do believe he took great pleasure in pointing out what a piece of scum I was and people like me should not walk the earth, or words to that effect. I have been strip-searched before and there was no following of the rules whatsoever. He never took any interest in my clothing.

Hutchings was jailed for 16 months in 2008 after admitting 11 misconduct charges; prosecutors then accepted not-guilty pleas to 11 sexual offences. He was sacked by Hampshire Police in 2007 after 28 years service.

A new investigation began in 2020 after another allegation. Detectives identified the 18 victims from 373 names in his police notebook.

Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Rob France said:

Hutchings behaviour was vile and degrading and clearly nowhere near the expectation we have of our officers. Thanks to the bravery of the victims in recalling their experience, and the hard work of investigators, Hutchings now faces another spell in prison for his awful behaviour.

Description

A Registered Sex Offender has been jailed for breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. 

Anthony Kirkbright, 58, (pictured) began a friendship with a vulnerable woman after his release from prison in 2025.

She was unaware of his past until officers made an urgent disclosure to her last October.

Despite her telling Kirkbright that she no longer wanted him to visit he continued to attend at her address and sent numerous unwanted text messages.

Kirkbright also contacted social services, attempting to cancel a care package she had in relation to her health which caused considerable disruption to her.

The unwanted contact put him in breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order which had been imposed on him following convictions for previous offences, including sexual assault.

One of the conditions of the SHPO was ‘not to continue to associate or seek association with any female after being told by her that the association is unwelcome to her’.

Kirkbright was arrested on 5th November on suspicion of breaching the SHPO. He was then charged and remanded.

At Preston Crown Court last Thursday (26th March), Kirkbright, formerly of Great Bolton Street, Blackburn, appeared for sentence after pleading guilty to breaching the Sexual Harm Prevention Order at an earlier hearing.

He was jailed for 30 months and made subject of a further Sexual Harm Prevention Order until 2036 – Kirkbright also remains subject to Sex Offender Notification Requirements.

Lisa Parrington, Offender Manager for the Management of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offenders (MOSOVO) team, said: “

Kirkbright is a dangerous offender who uses persistence and lies to gain access to women. He continues to pose a very high risk to women, and I welcome the prison sentence imposed on him by the court.

“Lancashire Police take reports of violence against women and girls extremely seriously, it is a priority of the force.

“We will investigate thoroughly all reports made to us in order to try and bring offenders to justice and provide support to victims.”