Latest Offenders

Description

An actor who preyed on young vulnerable victims has today (Wednesday 14 January) been jailed for sex offences against children.

John Shannon, who is also known as John Alford, aged 54, of Hartham Road, Islington, has been sentenced to eight years and six months in prison.

Shannon was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a Restraining Order until further order. He will also serve on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Sentencing Shannon at St Albans Crown Court, judge Recorder Caroline Overington said in her pre-sentencing remarks: “The girls were in what should have been a safe environment, you (John) returned to this house after a night at the pub.

“You (John) were a trusted family friend and fully aware that the girls were 14 and 15 years of age.

“You (John) have shown a lack of acknowledgement of your offending and showed little remorse.”

Following a trial at St Albans Crown Court in September 2025, he was convicted and now today, sentenced for the following offences:

• Count 1 Sexual Activity with a child - 3 yrs concurrent
• Count 2 Sexual activity with a child - 3 years concurrent
• Count 3 Penetrative sexual activity with a child - 8 years 6 months
• Count 4 Penetrative sexual activity with a child - 6 years concurrent
• Count 5 Assault by penetration - 4 years concurrent
• Count 6 Sexual Assault - 8 months concurrent

Reports were received from two victims in April 2022, and an investigation was launched by Hertfordshire Constabulary’s specialist Sexual Offences Investigation Team (SOIT) into Shannon’s offending.

He was arrested shortly after the reports were made and was subsequently charged on 16 July 2023 following a complex investigation. Shannon pleaded not guilty to all charges at a hearing in St Albans Crown Court on 26 September 2023.

During the trial, the court heard that in the early hours of Saturday 9 April 2022, two girls aged 14 and 15 were having a sleepover at a friend's house in Hoddesdon. John Shannon arrived at the property during the evening as a guest of the homeowner and was intoxicated.

After purchasing and supplying the victims with alcohol, Shannon then lured one of the victims into sexual intercourse on two occasions. He also sexually assaulted the second victim twice whilst she was falling asleep on the sofa.

Shannon completely denied all charges put to him.

Investigator Laura Harrison from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Sexual Offences Investigation Team, said:

“I want to praise the bravery of our two victims for coming forward and reporting John Shannon’s horrific crimes to police.

“Shannon has not shown any of signs of remorse, from his interviews in custody, to the trial which his victims had to endure.

“I hope that our victims are now able to move on in their lives knowing that Shannon will now be spending a considerable amount of time behind bars.

“This result reinforces the message that Hertfordshire Constabulary has a zero tolerance to crimes of this nature, and I hope Shannon is able to reflect on his behaviour and the trauma his actions have caused, not only for the victims but for their families as well.”

Lawyer Chris White for the Crown Prosecution Service said:

“John Shannon was fully aware of the girl’s ages, yet he chose to exploit them – giving them alcohol and then committing sexual offences against them.

“We commend the victims for reporting what happened. They were supported to give evidence against Shannon: their statements were recorded and played to the jury during the trial, and we arranged for screens to be provided so they did not have to face the defendant during cross examination.

“Shannon’s sentence today sends a clear message – we will pursue those who target young people for their own gratification.”

Description

A Scottish sex offender who called himself “Paedo Dave” online has been caught sending child abuse images to an undercover cop.

Serial offender David Munro, 56, from Johnstone, Renfrewshire, was under a Sexual Offences Prevention Order meant to prevent sex crimes, but he contacted paedophiles worldwide and shared images via Russian websites.

Using the username PaedoDave25, he boasted attraction to children as young as three and an interest in “hardcore” abuse images. He sent links to abuse images to an undercover officer posing as a paedophile named Jason.

Munro now faces a lengthy jail term after pleading guilty at Paisley Sheriff Court to three charges: sending messages discussing child abuse, distributing child abuse images, and breaching his SOPO by not declaring an internet-capable device.

The offences occurred between January and April last year at his home. Prosecutor Abigail McKenna told Sheriff Sheena Fraser that Munro used “a Russian-based picture website” and exchanged messages with the “undercover law enforcement operative.”

His lawyer said Munro “knows the inevitable outcome.” The case was adjourned.

In 2023, Munro was jailed for 27 months for similar offences, using his Xbox to access sites where he expressed sexual interest in young kids, discussed abusing them, and admitted he did “distribute or show” indecent photographs of children online.

In 2018, he was jailed another 27 months for distributing movies of child sexual abuse online and placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for 10 years.

Description

A man from Swansea has been handed a ten-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to multiple child sex offences.

25-year-old Jack Barrett, from Waunarlwydd, began chatting with the child victim online before encouraging them to carry out sexual acts. The victim is not from the South Wales Police area and so had no in-person interaction with Barrett.

Barrett pleaded guilty to the following charges:

• Two counts of cause/incite a girl 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity
• One count of causing a child aged 13 to 15 to watch/look at an image of sexual activity
• One count of engaging in sexual communication with a child
• One count of breaching a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO)

Barrett has been handed an extended sentence of 10 years in prison.

Detective Constable Gemma McLean said: 

“Jack Barrett used online communication platforms to take advantage of a child, knowing that they were underage. He did this knowing what he was doing was wrong. 

“This investigation, conducted alongside another police force, uncovered the scale of Barrett’s offending, and the significant sentence that has been handed down today shows just how depraved his actions have been.

“He is fully deserving of a lengthy spell in prison. This sentence should be seen as an emphatic deterrent, and we encourage anyone who is a victim of online sexual abuse to come forward and help us bring the perpetrators to justice.”

Description

A violent rapist who targeted women for over four decades has been jailed for 16 years.

Phillip Berry, 60, from Fife, pled guilty last month at the High Court in Edinburgh to multiple rapes, attempted rapes, and serious assaults on several women between 1980 and 2023. He began his spree of violent and sexual offences as a teenager.

Berry was sentenced at the same court on Tuesday, January 13, for what detectives described as "violent and depraved" crimes.

Detective Inspector Frank Keegan said: "Berry is a violent and depraved sexual offender.

"These women have been deeply impacted by his actions and I hope this sentence brings them some comfort.

"I want to acknowledge the strength of the women who provided information to police in this case. Berry's conviction is down to them.

"Police Scotland will fully investigate abuse wherever it occurs and whoever the perpetrator is, no matter how long ago it happened.

"I'd encourage anyone with concerns about sexual abuse to contact officers or one of our support services who will listen and investigate."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "A 60-year-old man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for carrying out violent and sexual offences against women for over 40 years.

"Phillip Berry, from the Fife area, carried out multiple rapes, attempted rapes and serious assaults on several women between 1980 to 2023.

"He pled guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh last month and was sentenced at the same court on Tuesday, January 13."

Description

A 33-year-old man who sexually assaulted a woman in the Bradford district has been jailed for three years and six months.

Eden Dyson must now register as a sex offender for life after a jury at Bradford Crown Court found him guilty of the March 2025 assault. Dyson, with 28 previous convictions for 41 offences, was sentenced by Judge Kirstie Watson on Wednesday.

Barrister Abdul Shakoor said Dyson remembered little of the incident due to his drinking and use of controlled drugs, but wanted to apologize and was making good progress in custody addressing his issues.

“He knows the real test will come when he is released,” said Mr Shakoor.

“He’s extremely motivated to ensure he does not relapse into drug and alcohol abuse.”

The court heard Dyson is supporting other prisoners through the Samaritans and is proud of his work.

Description

A Bury resident has been convicted of child sex offences.

Stephen Shaw, of Cornwall Drive in Bury, appeared at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Thursday, January 8, charged with engaging in sexual activity with a child and sexual communication with a child.

The 24-year-old was sentenced to a total of 22 months' imprisonment and placed on the sex offenders register for ten years.

A ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) has also been put in place on Shaw.

Description

A 22-year-old man who engaged in sexual activity with a child has been jailed for six years.

Michael Cooper, from Hartlepool, groomed his victim over social media with a fake name before engaging in sexual activity with her and becoming aggressive, threatening to grab her hair and choke her. 

He knew that she was under 16, telling her that he would get into trouble if she told anyone about what he was doing.  He even asked her to prove that she was under 16 by asking her to send a birth certificate to him to prove her age.

He appeared before Teesside Crown Court charged with 16 offences of sexual activity with a child and grooming, before he was sentenced to six years in prison, issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and put on the sex offenders’ register.

Temporary Detective Sergeant Sarah Blades, of Hartlepool CID said:

“The victim in this case was incredibly brave to come forward and report Cooper, despite his threats to her.  Thankfully she did, and was able to provide us with the information needed to build a case of evidence to put before the court, safeguarding other potential victims.

“Support is available for anyone who has experienced or is currently experiencing abuse, you are not alone. No one should ever suffer in silence, and Cooper’s sentence demonstrates that when victims come forward, their voices are heard.”

Description

A convicted sex offender was ensnared by an online child safety group after befriending what he thought was a 13-year-old girl, pressuring her for sex, and asking if she would marry him.

Over a week in September, 64-year-old Allan Cunningham messaged the decoy (an adult), calling her “darling” and “baby,” asking for photos, and saying she was “beautiful.” He confessed wanting sex with her, repeatedly declared his love, demanded reciprocation, and grew angry when she didn't respond.

He proposed running away together, called her his “little school girlfriend,” and asked for marriage. He urged secrecy from her parents and friends, suggested she call him “Daddy Allan” as it aroused him, and dismissed her age as irrelevant. He used the alias “Billy.”

Cunningham, of Weaver’s Brook, Cumberland Close, Ovenden, Halifax, was confronted by the group, leading to police involvement. Phone analysis revealed deleted internet history, breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

He pleaded guilty to attempting sexual communication with a child, SHPO breach, and Sex Offender Register violation via alias. He also faced charges for assaulting two emergency workers (February 15 incident) and a malicious police call (June 8).

Cunningham had prior convictions for violence, threats to kill, harassment, assault, and attempted child sexual communications, for which he received a community order.

In mitigation, his mental health suffered after his wife's death, with anxiety and depression possibly influencing his actions; he was seeing a psychiatrist.

Recorder Andrew Dallas sentenced him to two years' imprisonment, a new 10-year SHPO until 2036, 10-year sex offender registration, and deprivation of his mobile phone.

Description

A Highland serial sex predator who committed “industrial levels of grooming” against more than a dozen terrified girls is facing a possible life sentence.

Gareth Russell, from Fort William, preyed on his victims via apps such as Snapchat and TikTok while using fake names.

Description

The man pictured is Antony Farren and he is a dangerous paedophile.

Yesterday (12th January) he was sentenced to a total of 23 years following an investigation by our East RASSO (Rape and Serious Sexual Offences) Team.

The investigation found that 39-year-old Farren had given his 15-year-old victim drugs before inflicting a series of sexual offences on her.

All the offences happened in Rawtenstall.

While engaging in sexual activity with the child, Farren told her: “It feels like I’m raping you, I need to stop.”

Farren, formerly of Rawtenstall but now of no fixed address, was arrested in December 2024.

While he was on bail with conditions not to contact the victim, Farren sent her TikTok in an attempt to intimidate her.

Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Farren was charged with a number of sexual offences, as well as witness intimidation.

Following a trial at Preston Crown Court, Farren was found guilty of two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child under 16, four counts of other sexual offences and one count  witness intimidation.

Farren was sentenced to 15 years immediate custody, with a further eight-year extended licence period after the judge deemed him to be a dangerous offender. He was also made subject of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and told to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

DC Sarah Andrews, from the East RASSO Team, said:

“Antony Farren is a dangerous and manipulative individual who targeted and groomed his vulnerable victim for his sordid sexual interests. He knew what he was doing was wrong but continued anyway. I welcome the sentence handed down to Farren which reflects the seriousness of his offending and the very real danger he poses to female children.

“While the headlines will be about Farren and his abhorrent crimes, I want to make sure the victim in this case is not overlooked. She has shown incredible bravery in firstly coming forward and then reliving her ordeal while giving evidence, and I want to place of record my admiration for her.

“Finally, I want to praise the investigation team in this case, and in particularly DC Daniel Healey. As a result of their sensitive and professional approach, they were able to build a rapport with the victim, so she felt believed, supported and able to trust the police to deliver justice.”

Description

A convicted paedophile who was already serving a prison sentence for raping a young girl has been jailed for the sexual assault of a toddler.

Christopher Proctor, who now goes by the name Daniel Travis, assaulted the girl when she was just two years old.

In 2021 the girl came forward and reported the matter to police.

At this time, Proctor, was already serving a sentence for the rape of a separate young girl for which he was handed a 12-year-jail-term in 2019.

Proctor, 49, was arrested and later charged with sexual assault by touching which he denied.

The case was sent to trial, and the victim was called to give evidence.

Only after she was cross-examined by his defence team did Proctor change his plea to admit the offence.

The girl, who read a victim impact statement in court, spoke movingly about the effect Proctor’s abuse has had on her life:

“What happened to me has had a huge impact on my life and is quite difficult to put into words…

“The impact on my mental health has been significant. I am constantly anxious and on edge, particularly around men and unfamiliar places. I struggle to trust people, even those close to me and I often feel isolated because of this.

“I experience frequent flashbacks and panic attacks from the trauma of what Christopher did to me…

“I used to self-harm to get rid of the feeling of his hands on my skin.

“I have lost my confidence and self-worth. Some days I have even thought it might be better if I am not here. But I will get through this…

“I would like the court to understand the seriousness of the harm that has been caused to me. Not only at the time of the offence, when I was little, but the lasting impact it has had on my wellbeing and future.

“… I want Christopher to remember one thing – he may have taken away my innocence, but he will never take away my future…

“I am no longer a victim. I’m a survivor…”

Proctor, of no fixed address, was sentenced on 7 January and handed a jail term of three years and nine months.

He was placed on the sex offenders register for life, handed a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a 10-year restraining order.

Detective Constable Ellen Buggins, officer in the case, said:

“The survivor in the case showed tenacity and patience throughout, despite the time taken for this to be heard in court.

“She showed immense courage and was commended by the judge for reading out her victim statement in court.

“Travis (AKA Proctor) is a dangerous individual whose offences were horrific.

“It is only right that the public are protected from him, and he will be kept a close eye on for life.”

Description

Thomas Dodds, 22, targeted the woman as she walked home across the High-Level Bridge over the Tyne in the early morning hours of August 16.

Dodds followed her from Westmorland Road in Newcastle and onto the bridge where he approached her from behind, before overpowering her onto the floor.

He then attempted to rape her, before she stuck her fingers down his throat and pushed him away.

Dodds then fled the scene heading back towards the city centre.

The woman quickly reported the assault to the police, and an investigation was immediately launched.

Officers from Gateshead’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) carried out extensive CCTV enquiries in Gateshead and Newcastle.

After several lines of enquiries, Dodds was tracked down and arrested within days of the report being made.

Dodds, of Woodhorn Drive in Ashington, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court in September where he pleaded guilty to attempted rape and was remanded in custody.

Yesterday (Monday, 12) he appeared at the same court where he was sentenced to 5 years and 3 months behind bars.

Dodds will also serve two years on extended license and has been added to the Sex Offenders register for life. He was also handed a restraining order to protect the victim. 

In a Victim Personal Statement (VPS) which was read to the court, the victim bravely described how the events of that night had impacted her.

She said:

“I have struggled to process my emotions following what happened on the day.

“I was shocked, upset and emotionally unstable, but also angry and confused, questioning ‘why me?’.

“It is something that I never thought would happen to me and I wonder what could have happened to me, or where I would be now, if I hadn’t managed to fight off the stranger who attacked me.

“I had to take two weeks off from work to start and try to process what had happened, which also had a financial impact upon my income.

“When going out, I have a lot of anxiety about being alone and have noticed that I am a lot more cautious, especially in the dark.

“With the winter months and the nights being darker, I am more scared to be out in public by myself and find myself wondering if someone is behind me constantly.

“My independence has been completely ruined; I enjoy going to concerts and music events and would even go alone if none of my friends were available, though I do not feel able to do that anymore.

“At the time of writing this statement, over two months have passed since it happened, and I am still trying to process it.

“I am unsure of the long-term impacts this will have on my future life, but I would not wish for anyone to go through what happened to me.”

Leading the case from Northumbria Police, Detective Constable Burns said: 

“The act committed by Thomas Dodds that night, I believe, is every woman's deepest fear.

I’d like to thank everyone involved in this case—most importantly the victim – who has shown great resilience and bravery in revisiting the events of that night throughout this ordeal.”

Detective Constable Burns added:

“I’d like to stress that stranger offences of this nature are extremely rare in our region.

“I’m glad that Dodds will be spending time behind bars, as it demonstrates how seriously we take these types of reports and how hard we work to ensure justice is delivered to victims.”

“I would urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse, or wants to share information, to get in touch.”

Description

A former school pastoral care manager who groomed and sexually assaulted a teenage pupil has been jailed for four-and-a-half years.

Simon Taylor, 43, preyed on the vulnerable child at Hethersett Academy despite a written warning from the school for "unprofessional" conduct.

The ex-army veteran, who lost a leg in a 2009 bomb attack in Afghanistan, targeted her after she sought support, presenting himself as "someone other than a teacher" and making her feel she should "only need or want to talk to him."

Initial messages on the school's message board led to the warning, but contact shifted to email and phone, where Taylor sent explicit images, used emotional blackmail, and threatened self-harm if she didn't send pictures.

At Norwich Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to five charges: sexual activity with a child while in a position of trust, two counts of sexual assault by intentional touching, and two counts of sexual communication with a child.

He was sentenced to prison and placed on the sex offenders' register for life.

In a victim statement read in court, she said Taylor had "stolen her childhood," "emotionally destroyed" her, and affected every part of her life. She went from being "confident, outgoing and full of life" to someone who "struggles to leave their bedroom" and lives "in constant fear they would find and harm them." She added: "My childhood was stolen from me. I never had the chance to be a normal teenager."

Prosecutor Isobel Ascherson said Taylor targeted "a particularly vulnerable child," with offending spanning over two years and continuing after she left school. He "groomed" the girl, making her "think that he was the only one who cared or could help her," and "wanted to have sex with (the girl) and wanted to meet outside school." He threatened self-harm if she didn't send images, and in one message wrote: "I look forward to some fun, as long as we’re both looking for fun, we can just have some fun until you find a nice lad hey."

The assaults involved touching her breasts in a car—once while she was a pupil and once after she left. She reported him to police in 2022 and "told his wife what he had done to her."

Taylor, a married father now of Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, and formerly of Dereham, served with the Norfolk-based Light Dragoons on four tours of Iraq and Afghanistan. In the 2009 blast, he broke nearly every bone, lost the lower half of his right leg, and was thrown from the vehicle; driver Lance Corporal Richard Brandon died.

After discharge, Taylor fundraised for veterans' charities through events like long-distance mountain bike rides across northern England and the world's longest downhill cycle race in the Alps.

Mitigating, Richard English said Taylor had no further therapeutic intervention post-discharge, "accepts that he has caused great harm," and feels "genuine remorse, sorrow and shame."

Judge Andrew Shaw said Taylor "ignored formal and informal warnings about his behaviour" and "targeted, manipulated and groomed [the victim] into thinking you were the only adult he cared." He praised her "remarkable dignity and courage" while noting the "immeasurable harm" caused.

The Inspiration Trust, which runs Hethersett Academy, said Taylor has not been employed there since July 2021.

Description

A man from Haydock who subjected his victim to years of sexual and physical abuse was jailed yesterday (Monday 12 January).

Alan Earwaker, aged 35, from Haydock has been jailed for nine years after pleading guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour and rape offences.

As well as a prison sentence, Earwaker was also handed an indefinite restraining order against the victim and an indefinite notification requirement.

The victim reported several incidents to Merseyside Police. Earwaker was then arrested in June 2025 and charged with rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, stalking, assault by beating, intentional strangulation, criminal damage, threats to kill, public order and common assault.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Inspector Greame Kehoe said:

“Earwaker abused, threatened, stalked and sexually assaulted his victim.

“Despite his horrific crimes she bravely reported these incidents to our officers and gave several lengthy statements that ensured his prison sentence.

“I would like to praise the courage and dignity shown by the victim throughout the investigation and court proceedings.

“I hope this sentencing shows and reassures the public how seriously the courts take these offences and how Merseyside Police is completely committed to protecting anyone from violence and sexual abuse.

“Anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence, is concerned for the safety of someone they know or suspects someone to be engaging in this criminal activity, should come forward and speak to us. 

“We have a team of dedicated staff who will expertly and compassionately deal with your reports, and we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.

“We urge anyone who is a victim of any form sexual abuse to please report this to police, as we have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and compassion.

“We take all such reports extremely seriously, and in addition, work with partner organisations such as Victim care Support Service and RASA who are there to support victims of this crime.”

Description

A man has been sentenced after being found guilty of child sex offences.  

Bradford District Children Vulnerable to Exploitation Team carried out an investigation in David Masters after a report in 2024 about a 16 year old who was missing from her home.  

A complex investigation involving multiple victims was carried out and Masters was charged with a number of offences.  

He was found guilty of sexual activity with a child, arrange/facilitate the sexual exploitation of a child and two counts of cause or incite sexual exploitation of a child. He previously admitted to nine counts of making indecent images of children and two counts of distributing indecent images of children.  

Masters aged 46 of Brookroyd Lane Birstall was sentenced on 12 January at Bradford Crown Court to 11 years. He was made to sign the sex offenders’ register for life and received a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. He was also given a restraining orders against his victims.  

One of Masters’ victims, who was 15 at the time of the offences, said in a Victim Personal Statement:

“It feels like the colour has gone from my life and everything has gone grey. I don’t think about my future now. I feel directionless and like I don’t know where I’m going or what I can do.”

One of the other victims, who was 17 at the time, said in her Victim Personal Statement:

“It feels like my life has become a trap I can’t get out of. I’m trying to rebuild my life after what he did, but sometimes it feels like I will never get back to normal, and I can never be the person I always wanted to be.”

PC Helena Stroud of Bradford’s Children Vulnerable to Exploitation Team said:  

“We welcome the sentence handed down to Masters. He is dangerous individual who exploited children for his own person gain.  

“Police and partners are committed to protecting and safeguarding children from harm and bring perpetrators of child exploitation to justice.  

“Our specialist teams work tirelessly to investigate reports, identify suspects, and safeguard vulnerable individuals across our communities.  

“We urge anyone who has concerns or information about child exploitation or sexual offences to come forward. Reporting these crimes is vital to protecting victims and preventing further harm.  

“Together, we can protect the most vulnerable and ensure that West Yorkshire remains a safe place for children to grow and thrive.”