Latest Offenders

Description

A man has been jailed after he was found guilty of two counts of rape in Sussex.

Carlo Di Tella, 46, stood trial accused of the rapes on a woman known to him in St Leonards.

The victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, received support from specialist officers.

She has been praised for her bravery and courage during the trial process at Lewes Crown Court.

The court was told how Di Tella had targeted the woman while she slept.

The offences happened in January 2023, and the victim reported her experience to the police.

At Lewes Crown Court on 16 January, Di Tella, of Bohemia Road, St Leonards, was sentenced to six years in prison for each count of rape, to run concurrently.

The court also imposed a ten-year restraining order on Di Tella and he has been placed on the sex offenders register.

In a statement, the victim said she has lived with the fear of seeing Di Tella in the community, and said the rapes have had a “devastating” impact on her life.

She described the “emotional rollercoaster” of the case, and said: “I will live with this ordeal for the rest of my life.”

Investigating officer PC Sally Smith said:

“This was a complex investigation and we were determined to get justice for the victim who was extremely brave and courageous when she reported the rape almost three years ago.

“She continued to support the investigation through the trial process. It shows we take reports of rape extremely seriously, and we encourage victims of rape and serious sexual offences to report their experience to the police.”

Description

A Chippenham sex offender has been jailed after committing fresh child-related offences five years after his first conviction.

Lewis Walker, 31, of Bakehouse Close, admitted making 38 indecent images of children and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

He first appeared at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court in December before being sentenced at Salisbury Crown Court in January.

Walker was convicted at Bristol Crown Court on 10 January 2020 of attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child and was handed a five-year SHPO banning contact with children and restricting his use of internet-enabled devices.

For the latest offences he was jailed for seven months, ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for seven years, and given a new seven-year SHPO with similar restrictions.

Description

Justin James, 46, from Ely, Cardiff, has been jailed for sexually assaulting three females over a three-year period.

James was found guilty of five counts of sexual assault by penetration and six counts of sexual assault by touching.

He was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday, January 23 to 14 years imprisonment and placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely.

A further hearing yesterday (Tuesday, February 10) confirmed that James is also subject of a Restraining Order and Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Constable Lewis Clarke, from South Wales Police, said:

“The victims and their relatives have been deeply impacted by James’ offending and were massively relieved at the conclusion of the trial that their voices had been heard.

“The sentencing will, of course, not undo what happened to them but gives them a piece of mind that they have been taken seriously and that they will be protected from Justin James by the sentence he has received.”

Description

A 36-year-old man has been jailed for 17 years for two counts of rape against one woman and sexually assaulting another woman, both while they were asleep.

Craig Winston, a former Gloucestershire Police student officer, was found guilty in December last year of several offences following a trial at Shrewsbury Crown Court.

After an investigation by Gloucestershire Constabulary's Criminal Investigation Department, on 17 December a jury found Winston guilty of four offences against one woman.

This was two counts of rape, one count of causing a female to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity and one count of engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour. He was also found guilty of one count of sexual assault by penetration relating to another woman.

The offences were committed off-duty, and he was found not guilty of four other counts.

His Honour Judge Anthony Lowe sentenced Winston on Friday (6 February) to 17 years in prison for the offences, and told Winston he must serve at least two-thirds before being released on licence. Judge Lowe also gave Winston 20-year restraining orders to protect both women.

During the hearing, it was said evidence presented at trial showed Winston had researched online about sexually assaulting people who were drugged or unconscious, along with the effect of various drugs on them.

The court was told his internet history indicated an interest in degrading and punishing through sexual abuse.

One of the survivors was in court and read a statement in which she described Winston as a "selfish, twisted, depraved bully".

She said Winston had threatened her by saying she would lose everything if she reported him to the police, and he said his career as a police officer would be jeopardised if she did report it and that it would be all her fault.

She added:

"Yet it was your and only your actions that brought you here, and those colleagues of yours that have helped and supported me to be able to stand here today, when so many woman are unable to do so with their abuser."

A statement was read to the court on behalf of the other victim. She said: "There is no statement that can truly describe the ways that Craig Winston ruined my life, but after today I can finally begin to walk the difficult road of moving on. I am indescribably relieved now that this process if over, and I can begin to move on with my life."

In mitigation, Winston's defence barrister said he was a relatively young man who was of previous good character, and that he had an awful childhood which may explain some of the ways in which Winston navigated his life. He said the impact of a custodial sentence on Winston would be profound.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Ed Garlick said:

"I do not underestimate how difficult it is for victims and survivors of sexual abuse to come forward and report crimes to the police, even more so when that offender is a serving police officer.

"Winston subjected both women to unimaginable harm, and although no sentence changes his horrific actions, I hope they find some comfort in knowing that by bravely coming forward, they have stopped his ability to harm anyone else.

"I commend both women for their courage in working with us, following this case through to court and giving evidence in front of a jury. It is due to them that Winston will now be behind bars for a number of years."

The court was told the crimes were reported to police after Winston had joined the service.

Judge Lowe said:

"Mr Winston was a probationary police officer and even the most scrupulous vetting system would not have exposed the matters."

Winston had been a student officer based in the Forest of Dean. He was arrested and suspended from duty as soon as the allegations came to light in October 2022 and resigned from the Constabulary in February 2023.

At the time the allegations were made he was still in his probationary period having joined the Constabulary in January 2022.

The Force referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and the IOPC returned it to the Force to investigate.

The case was then investigated by Gloucestershire Police's Criminal Investigation Department with charges authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service.

At the time of Winston’s conviction, Deputy Chief Constable Katy Barrow-Grint said:

"I am deeply shocked at the heinous crimes committed by Craig Winston, including some whilst he was a serving student police officer.

"The courage the survivors have demonstrated over the past four years is commendable and I'd like to thank them for their assistance in helping us hold him accountable.

"There is absolutely no place in policing for someone like him and we will now begin misconduct proceedings against him to ensure his name is placed on the police barred list.

"I hope this case reassures the public we will not hesitate to investigate allegations of criminal wrongdoing by our officers and staff and bring them to justice."

Gemma Kneebone, a Senior Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit, said:

"A thorough police investigation revealed that Craig Winston had a sexual interest in degrading abuse against women, and that he researched the use of various drugs to render people unconscious.

"This evidence, together with the accounts of two women who spoke of their personal experiences with Winston, enabled the Crown Prosecution Service to build a compelling case which resulted in his conviction and a very significant prison term.

"This prosecution would not have been possible without the evidence provided by these two women, and I would like to thank them for their bravery in coming forward and supporting this prosecution."

Description

A child sex offender from Margate who abused multiple victims has been jailed for 28 years.

Duncan Bayles, formerly of Northdown Road, was sentenced in relation to crimes committed against five children that began in the 1980s.

Investigation

Kent Police launched a specialist investigation in June 2019 after a man came forward to report how Bayles had abused him on several occasions when he was a boy.

Extensive enquiries were completed and complex evidence was obtained. It was established that a further three men had also been preyed upon while they were children.

Multiple victims

The young victims were sexually assaulted, manipulated, bribed with gifts in return for carrying out sexual acts and groomed to believe that Bayles’ behaviour was normal.

Bayles, 65, was arrested on 18 August 2020 and was later charged with 19 offences in relation to the reports, including gross indecency, indecent assault and attempted rape.

Having denied the offences, Bayles was found guilty of all charges on 24 October 2024, following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court.

Further victim

The court case relating to the young male victims led to a woman approaching Kent Police to report that the offender had also abused her as a child.

He threatened to harm the girl’s pets if she told anyone about him and made her think that she would not be believed if she reported his depravity.

Additional charges

Detectives launched a separate investigation, which resulted in Bayles facing an additional 17 charges including four counts of child rape.

Bayles again pleaded not guilty. A further trial took place at Canterbury Crown Court, resulting in his conviction on all counts in a unanimous jury verdict on 15 January 2026.

Convicted and jailed

On 6 February 2026, at the same court, Bayles was sentenced to 28 years in prison. He will spend a further two years on licence at the end of the custodial period and will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life.

Detective Constable Pete Edwards said:

'This was a complex case and all of Bayles’ victims should be praised for their courage in coming forward, and for remaining steadfast throughout the process of bringing this predatory offender to justice.

'It is never too late to report a crime and Kent Police remains committed to supporting survivors of abuse, listening to them and pursuing offenders no matter how much time has passed.

'We recognise the impact that these horrific crimes have had on Bayles’ victims, and hope they will find some closure, knowing that this dangerous criminal is now behind bars. The restrictions to which he must adhere at the end of his long custodial period, which will remain in place for the rest of his life, will further protect against him reoffending and safeguard future potential victims.'

2024-10-26

Former Margate bar boss and previous childrens home worker Duncan Bayles will be sentenced in January after being found guilty of sex offences against children.

Mr Bayles was found guilty of 12 indecent assault charges against children aged below 14 years; six indecency with a child charges and one charge of attempted rape following a two trial at Canterbury Crown Court which concluded last week.

The offences took place in the 1980s and 1990s against four boys, then aged under 13, at two childrens homes in Ramsgate and Deal.

Mr Bayles, aged 64, of Northdown Road, has been remanded in custody and will return to the court on January 24 for sentencing.

Description

A former agency worker at a Birmingham mosque has been jailed for a campaign of rape and sexual abuse against boys as young as nine. 

Said Daauud groomed the youngsters – buying them sweets, AirPods, computer games and mobile phones – to win over their trust. 

In all, he abused five boys – the oldest was just 14-years-old. 

Daauud was an agency IT support worker at the mosque, which cannot be named for legal reasons, but stopped working there in February 2022. He continued to attend the mosque and was well known to the congregation. 

Our investigation began in May 2022 when the mothers of two of the children revealed that Daauud had been grooming their children. He had stayed overnight at one of the boys’ houses and touched them inappropriately.  

He used WhatsApp and Snapchat to groom one of the boys and asked for him to send indecent images of himself. Well over 4,000 messages were sent, where he tried to normalise his behaviour and encouraged them to tell him that they love him. 

He told one of them: “It’s OK, you can do this” while carrying out the abuse. 

Daauud, of Rudgewick Croft, Aston, answered ‘no comment’ in interview. 

But specially trained officers took statements from the young boys and CCTV from the mosque captured some of his inappropriate physical contact with them.

It meant we could charge him with one rape, nine sexual assaults and four other officers of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. 

One boy told us:

“Said has betrayed my trust. He was a friend, like a big brother. I now struggle to trust adults, because he was someone who I trusted as a true friend.

“This whole situation has made me feel overwhelmed and I just want things to go back to normal.” 

Another said:

“Although I knew it was really wrong, I still tried to see the positives in Said. However, as the months have passed I have more of an understanding of how Said had manipulated me and taken advantage of me and my body.

“I feel so betrayed by him, I can’t even begin to describe this.” 

One of the boy's parents said: “Said has taken advantage of the boys being at the Masjid, a place where children should feel and be safe.” 

After a trial at Birmingham Crown Court, he was found guilty of all charges. 

Appearing on 6 February at Birmingham Crown Court he was jailed for 16 years, and ordered to remain on licence for a further five years after that period. 

Daauud was also ordered to abide by a sexual harm prevention order indefinitely and indefinite restraining orders against each of the children he attacked.

DS Thomas Finney, from our public protection unit’s child abuse team, said:

“Daauud has showed no remorse throughout this and has taken the case to trial, which meant that these children had to go through the ordeal of giving evidence and being cross examined. We have made sure they’ve been supported through the process. 

“He’s used his position within the community to build up a real level of trust with families, who were happy to let him stay the night and care for their children. 

“He abused that trust in the most appalling way, with a series of appalling sexual attacks on really young members of the community. 

“It was only when one of the boys revealed what was happening to his family that the alarm was raised and the full extent of what was happening came to light. 

“We worked closely with the management at the mosque, who were supportive of the police investigation. They provided us with CCTV footage, statements and details of the children involved to get us to these convictions. 

“I’d like to thank each of the boys and their families for their bravery and support in helping us put this dangerous sexual predator behind bars. Our thoughts are with them today.” 

Description

A landscape gardener from Horsham who sexually abused a girl over several years has been jailed.

Robert Aynsley, 56, of Windrum Close in Horsham, began abusing the victim when she was 12 years old, regularly subjecting her to sexual assaults until she turned 17.

The abuse was reported to police in May, 2022, and the victim was given specialist support by specialist officers while an investigation was launched.

Aynsley was arrested the same month and subsequently charged with five counts of sexual assault on a child and two counts each of assault by touching, inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and attempted assault by penetration.

He denied all the offences, but was convicted on all counts on 11 November, 2025, following a trial at Lewes Crown Court.

At the same court on Tuesday, 3 February, he was jailed for 12 years and given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, designed to significantly limit his opportunity to reoffend.

Detective Sergeant Ellen Jones said:

“Robert Aynsley’s crimes are appalling, sustained and will have a lasting traumatic impact on the victim that she must navigate for the rest of her life.

“I cannot thank her enough for the strength and determination she has shown to first report Aynsley’s offending, then support the investigation and attend court to give evidence. Her resolve has helped put her abuser behind bars.

“If you are a victim of sexual offending, no matter how long ago, please report it to the police. We will listen, we will support you and we will do everything we can to get you justice.”

Description

A 44-year-old man has been jailed for one year after sexually assaulting a young woman on a train in the Wirral in August last year.

Following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation, Graham Wragg, of Seaview Road, Liscard, was found guilty on Wednesday 4 February following a trial at Liverpool Magistrates' Court.

Despite maintaining his innocence and pleading not guilty, Wragg was sentenced to one year in prison and further ordered to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.

The court heard how Wragg sexually assaulted an 18-year-old woman on a train from Liverpool Lime Street to New Brighton railway station at around 8.30pm on Friday 1 August 2025.

The young woman and her partner had boarded the train at Birkenhead North railway station and sat in the row of empty seats in front of Wragg.

He reached through the gap between the seat and the window to touch her before sexually assaulting her. The young woman and her partner stood up and moved seats to a different carriage.

The couple got off the service at Wallasey Bridge railway station and Wragg followed them. He then started shouting at them.

Once the couple made it home the incident was reported to BTP through the non-emergency 0800 40 50 40 number and following an investigation he was identified and arrested at his home address.

BTP Detective Sergeant Callum Lancaster said:

“This sentence reflects the courage of the young woman who came forward to report this incident. Wragg’s actions that day were completely unacceptable, and although he claimed he was simply reaching for a water bottle, we were able to prove otherwise and secure a conviction.

“I hope this outcome prompts him to reflect on his behaviour and serves as a reminder of how to conduct himself appropriately while travelling by train.

“If you experience or witness a sexual offence on a train or at a station, please report it by texting 61016. In an emergency, always call 999.”

Description

A man has been jailed for six years and will be monitored by police for life after admitting to sexual activity with a child he groomed on social media.

Lewis Plane had initially denied the offences but changed his plea at the start of his trial at Ipswich Crown Court in December last year.

Following detailed work by Essex Police’s Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) team Plane, of Prince Philip Road, Colchester, was arrested and interviewed. He refused to answer any questions.

Used fake profile

The 33-year-old had messaged the victim on Snapchat in October 2023. Using a fake profile, he asked her to add him as a friend and told her he was 17 years old.

Knowing how old she was, Plane then sent the girl multiple inappropriate and sexualised messages, including videos of him performing indecent acts.

He then told the victim his profile kept being shut down, they exchanged numbers and started communicating via WhatsApp.

And within a few weeks of the initial online contact, they had arranged to meet in Clacton. They would later meet in Colchester.

These meetings happened regularly, with the victim believing she was in a relationship with the defendant.

This continued until the victim stop seeing the defendant in the Spring of 2025.

Subject to Sexual Harm Prevention Order

Through a separate investigation officers became aware of the victim and spoke to her. Following sensitive enquiries, she was able to confirm what had happened to her.

With the weight of evidence against him, Plane admitted three counts of sexual activity with a child, meeting a child following sexual grooming, sexual communication with a child and controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship.

At Ipswich Crown Court on Friday 6 February Plane was jailed for six years, will be subject to a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order and was given an indefinite restraining order.

"supported me throughout"

Following the sentence, the victim said:

I would like to thank PC Eleanor Rutherford and Detective Constable Emmie Yeo who worked on my case and my independent sexual violence advisor Kate Allen who have all supported me through everything, I don’t know how I would’ve handled this case without them they are angels.

"child protection is utmost priority"

PC Eleanor Rutherford said:

I want to pay tribute to the victim for her resilience and strength throughout this investigation.

By sharing what happened to her, she has ensured that not only is this dangerous predator behind bars, but other children are protected.

Child protection is our utmost priority, and we will work relentlessly to keep them safe.

And when Plane is released, he will be monitored and have strict restrictions placed on him to protect children going forward.

Description

A man who sexually abused a young child in Southampton has been jailed for eight years.

Juan Francisco De La Cruz, 59, assaulted a girl – who was under the age of 13 – at a property in Southampton on multiple occasions in 2022.

De La Cruz, of Robert Keen Close, Southwark, London, was convicted following a trial at Winchester Crown Court of two counts of assault by touching, and one of assaulting of a girl by penetration.

Appearing at the same court last Thursday (5 February), he was jailed for eight years.

He will also be subject to an indefinite restraining order and sexual harm prevention order.

DC Katharine Mumford, from the Child Abuse Investigation Team, who led the investigation, said:

“De La Cruz is a depraved and predatory offender who targeted a vulnerable child. No sentence can erase the impact of his actions, but I hope today’s result offers the victim and their family some sense of justice.

“I want to recognise the immense bravery shown by the young victim in coming forward and speaking about what happened. Their courage has been central to securing this conviction.

“Our team is dedicated to protecting children, pursuing offenders, and supporting families through what is often an incredibly painful process. We will always work tirelessly to ensure those who commit these appalling offences and harm children are brought before the courts.”

Description

A rapist who attacked two women in the space of 15 months has been jailed.

Omran Ahmed, aged 37, raped his first victim at an address in Sneinton on 20 December 2023 – punching her repeatedly in the face during the attack.

During his first police interview Ahmed denied having any sexual contact with his victim.

When confronted several months later by damming DNA evidence he changed his story – claiming he had been asleep and had no memory of what happened.

Whilst on Crown Court bail and awaiting trial for his first offence, Ahmed raped another woman at an address in Forest Fields on 20 March 2025 after being introduced to her by a mutual friend.

He lied again during his third police interview – even when confronted by the evidence of this first offence.

Ahmed, who was immediately remanded into custody, continued to protest his innocence until September 2025, when he was convicted of raping both victims by a jury at Nottingham Crown Court.

He was also found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm in relation to his first victim.

Appearing at the same venue on Friday, Ahmed, of Ilkeston Road, Nottingham, was given an extended 20 year sentence.

Detective Constable Alexander Terry, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“Ahmed is an opportunist predator who poses a clear and obvious danger to women.

“During his first offence he forced himself on a woman who believed him to be a friend, before lying repeatedly to the police about what had happened.

“Seemingly untroubled by the police investigation into his first offence, Ahmed launched a second and highly opportunistic assault on a woman he’d only just met.

“As he begins a very long and richly deserved jail sentence, I would like to thank both the women in this case for their bravery and cooperation during what has been a very traumatic experience for both of them.”

Description

A rape victim has been praised for her bravery in coming forward after her abuser was jailed for 19 years.

Stuart Miller, 36, of Church Street, Calne, appeared in Swindon Crown Court today (10/02) after admitting 14 sexual offences against a child, including rape, sexual assault and making indecent images of children.

He was sentenced to 19 years – a custodial term of 14 years and eight months with the remainder on extended licence.

He was also issued with a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must sign the sex offenders register for life.

Miller, who knew the victim, targeted her – a teenage girl – multiple times between October 2019 and September 2023, sexually assaulting and raping her on multiple occasions, which he also photographed.

The offences came to light after the victim bravely reported the abuse to a friend in September 2023, which led to it being reported to the police.

The investigation was led by our Child Abuse Investigation Team (CAIT), which worked closely with our Digital Forensics Unit (DFU) to locate the indecent images which Miller had created of himself and the victim.

Detective Investigator Francesca Mason said:

“This has been a long and traumatic ordeal for the victim, lasting several years. I wish to commend her for coming forward and for showing such strength throughout an investigation that took over two years and involved a significant amount of complex digital evidence.

“Miller is a predatory offender who targeted the victim from a young age and continued to abuse her for years.

“Once the incident was reported, CAIT led the investigation in partnership with DFU. Thanks to DFU’s persistence, we were able to recover images Miller had created involving himself and the victim.

“He had hidden these files in a folder he believed was secure, but our digital forensic examiners were able to locate and recover them, revealing the full extent of his offending.

“Because of the evidence gathered and the victim’s courageous statement, the case against Miller was extremely strong resulting in his guilty plea and today’s sentencing.

“While nothing can undo what the victim has endured, I hope today’s outcome offers her some sense of closure so she can begin to move forward with her life.”

Description

An Afghan asylum seeker has been convicted of abducting and raping a 12-year-old girl in Warwickshire.

Ahmad Mulakhil, 23, "targeted" the child after spotting her in a Nuneaton park last July, prosecutors said.

The attack triggered protests in the town, with demonstrators waving St George's Cross and Union flags while marching and chanting "stop the boats" and "we want our country back."

At Warwick Crown Court, Mulakhil was unanimously found guilty of rape and two sexual assaults; he had admitted another rape charge pre-trial. Jurors also convicted him of child abduction and taking an indecent video of the girl.

He claimed in court that he did not force or threaten her, but filmed herat her insistenceduring brief sexual activity.

Co-defendant Mohammad Kabir, an Afghan national listed as 24 but claiming 22, was acquitted of intentional strangulation, attempted child abduction, and committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence. Kabir denied touching the victim or having sexual intentions.

Jurors heard Mulakhil arrived in the UK four months before the crimes, seeking asylum due to "problems" in Afghanistan. The trial omitted details of his small-boat arrival, or Kabir's similar entry on Christmas Day 2024.

The arrests sparked "cover-up" claims from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Warwickshire County Council leader George Finch. In August, Farage urged police to disclose immigration status of charged suspects.

Police guidance has since updated to permit releasing nationality and ethnicity for legitimate policing purposes, but not immigration status.

Mulakhil was remanded in custody for sentencing. Judge Kristina Montgomery KC stated: "He will plainly receive a substantial custodial sentence which will automatically make him liable for deportation at its conclusion."

She thanked jurors for ignoring the "noise" around the case.

Description

Police are appealing for help to find a man wanted for allegedly breaching his sex offender notification requirements.

Thomas Sheard, 27, is described as being 5ft 9in tall, slim, with ginger hair and a ginger beard.

When he was last seen, Sheard was wearing a grey T-shirt, grey joggers, a blue coat, and black trainers.

He has links to the Ribbleton area of Preston.

Description

Former teacher jailed for grooming and sexually abusing a pupil

A former teacher at Oaks Park High School in Carshalton has been jailed for sexually abusing a child he groomed while employed there in 2020.

Gary Vigar, 34, exchanged more than 2,000 messages with the girl, kissed her repeatedly and made her touch his penis at least six times. The court heard they also had late-night sexual phone calls after his wife had gone to bed.

Vigar initially denied the offences but changed his plea on the second day of his trial at Croydon Crown Court. He admitted two counts of sexual assault of a child by touching, three counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent. Charges of rape and sexual activity involving penetration were dropped.

On Friday 6 February, Judge Elizabeth Smaller sentenced him to five years and seven months in prison. He must serve at least half before release on licence and was made subject to an eight-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

The judge told him:

“You only have yourself to blame. You have taken your life and blown it up. Your career as a teacher is over and more than that you have affected the lives of those close to you.”

The victim reported the abuse in 2021, but the case did not reach trial until November last year. In her statement she said:

“Words don’t feel adequate to explain and describe the effect this abuse has had on me… I have spent many years of my life just trying to survive. I don’t want another innocent young person to live through that nightmare. This isn’t a form of revenge, this is just the justice that I deserve.”

She added that the long delays had made the years “the worst of my young life.”

Judge Smaller expressed regret at the four-year wait and noted that Vigar had deleted messages in an attempt to evade detection. However, she gave him credit for eventually pleading guilty, sparing the victim a full trial, and for seeking counselling.

The victim had told police:

“I was scared that if I didn’t do something he asked… Don’t get me wrong, at the start I was taking part and was asking for it, but towards the end I didn’t really want it. He said he wanted to take my virginity, he always asked me to go to his house and I kept saying no.”