Latest Offenders

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A former headteacher has been indefinitely barred from teaching after discussing the sexual abuse of children on a fetish website.

Paul Brown, 54, was headteacher and designated safeguarding lead at Bransgore Church of England Primary School when an undercover police officer uncovered his actions.

A Teaching Regulation Agency report reveals that between July 4 and July 12, 2023, Mr. Brown used a BDSM website—including during school hours—for inappropriate conversations about child abuse.

He was arrested on July 18, 2023, and suspended. By December 8, 2023, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police ended the investigation with no further action.

In an internal probe, Mr. Brown admitted using the site in his car during work hours but off school grounds, unaware he was speaking to an undercover officer.

The woman claimed to sexually abuse her daughters, aged five and nine. Mr. Brown allegedly shared a past relationship involving similar abuse, saying he was sexually involved with the woman and children—but later clarified it was a fantasy, not true.

They discussed introducing him to the children, with him suggesting she teach the girls to French kiss beforehand. He eventually said "he was not the right person for her" and blocked the account.

He told police he believed it was all fantasy and the children didn't exist, but blocked her after hearing children during a phone call.

Mr. Brown apologized, calling it a one-off incident amid mental struggles, citing a "dark morbid and intense fascination" with such abuse due to his childhood experiences. He has since undergone counseling for his mental health issues.

The misconduct panel noted that, in his safeguarding role, he should have reported the account to police and remains "extremely concerned that Mr Brown’s actions could be repeated."

Mr. Brown had been headteacher since September 2013. He received an indefinite prohibition order with no review period.

A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police spokesperson said: “Following notification of messages of a concerning nature online, we arrested a 54-year-old from Ringwood on suspicion of attempting to arrange or facilitate the commission of a child sex offence.

“As part of the arrest, a number of electronic devices were seized and examined.

“No indecent images or evidence of criminal activity was found on those devices.

“After consulting with the CPS, no further action was taken in this matter.”

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A man who sexually assaulted two young girls has been given a 20-year sentence. 

Robert Crompton, 67, committed the offences in East Lancashire several years ago before going to live in Australia.

Being on the other side of the world didn’t prevent justice catching up with Crompton (pictured).

Lancashire Police officers investigating Crompton’s crimes, applied to the Australian authorities for his extradition.

Crompton was extradited to the UK in May last year and stood trial at Preston Crown Court in November.

One the girls was sexually assaulted by Crompton over a number years, the first time when she was only five.

In her victim impact statement read to the court, she wrote:

“Being sexually abused at such a young age had a huge impact on me developmentally as a child.

“As an example, I struggled to form friendships with others my own age, and typically I would seek friendship and solace from older people.”

She continued:

“What happened to me will remain with me for the rest of my life. He took away some of my childhood and I believe he stole my innocence.”

The second victim was 12 when Crompton sexually assaulted her.

She wrote in her victim impact statement:

“The image of virtue that he shared throughout the trial that he was, is not the man who thankfully has been found guilty of such heinous and sickening crimes.

“He continues to manipulate others into believing he is innocent which in my opinion demonstrates a deep and pathological ability to deceive and continue to abuse others without regard to them.”

After an eight-day trial in November, Crompton was found guilty by a jury of 12 charges – including five offences of assaulting a girl under the age of 13 by penetration, assault by touching, inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, causing a girl under 13 to watch sexual activity, and sexual assault of a female.

Returning to the dock at Preston Crown Court last Friday (16th January) for sentence, the judge sentenced Crompton to 20 years – consisting of a 19-year prison sentence and an extended one-year licence period.

Det Con Cathryn Whitworth of Lancashire Police, said:

“These were abhorrent offences committed by Crompton against two young victims.

“They showed great bravery by coming forward to report what Crompton had done, and then by reliving their experiences by giving evidence in court during the trial.

“Although Crompton lived in Australia by the time these offences came to light, we were determined that he should face justice.

“We presented a case for him to be extradited back to this country and after a lot of hard work, that happened in May last year.

“I welcome the lengthy custodial sentence imposed on Crompton, with it underlining the seriousness of his offending.”

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A victims brave account following a vicious assault has led to a Barnsley man being jailed for rape.

The same day the woman was assaulted, in June 2025, she bravely attended her local police station to report David Nistor. She also disclosed that Nistor had raped her on previous occasions.

Nistor was arrested and charged that same day, following quick work by our officers. At his police interview he made no comment to all questions asked.

He was remanded into custody throughout his legal proceedings.

Not willing to face responsibility, Nistor pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm when he appeared at Sheffield Crown Court on 17 July.

He then later changed his plea for assault occasioning actual bodily harm to guilty on 21 November.

On 16 January Nistor, 26, of Heelis Street, Barnsley, was found guilty of seven counts of rape by a jury following a trial at Sheffield Crown Court.

He was jailed the same day for 15 years and eight months.

Detective Constable Rosie Allott, the officer in charge of the case, said:

The victims bravery in reporting Nistors disgusting crimes helped to ensure that justice was done.

I am glad that Nistor has been jailed and will not be able to do further harm during his long years behind bars.

Our officers acted quickly to arrest Nistor on the day that his offences were reported. I hope that this case encourages other victims of sexual offences to report to us.

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A Bradford man is starting an extended sentence of more than 13 years behind bars for child sexual offences.

Joshua Rothery, 33, of Dawnay Road, Bradford, admitted charges of raping a child under 13, sexual assaulting a child under 13 and making indecent images.  

All of the charges relate to the same victim and happened last year.

The offences were reported to police in August with Rothery arrested later that day.

He appeared at Bradford Crown Court yesterday (19 January) where he was given an extended prison sentence of 13 years eight months.  

He was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and will be on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Leading the investigation, PC Tarah Sumner from the Bradford Safeguarding Unit said:

“This is a truly horrific case in which Rothery took advantage of a child and committed serious sexual offences against them.  

“I am pleased that he will serve a substantial amount of time behind bars and hope the sentence can go some way in enabling the victim and their family to start to move forward with their lives.

“We are determined to do all we can to investigate and bring these dangerous predators to justice, and I want to encourage others who may have suffered abuse to please come forward and report it to us.

“We have specially trained officers who can provide support throughout the justice process. You will be listened to, and you will be believed.”

Description

A sex offender caught sending indecent messages to a '13-year-old girl'—who was actually an undercover police officer—avoided jail upon returning to court.

Christopher Bradley, 55, received community service after admitting to sending sexual messages, including telling the 'child' he was a 'cuddler'.

He previously pleaded guilty to sending sexual communication to what he believed was a child aged 13-16 at his address in Montgomerie Terrace, Ayr, on August 21 last year.

Bradley admitted sending messages to a person he thought was a child, 'intentionally and for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification or of humiliating, distressing or alarming' them.

We previously reported that Bradley turned on his heels and bolted back inside the court building when pictured after pleading guilty at Ayr Sheriff Court in November.

The Procurator Fiscal depute said: “On August 21, 2024 an undercover online operative set up a profile on Snapchat.

“They came across [Bradley], [his] Snapchat was utilised with [his] mobile number to set up.

“He described himself as a 43-year-old male, thereafter the undercover officer described themself as a 13-year-old female.

“He said ‘13, you must be pretty open-minded’.”

The court heard that in conversations with the profile, Bradley called them 'princess' and himself a 'cuddler'.

He said he 'loved to touch and to be close to someone' and wanted to give her 'a cuddle'.

He also asked when her mum would be home and said 'wish you were here'.

The Crown prosecutor added: “When asked why he wished her there he replied ‘to make you feel nice’ and ‘I would love to be next to you now’.

“He said: ‘You will soon know how turned on’ he was. He stated ‘I’m turned on’ and asked ‘what are you wearing?’”

He was arrested after officers attended his property with a search warrant.

At sentencing, defence solicitor Glen Davis said: “Sentence was deferred and the accused cooperated with reports.

“Again it’s a situation that won’t require me to go through the report in detail. I would recommend the [social work report sentencing] recommendations and I have been through the requirements with him.”

Sheriff Maria Kicinski said: “I have listened to everything said and am satisfied there is an alternative to imprisonment possible in a community payback order with supervision for 18 months.”

Bradley was placed on further conduct requirements restricting his internet use and will remain a registered sex offender for 18 months.

The sheriff added that he must complete 120 hours of unpaid work, reduced from 180 hours.

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A disgraced former Moray councillor, convicted of child pornography offenses in 2018, was jailed last year for further crimes.

Sean Morton, Labour councillor for Fochabers Lhanbryde from 2012 to 2017, received a 16-month sentence in January 2025, per a Daily Record investigation.

Glasgow Sheriff Court noted he pleaded guilty to possessing indecent child photographs, with the sentence backdated to May 2024.

This followed his 2018 conviction at Elgin Sheriff Court for indecent images of four girls aged 10-15, plus three images of bestiality involving a dog in an iTunes backup.

Morton initially pleaded not guilty, vowing on social media to clear his name, but changed his plea after police revealed more evidence. He received community service and placement on the Sex Offenders’ Register.

Charged on June 10, 2016, after a warrant at his Lhanbryde home, he was suspended by Labour only in January 2017. He ran as an independent in May 2017 elections but finished second-last with under 300 votes.

In a post-sentencing statement, Morton said: “In November 2017, well over a year after this investigation began, I was told how I had come into possession of seven indecent images. These were sent to me anonymously. I realised I hadn’t been as careful about who I spoke to online as I would be in my everyday life. I felt revulsion at what had happened and immediately felt I must accept my guilt. I wish with all my heart the sender never sent the images.”

Morton's history prompted Labour MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy to step down as Holyrood education spokesperson in December over their longstanding friendship.

New revelations have sparked renewed calls for Duncan-Glancy to resign as MSP. After his autumn 2025 release, the offender reportedly dined with her to celebrate her birthday.

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An Angus predator who plied two teenage girls with amphetamine then sexually assaulted them has been placed on the sex offenders register until 2031.

Forfar Sheriff Court previously heard Karol Butkiewicz, 32, invited the two teenagers into his hotel room and gave them shots and lines of drugs during a night spent playing Nintendo Wii game Just Dance.

Description

A convicted sex offender sent a video of himself masturbating to someone he believed was a 12-year-old girl, but who was actually an undercover police officer.

He later instructed the decoy to delete the video and requested naked images of her.

Craig Evans, 47, of Llanelli, initiated contact with the decoy on the Kik messenger app in October last year. The decoy immediately stated she was 12, but Evans asked if she had a boyfriend and had done "naked stuff." At Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday, the hearing revealed he told her he was "horny and hard" and asked for a photo. After receiving a "selfie," he replied: "Stunning, how about naked?"

Evans sent photos of himself and his dog, then said he was "sitting on the bed naked and watching pornography." He asked if she had "seen a penis before," sent the masturbation video, and urged deletion.

Police arrested him at home on October 31. In his interview, Evans claimed he doubted the decoy was real due to Kik's age verifications, thought it was "role playing," and believed it was a vigilante group, asking questions to "catch them out."

Evans, of Dolau Fawr, pleaded guilty to attempting sexual communication with a child and attempting to cause a child under 13 to watch sexual activity. The court noted his prior conviction for sending a genital photo to an elderly woman to cause alarm, distress, and humiliation.

In mitigation, David Singh described the interaction as "limited" with a gap in offending, noting Evans' deteriorated mental health and lack of appointments until custody.

Judge Paul Hobson cited "warped thinking" in Evans' sexual behavior. He was sentenced to 70 weeks' imprisonment, plus 10 years of sex offender notification and a sexual harm prevention order.

Description

A man who sexually assaulted three teenage girls and two women has been jailed.

Stavros Theodoulou made sexual remarks to all of the victims, who were all known to him, as well as touching them repeatedly.

The matters came to light when one of the women came forward to report the abuse in 2023. A number of other people then also reported similar experiences with Theodoulou.

In a victim impact statement, one of the women said:

“It has made me wonder how many other women have been subjected to his abuse like I was and how long it has been going on for.

“Because of what I have been through I also find I have struggled to make friendships at work and in my personal life. This is not a true reflection of the real me.

“I find myself having flashbacks of the assaults and it has deeply impacted my ability to go about my life normally. The whole situation impacted me mentally and emotionally and I feel I will be affected by this for a long time.

“A man like Theodoulou is dangerous and unpredictable working in society. I hope once and for all people will know exactly who he is so that people are protected from him in future and that no one else ever falls victim to him.

"I wouldn’t wish what I went through upon anyone. It pains me every day and I have to live with the ongoing trauma he has caused me.”

Theodoulou was arrested and subsequently charged with five counts of sexual assault as well as three charges of possessing a firearm without a certificate after officers found the items at his house when they went to arrest him.

The 59-year-old, of Hilcote Lane, Alfreton, admitted the charges and appeared at Derby Crown Court for sentence on Friday 9 January where he was jailed for 30 months. He was also handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Constable Leonie Hitchmough, who led the investigation, said:

“I’d like to commend these women for their bravery in coming forward and reporting these offences by Theodoulou.

“His actions have understandably had a major impact on them all and will continue to do so for some time to come.

“I have no doubt that he would have continued to offend had he not been brought to justice for these offences so I am incredibly grateful to all those who came forward to report him.

“I’d like to encourage anyone else who is experiencing something similar to please come forward and speak to us. We will listen without judgement and support you throughout."

Description

A rapist who tried to intimidate his victim into withdrawing from the investigation has been jailed for 23 years.

Daniel Rowe, 35, formerly of Tiverton and Exeter, appeared at Exeter Crown Court for sentence on Friday 16 January, after previously being found guilty by a jury of three counts of rape.

During the trial, the court heard how the victim in the case disclosed to officers several rapes committed against her by Rowe.

She described being terrified of Rowe and scared he would hurt her if she fought back.

The victim provided messages to officers showing Rowe apologising after one such attack.

After the offences were reported, Rowe contacted his victim and made attempts to pressurise her to withdraw her statement. He also made threats that he would get others to terrorise her.

In interview, Rowe claimed that sexual activity between the two was consensual.

Officer in the case, DC Josh Marks said:

“We welcome the sentence given to Daniel Rowe following his conviction for what is an extremely troubling set of sexual offences.

“Daniel Rowe is a dangerous and violent sex offender who showed no regard for his victim who he controlled through fear.

“I would like to praise the strength of the victim and thank her for remaining engaged throughout proceedings.

“I hope she now feels some closure and is able to move on with her life knowing Rowe will remain behind bars for many years.”

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A Sevenoaks resident who sexually abused a child has been jailed for five years.

Trevor Boakes targeted his young victim multiple times and in different locations in the 1990s.

He was arrested on 6 December 2022 after his offending had been reported to the police.

Boakes, of Woodside Road, Sundridge was charged with seven counts of indecent assault on a child, one count of attempted indecent assault and one of gross indecency with a child.

He pleaded not guilty at Southwark Crown Court and was convicted of all the offences following a five day trial.

On Friday 16 January 2026, the 65 year old was sentenced to five years' imprisonment.

Detective Constable Katy Saunders said:

‘Boakes took the opportunity to sexually abuse a vulnerable child several times thinking he could get away with his vile behaviour.

‘However, he has been made to answer for his crimes thanks to the courage of the victim who came forward to report their ordeal to the police. I hope the knowledge that Boakes has been sent to prison allows them to find some closure.

‘I would encourage anyone who suffered from sexual abuse in the past to contact us. Our specially trained officers will support you throughout and, with your assistance, seek to bring the person responsible to justice.’

Description

A man has been jailed for multiple non-recent sexual offences dating back as far as 2004.

Larry Roberts, 69, was handed a prison sentence of eight years and six months, was placed on the Sex Offenders register for life and served an indefinite restraining order after appearing at Lincoln Crown Court on Monday 12 January.

Additionally, he will be prohibited from working with children or vulnerable adults for life.

Roberts, of Seagry Hill, Sutton Benger, Chippenham, formerly of Boston, Lincolnshire, had pleaded not guilty to five counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child aged 13 to 15, and the sexual assault of a child by intentionally touching private areas of her body to which she did not consent. However, with the prosecution and his victims having presented such robust evidence, on 26 November 2025 a jury found him guilty of all six charges.

The court heard how he intentionally engaged in sexual activity, namely masturbation, in a place where he could be observed on at least three occasions by a child under the age of 16, for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification. The children subjected to these acts were between just 13- and 15-years-old when the offences took place between 2004 and 2010.

The life-long impact of his sickening behaviour was underscored in both victim statements read out in court, which described the profound impact these non-recent events have had on both victims’ mental health going adulthood.  

The officer in charge of this case, Detective Constable Sarah Oliver from the Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, said:

“The complainants in this case have lived with the impact of these events throughout their adult lives. It was through their resilience and determination that they found the courage to come forward and ensure their voices were heard. This journey has been incredibly challenging for both of them, but I hope this outcome has provided a sense of validation. This recognition is profoundly significant for them, affirming that what they were subjected to had truly happened.

“I am immensely proud of them. Their strength in standing tall and speaking out deserves acknowledgment and considerable respect.

“I want to reassure anyone who may have questions about historical incidents: the passage of time should never prevent victims from coming forward. If you choose to speak out, you will be listened to, believed, and supported throughout the entire process.

“Our commitment is to do everything possible to gather strong, reliable evidence that meets judicial standards, so we can pursue the justice you deserve.”

Description

A man who sexually abused a child in Waterlooville has been jailed for 30 years.

Michael Lashley, aged 38, abused the girl at his home address. The sexualised abuse began when she was just three years-old, and continued over a number of years, with the severity of the abuse escalating as time went on.

Lashley repeatedly raped the child, and threatened to harm her if she ever told anyone what he was doing.

During this time, Lashley also drank alcohol and physically assaulted the young girl.

When the girl was a teenager, she messaged Lashley about the abuse she had endured from a young age and threatened to tell the police. In response, Lashley begged her not to tell anyone before referring to himself as a ‘weak person’, and that he was scared of going to prison and would ‘not be able to cope’.

In April 2021, the girl told a teacher at school who in turn contacted the police.

A lengthy investigation ensued, which resulted in Lashley being charged in August 2024 with four counts of raping a child, one count of sexually assaulting a child and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Lashley, now of no fixed abode, denied the offences, but was found guilty at Portsmouth Crown Court on 15 October 2025, following a trial.

Appearing at the same court on Friday 16 January this year, he was jailed for 30 years, and handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order.

DC Kerry Needham said:

“This was a horrific case of repeated rape and sexual abuse on a child who was just three years-old when the abuse began.

“It is utterly inconceivable that a human being could treat a child like this. The bravery shown by this girl in coming forward and not allowing Lashley to get away with his unspeakable crimes is astonishing.

“She should be commended for her courage, and it is because of her that this dangerous offender will now spend a lengthy period of time in prison.”

Description

A 79-year-old taxi driver has been jailed for sexually abusing a child in his car after offering her a free lift when she couldn't pay the £30 fare.

Terence Round pleaded guilty to engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl under 16 and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. He was sentenced to four years in prison at Truro Crown Court and will remain on the sex offender register for life.

The incident occurred three years ago. Prosecutor Heather Hope said Round had previously texted the victim asking her age, given her lifts, and told her it was a shame she wasn't 16. On the day of the offense, the teen offered "anything he wanted" for a free ride. Round drove her to an isolated spot in Cornwall and locked the doors.

The victim felt "terrified," "froze," and as though she would cry, Ms. Hope said. After the assault, Round drove her to her destination and told her not to tell anyone.

Defense lawyer Emily Cook described it as "clearly very serious offending" but noted "rather odd and unusual circumstances" led to it. She said Round initially thought "anything he wants" meant cleaning his car, adding he is "not a risk - he has never offended before," hasn't offended again, and "no longer works as a taxi driver - his career has ended."

Sentencing Round, Judge James Adkin said: "You were a taxi driver, you gave her a lift and took her to an isolated spot." He noted the victim "said she was terrified, she felt she was about to cry." After, "you told her to get dressed and act like nothing happened," and reminded her not to tell anyone. The judge cited Round's personal circumstances and lack of previous convictions as mitigating factors.

Description

A “dangerous” 42-year-old man from Bristol who committed more than a dozen online sex offences against children has been handed an extended 17-year prison sentence.

Adam Pugh, of Southmead, admitted the offences and was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday 14 January.

Avon and Somerset Police’s investigation began in October 2025 after potential offences were identified by another agency.

Their referral identified indecent messages and images being shared by Pugh with a profile purporting to belong to a 13-year-old girl.

The account was traced to his home and Pugh was then arrested by detectives in Avon and Somerset Police’s Internet Child Abuse Team.

His home was searched by specialist officers who uncovered a number of mobile phones being used by Pugh, in breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order he was subject to.

A review of these phones uncovered further indecent communications made by Pugh and indecent images of children.

He was later charged before pleading guilty to the following 15 offences, which were committed between August and October 2025:

• Two counts of engaging in sexual communication with a child
• Two counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child
• One count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity
• Three counts of making an indecent photograph of a child
• One count of distributing an indecent photograph of a child
• One count of publishing an obscene article
• One count of attempting to arrange an offence of sexual activity with a child
• One count of causing a child to engage in sexual activity
• Three counts of breaching Sexual Harm Prevention Order

At Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday 14 January, Pugh was handed an initial nine-year prison sentence which was extended by a further eight years to a total of 17 years.

Extended sentences can be imposed by judges where an offender is deemed to be dangerous and further protection for the public from their harm is required.

Detective Inspector Laura Newton, of the Internet Child Abuse Team, said:

“Adam Pugh groomed children online for his own sexual gratification, exposing them to sexual acts and coercing them into sending indecent images. In doing so, he breached a Sexual Harm Prevention Order in place to protect children from further harm.

“He is a dangerous individual who poses a significant risk to children, as demonstrated by the lengthy prison sentence handed down in court.

“Safeguarding vulnerable young people remains our highest priority and we will continue to work closely with partner agencies to ensure offenders are brought to justice and victims receive the support they need.”