Latest Offenders

Description

A man has been jailed for various sexual offences following a South Wales Police investigation

David Pincott, 42 from Pentre was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison following his conviction.

The sentencing took place on Thursday July 9 at Cardiff Crown Court when Pincott changed his plea to guilty for attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, engaging in sexual communication with a child, attempt to meet a girl following grooming, three counts of making indecent images and possession of prohibited images of a child.

Pincott had been communicating with two girls he believed to be under 16 via Snapchat and included him saying he’d love to see them naked. These accounts were actually undercover police officers from South Wales Police as part of the force's Online Investigations Team. 

Officers then went to the address of Pincott and seized all of his electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptops. When these devices were searched multiple indecent images of children were found, it was also found that Pincott had communicated with another girl under the age of 16.

Detective constable Nichola McGill said:

“The perverse images possessed by David Pincott were disgusting, depraved and completely unacceptable.

“For him to take sexual pleasure from these images is reprehensible and proves that he is a danger to children, he will now serve a significant time in prison”

Description

A man has been jailed for raping a woman after approaching her in Bedford.

Robel Gebremariam spotted the woman walking in Greyfriars in the early hours of 6 July 2024 and approached her.

He walked along next to her and then took her to a shop where he bought her a bottle of alcohol.

He then booked a taxi and took her to the house he was staying in where he supplied her with more alcohol before raping her.

The victim reported what had happened to police shortly afterwards.

An investigation was launched by Bedfordshire Police’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) team, and Gebremariam was identified through intelligence work and CCTV.

The 25-year-old of Dudley Street, Bedford was found guilty after a four-day trial earlier this year and was sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Tuesday (14 July) to nine years in prison with a one-year extended licence.

Detective Constable Olivia Phillips from RASSO said:

“The victim showed remarkable bravery in coming forward and speaking to officers and played a vital role in ensuring Gebremariam was caught quickly.

“I am glad he will now serve a custodial sentence, and I hope this sends a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated.

“We are committed to tackling male violence against women and girls and this case demonstrates how seriously such offences are treated. We continue to encourage victims to report to us - you will be listened to, supported, and taken seriously, as protecting women and girls remains a policing priority for us.”

Description

A child sex offender who targeted victims in the children’s care home he worked in has been jailed after Met detectives undertook extensive work to access evidence on his phone.

On Wednesday, 8 July Abdalraham Katende, 30, of Ferme Park Road, Haringey, was sentenced to 11 years' imprisonment. This follows his conviction at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Monday, 11 May of rape of a child, sexual activity with a child, causing a child to watch a sexual act, and failing to provide access to devices, contrary to Section 49 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA).

During the investigation, detectives identified a mobile phone they believed contained evidence relevant to the case. When Katende refused to voluntarily provide access, officers moved quickly to secure a court-endorsed order under Section 49 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA), requiring him to provide access to the device.

Securing the order required significant investigative and legal work. Officers prepared detailed evidential submissions and obtained authorisation from specialist digital forensic teams, a superintendent and ultimately a Crown Court judge before the notice could be served.

Despite being legally required to comply, Katende repeatedly refused to disclose his PIN. His refusal resulted in a separate criminal charge and conviction, which helped demonstrate to the court his attempts to frustrate the investigation and conceal evidence from detectives.

Detective Constable Nick Baker, from the Central North Child Abuse Investigation Team, said:

"I want to thank the victims who bravely came forward. Their courage in speaking out helped officers quickly identify and arrest a dangerous offender who abused a position of trust.

"When the offender refused to cooperate, detectives undertook significant legal and forensic work to secure a court-approved order requiring him to provide access to his phone.

"The team acted quickly to secure the necessary authorisations. When Mr Katende continued to refuse access, we obtained a further charge. His refusal became an important part of the prosecution case, helping demonstrate his efforts to obstruct the investigation and avoid accountability.

“I hope this outcome provides some comfort to anyone affected by sexual abuse and sends a clear message that the Met will continue to pursue offenders and seek justice, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.

“Victims will be listened to, supported and treated with the care and compassion they deserve throughout the investigation process.”

The investigation into Katende began after two victims disclosed sexual abuse committed by him while he was employed as a support worker at a children's care home. This placed him in a position of trust over vulnerable young people.

Reports to officers shared how Katende had raped a 15-year-old girl who was living in the children's care home where he worked. In October 2023, Katende approached the victim while she was preparing food in the kitchen before sexually assaulting and then raping her. The victim screamed and managed to break free.

He was also convicted of causing a child to watch a sexual act after showing a 14-year-old resident an explicit video on his mobile phone depicting him having sex with a woman in October 2023.

In both cases, Katende exploited his position of trust and access to vulnerable children in his care.

Both victims of Katende have shared statements:

Victim A:

“What has now come to light is deeply distressing and painful, but sadly, I know this is not an isolated situation.

"Abuse like this exists in many communities, often hidden away, kept secret by fear, silence, stigma, or pressure from those around us. It happens more than people realise, and it thrives when people are too afraid or ashamed to speak up.

“To anyone else who has experienced something similar: I want you to know it is never too late to come forward. No matter how much time has passed, your voice matters, you have done nothing wrong, and you deserve to be heard, believed, supported, and protected.

“I also want to highlight something that is so often overlooked: people can present very well to the world, seem kind, professional, and completely trustworthy, yet still cause terrible harm behind closed doors. The person who hurt me was meant to protect me, and he fooled everyone.

"A good reputation or a normal way of acting does not mean someone cannot be dangerous.

“I want to thank my mother and everyone who has stood by me, believed me, and supported me through every single part of this journey. To my mum, who never gave up on me, who listened when I was scared to speak, and who loved me even when I found it hard to love myself—thank you for being my strength.

“To everyone else who helped me, guided me, treated me with respect, and showed me kindness when I needed it most: I cannot put into words how much it means to me. You have helped me find my courage again, and without you, I would not be here telling the truth today.”

Victim B:

“I was only 14 when it happened, I was in the dark and had already been through enough. I looked up to him as a carer and trusted him. As I have gotten older, I have slowly realised how much impact it has had on me. It will not be something I will ever fully move on from.

If you are going through a similar thing, always speak out. To others in care, I want them to know that they are not alone. The system fails us, but it does good things too. It's harder to stay silent.

I wanted to thank DC Nick Baker for all the work and support he provided. Also, to the judge and council who spoke to me before I gave evidence. They really helped to calm my nerves.”

Description

A sex offender’s been sent to prison after our officers caught him minutes after an assault on a girl in Birmingham.

Sean Sewell, from Newtown, was also convicted over a previous indecent exposure in the city.

The 46-year-old was arrested on 8 April this year, around 20 minutes after a girl aged 10 had reported being touched inappropriately by a man in a pub in the city centre.

Officers responded immediately and set out trying to find who was responsible.

Sewell was detained nearby and taken in for questioning, as detectives from our Public Protection Unit carried out several enquiries.

They were subsequently able to link Sewell to an incident on a bus in the city centre the previous October, where a woman reported a man had exposed himself to her.

Following a comprehensive investigation, Sewell was charged with exposure and sexually assaulting a child.

He pleaded guilty to both and at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday (10 July) was jailed for six years and five months and will be on the sex offender register for life.

DC Lewis Harris, from our Public Protection Unit, said:

“We are pleased to see that Sewell has been jailed for his crimes, where he targeted a woman and a young girl.

“We have remained in contact with both, and they have been kept up to date throughout the investigation as we worked to bring Sewell to justice.”

T/DC Huckerby added:

“Ultimately a quick response from officers on the ground, and a thorough subsequent investigation, has led to Sewell being brought before the courts.

“We’re working hard, across Birmingham and the West Midlands, to tackle all forms of violence against women and girls, and we take each report incredibly seriously.”

Description

Two men have been jailed for a combined total of 21 years after admitting to offences relating to the sexual exploitation of children.

An investigation by the Internet Child Abuse Team (ICAT) began in July 2024 after officers identified indecent images of children being uploaded online and linked them to Gary Mellor, who was living in Southampton at the time.

Mellor was arrested at his home address in September 2024 and his mobile phone was seized.

The court heard that analysis of the device led to the discovery of indecent images involving children, including images created by Mellor himself. Investigators also uncovered disturbing online conversations between Mellor and Darren Mabey, in which the two men discussed the sexual exploitation of children.

Depraved messages exchanged between the pair were read aloud to the court, revealing discussions about their previous interactions with children, meeting at local leisure facilities including The Rapids in Romsey, and their plans to "swap" children.

This evidence led officers to identify and arrest Mabey, who was also living in Southampton at the time. During his arrest in November 2024, officers seized 10 digital devices, on which investigators found further messages discussing plans to sexually exploit children, as well as additional indecent images of children.

Appearing at Southampton Crown Court, Gary Mellor pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children (Category A, B and C) and arranging/facilitating the sexual exploitation of a child under the age of 13.

Darren Mabey pleaded guilty to making an indecent image of a child (Category A), arranging/facilitating the sexual exploitation of a child under the age of 13, possession of an offensive weapon in a private place, and possession of a Class B controlled drug.

Appearing at the same court for sentencing on Tuesday 14 July, Gary Mellor, 43, of Castle Street, Salisbury, was jailed for 10 years and Darren Mabey, 33, of Brighton Road, Lewes, was jailed for 11 years.

In addition to their time behind bars, both men will be subject to indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Orders (SHPOs) and will remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Detective Darren Hemingway-Guy, from the Internet Child Abuse Team, who led the investigation, said:

"This was a deeply distressing investigation which revealed the extent of the danger posed by both of these men.

"The abuse and exploitation uncovered during this investigation was devastating. Sexual offences involving children often have a lifelong impact on victims and their families, and these are some of the most complex and challenging investigations officers are asked to undertake.

"I want to acknowledge the courage shown by those affected throughout this investigation and court process. Reliving traumatic experiences and knowing the details of these offences would be examined in court is an incredibly difficult thing to endure, and that bravery should not be underestimated.

"While nothing can undo the harm caused, I hope these sentences provide some measure of justice and help those affected as they continue to move forward with their lives.

"Thanks to the dedication and persistence of investigators, specialist officers and digital forensic teams, Mellor and Mabey are now where they belong, behind bars.

"Child abuse and exploitation, whether committed in person or facilitated online, are among the most abhorrent offences we encounter. We will continue to identify, target and prosecute those responsible, and do everything within our power to safeguard children from harm."

Description

Double child rapist Safraz Rabnawaz has more time added to his sentence for drug trafficking

Safraz Rabnawaz, a double child rapist already serving nine years for the historic sexual abuse of young girls, has had a further 36 months added to his sentence for the “foul trade” of trafficking drugs.

The 41-year-old was sentenced at Bradford Crown Court after being caught in a Seat Leon stopped by police on Bolton Road in Bradford in February 2023. A search of the vehicle revealed 15 wraps of heroin, a further 11 wraps of heroin, a quantity of cocaine and £410 in cash.

At the time of the incident, Rabnawaz, formerly of Oak Lane, Manningham, was already under investigation for serious sexual offences. He was later convicted of two counts of rape and was one of 20 men jailed following multiple trials relating to the sexual abuse and exploitation of two girls aged between 13 and 16, which took place in Calderdale between 2006 and 2009.

The court heard that Rabnawaz had previous convictions for drug supply and was a “third strike” offender. Mitigating on his behalf, John Bottomley suggested a “modest” sentence and noted that Rabnawaz suffers from PTSD after being shot at in 2012. He appeared via video link from HMP Rye Hill in Northamptonshire.

Sentencing him, His Honour Judge Christopher Smith said Rabnawaz had “a poor record” for drug trafficking. He added: “Those who engage in peddling controlled drugs bring an enormous amount of crime to the streets and to the communities of Bradford and surrounding areas.

“Drugs wreck lives because the addiction destroys people’s health, both their physical and mental health. But it is also the other offending that goes hand-in-hand: the violence as drug dealers seek to preserve their patches, the dishonesty that addicts engage in to fund their addictions.

“Those are all the prices that are paid by the community because of the foul trade in controlled drugs.”

Description

A man is wanted by police for breaching sex offender notification requirements.

Timothy Talbot, 32, has connections to Blackburn and Darwen and is of slim build, 5ft 7in tall, with light brown hair and short facial hair.

He is also wanted on recall to prison.

A police spokesperson said:

"Have you seen Timothy Talbot?

"Talbot, 32, is wanted for failing to comply with his sex offender notification requirements. He is also wanted on recall to prison.

"He is 5ft 7in tall, of slim build, has light brown hair and short facial hair.

"Talbot has connections to Blackburn and Darwen.

"For any sightings of Talbot, or if you have any information that could help us, please call 101 quoting log 822 of July 14."

Description

A sick pervert who sexually abused two young boys over more than 20 years has been jailed.

Vile David Preedy targeted the vulnerable victims for his own sexual gratification carrying out multiple offences against the youngsters.

His catalogue of offending was exposed after one of the victims bravely came forward last year to report to police what had happened.

And following a complex and sensitive investigation by our officers Preedy was charged.

In January he pleaded guilty to 12 sexual offences committed between August 2001 and December 2024.

Preedy, now 81, formerly of Park Avenue, Burnley appeared at Preston Crown Court on July 3rd where he was jailed for 10 years.

Det Con Elley Ormerod, of Burnley CID, said:

“First and foremost I would like to commend the victims in this case. Without their courage we would not have been able to secure these convictions, and I hope that this lengthy custodial sentence gives them some sense that justice has been done.

“We are committed to making sure those responsible for carrying out sexual abuse like Preedy are held accountable and I hope this gives others who may also have suffered abuse the courage to come forward and speak to us, confident in the knowledge that we will listen, and we will investigate with professionalism and sensitivity.”

Description

Paul Martin Jailed for Rape and Violent Disorder

A 45-year-old man from Middlesbrough has been jailed for more than 11 years after raping a drunk teenager and later admitting violent disorder while on bail.

Paul Martin, of Stafford Road, Middlesbrough, was sentenced at Durham Crown Court on Tuesday, 14 July 2026 to nine years for rape plus 26 months for violent disorder, totalling 11 years and two months. He must register as a sex offender for life and is subject to a restraining order protecting the victim, also for life.

The rape occurred in Middlesbrough in 2022. The teenage victim had been drinking and was sitting on a bench in distress when Martin cycled past. CCTV showed him turning around and returning. Prosecuting barrister Rebecca Brown told the court the victim asked for “help”. Martin led her into a secluded street, grabbed her wrist, forced her onto her hands and knees and threatened to rape her unless she performed a sex act on him.

After the attack Martin left. Two young men found the distressed victim and flagged down police. Martin, who had remained nearby, was arrested. He initially claimed the victim had propositioned him, asking if he wanted “any business”. He maintained this account until DNA evidence linked him to the offence. He had very little money on him at the time. In a later interview he claimed the victim had agreed to the sex act. A jury at Teesside Crown Court last month rejected his account and convicted him of rape.

While on bail for the rape, Martin took part in a prolonged disturbance in Birchington Avenue, Grangetown, Middlesbrough on 12 May 2024. A car and makeshift barricade were set alight and missiles, including fireworks, were thrown at police and emergency services. Martin admitted violent disorder on 1 June 2026.

In mitigation, defence barrister Chris Baker said Martin had no previous convictions for serious sexual offences or disorder, described the rape as opportunistic, and said Martin played a lesser role in the disorder by helping build the barricade but not throwing missiles.

The victim’s impact statement said the attack had left her already fragile mental health significantly worse. She has become isolated from family and friends and fears encountering Martin.

Judge Richard Bennett described the rape as “a wicked offence” that caused the victim “severe psychological harm”.

Martin was convicted of rape and admitted violent disorder. He has no prior convictions for serious sexual or disorder offences. The rape was described as opportunistic. He played a lesser role in the disorder.

Description

In October 2023 a 20-year-old man was subjected to a serious sexual assault in a city park. Today (Wednesday 15 July) the perpetrator was jailed.

During the afternoon of 9 October, the victim was sitting on a bench in Abbey Park when he was approached by 43-year-old Islamuddin Talash.

The pair briefly spoke about bicycles, with Talash telling the victim he had one that he was willing to give him.

Talash then suggested they went to his flat so the victim could look at it. However, while they were walking through the park, Talash took the victim into a bush and raped him.

Shortly before the incident two teenage boys became suspicious of Talash and his behaviour. They were able to capture footage and an image of him on their phones.

The witnesses decided to keep an eye on them and approached the bushes. Talash ran away and they were able to safeguard the victim.

An officer working with the investigation team decided to walk through the park and on doing so saw a man fitting the description and image of the suspect sitting on a bench.

He was arrested in the park and following further enquiries and medical evidence he was charged with rape.

During a trial at Leicester Crown Court last month, Talash of Westfield Road in Smethwick, was found guilty of rape.

He was sentenced to six years' imprisonment and placed on the sex offender register indefinitely.

Detective Sergeant Sarah Jones was the officer in the case. She said:

“The actions of the witnesses on that day were crucial in this investigation, they did absolutely the right thing by acting on their suspicions.

“They, along with the victim, deserve enormous credit for giving an account in court that led to today’s outcome.

“The two boys were able to provide an image and footage which assisted officers in getting a positive identification. An officer who was working within our team took it on herself to do a walk-through the park and immediately spotted a man and recalled his similarities to the man in the image provided by the witnesses.

“He was arrested straight away and charged within hours. This outcome is a testament to the great work that went into the investigation and the strength of evidence secured this result.

“The victim was vulnerable, and the defendant used this for his own sexual gratification. We hope that this case reassures the local community and helps the victim put the events of that afternoon behind him.”

Description

A teenage victim showed immense courage in coming forward to report online sex offences that led to the offender being jailed.

In November 2024, a 14-year-old girl began communicating with an unknown person on Snapchat who claimed to be a 17-year-old boy called Joshua.

The boy sent an image of a young male person and claimed it was him and he formed an online relationship with the victim.

The boy was later identified to be 21-year-old Cruz Buckley of Bridport.

Buckley sent indecent videos of himself to the victim and threatened her into performing indecent acts on video calls.

The defendant took screenshots without the victim’s consent and later shared them to her family.

The matter was reported to police and the account used by Buckley was traced to an address in Bridport.

He was arrested in March 2025 and his mobile phone was seized, which was examined and found to contain indecent images and videos of the victim.

Buckley pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual communication with a child, sharing a photograph or film of a person in an intimate state intending to cause alarm, distress or humiliation, making indecent images of a child, blackmail and causing or inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity.

He was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday 3 July 2026 to three years and three months in prison. He was also made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order for 14 years.

Detective Inspector Andy Brix, of the Paedophile Online Investigation Team, said:

“Buckley formed a relationship with someone he knew was underage and exploited her to obtain indecent images and videos.

“This type of behaviour is absolutely appalling and has had a significant impact on the victim.

“She has shown immense bravery and courage in coming forward and reporting what happened and now Buckley is behind bars unable to prey upon other vulnerable victims.

“I would like to take this opportunity to remind parents of the dangers of online child abuse – speak to your children and make sure they know they can come to you for advice.”

Description

A sex offender who targeted lone women on late night trains has been jailed following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Sebastian Vernon, 45, and of Finborough Road, West London, was found guilty of two counts of Sexual Assault following a trial at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court.

He was sentenced to six months in prison on 1 July and ordered to sign the sex offenders register for seven years.

The court heard how, at around 11pm on 25 March 2025, Vernon boarded a Circle Line train at Ladbrook Grove heading towards King’s Cross station. Despite the carriage being empty he sat next to a young woman before sexually assaulting her while she was trapped in her seat.

In a bid to escape Vernon’s clutches, she pretended she was leaving the train but stayed on when she saw him disembark.

Just two weeks later, on 8 April, Vernon boarded a train from Stevenage to Hitchin just before midnight.

Again he sat next to a young woman in a virtually empty carriage and proceeded to engage her in small talk.

The woman immediately became suspicious of his behaviour and left her seat and moved towards the carriage doors.

When she looked around she realised that Vernon had followed her, and as she waited to leave the service he sexually assaulted her.

The women reported what happened through BTP’s discreet 61016 text-to-report service and its online reporting service and officers soon realised they were looking for the same person for both attacks.

Their detailed reports resulted in officers identifying Vernon and tracing him to a central London court where he was arrested as he emerged from a hearing for unrelated offences of assault, theft and possessing cannabis.

BTP Detective Constable Iryna Cuthbert said:

“Vernon is an opportunistic predator who prowled train carriages late at night seeking out women who were travelling alone before attacking them.

“I commend the bravery of the two women for reporting what happened and supporting our subsequent investigation which has resulted in another sex offender behind bars.

“Tackling sexual offending on the railway is a top priority for BTP and we encourage anyone who is victim of, or witness to, this crime type to report it to us by texting 61016.

“We take every report seriously and offenders like Vernon will be made to face justice.”

Description

A 65-year-old registered sex offender has been jailed for more than five years after he was found to be in possession of a significant number of indecent images and videos following an unannounced police visit to his home address.

Nicholas Raisen, of Aldringham, had been convicted in December 2017 of three counts of making indecent images of children. He was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment, suspended for 24 months, and made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for 10 years.

Following his conviction, Raisen was being managed by the Public Protection Unit (PPU) at Suffolk Constabulary.

On 8 October 2025, PPU officers made an unannounced visit to Raisen’s home and asked him to hand over his mobile phone for examination, as per the conditions of his SHPO. He initially claimed he didn’t know where his phone was, before it was retrieved from a drawer in the bathroom.

The phone was reviewed by an officer who is an accredited image grader and the device was seized for further analysis by the Digital Forensics Unit and a specialist officer in the Internet Child Sex Abuse Investigation Team.

The teams found a significant quantity of child sexual abuse material downloaded on the device, as well as evidence that Raisen had distributed 23 category A images/videos, two category B images/videos and one prohibited video.

Raisen was arrested at his home address on 23 October 2025. A search of his address was conducted, and a number of devices were located and seized for analysis with further child sexual abuse material found on them. There was also evidence of graphic sexualised chats using encrypted apps.

Drug paraphernalia, including 12 bottles of poppers and a small grip seal bag with a trace of powder, were also seized.

Raisen was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning and was subsequently charged.

He initially denied the charges against him but later pleaded guilty to making indecent images and videos of children, distributing indecent images of children, possession of extreme pornographic images, possession of prohibited images, possession of a controlled class A drug, namely methamphetamine, as well as the supply of methamphetamine.

Raisen appeared at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday, Tuesday 14 July, where he was sentenced to five years and four months’ imprisonment.

He was made subject of a revised SHPO for 10 years and ordered to sign the sex offender’s register for life.

Public Protection Constable Claire Bodmer said:

“This was one of the worst cases of indecent image possession and distribution that we have seen in Suffolk PPU.

“Nicholas Raisen has demonstrated that he has a predatory sexual interest in the abuse of children and his sentence reflects the risk he poses to the public.

“Downloading indecent imagery of children is not a victimless crime and Suffolk Constabulary is committed to using every legal and investigative tool available to prevent further harm and protect vulnerable children. Those who engage with this kind of content will face the full force of the law.

“The prohibitions imposed through Raisen’s new Sexual Harm Prevention Order will allow the police to monitor his online behaviour for 10 years following his release from prison.”

Description

Sheffield Man Jailed for 15 Years After Raping Girl Under 13

Shaun Ali, 41, formerly of Barnsley Road in Fir Vale, Sheffield, has been jailed for 15 years for raping a young girl under 13.

He was convicted of two counts of rape of a child after a trial at Sheffield Crown Court. The girl’s mother said Ali made threats and “underestimated” her daughter, who showed courage in coming forward. The abuse “took her childhood,” leading to police involvement, social workers and hospital visits.

Judge Anthony Dunne sentenced him on 10 July.

Description

Halifax Rapist Neil Burns Jailed for 11 Years

A 56-year-old Halifax man has been jailed for 11 years after being found guilty of rape at Bradford Crown Court.

Neil Burns, of Whitehill Drive, Illingworth, will also serve a four-year extended licence period on release. Judge Roger Thomas KC ruled that Burns poses a significant risk of causing serious harm in the future.

Burns had previous convictions dating back to the late 1980s, when he received terms of detention for indecent assault and grievous bodily harm. In 2003 he was jailed for a further indecent assault. An indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed on him in 2015.

In 2024 and 2025 Burns breached the order by using dating sites and failing to disclose electronic devices in his possession. He was also convicted of multiple breaches of the SHPO and common assault against a second woman.

Barrister Erin Kilson-Parker, representing Burns, said his previous convictions aggravated the rape offence.

Judge Thomas considered imposing a discretionary life sentence but decided against it. He noted that the victim personal statement described the “very profound effect” on the complainant.

Burns was made subject to two indefinite restraining orders prohibiting contact with either of the two female complainants. He must register as a sex offender with the police for life.