Latest Offenders London

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Harrison Bodnar sentenced after paedophile sting

Harrison Bodnar, 29, has been sentenced after being caught in a paedophile sting.

He pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. Between 25 February and 15 April last year, Bodnar sent sexual messages to someone he believed was an underage girl, including requests for explicit photos, court documents state. The account was in fact a decoy set up to catch offenders.

Bodnar, previously of Sidcup and now living in Kent, was sentenced at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Monday 27 July. He received a two-year community order with rehabilitation activity requirements and 100 hours of unpaid work. A Sexual Harm Notification Order (SHPO) will monitor his internet use for five years, and he must sign the sex offenders’ register for the same period.

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Earlier this year, officers on patrol arrested a man on suspicion of voyeurism following concerns from women in the Islington area. He has now been convicted as the Met continues to prioritise the safety of women and girls.

Anthony Durkan, 35 (20.01.1990), of Corporation Street, Islington, pleaded guilty on Thursday, 26 March at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court to seven voyeurism charges.

Today, Tuesday, 21 June he appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to 19 further charges of voyeurism, bringing his total number of offences to 26.

He will be sentenced at a later date at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

This result follows a Met investigation launched after two women reported voyeurism offences in north London, leading to the discovery of a series of incidents committed by Durkan between January 2020 and March 2026, which were brought to an end when officers identified and arrested him during a proactive patrol.

Detective Chief Inspector Gemma Alger, whose team led the investigation, said:

“Durkan’s offending represented a serious and sustained course of predatory behaviour, deliberately targeting women who were entirely unaware they were being filmed, without their consent and in the privacy of their own homes.

“I want to thank the women who had the courage to come forward and report Durkan’s crimes. Their reports, supported by witnesses and swift investigative work, enabled officers to act decisively and arrest Durkan during a proactive patrol.

“This conviction reflects the severity of these crimes and means a dangerous individual has been removed from the streets of London, preventing further harm to women.”

The offending

In January 2026, a woman made a police report after an unknown man had been repeatedly attending her home in Islington and filming through her windows during the early hours of the morning.

She had been alerted by her neighbour, who had witnessed a man dressed entirely in black and wearing a balaclava walk towards the property. He was seen holding his mobile phone up to windows, seemingly recording inside, before walking away. These incidents were captured on the neighbour’s doorbell camera.

Weeks later, in March 2026, officers were called to another address in Islington, after a woman reported that she had also spotted a man recording her through her window. She confronted the suspect, who fled immediately. This incident was also captured on a security camera.

The investigation

Officers reviewing footage from these two incidents quickly identified striking similarities. In each case, the suspect wore the same clothing, targeted women through windows during the early hours, and used his mobile phone to record without their knowledge. The locations were also within close proximity, leading detectives to believe the offences were linked.

As a result, officers increased targeted patrols in the area and on Wednesday, 25 March, the first night of this proactive activity, officers in an unmarked police car spotted a man matching the suspect’s description.

A plainclothed officer observed the man approach an address and carry out the same pattern of behaviour captured in earlier evidence. He was arrested moments later outside the property and identified as Anthony Durkan.

Durkan’s mobile phone was seized at the scene. A review of his mobile phone uncovered a hidden gallery containing hundreds of images and videos of women. There is no evidence any of the women were aware they were being recorded.

A search of Durkan’s home address led officers to seize five additional mobile devices and a small camera for further examination.

The women who initially reported the voyeurism offences, as well as an additional victim identified through analysis of Durkan’s devices, continue to receive dedicated support from specially trained officers.

Appeal

Examination of Durkan’s seized devices uncovered extensive evidence of further voyeurism offences, prompting detectives to review historic crime reports where no suspect had been identified and all viable lines of enquiry exhausted. This led to Durkan being linked to offences dating back to January 2020. Detectives are now working to identify additional victims.

Officers are particularly keen to hear from women in Islington and north London between January 2020 and March 2026 who may have noticed unusual activity around their home, especially late at night or in the early hours of the morning.

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A rapist has been jailed for 14 years for attacking two women in Devon and Cornwall.

Chris Clark, 32, of Battersea Park Road in London, was convicted by a jury at Truro Crown Court of two counts of rape.

He returned to the court to be sentenced on Friday 17 July.

During the trial, the court heard how in September 2022 Clark attacked the first victim at a Travelodge he was staying in in Torquay.

Clark – a student doctor - invited the victim to his room before raping her.

The second victim in the case told police how in June 2025 she attended Clark’s then home address in Truro.

Within the property Clark made sexual advances towards her, to which she repeatedly told him no.

Despite this, Clark proceeded to rape the victim.

Detective Constable Paola Fantini said:

“I welcome the verdict of the jury and the sentence of the court in relation to Chris Clark.

“Clark raped two women who were unknown to each other.

“Clark is a rapist who invited woman into his home and a hotel room, isolated them and carried out the offences with absolutely no regard for whether or not they consented to the act.

“I would like to praise the victims in this case for their extraordinary bravery in reporting what happened to them, and then remaining engaged as the case progressed through the judicial system.

“It is thanks to them a dangerous rapist has been taken off the streets.

“Anybody who has been the victim of sexual violence should report it to us regardless of when the offences took place. You will be believed and we will investigate all matters reported to us.”

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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 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.”

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Victim-survivors are encouraged to come forward after a man who groomed vulnerable young men over a period of more than 40 years was found guilty of non-recent sexual offences, following a meticulous investigation by the Met.

Detectives gathered accounts from victim-survivors to prove 77-year-old John Grant’s guilt. Grant – who had been a senior figure across churches and in local communities – had links with churches across the country, including in Muswell Hill Baptist Church in north London, and Billingham Baptist Church in Stockton-on-Tees, as well as several youth groups in north London.

Met investigators believe there may be a considerable number of other victims due to the nature of Grant’s offending and his lengthy association with the church as an influential member at multiple religious institutions.

John Grant, 77 (13.04.1949) of Colney Hatch Lane, Hornsey, was convicted at Wood Green Crown Court on Monday, 13 July.

He was found guilty of –

• three counts of sexual assault,
• six counts of indecent assault,
• two counts of causing another person to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity.

He will be sentenced at the same court on Friday, 11 September.

The offences relate to four victim-survivors and took place between 1970 and 2012 when Grant was associated with several churches across the country and youth groups in north London. He held various roles, including church deacon and youth group leader.

Detective Constable Liam Levy, who led the investigation, said:

“This is a deeply distressing case involving a number of non-recent sexual offences, and I would like to recognise the courage and bravery shown by the victim-survivors in coming forward and putting their trust in us.

“This conviction would not have been possible without their accounts that were provided in the early stages of the investigation, which helped identify the scale of Grant’s prolific offending across more than four decades. The victim-survivors were vulnerable young men who put their trust in Grant through his church association, and it is devastating they could be taken advantage of in this way.

“As this case demonstrates, the Met is firmly committed to investigating all reports of rape and sexual offences, even if they occurred many years ago. Any victim-survivor that comes forward will be treated with dignity, compassion and sensitivity at every step of the way.”

The investigation

Police first became aware of Grant’s offending in 2023 after a victim-survivor reported that he had been repeatedly sexually assaulted over a 30-year period. The abuse began in 1994 when the victim-survivor moved into a shared house with Grant. However, after two other people moved out of the address they shared, Grant began asking whether the victim-survivor wanted massages.

Despite rejecting these offers, the victim-survivor stated that he felt pressured into massages involving sexual touching. This continued until the victim moved out in 1998, but he returned to the address in 1999, where the abuse continued until 2012.

Following this disclosure, officers launched extensive enquiries to identify organisations and churches connected to Grant. These included Muswell Hill Baptist Church, Billingham Baptist Church and several youth groups in north London that Grant had previously run. Through these enquiries, detectives identified further victim-survivors.

Across all the complainants, there was a similar motive displayed by Grant where he groomed vulnerable young men through coercive control and behaviour, before sexually assaulting them.

The appeal

Due to the nature of this offending and the links to multiple churches, detectives are keen to encourage other potential victim-survivors to come forward.

In addition to Billingham and Muswell Hill churches, Grant was also a member of the Broomsknoll Church of Scotland in Airdrie between 1965 and 1970. He was also a member of Ward Green Baptist Church in Barnsley between 1973 and 1984.

The most senior role held by Grant was at Muswell Hill Baptist Church as Moderator for the London Baptist Association. This would see Grant stand in as a moderator for the other churches in the district and preach in local churches around Muswell Hill, which detectives believe may have resulted in contact with other potential victim-survivors.

The Met is committed to continually improving the support provided to victim-survivors, helping to build trust and confidence by listening, learning and taking action. This means putting victim-survivors at the centre of investigations, while maintaining a suspect-focused and context-led approach to achieving the best possible outcomes.

Anyone with information or wishing to report offences relating to Grant can call police on 101 quoting CAD3277/08JUL26. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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A man has been jailed after he was convicted of rape in Slough.

Travis Moore, aged 37, of Great West Road, Hounslow, was sentenced at Reading Crown Court on Monday (6/7) to 12 years and nine months’ imprisonment. He will serve nine years and nine months in custody, with the remainder to be served on licence.

Moore was convicted by a unanimous jury verdict following a five-day trial at Reading Crown Court on 5 May this year of one count of rape.

The conviction relates to an offence that took place between 11.30pm on 1 November 2025 and 1am on 2 November 2025 in Baylis Park, Slough.

On that date, Thames Valley Police received a report from a teenage girl that she had been raped in the park by an unknown man.

Officers attended immediately and located Moore nearby. He was arrested on 2 November 2025, charged the following day and remanded into custody.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Laura Bevan, of East Berkshire CID, said:

“Firstly, I would like to pay tribute to the victim in this case. Throughout the investigation and court process she showed immense courage, dignity and patience. Coming forward to report such a traumatic offence and then supporting a criminal investigation and trial takes considerable strength.

“Thanks to her bravery, a dangerous offender has been brought to justice and can no longer pose a risk to other women and girls.

“Violence against women and girls remains a priority for Thames Valley Police. We are committed to tackling these offences, supporting victims and pursuing offenders relentlessly.

“I hope this sentence reassures victims that they will be listened to, treated with respect and supported throughout the criminal justice process. We will always seek to bring to justice those who commit offences of this nature.”

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Convicted: Iranian Asylum Seeker Hossein Mohmoudi Found Guilty of Attempted Rape

Hossein Mohmoudi, a 35-year-old Iranian asylum seeker, has been convicted of attempted rape at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

Mohmoudi denied the offence, claiming he has a “micropenis” and is obese, and therefore could not have carried out the attack. He also cited low libido. Consultant urologist Dr George Fowlis told the court Mohmoudi’s penis was “normal”.

The court heard that in 2024, while living in an asylum hostel in London, Mohmoudi stalked a woman for around an hour after her Christmas party. He followed her for approximately three miles, crossing the road when she did and boarding the same bus, before attempting to rape her in an alleyway. A passing cyclist intervened and called police.

Officers arrested Mohmoudi two days later at his home after reviewing 30 hours of CCTV.

Mohmoudi had five previous convictions in Germany (two for assault and three for criminal damage). He left Iran in 2014 and entered the UK illegally via Turkey, Greece, Germany and France.

It was also heard that Mohmoudi had previously been reported to police for stalking a woman walking her dog. He admitted chatting on a fetish website the day before the attack, claiming it was “helpful for my English language”. Prosecutor Christiaan Moll replied: “There are other ways to improve your English…”

Defence barrister David Harounoff argued the incident lasted only 27 seconds — too short a time for Mohmoudi to attempt rape given his alleged medical issues.

During the assault the victim shouted: “Wait! Wait! Wait! F*** you! Back off! F*** off! F***!”

Detective Inspector Thomas Meaden said:  

“The victim has shown great strength throughout what has been an extremely hard experience. I hope this outcome provides some measure of justice.  

“Mohmudi is predator who poses danger to any women and girls he may cross. Had he not been interrupted by a brave member of the public, he intended to commit further harm.  

“I would like to thank the person who intervened and supported the victim ahead of officers arriving, and to commend all involved for their diligent work. Officers trawled 30 hours of CCTV to track Mohmudi, following him from the scene of the attack to his home address – resulting in his swift arrest two days later.”

Mohmoudi will be sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday, 29 July.

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A judge has praised the Metropolitan Police Service following a challenging and complex investigation conducted by detectives to bring a dangerous predator to justice.

He has been jailed for 16 years after a Met investigation uncovered his extensive offending, in which he targeted and sexually assaulted young men.

Waleed Saeed, 31 (14.06.1995), of Azalea Close, Ilford, appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, 19 June where he was sentenced for 17 offences, including rape, blackmail and making indecent images of children.

Detective Constable Peter Collington, who led the Met’s investigation, said:

“The pattern of offending we have uncovered is deeply disturbing and shows a level of deliberate manipulation and cruelty that has caused immense harm to innocent men, with two of them being just 15 and 17 at the time.

“We know Saeed began offending in 2018, deliberately targeting young men from south Asian and Muslim backgrounds on the impression that these victim-survivors would be less likely to contact police. As part of our investigation, we’ve wrapped dedicated support around those who have already come forward.

“Following his sentence, I am making a direct appeal to other victim-survivors who may not have had the confidence to come forward, to please contact us.

“We want to be absolutely clear that no one should ever have their sexuality exploited or weaponised against them in this way. You will be treated with compassion, sensitivity and absolute confidentiality. What has been done to you is wrong, and we will do everything in our power to support you.”

Initial arrest

The Met’s investigation began in August 2024 following reports of a rape in a London park. The victim reported that they had exchanged sexual images with someone he believed to be a transgender woman. Shortly afterwards, he received threatening messages from another account run by Saeed, revealing his true identity as a man. He demanded payment, otherwise the images would be released.

When the victim said he could not pay, Saeed demanded that they met in person in order for the images not to be released. Over the following weeks, Saeed coerced the victim into attending three separate meetings in a London park late at night where he sexually assaulted and raped the victim. He would also conceal his identity by wearing a face covering each time.

Following this report, officers swiftly launched extensive digital enquiries to identify the suspect. They secured key data from social media accounts used by the suspect to contact the victim, and after months of detailed forensic investigation, were able to trace these accounts back to Saeed.

In November 2024, Saeed was arrested and two mobile phones were seized. A forensic examination of these not only found the social media accounts used to target the victim, but also uncovered further intimate images linked to additional, unidentified victims - some of whom were believed to be children.

Saeed was subsequently charged with eight counts of rape, blackmail and threatening to share a photograph or film of a person in an intimate state on 19 November 2024. He was remanded into custody immediately.

Further investigations

Upon identifying the potential for further victims, detectives undertook extensive cross-checks of non-recent cases - where no suspect had been identified and all viable lines of enquiry exhausted - against usernames and digital identifiers linked to Saeed.

This work uncovered a series of reports dating back as far as 2018, from both within London and other areas of the UK, revealing a sinister pattern of offending. Saeed posed as a young woman or transgender woman through fake personas and requested intimate images.

He would subsequently reveal his identity and use images of the victims to exploit them for money, often threatening exposure to their families, communities, universities, workplaces and friendship groups.

This work resulted in Saeed being charged with a further nine counts related to four additional victims on 25 March 2025.

During sentencing, the judge commended the Metropolitan Police investigation, praising the meticulous work led by DC Peter Collington, which involved complex analysis of digital evidence alongside thoughtful support for the victims.

Appeal

Following his conviction and sentencing, detectives believe there could be further victim-survivors who are yet to come forward and receive support.

Investigative work showed Saeed would use multiple usernames and profiles using the platform Snapchat, with names including variations of “blsup” (such as blsup1, blsup2021) and “ComeDeal” (such as comedeal, comedealillstop). He has also used false profiles posing as transgender women or women with names such as “Trans Girl Leah” or “amzyyyy09.”

Anyone who recognises these usernames, or believes they may have been in contact with Saeed, is encouraged to come forward.

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The defendant’s offending demonstrates a prolonged and calculated pattern of grooming, manipulation and exploitation of vulnerable children.

Detective Constable Aaron Aujia

Following an extensive and far-reaching investigation across Essex and London Jack Kingsbury has been jailed for more than 15 years for his persistent offending.

An investigation was launched by detectives after we were alerted to concerns for the welfare of a teenage girl by healthcare professionals.

As officers worked through their enquiries, they uncovered that the 29-year-old had added his victims on Snapchat and had begun “grooming” them.

The abuse moved offline and he travelled from his home in South London to meet one of the girls in Basildon.

Det Con Aujia said:

Despite arrests and safeguarding measures, he repeatedly sought to maintain control over his victims, using multiple phones, anonymous accounts and hidden communication methods to evade detection.

Through our forensic investigative work, we uncovered thousands of contacts and further offending, which demonstrated the continued risk he posed.

charged

Detectives worked closely with Metropolitan Police Service colleagues to locate the defendant, secure critical digital evidence and arrest him.

More victims were uncovered and he was also charged with offences relating to a 14-year-old Enfield girl.

Kingsbury, of Spa Hill, Croydon, denied the offences, but was found guilty of 11 child sex offences after a trial at Basildon Crown Court in March.

He was convicted of:

• Two counts of Offender 18 or over engage in penetrative sexual activity with a girl 13 to 15
• Adult meet a girl under 16 years of age following grooming
• Two counts of engage in sexual communication with a child
• Four counts of making indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child
• Two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity

At the same court on Friday 12 June Kingsbury was jailed for 15 years and 8 months in prison and an additional two years on extended licence.

He will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and was given lifetime restraining orders in connection with the two victims and one witness.

He was placed on the sex offenders register and a depravation order was made in respect of Kingsbury’s devices.

Det Con Aujia added:

Kingsbury has been proven to be a calculated and dangerous offender. He has caused immense harm to his victims.

I hope this outcome gives them some comfort as they continue their recovery, and some reassurance that Kingsbury will be in custody for a significant length of time.

Our joint working with colleagues from the Met ensured the victims were safeguarded and the full extent of his offending has been uncovered.

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Following a through Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been sentenced for rape in Banbury. 

Sam Augustus Layne (pictured below), aged 41, of Gleneagle Road, Lambeth, London was found guilty by a majority jury of one count of rape of an adult female following a four-day trial at Oxford Crown Court on 30 April 2026. 

At the same court on Wednesday (10/6), Layne was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment, given an indefinite restraining order to the victim and given a sexual harm prevention order for fifteen years. 

At around 19.20pm on 17 February 2023, Northamptonshire Police received a report from a friend of the victim, a woman aged in her twenties at the time of the offence, that she had been raped on 15 February. 

Following a night out in Banbury on 14 February 2023, Layne, who knew the victim, had invited her back to his home address to continue socialising until the victim eventually fell asleep. Layne then proceeded to rape her. 

Layne was arrested on 18 February 2023 and subsequently charged on 26 April 2024. 

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Sarah Osborne of the North Oxfordshire Criminal Investigation Department said:

“I commend the victim for her bravery in coming forward and for her strength throughout the criminal justice process. Reporting such an offence can be incredibly difficult, and her courage should not be underestimated. 

“The victim fell asleep fully clothed in the presence of a man she trusted to keep her safe. Sam Layne chose to exploit that trust, raping her while she was asleep, vulnerable, and unable to give consent. 

“This was a serious and profound violation of her trust, her dignity, and her sense of safety. I am pleased that Sam Layne has now been held accountable for his actions. This conviction reflects the seriousness of the offence and the harm caused. 

“I hope this outcome sends a clear message that offences of this nature will be thoroughly investigated and pursued. Thames Valley Police remains committed to supporting victims and tackling violence against women and girls.” 

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Detectives have praised a woman for the immense courage she showed in giving evidence after being raped and tortured, leading to her attacker being sentenced to 34 years.

Gagandeep Singh, 34, (19.11.91), of Heathfield Road, Wandsworth was found guilty in February of two counts of rape, false imprisonment, causing grievous bodily harm with intent and kidnap following a trial at Isleworth Crown Court.

Singh appeared at the same court today – Friday, 12 June. He will serve a 34-year sentence, comprising 28 years in custody followed by a 6-year extended licence period, and will not be considered for parole until he has served at least 18 years (two-thirds of the custodial term) and the extended licence, after which he will be deported with no right of re-entry.

The court heard how the victim – a 24-year-old woman – became suspicious when she was asked to deliver a suitcase containing unknown items from Thailand back to the UK in June 2024.

She refused and when she arrived back at Birmingham Airport, she was put into a car and driven to London by masked men. She was taken to a house in Hanwell where she was subjected to prolonged torture, including by Singh, who would go on to rape her on two occasions.

Understandably traumatised by the experience, she was initially reluctant to tell the police the full truth of what had happened. Supported by her mum and by the patience and consistent engagement shown by specialist Met officers, she slowly and bravely built the confidence to pursue justice at her own pace.

Detective Constable Seetara Abdul, from the North West Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit, who led the investigation said:

“The brutality of what the victim in this case faced is unimaginable. She has shown immense bravery in coming forward and helping us ensure her attacker faces justice. The cruel level of control left her fearing for her life. Threats were made to try and silence her, but the support of her mum and the diligent care shown by the officers investigating her case meant we were able to apprehend and charge an extremely dangerous individual.

“We know how difficult and daunting it can be for women who have been the victim of this sort of traumatising attack to come forward and share the amount of information required to secure a successful conviction. In this case, a team of supportive female officers focused on prioritising engagement that moved at the victim’s pace, allowing her the time to begin to trust the officers and giving her the space to tell her story.

“We want to thank her for that trust and for the patience, bravery and determination she has shown throughout this investigation and the trial that followed. Her courage in the face of such awful crimes is a testament to her hugely impressive strength and resilience.”

After being subjected to more than a day of torture including being punched in the face, beaten, stripped, whipped, burnt and raped, the victim was released by her captors. She was threatened and warned not to tell anyone what had happened.

In the hours after her release, she bravely told her mum that she had been the victim of an attack but could not bring herself to disclose the full extent of her ordeal. Her mum made an initial third party report to the police but the victim did not feel able to take it further.

It would be around six more weeks before the victim would feel strong enough, supported by her mum and officers, to provide a full account.

Crucially, the clothing she had been wearing when she was kidnapped had been kept aside at her home so it could be sent for forensic examination. This was submitted for examination by DC Abdul and it revealed a one in a million positive DNA match for Singh who by that point was in prison on remand for an unrelated offence.

He was arrested and interviewed. He answered no comment to all questions but the evidence against him, not least the DNA match and the victim’s testimony, was enough to secure charges.

The victim of Singh’s crimes has bravely released a statement:

“I never wanted to contact the police. It felt daunting. I was left thinking that if I did, I could be putting myself and the people around me in danger.

“It was my mum who never gave up. She believed going to the police was the right thing to do. She kept my clothes as evidence and saved all of my doctor’s notes. She said she couldn’t rest knowing they could be doing this to other people.

“At the time, I felt a deep sense of shame. I have always been someone who stands firm in my decisions, with a strong sense of self, and I didn’t want to lose that.

“My friends and family supported me throughout everything. They made sure I never lost the strength to keep going, and for that I am truly grateful.

“To anyone who has experienced abuse, sexual or otherwise, please remember this: we are not the ones who should carry shame. We survive, and we go on to live again.”

The victim's mother, who continued to push for justice, said:

“Firstly, I would like to thank the Metropolitan police, namely DC Seetara Abdul, PC Grace Wilson and PC Destoni Peters for the support and commitment, as well as the CPS, Chloe from the Havens and everyone else who has helped and worked hard to ensure that justice is served so that my daughter can have closure.

“When I contacted the Metropolitan Police, they responded with professionalism and sensitivity and reassured me that I could report this too as a third-party. Despite my daughter initially not wishing to proceed. They took my concerns seriously and continued to investigate due to the seriousness of the offences.

“As a family, we are grateful for all the support provided. Their actions have given us a sense of closure, and we are reassured that a dangerous individual has now been removed from the streets.”

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A man who sexually assaulted an 18-year-old on a train after bombarding her with inappropriate comments has been jailed following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Adrian White, 47, and of Sandringham Road, London, pleaded guilty to on count of Sexual Assault and was jailed for eight months at Highbury Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 26 May.

He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.

The court heard how, on the afternoon of 27 June last year, the victim was travelling with friends on a train from Birmingham New Street to London Euston.

White entered the same carriage and began making unwanted conversation with the group before directing inappropriate comments at the woman.

When the victim stood up to leave the service at Coventry, she was sexually assaulted by White.

The girls reported what happened to rail staff immediately and White was ejected from the train.

He was subsequently arrested by BTP officers who secured the sexual assault charge against him. 

BTP Constable Dominic Johnston said:

“White’s sleazy and lewd behaviour unnerved the women who made it abundantly clear they did not wish to engage with him.

“Despite this, White continued to harass the group before his behaviour escalated and he sexually assaulted one of them.

“I commend the victim’s bravery in reporting what happened and for her constant and steadfast support of our investigation. I hope that this prison sentence will provide White with the opportunity to reflect upon his intolerable behaviour.

“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.”

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A violent sex offender who launched a “sickening” attack on a young man on a train has been jailed following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Zakaria Mohammed, aged 32, of The Coppice, West Drayton, pleaded guilty to Actual Bodily Harm, Sexual Assault, False Imprisonment and breaching the conditions of a previous Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

He was jailed for one year and eight months at Reading Crown Court on 19 May and placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

He was also made the subject of a 10-year SHPO and must pay a victim surcharge of £187.

The court heard how, shortly before 8.30am on Saturday 24 March, Mohammed sat directly opposite the 21-year-old victim at a table in an otherwise empty carriage.

The pair made small talk until Mohammed, who had clearly been drinking and was carrying a half empty bottle of wine, sexually assaulted the man.

He eventually moved to sit next to the victim, who attempted to the leave his seat when the train reached Reading station.

When he asked Mohamed to move so he could leave he refused, leaving the victim with no other option than to crawl under the table to escape.

However, as he was doing so, Mohammed repeatedly hit him over the head with his wine bottle.

On leaving the train the victim reported what had happened and realised he was bleeding heavily from cuts to his head.

Mohammed was arrested by BTP officers as he approached the barriers to leave the station and was found to be in breach of a previous SHPO forbidding him from travelling on public transport without paying for a ticket.

BTP Detective Constable Lauren Pace said:

“This was a truly sickening assault on a young man who was understandably terrified.

“Mohammed is a dangerous individual who saw nothing wrong with forcing himself upon the victim.

“Quite rightly he has been jailed as a result of our investigation and issued with a SHPO which will hopefully prevent him from attacking anyone else.

“We urge anyone who experiences or witnesses sexual offending on the railway to report it to us by texting 61016.”

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A “calculated” sex offender who prowled night Tubes targeting women has been jailed for more than four years following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Salman Yousaf, 46, and of HMP Pentonville, pleaded guilty to nine charges in total – eight counts of Sexual Assault and one of Outraging Public Decency.

At Inner London Crown Court on 20 May a judge sentenced him to four-and-a-half years imprisonment, with a further four years to be served on licence when he’s released.

He was also placed on the sex offenders register for life and handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Yousaf was already serving a seven-year jail term when, in 2024, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) informed BTP detectives of his offending modus operandi.

This information was compared against ongoing investigations into sexual offending on the London Underground network in which the offence matched the MPS case and a suspect had not been identified.

Extensive enquiries resulted in Yousaf being linked to a total of nine offences committed between 2017 and 2021.

All occurred on board Tube trains at night.

The first took place at around 5am on 11 March 2017 when he masturbated in front a woman on a Central Line service near Stratford.   

Then on eight separate occasions, all on Central Line and Jubilee Line services, Yousaf singled out women and sexually assaulted them.

He made a conscious effort to target women who had fallen asleep on night Tubes.  

Detectives arrested Yousaf in prison on 16 April 2024, and he offered no comment to all questions put to him.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised nine charges against him in total. Then, as his trial approached, he changed his plea from not guilty and admitted to all the offences. 

BTP Detective Constable Iryna Cuthbert said:

“Salman Yousaf is a calculated predator who deliberately exploited the night-time rail network to target lone women, using their isolation to commit a series of premeditated crimes.

“Even when confronted, he showed a complete lack of remorse – the same absence of remorse he demonstrated at his sentencing.

“Thanks to the information provided by our colleagues at the MPS, we were able to link him to a catalogue of vile sexual offending and ultimately extend his stay behind bars beyond 2030.

“Yousaf’s crimes will have a lasting impact on the women he targeted. I want to acknowledge their bravery in coming forward and reporting what happened, and I hope his sentence brings them some measure of justice.”