Latest Offenders

Description

It was in January this year, the victim – who is in her 30s and from Leicestershire – made an online report to police regarding stalking and harassment concerns by Whittaker.

After an officer attended to take a statement from her, the woman disclosed a number of offences had occurred.

She told officers he had regularly used threats of violence as a way to control and manipulate her.

He had also raped her, slapped her across the face and on one occasion had kidnapped her - forcing her to drive with him for miles to confront another man she had previously been in a relationship with. 

After vital evidence was gathered from the victim, the investigation was handed to detectives working in the force’s dedicated rape and serious sexual offences team.

A policing operation was also put in place to arrest Whittaker so he could be questioned.

Due to the possible risk imposed by the defendant, specialist firearms officers were deployed to Nottingham to bring him into custody.

After being interviewed, a team of detectives worked round-the-clock – some putting in a 24 shift – to ensure Whittaker was successfully charged and remanded.

Detective Constable Jack Grieves was assigned as the officer in the case and throughout this year has worked tirelessly to build a mountain of evidence against Whittaker – including carrying out a number of out of force enquiries to help strengthen the case.

Alongside this, DC Grieves has also been supporting and updating the victim throughout the process – alongside her Independent Sexual Violence Adviser, known as a ISVA.

While awaiting trial, Whittaker committed a further offence by asking a member of his family to contact the victim and try to persuade her to not attend the trial. This led to him being charged with perverting the course of justice.

DC Grieves said:

“Whittaker’s victim felt scared, isolated and was subjected to physical and sexual abuse. She had made reports to police on previous occasions but didn’t want to pursue any further for fear of what he would do.

“In January this year, she did then make an online report which led to the full details of what had occurred coming to light. The courage and strength the victim has shown during the investigation and the court process has been truly incredible.

“This case really has been a team effort. From the officer who attended the initial report, to the arrest, charge and remand of Whittaker and the building of the case ahead of trial. This is a shining example of numerous officers from not only different departments in Leicestershire but also other forces who have work together – striving to ensure justice is served.

“I hope, now he is serving a considerable time behind bars, the victim can begin to put the pain she has endured behind her and move forward with her life.

“I also hope this case offers some reassurance to other people who may be in a similar situation. Please don’t be afraid to come forward if you are suffering or have suffered abuse before. We have specialist teams who deal with both domestic abuse and sexual offences who can help and also ensure you get the right support from other agencies.”

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John Ahern, 73, of St Anne Street, Birkenhead, has been jailed for 19 years at Manchester Crown Court for sexually abusing two young boys decades ago.

He was found guilty by a jury of eight counts of indecent assault and one further sex crime charge.

Ahern manipulated the boys by building trust through discussions about music and outings, before indecently assaulting them at various locations, including houses and public areas in Manchester, Bolton, and Tameside.

The investigation by Greater Manchester Police began in March 2019 after the victims reported the abuse. Ahern denied all accusations during interviews and showed no remorse throughout the proceedings. Following a thorough investigation, charges were secured and prosecuted.

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Man Jailed Indefinitely for Sexually Abusing Two Boys and Vulnerable Adult

Glasgow, Scotland – A 59-year-old man has been sentenced to an indefinite jail term after being convicted of sexually abusing two adolescent boys in the 1990s and assaulting a vulnerable adult male more than two decades later.

James Grieve Donaldson, also known by the surname Murray, was found guilty of four charges following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow. The offenses included the sexual abuse of two children between 1991 and 1995 at various locations in the Dundee area, such as inside his vehicle and home.

Donaldson was also convicted of sexually assaulting an adult male who was asleep and unable to consent on an occasion in 2018.

On September 9, 2025, at the High Court in Glasgow, Donaldson was made subject to an Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR). Under the order, he must serve a minimum of two years and six months in custody before he can be considered for release into the community by the Parole Board.

His name has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely, and an indefinite non-harassment order has also been granted.

Police Scotland Detective Constable Rachael Clark praised the victims' courage in coming forward. "It is very difficult to speak about these types of crimes, and I would like to thank the victims in the case for the strength shown during our investigations,"

She said:

"Donaldson subjected his victims to sexual abuse over the years, and his sentencing sends a clear message that anyone found to be involved in this type of behaviour will be brought to justice.

"We are committed to supporting victims of sexual crimes, no matter how much time has passed. I urge people to come forward to police and report it. They can be assured of being fully supported by officers and partner agencies."

Fiona Kirkby, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, described Donaldson as a "dangerous individual who inflicted unimaginable trauma through his depraved offending."

"He will now face the consequences of his actions following this prosecution, which would not have been possible without those who reported him," she added.

"We recognise the impact that crime and involvement in the justice system have on victims and work hard to support them through the process.

"I would urge any victim of sexual offending to report it, regardless of how long ago it took place. Our prosecutors will use every tool available as we seek to ensure that justice is served."

Description

A registered sex offender from Medway who breached multiple court conditions has been sent to prison.

In 2018, Haydon Sheard was convicted of possessing and distributing indecent images of children.

His sentence placed him on the sex offenders register and required him to comply with the restrictions of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Phone monitored

One of the conditions required Sheard to notify Kent Police of any internet enabled devices in his possession so that monitoring software could be placed on them.

On 25 April 2025, two officers made an unannounced visit to his home address and located him in a bedroom with a mobile phone. He was acting suspiciously, and when the phone was checked, it was found to have an indecent video of a child.

Sheard was arrested and officers searched his room for any other devices he had not declared.

Restrictions breached

Whilst he denied having any, the investigators found an e-reader and a memory card which were in breach of his SHPO, along with two bank cards that he had not notified the police he possessed.

When his phone was later examined it was found to contain 355 illegal images of children of which five were of the most serious category.

Sheard, of Sundridge Drive, Chatham was charged and pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court to three counts of possessing indecent images of children, five counts of breaching his SHPO and one count of breaching his sex offender notification requirements.

Jailed

On Friday 29 August, Sheard, 27, was jailed for two years and four months. His SHPO was extended for the next 10 years.

Investigating officer, PC Leona Valsler, said:

‘Some sex offenders when sentenced are given the opportunity to show they regret their behaviour and want to reform. They are then given strict conditions on their conduct which we regularly monitor.

‘Sheard has shown that he cannot be trusted to behave lawfully whilst living in the community and he is now serving a prison sentence. It can only be hoped that he reflects on his actions as, when he is released, the restrictions on his behaviour will be more onerous and our inspections more frequent.’

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A convicted sex offender was arrested after arranging to meet a girl in Norwich for sex, a court has heard.

Andrew Ryan had been communicating online with what he thought was an 11-year-old girl, but it was actually an undercover police officer.

Norwich Crown Court heard the 42-year-old—who pretended to be 18—first contacted her in summer 2023.

Prosecutor Chris Youell said Ryan, formerly surnamed Morton, engaged in sexual chats, including sending images of his genitals.

He described the "most serious offence" as attempting to meet her for sex.

Mr. Youell said Ryan—who has prior child sex convictions—arranged the meeting at Norwich Railway Station on September 22, 2023, with a suggestion of going to a hotel.

After his arrest, police found indecent images—categories A (most serious), B, and C—on his phone.

Ryan, in breach of a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO), appeared for sentencing Monday after admitting attempted sexual communication with a child under 16 and attempting to cause a child to view a sexual image.

Ryan, of Thistledown Road, Horsford, also admitted attempting to meet a child under 16 for sexual activity, plus three counts of making indecent images of children.

Judge Andrew Shaw imposed an extended seven-year sentence—four years' imprisonment and three on licence—calling Ryan a "dangerous" offender.

Mitigating, Rob Pollington said Ryan was "an individual that has without a shadow of a doubt a preoccupation with young persons."

He added the defendant had been "very open" and "candid" about his issues, followed a "self-destructive course of behaviour," and was "remorseful."

Ryan was placed on the sex offenders' register for life and given a lifetime SHPO.

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Child Sexual Abuse Survivor Speaks Out as Predator Jaydan Russell Jailed for 12 Years.

Braintree, Essex – A 26-year-old man described by a judge as a "dangerous offender" has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for a series of horrific sexual crimes against a girl under 13, following a months-long police investigation that uncovered coercion, threats, and manipulation.

Jaydan Russell, of Mundon Road in Braintree, was handed the extended sentence at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday, September 5, with an additional six years on licence upon release. He will also face indefinite notification requirements under sex offender laws, a restraining order, a sexual harm prevention order, and a lifetime ban from working with children.

The court heard a powerful victim personal statement from the young survivor, who said: “I was glad the police were supporting me. I felt like when I spoke to the police, I could tell them anything without worrying… Now it’s over I feel so relieved. I feel happy I’ve done everything I can to show people what he’s done.”

Russell admitted to four counts of rape of a child under 13, two counts of assault by penetration of a child under 13, one count of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, one count of engaging in sexual communication with a child, and one count of voyeurism.

The investigation began in October 2024 after a report was made to Essex Police, leading to Russell's arrest on October 19. He refused to answer questions or provide access to his devices during interviews. While on bail, Detective Constable Chloe Gregory from the Child Abuse Investigation Team (CAIT) spent months gathering evidence, revealing the extent of Russell's grooming and threats. He had warned the girl she would never see her parents again if she disclosed the abuse, and he regularly deleted data from her phone to cover his tracks.

On March 30, 2025, officers from Harlow CAIT worked through the night to compile a file for the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorized the charges. Russell pleaded guilty after being confronted with the evidence, marking the first time he acknowledged his crimes.

Acting Detective Sergeant Charles O’Mahony of Harlow CAIT praised the survivor's courage, stating:

“The charges would not have been possible without the bravery of the survivor coming forward, not only telling those close to her what had happened but also later disclosing this abuse to detectives.

“At court, Russell pleaded guilty after hearing the weight of evidence against him. It was the first time there was any sign of him acknowledging his crimes or taking any responsibility for his depraved acts.

“During his sentencing hearing, the court was told he had minimised his offending, making excuses for his behaviour to professionals while on remand in prison. He was deemed to be a dangerous offender and an extended sentence was rightly passed. He’ll remain subject to strict conditions after his release.

“While he will now suffer the consequences of his actions, the sentence will never come close to the lifelong impact his offending has had on the survivor in this case and her family. The extent of his deflection, grooming and manipulation is almost as sickening as the abuse he perpetrated against a defenceless child.

“From the outset of our investigation, and from the moment this matter was reported to us, our focus has been on safeguarding this young girl and gathering the best possible evidence to ensure Russell can never harm another child again.”

The probe was supported by multiple Essex Police units, including the Online Investigation Team, Braintree CID, Grays Adult Sexual Abuse Investigation Team, and Braintree and Uttlesford Local Policing Team.

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Update 2025-09-09

An Isle of Wight man has been jailed for 18 years after being found guilty of multiple offences of non-recent child sexual abuse.

Michael Norman Smith, aged 61, formerly of Willow Way in Sandown was found guilty following a trial at Isle of Wight Crown Court on Friday 1 August of:

• Three counts of rape of a child under 13.
• Sexual assault of a child under 13 by digital penetration.
• Two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child under 13
• Three counts of causing/inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity
• Two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child aged 13-15

The offences were perpetrated against a boy between 1 May 2004 and 31 March 2010 on the Isle of Wight.

DC Amy Hicks, who investigated the case, said:

The sentence imposed by the Judge recognises the seriousness of Smiths offending and I hope that it provides some closure for the victim. This significant sentence ensures that Smith will be in prison for a very long time and will not be able to target other children in the community.

Our commitment to bringing offenders to justice is underlined when long-running and complex investigations like this result in such a significant sentence and I hope this sends a clear message that crimes of this nature will not be tolerated. I hope this outcome prompts victims of similar offences to contact us when they are ready to, so that we are able to secure justice for them as well.

2022-04-11

A man who lured children into his Sandown home by allowing them to play computer games has been jailed for sexually abusing a child in the 1990s and early 2000s.

58-year-old Michael Norman Smith sexually assaulted the boy between 1997 and 2003, beginning when the child was under the age of 10.

During a trial at Isle of Wight Crown Court, jurors heard how Smith, who lived at Willow Way in Sandown at the time of the offences, would often have children over to his address and would allow them to play computer games. Smith would also take them to do activities such as swimming or going to the cinema.

In 2019, Police were contacted by a man who stated that Smith had sexually abused him at the Willow Way address during this period when he was a child. After the abuse, the boy would then be given money, sweets or other food and drink items by Smith.

Following an investigation, Smith was charged with 2 counts of indecent assault and 3 counts of indecency with a child. He initially denied the offences and the case went to trial on 7th February this year.

On 9th February, part way through the trial, Smith changed his plea and admitted all of the abuse. Smith was subsequently remanded in custody to appear at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday 8th April where he was jailed for 6-and-a-half years.

Detective Sergeant Katy Lee of Hampshire Constabulary, who led the investigation, said:

Smith is a danger to children, and he groomed and manipulated the child in this case for his own perverse gratification.

The boy has had to deal with the impact of this abuse for the remainder of his childhood and into adult life. I want to commend him for now finding the courage to come forward and face his abuser.

His courage has ensured that a predator is now behind bars where he belongs, and Smith will pay the price for these awful crimes.

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A Coventry man has been convicted of serious sexual offences against a young boy.

Jonathan Philp pleaded guilty to rape and other sexual offences.

The boy came forward and reported the abuse, and Philp went on to admit the offences.

Philp, of The Monks Croft, pleaded guilty at Birmingham Crown Court on Monday and was remanded in custody until sentencing later this year.

We know that reporting rape, sexual assault or another sexual crime like indecent exposure or upskirting can be daunting.

We're here to support you whether you're ready to report it to us or if you'd prefer to talk to someone else.

If you want to talk it through before deciding whether to report to us, you can talk to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), an Independent Sexual

Violence Advisor service (ISVA) or another support service.

Description

A Brighton man who repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted two young girls and a boy has been jailed for 16 years.

Daniel Ellett, 35, of Bolney Road in Brighton, abused his three victims over several years up until 2020.

All three were known to him, and aged between six and 13 years old at the time of the offending.

An investigation was launched in January, 2021 and Ellett was arrested while his victims were supported by specialist officers.

He was subsequently charged with two counts of rape against a boy under 13, two counts of engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl 13 to 15, and one count each of rape of a girl aged 13 to 15, engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a boy 13 to 15, inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, indecent assault on a girl and exposure.

At Brighton Crown Court on Wednesday, 2 July, he was found guilty of all charges.

At Lewes Crown Court on Thursday (4 September), Ellett was sentenced to a total of 19 years, comprising 16 years in custody with another three to be spent on extended licence.

He was also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, a restraining order against his victims and will be a registered sex offender for life.

Detective Constable Angela Harvey said:

“Daniel Ellett subjected his young victims to the most appalling ordeals for his own sick gratification.

“Some have been forced to live with the trauma into adulthood, and all will carry the impacts of Ellett’s crimes for the rest of their lives.

“I would like to thank all of them for supporting this investigation and helping to put a dangerous offender behind bars."

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A man has been jailed after he raped a woman in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Marin Covaci, 37, of Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, picked up the survivor in Kidsgrove in December 2023. He told her he would drive her home.

When she got in, he drove to a layby, locked the car, and raped her.

After it happened, the survivor bravely told someone about the incident. We started investigating after receiving the report and arrested Covaci the next day.

He was charged with rape of a woman and causing a female to engage in sexual activity. He denied the offences in court.

Through the sheer bravery of the survivor and the evidence we’ve gathered during the investigation, the jury found Covaci guilty on both counts at an earlier hearing. He was jailed for six years at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Thursday (4 September), given an indefinite restraining order against the survivor and put on the Sex Offender’s register indefinitely.

Sergeant Lisa Bettany, from our rape and serious sexual offences unit, said:

“The offender in this case targeted this woman in a calculated attack.

“The survivor has shown tremendous courage in coming forward and supporting this investigation, which has ultimately led to a dangerous sex offender being locked up and punished for his crimes.”

Description

A rapist who continued to sexually assault a woman after she told him to stop has been jailed.

Daniel Wyatt, 28, initially engaged in consensual sexual activity with his victim but then ignored her pleas to stop.

The council worker eventually ceased but branded his victim "boring," Teesside Crown Court heard.

Prosecutor Paul Newcombe said the first assault took place about 12 hours before the second incident occurred.

He added that the victim felt pain and screamed when Wyatt sexually assaulted her, and that Wyatt apologised for the act.

Wyatt, of Myrtle Road in Eaglescliffe, denied the offences but was convicted of rape and two counts of sexual assault by a jury earlier this week.

Erin Kitson-Parker, in mitigation, told the court that when she spoke to Wyatt before the hearing, he told her: "I made the biggest mistake of my life."

Judge Tom Mitchell sentenced the rapist to six and a half years in prison.

He said:

"When she told you to stop, you failed to do so. You didn't stop and that makes you a rapist. You sexually assaulted her twice. It was a mean thing to do. A very wrong thing to do. You knew that straight away because you apologised for it."

Wyatt was also required to sign on the sex offenders’ register for life and was made subject to a restraining order.

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A Tonbridge cleaner has been jailed after using his phone to spy on a woman showering at a gym.

The device hidden by Lee Drury was seen by the victim after she noticed a dislodged ceiling tile.

Drury had been working at the gym for just a few months, when on 19 June 2023 he secreted his iPhone in area used by customers. When the victim spotted it she took photos and alerted a manager.

Drury was challenged and although his phone matched the description given, when checked no images were found

Further offences

Police attended and he was arrested. A full forensic download of the phone showed he had accessed a camera app at the same time the victim had been in the showers.

Officers also recovered an illegal image of a child, which had been downloaded from the internet and was in the most serious category.

The investigation later led to the seizure of another phone belonging to Drury which contained further indecent images.

He was charged with multiple offences but denied any wrongdoing and was granted bail by magistrates, pending future court proceedings.

Drury went on to commit further offences and was arrested again, in August 2024, after initiating contact with a person who he believed to be a 14-year-old child.

He made several explicit requests to the child and sent pornographic content.

After a trial at Maidstone Crown Court, Drury, 35, was convicted of voyeurism and two counts of making indecent images of a child.

In relation to the online offences, he previously pleaded guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child, attempting to cause a child to watch others engaging in sexual activity and attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity.

Jailed

On 4 September 2025, Drury, of Borough Green Road, Wrotham was sentenced to four years and six months’ imprisonment. He was also made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, lasting 15 years.  

Kent Police Investigator Natalie Armstrong, of the Offender Management Unit, said:

‘Drury was a registered sex offender, who was the subject of strict measures and monitoring by our officers and staff. He has clearly been unable to adhere to these measures and restrictions and has gone on to violate what should have been a safe and private space for women.

‘His clear determination to also groom and exploit children through the internet is indicative of someone with absolutely no understanding of the gravity of his actions. He has now faced the consequences and is rightly serving a custodial sentence, ensuring the public is protected from further harm.’

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A former Newham Labour councillor has been found guilty of sexual assault.

Daniel Lee-Phakoe, 38, of Libra Road, Newham, was found guilty of one count of sexual assault by touching by a jury at Inner London Crown Court.

The assault took place at a public house near Liverpool Street station on Friday 5 May 2023. Lee-Phakoe’s wife had arranged leaving drinks as she was moving department within the council.

During the evening, Lee-Phakoe approached the victim and carried out a series of persistent and unwelcome verbal sexual approaches, including a proposal of a sexual encounter in the bathroom. Lee-Phakoe also approached the victim’s side of the table, stood next to her and pinched her bottom with his left hand. The victim stated that Lee-Phakoe pinched her bottom at least ten times. His grip was described as firm and unrelenting. 

The victim who cannot be named for legal reasons said:

“The assault itself has left me feeling dirty, disrespected and a worthless woman who had suddenly become the focus of unwanted and disgusting sexual touching, demands for sex in a public toilet and being physically trapped in spite of attempts to move. His approach was both violating, aggressive and manipulative in assaulting me in a public place with his wife in the same bar and only a short distance away.

“This has been a horrendous experience. This sexual assault was unforgivable and I made the complaint to stop this happening to other women and to stand up to a sexual predator who has no idea or care of the impact of what he did to me.”

Lee-Phakoe left the table for a time and during that period the victim asked her friend to stand next to her in case he came back. Undeterred Lee-Phakoe approached the table again and tried to push pass the friend to get to the victim. The friend heard Lee-Phakoe persistently ask the victim to go to the toilets with him.

The friend said:

“He arrived at the table again and continued to push against me and comments towards the victim for 10 minutes or so. I said to him ‘can you please stop and calm down.’ He stopped pushing but continued to ask her to go toilets with him. After what seemed like an exceptionally long time, he finally left the table and the victim asked me to leave with her as she felt unsafe leaving on her own. I’ve known her many years and I’ve never seen her so frightened.”

Lee-Phakoe will be sentenced at a later date.

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A Salisbury man has been jailed for sexually abusing a child, at the retail store where he was working.

Joseph Marriott, 33, of St Andrew’s Road, Salisbury was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court  yesterday (04/09) having previously been found guilty of two counts of causing/inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

He had previously admitted breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

His Honour Jason Taylor KC sentenced Marriott to 10 years custody - comprising 4 years 6 months imprisonment and 5 years 6 months on licence. He must also abide by the terms of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and register with the police indefinitely.

In addition he must pay a £228 surcharge.

The court heard how Marriott abused the child in the back room of the Salisbury store where he was employed, while her parents were shopping.

DC Billy Baker said:

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the young survivor and her family who have remained resolute and dignified throughout this ordeal; their support has been invaluable in bringing this offender to justice.”

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A man from Butetown has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for sexual offences against children.

Liton Ahmed, 47, denied six counts of sexually assaulting a girl by touching and one count of attempting to sexually assault a girl by touching.

But he was found guilty following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court in April 2025.

Ahmed was sentenced at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on August 26, 2025, to 18 years in prison.

Officer in the case Dc Steven Taylor said:  

“I want to commend the victims for their courage in coming forward- thanks to their reports and support, justice has been served.

"It has been a traumatic time for everyone involved and I am hopeful the outcome at court brings the victims and families some comfort which they deserve.”

Ahmed is also on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely, is subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and has a Restraining Order in respect of the victims until further notice.