Latest Offenders

Description

An "extremely dangerous" rapist left his victim in tears, then told her she looked "beautiful" when she was crying.

John Quinn, 30, from Gateshead, sexually assaulted and raped the woman, who was left defenseless due to an injury. He denied the charges but was found guilty by a jury of rape and sexual assault in June. On Wednesday (October 8), Newcastle Crown Court jailed him for eight-and-a-half years.

In her impact statement, the victim said:

“The impact of his abuse continues to negatively impact my life. He’s ripped everything away from me.

“I am always fearful of driving to see my family or walking anywhere close by – and feel as though I am constantly looking over my shoulder, fearing for my safety and for my life.

“I wish I could lock myself away and never have to leave my home again, it is the only place I feel safe.

“Quinn has stripped away all of my confidence and has destroyed every inch of me. I used to be such a bubbly, outgoing person and I am not like that anymore. I am very quiet and constantly live my life in fear.

“I feel I have been given a life sentence. I live with the trauma he has given me every day and know this will stay with me for the rest of my life. I jump at every closing car door; I can't answer my own front door without being fearful; and I become fearful when I receive calls from unknown numbers.

“I am constantly on guard just waiting for the worst to happen. I am not living, I am surviving. He has destroyed my past, present and future. He has destroyed my identity.

“He has destroyed me.”

Quinn, of Barford Court, Gateshead, must remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and was given lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention and restraining orders to protect the victim.

PC Graham Mason of Northumbria Police said:

“John Quinn is an extremely dangerous man who has committed some of the most horrendous crimes someone can go through.

"No-one should ever have to experience this type of abuse – but her resolve and determination to bring her offender to justice should truly be commended.

"I hope after the sentencing today she may be able to start to move forward and re-build her life."

Description

An Eden Valley sex offender has received a suspended jail term for breaching a court order stemming from US offenses.

Brian Richardson, 61, admitted violating his sex offender registration at Carlisle’s Rickergate magistrates' court.

Prosecutor Diane Jackson detailed the case: The Kirkby Stephen resident was convicted in Texas in 2019 for possessing indecent images and attempting to meet a child after grooming.

“He was sentenced in 2019 and deported back to the UK following the end of his prison sentence and in 2021 he was made the subject of indefinite notification,” she explained.

Due to the US conviction, Richardson is on the UK Sex Offender Register indefinitely.

During a visit from his Cumbrian offender manager, he was found to have failed to notify police within three days of various online usernames on Snapchat, Kik, Twitter (now X), and Gmail, plus two bank accounts.

There were no prior breaches.

Defending, Duncan Campbell said Richardson knew he must report bank accounts but didn't realize the three-day deadline. “There was no question of his trying to hide the accounts,” the lawyer stated.

The online and Gmail accounts were old, and Richardson had been open with police, offering his devices for inspection.

Over three years, Richardson cared for his father with Alzheimer’s and terminal cancer. “He [the defendant] was effectively a prisoner in his own home,” Mr. Campbell added, noting the breach was “unwittingly done.”

The lead magistrate cited a “realistic possibility of rehabilitation” while suspending a one-year jail term for two years.

This includes 10 rehabilitation activity days, a 26-session Building Better Choices program, and 40 hours of unpaid work. Richardson, of Quarry Close, Kirkby Stephen, must pay £85 costs and a £187 victim surcharge.

Description

A rapist who twice ignored a woman's pleas to stop her ordeal has been jailed for eight years.

Martin Hume refused to heed the victim's requests to end the assaults, during which she was in pain. Durham Crown Court heard she quickly made clear she did not want any sexual activity.

Prosecutor Paul Cleasby said in one instance, realizing he would not listen, she lay motionless as the attack continued.

Hume, 34, of Gloucester Place, Peterlee, denied two rape charges but was convicted by a jury on the fourth day of his August trial.

He appeared for sentencing via video link from HMP Durham, where he has been held since the August 21 verdicts.

The victim, with a family member, read her impact statement, telling Hume: “You have ruined me,” and describing her experiences as like “living in hell.”

She said she feared encountering him publicly before his conviction, sometimes entering a “state of panic” when out, and has undergone counselling for her “emotional distress.” But she added she is glad she had the courage to “speak up,” concluding: “The last thing I want to say is: ‘No means no’.”

Defense counsel Dan Cordey said in mitigation: “He accepts he will receive a custodial sentence of some length today. He was tried as a man of good character and is now facing his first custodial sentence. He had no experience of custody whatsoever.”

Cordey noted the trained welder has earned “trusted prisoner” status on remand and become a wing cleaner.

Judge Jo Kidd ordered Hume to serve two-thirds of the sentence before license eligibility. He faces an indefinite restraining order barring contact with the victim and must register as a sex offender “until further order.”

Description

A Stirling man faces a lengthy jail sentence after being convicted of raping two women in the city.

The court heard from one of Liam Kaney’s victims – 18 at the time – who said she had been “mentally and physically tortured”.

Description

A victim has showed considerable courage in reporting a rape that occurred at an address in Christchurch.

The incident occurred during the evening of Sunday 3 March 2024 at a property in the Highcliffe area. The victim – a woman aged in her 30s – had communicated with the defendant via a dating app weeks before meeting socially. They later went back to his address where he raped her.

The victim reported the incident the next day. An investigation was launched by detectives and the defendant was arrested and subsequently charged.

Emmanuel Mukum Maleh, aged 28, of Christchurch and employed locally as a care worker, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday 19 September 2025 after being found guilty by a jury at a previous trial at the same court.

He was jailed for five years.

Detective Staff Investigator Dean Smith, of BCP CID, said:

“The victim has shown tremendous bravery in reporting what happened to her and supporting our investigation. 

“It was thanks to her courage that we were able to hold Maleh accountable for his actions and bring him before the courts to face justice.

“We take all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously and would urge anyone who has been the victim of a sexual assault to please come forward and report it to us. We always ensure victims are supported by specially trained officers and will do everything in our power to identify those responsible and hold them to account.”

Description

The man pictured is 23-year-old Dylan Sherratt and he is a paedophile and a rapist.

You won’t see him on the streets of Colne any time soon after he was given a sentence at Burnley Crown Court on Friday, totalling 16 years and 10 months.

In August 2023 Sherratt befriended and groomed a 12-year-old girl in Colne, before going onto rape her.

In his initial messages to her in August 2023, Sherratt asked the victim to send her intimate images of herself. He then acknowledged she was 12 years old and stated he would ‘get done’ should she become pregnant.

Sherratt had his victim saved as ‘mine’ in his phone and continued to send her sexualised messages.

CCTV footage captured Sherratt meeting the victim in Colne on 1st September 2023 where he is wearing a balaclava to help disguise his identity. The footage captured Sherratt sexually assault the victim.

The matter was brought to the attention of our officers on 12th September after one of the victim’s friends raised the alarm with a school safeguarding officer about Sherratt’s behaviour.

Sherratt was arrested at that time on suspicion of sexual assault. He answered no comment to all questions put to him during his police interview.

The victim was spoken to and over the span of two interviews, she described how Sherratt had raped her twice – once in woodland and the second time behind a laundrette.

During the examination of Sherratt’s phone, our officers found a significant amount of messages between the pair. Those included countless messages where Sherratt was being sexually inappropriate towards the victim, others where he was being controlling and others where Sherratt made reference to being in a relationship with the victim. In one conversation he stated he had ‘hooked up with another girl’ but then continued ‘doesn’t mean we can’t be mates with benefits’.

When referring to the victim meeting his cousin, Sherratt stated: “you tell him you’re 15, not 12,” and continued “don't act like a child act like an adult.”

The messages ended on 12th September 2023, when Sherratt stated: "I'm sorry and I really like you as a person, but I don't feel a connection between us.”

He stated that they ‘would be better as friends’ and again referenced her age when stating: "right listen you’re a twelve year old yeah. I can’t be doing this anymore. It's gonna get me in trouble. I can't deal with it anymore.”

Sherratt’s behaviour did get him in trouble, and he was arrested on suspicion of raping a female child in November 2023.

Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Sherratt, of Belgrave Road, Colne, was charged with rape, engaging in sexual communication with a child, sexual assault and making indecent photographs / pseudo-photographs of a child.

He pleaded guilty to all the offences when he appeared at the court at an earlier date.

And on Friday, Sherratt was sentenced to 10 years in custody, with a six year and 10 month extended licence period after Judge Daniel Prowse deemed him to be dangerous. He was also made subject of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and was told to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

In a statement to the court, the victim wrote:

“Since the incidents I struggle to control my emotions. I cry all the time even at the smallest of things and often feel very sad. I struggle to understand why I get upset or why I feel sad. I put this down to the incidents that happened with Dylan. I get angry at the people closest to me for no reason and often lash out them. This makes me feel even worse as I know I have upset them, especially my grandma and grandad.

“I often get flashbacks about what happened to me. I also suffer with nightmares twice a week. I struggle to sleep after these nightmares or often wake up early which then affects me at school.”

She added:

“I have been diagnosed with PTSD via referral through my doctor. I have been receiving counselling to help me try and deal with what happened with Dylan. I have been suffering with nightmares for months which means I am tired most days. I get so tired and stressed, I get upset and I get angry about what happened with Dylan. I have also missed a lot of school which has started to have an impact on my education. I don't want to go to school as I get bullied after what happened with Dylan.”

DC Sarah Jones, of the East Child Protection Unit, said:

“Sherratt is a dangerous and manipulative individual with a sordid sexual interest in children.

“His sordid behaviour has had a significant and long-lasting impact on the victim. Although the headlines will inevitably be about Sherratt, my thoughts are very much with his victim, who continues to show immense bravery.”

Description

A man who sexually assaulted a woman after a night out in Brigg was sentenced at Grimsby Crown Court on Monday, 6 October 2025 to four years and eleven months in prison and will be on the sex offenders register for life.

James Ward, 34-years-old, of Bottesford, pleaded guilty to assault by penetration after approaching a woman who had been socialising with friends at a bar in Brigg during the early hours of Sunday, 1 August 2021.

After engaging her in conversation, Ward left the venue with the woman and took her to a nearby field, before sexually assaulting her. The woman was later found by her friends in a state of distress, while Ward fled the scene.

An investigation was launched to understand the circumstances surrounding the assault and following lines of enquiries, Ward was identified and arrested at his home address on Sunday, 1 August 2021 and subsequently charged.

Leading the investigation, Detective Constable Rebecca McInnis said:

“Ward’s actions were abusive and exploitative, targeting a vulnerable woman for his own predatory gratification.

"This traumatic experience will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the woman, and while no outcome can reverse the harm caused, I hope his guilty plea provides some measure of relief.

“We take all reports of rape and sexual offences extremely seriously and remain committed to seeking justice for those who have suffered at the hands of exploitative predators.”

Description

A man has been jailed for 16 years for rape, child cruelty and assault in Oxton.

Ibrahim Cetin, 54, of Hornby Road in Liverpool was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday 6 October after being found guilty of assault, actual bodily harm, rape and child cruelty.

It follows reports from two boys in February who said they had been abused by Cetin several times.

Cetin was arrested by officers on suspicion of assault.   Following his arrest it was also reported that Cetin had raped and repeatedly assaulted a woman since December 2024.

Cetin was later arrested and charged for each of these offences. He has been placed on the Sex Offender’s Register indefinitely. 

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Atkinson said: “Cetin subjected his victims to serious physical harm and violence on numerous occasions.

“They have all shown immeasurable bravery in coming forward and telling us exactly what happened to them.

“Cetin also forced his victims to go through a trial after he denied the offences, but thankfully a jury saw through his lies and he was rightly convicted.”

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Atkinson added:

“Merseyside Police is completely committed to protecting children and women from violence and sexual abuse.

“As you can imagine for victims of such appalling crimes, the impact on them is significant and long-lasting.

“If you have experienced any form of sexual abuse, or know of a child being abused, please come forward and report this to police.

“We take all such reports extremely seriously and if you can find the courage to come forward and speak to us we have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and compassion.”

Description

A 48-year-old Derbyshire man, Alexander Hall, groomed a 14-year-old girl by telling her they could get engaged, “make out” in his car, kiss, and he could squeeze her bottom.

Nottingham Crown Court heard how he arranged to meet "Millie" at a pub near Nottingham, asking her to wear lip gloss for their date.

The 48-year-old also told the young teenager not to tell her mother about their conversations, saying “she would not understand”.

But when Hall turned up at the pub, close to Radcliffe-on-Trent, Millie was actually a decoy operated by self-styled paedophile hunters.

Jailing him for two and a half years, Recorder Tim Green KC said: “Her age was known to you from a very early stage, you talked about kissing and squeezing her behind.

“You asked for photos of her in her underwear and, importantly, you told her not to tell her mother.

“You arranged to meet at a pub called the Shepherd’s Stonehouse and asked her to wear lip gloss, saying you could kiss.

“You clearly meant to meet her at that pub and take her back to your house for the full sexual activity you had prepared her for and fully intended to carry out.

“In my judgment, the factors that could allow a suspended sentence are not here.”

Mark Achurch, prosecuting, said in October 2023, Hall began a conversation with Millie on an internet platform called Wink.

He told her she was “beautiful” and “asked her if she wanted to be his girlfriend”, saying he would buy an engagement ring.

The prosecutor said: “He told her he had a house and car and told her he would give her anything she wanted.

“He then started talking in a sexual manner, saying he would kiss her and squeeze her buttocks.

“He asked for photos of her in her underwear and that they could ‘make out’ in his car.

“He also asked her to be careful not to tell her mum because her mum would not understand.

“She then arranged to meet her at The Shepherd’s Stonehouse pub in Stragglethorpe, in June 2024, seven months after contact was first initiated, telling her to wear lip gloss and that they could kiss and he could squeeze her buttock.

“He then sent a photo of his (private parts) and when he went to the arranged meet, he was confronted by the decoy’s group and was arrested by the police.”

Hall, of New Street, South Normanton, pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and attempting to meet a child under 16 following grooming.

He has one drink-driving conviction and a caution for possession of an imitation firearm, Mr Achurch said.

David Watts, defending, said his client had never offended in this way before and pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

He said: “At the time Mr Hall was in a relatively lonely situation."

Description

A man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for child sex offences committed in Southport.

Marcin Laskowski, 39 years, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday, Tuesday 7 October, to 14 years in prison with six years extended licence thereafter. He was also issued with an indefinite restraining order against the victim, an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and is required to sign the Sex Offender Register for life.

Today’s sentencing relates to child sex offences Laskowski (of no fixed address but lived in Southport) committed in January where he had engaged in sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl.

Laskowski was found guilty of two counts of rape, assault by penetration and sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15 following a trial in July.

Detective Inspector Tony Meakins of the Child & Criminal Sexual Exploitation Team said: “Laskowski preyed on a vulnerable child he had met by chance in Southport town centre and offered her a place to stay, where she thought she would be safe and trusted him. However once inside the flat he sexually assaulted and raped her despite her pleas to stop. She was left scared and frightened of what would happen to her.

“The victim and her family have showed immense courage and bravery throughout the investigation to reach this conviction.

“Today’s custodial sentence has removed him from the streets to prevent further harm to anyone else. I hope Laskowski spends this time in prison to reflect on his abhorrent behaviour and accepts that it is wrong.”

Detective Inspector Meakins added:

“I hope this sentencing encourages other victims to come forward and report sex offences to us, and they have confidence in us, as a police force, to take reports seriously where we will ensure offenders are put before the courts so that they can pay for their crimes.

“Anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence, is concerned for the safety of someone they know or suspects someone to be engaging in this criminal activity, should come forward and speak to us.

“We have a team of dedicated staff who will expertly and compassionately deal with your reports, and we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.

“We urge anyone who is a victim of any form sexual abuse to please report this to police, as we have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and compassion.

“We take all such reports extremely seriously, and in addition, work with partner organisations such as Victim care Support Service and RASA who are there to support victims of this crime.”

Description

A man from Lancing has been jailed for stalking a woman and then raping her teenage relative.

James Green, 37, of Brighton Road in Lancing, subjected a woman in her 30s to a sustained campaign of stalking and harassment for over a year.

He destroyed her property, covering her clothes and bedding with bleach and stealing her jewellery, before moving into a property very near to the victim’s house.

Green also damaged the woman’s car, stuck offensive posters to her garden fence and tried to encourage her teenage relative, his second victim, to steal her phone for him.

Green’s contact with the young relative continued and he began grooming the girl, sending her sexual messages while claiming to be part of a gang.

In August 2023, Green raped the girl in his home – this was reported to police, and he was arrested.

While on bail, despite having conditions not to contact the girl, he continued to do so, intercepting her in the street and giving her a phone to use to contact him.

Over four months, Green made more than 1,600 calls and messages to the girl, sending her sexual videos of himself, encouraging her to take her own life and to give a false statement to police claiming the rape had not happened. If she refused, he threatened her with repercussions from his fictional gang.

In December 2024, Sussex Police secured charges against Green, and he was remanded in custody.

He faced trial at Lewes Crown Court and, on Tuesday, 24 June, was found guilty of rape of a girl, two counts of sexual communication with a child, stalking involving serious alarm and distress, two counts of causing a child to watch a sexual act, criminal damage, theft, inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and perverting the course of justice.

At the same court on Thursday, 11 September, he was sentenced to 18 years, with 12 to be spent in custody and six on extended licence. He was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life and restraining orders against both victims.

Detective Inspector Harry Doyle said: “James Green subjected both of the victims to the most appalling ordeals.

"I would like to thank them both for the incredible courage and resolve they have shown to support this investigation and help put a dangerous man behind bars.

“I also commend the investigative team for their diligent work in bringing Green to justice and supporting the victims throughout.”

Description

A man who subjected a child to over eight years of sexual abuse has been jailed for 19 years following his appearance at Grimsby Crown Court on Friday, 3 October 2025.

Andrew Davies, 52-years-old, of Cleethorpes pleaded guilty to three counts of rape of a child under 13, two counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, sexual assault of a child under 13, attempted rape of a child under 13, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and possession of a bladed article on day three of a trial at Grimsby Crown Court that commenced the week of Monday June, 30 2025.

He was sentenced to 19 years in prison with an extended six years on license, placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and also received a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Davies was brought to the attention of officers in October 2020 when he attended Grimsby Police Station disclosing accusations that had been made against him. He was arrested and his vehicle searched where a quantity of knives was also located and seized.

An investigation was launched by detectives into the sexual abuse and Davies denied all accusations claiming they were false until eventually pleading guilty on day three of the trial.

Retired Detective Constable Nicholas Pearce, who led the investigation said:

“Davies is a dangerous and perverted individual, taking advantage of a child's trust in him for over eight years, all for his own sexual gratification

“I would like to commend the victim and their family who have showed nothing but bravery and courage throughout the course of the investigation and court proceedings whilst Davies continued to deny allegations.

We take reports of this nature extremely seriously, regardless of whether they are recent or not, and we will continue to seek prosecution against anyone who thinks they will get away with committing such perverse crimes.

“It is never the victim’s fault, and I would strongly appeal for any child who is being manipulated into doing something they don’t want to, or anyone who suspects crimes of this nature are taking place, to please speak to a trusted adult or friend, and report it to us, when you are ready.

“I hope this result will also encourage others to come forward if they have experienced something similar, and I’d like to offer my reassurance that we take all allegations like this seriously, and will do our upmost for our victims, as well as safeguard our wider communities against such acts.”

Description

Following Met detectives leading an investigation into a child sexual assault which uncovered further sexual offences, officers are now appealing for potential victims to come forward.

Vruj Patel, 26 (22/03/99), of Selsdon Road E13, was sentenced today, Tuesday, 7 October, to 22 years in jail at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

He was also placed on the sex offenders' register for life.

This result builds on the Mets work to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG) by using innovative techniques to identify predators to bring them to justice and bolstering VAWG teams with 565 specially trained officers and staff to carry out victim led investigations.

Vruj previously pleaded guilty to rape of a child under 13, assault of a child under 13 by penetration and four counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity in relation to one victim, rape of a woman over 16 and sexual assault by penetration relating to a second victim, along with possession of indecent images of children, and voyeurism.

His brother, Kishan Patel, 31 (29/09/94), also of Selsdon Road E13, was also sentenced today to 15 months for possession of indecent images of children at the same court. He will also serve a 10-year-sexual harm prevention order.

Detective Sergeant Rob Blant, who led the Mets investigation, said:

Patel is a cowardly, opportunistic offender who has preyed on vulnerable victims for his own sexual gratification. The threat he poses to women and children has been reflected in his sentence and his future management under the terms of the Sexual Harm Prevention Order and sex offender notification requirements for the remainder of his life.

This is a fantastic example of a thorough and detailed investigation by Met detectives working to support victims of the most serious offending and safeguard the wider public from a dangerous offender.

There are teams of dedicated, professional officers working across London who will leave no stone unturned to identify those who seek to commit offences against vulnerable people and bring offenders to justice.

The offending

Patel was arrested on Saturday, 1 February, after Greater Manchester Police alerted the Met to a third-party report of videos of child sexual offending being present on a device which had been sent for repair.

The device belonged to his brother, Kishan Patel, and the initial videos found depicted child sexual offences being committed against a young girl who was known to the brothers.

Officers worked quickly to seize Kishans devices; however, it became apparent that Vruj Patel was the one appearing in the videos. Detectives were able to identify him after his face was briefly visible at the end of one of the videos showing abuse of the child.

Further images and videos were uncovered by detectives which showed Vruj committing a rape against a young woman following a university night out, and voyeurism against a young girl. Vruj had filmed himself committing multiple offences against the victims and was identifiable from clothing comparisons and his distinctive jewellery.

Although each incident of contact offending is thought to have happened in 2018, the voyeurism precedes this and officers are concerned that Vrujs offending has continued until more recently.

The appeal

Following the Patels sentencings today, detectives are appealing for any further victim-survivors to come forward.

There may be other instances where children visiting his home, or the homes of those around him, had been placed under his care. Detectives are interested to speak to anyone who believes this may have been true.

Full list of charges:

Vruj Patel

• Voyeurism
• Sexual assault female over 16
• Assault by Penetration female over 16
• Rape female over 16
• 4x Causing or Inciting a child under 13 to engage in Sexual Activity
• Sexual Assault of a Child under 13
• Assault of a child under 13 by penetration
• Rape of a child under 13
• 4x Making Indecent Images

Kishan Patel

• Count 1: Making Indecent Images Cat. A 765 still and 183 moving
• Count 2: Making Indecent Images Cat. B 401 still and 52 moving
• Count 3: Making Indecent Images Cat. C 944 still and 28 moving
• Count 4: Possession of Indecent Images Cats. A, B, and C.

Description

A Fife IT worker told his three sex offence victims he had a medical condition leading to frequent physical arousal.

Craig Coleman filmed a woman performing a sex act on him in a van without her knowledge and showed the video to someone else.

Description

A pervert who engaged in sickening online sex chats with a nine-year-old girl has been jailed.

Connor Ormston chillingly responded "nice" when told the child's age after befriending her on Snapchat.

Newcastle Crown Court heard his offending was exposed when the victim's mother noticed her daughter becoming "secretive" and receiving messages.

Prosecutor Liam O'Brien said: "She checked her phone and saw a number of Snapchat messages and videos which had been sent by the defendant.

"This prompted her to speak to her daughter. She made a note of the questions and answers she was given on a piece of paper and then recorded a WhatsApp voice call.

"She then contacted the police and provided them with the evidence she had gathered."

Ormston was arrested in a toy shop at the Metro Centre in Gateshead, claiming "I've done nowt wrong."

The 31-year-old, of Dorrington Road, Fawdon, Newcastle, admitted sexual communication with a child, three charges of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and one of causing or inciting a child to watch a sexual act.

Judge Gavin Doig sentenced him to five years and eight months in prison, with lifelong sex offender registration and a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard Ormston told the child he was 16, and the Snapchat conversation quickly turned inappropriate.

Mr O'Brien said: "It began with the defendant sending a picture of him in his boxer shorts and soon progressed to him sending images of his penis.

“As time went on the defendant began to ask her to send sexual images and videos."

The youngster complied with requests for explicit material via messages and FaceTime video calls.

Mr O'Brien added: "The complainant was truthful about her age, she told the defendant she was nine, about to turn 10. His response to that, chillingly, was 'nice'."

The defendant also told the child not to tell anyone about their discussions, which were "our little secret."

Defending, Jennifer Coxon said Ormston was isolated during the 2022 offences, has mental health difficulties, and has been in no trouble since.