Latest Offenders

Description

A child sexual predator has been jailed – despite his efforts to evade being caught.

Barry Williams, 60, is now behind bars after engaging in inappropriate communications with someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl.

The sentencing follows a complex police operation by officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU).

In February 2024, Williams was speaking to the ‘child’ online and persisted to send her explicit messages and requests for indecent images and videos.

However, Williams was actually speaking to a police officer who was quickly closing in through their investigation.

Officers witnessed Williams attempt to evade being caught by changing platforms and creating new profiles to try and hide his true identity.

Police seized and searched Williams electronic devices where they found truly horrific Category A, B and C indecent images and videos – with hundreds of child victims featured.

As a final step to manage the impending outcome, Williams legally tried to change his name to Colin Brown before charges were filed however, police acted quickly, and he was subsequently charged with Attempt to Engage in Sexual Communication with a Child, Attempt to Cause/Incite a Child to Engage in Sexual Activity, three counts of Possess Indecent Images of Children, Possess Prohibited Images of a Child and Possess Extreme Pornographic Images. 

Williams, of Ferryhill, appeared at Durham Crown Court on July 7, where he pleaded guilty to all charges.

Today (August 8), he appeared before the same court and was sentenced to 18 months in prison and a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Adam Abram, said:

“Williams made his vile desires very clear and despite the fact he tried to evade capture and tried to dodge the full consequences by changing his name, the overwhelming evidence collated by officers secured this sentence and ensured a dangerous predator is off the streets.

“Under Operation Sentinel, our regional approach to tacking serious and organised crime, we will continue to investigate these online offences to safeguard children and protect the public.

“We would urge anyone who has been a victim of this type of offending, or has concerns about someone’s behaviour, to come forward and talk to police.”

Description

A paedophile who sent sexual messages to someone he believed to be a 12-year-old girl is on the run after his sons helped him escape the country. 

Gualberto Santos, a 58-year-old previously living in Poplar, east London, was on trial for child sex offences in late 2023 after he was caught messaging a decoy account run by paedophile hunters. 

Sensing the trial was not going his way, Santos left the country on a coach to France from Victoria Coach Station – assisted by his sons who bought the ticket and packed his bag for him. 

The sex offender was found guilty in his absence but remains on the run, most likely in Portugal, with a four-year prison sentence hanging over his head if police catch up with him. 

On Friday, August 8, his sons – Anthony Sousa, 32, of Sutton Street, Shadwell, and Jorge Sandoval, 29, of New Cross Road in south east London – walked free with suspended prison sentences for perverting the course of justice. Both had been held in custody between conviction and sentence.

'Out of love for their father'

In November 2022, Santos was arrested after he sent sexual messages to somebody he believed to be a 12-year-old girl and attempted to meet her. 

He denied the offences and went on trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court in October 2023. 

Realising that a guilty verdict was imminent, Santos decided to flee the country on October 31 and enlisted the help of his sons. 

Sousa assisted by buying the ticket to France, then both brothers met their dad at Victoria to see him off – Sandoval bringing a rucksack for him. 

Prosecutor Jonathan Wright said Santos has still not returned to the country to face justice. 

“There has been no return of Santos Snr and I see no evidence of efforts by the family to request and persuade him to come back to the country, on that there is complete silence,” Mr Wright said. 

Abigail Penny, defending Sousa, said the family have tried to convince Santos to return to the UK. 

She said: “I’ve been told that Mr Sousa’s mother has implored her husband to return to the country, and the very fact that he’s chosen not to even though two of his sons are in custody shows the kind of man he is. 

“These offences were clearly committed out of love for their father.” 

Judge Ross Cohen said he accepted that the brothers had acted out of loyalty to their dad. 

“I accept that you are both remorseful and were let down terribly by your father,” he said. 

The pair were each sentenced to 20 months imprisonment, suspended for two years. 

The brothers will each have to complete 80 hours of unpaid work. 

Description

Following a four-week trial in July this year, a man has been sentenced to 14 years – 11 of those in prison, of which he must serve two-thirds, with a further three on extended license, at Manchester Crown Court on Thursday 7 August 2025.

He is also subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and restraining orders for all victims and their families.

Umair Iqbal (28/11/1987), of Lecester Road, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, a private Quran and maths tutor was found guilty of 29 out of 30 counts of sexual assault against five children and adults aged eight - 18 years of age. The offences, including sexual assault of a child, took place over a ten-year period between 2010 - 2020 when Iqbal regularly attended the homes of the young women and girls to conduct his scheduled lessons.

Primary inquiries into Mr Iqbal began in October 2020 when the first account of sexual abuse was reported to GMP by a victim who was 15 years old at the time.

After years of believing the abuse was a fault of her own, the victim found the courage to inform her family and then the police.

A subsequent investigation into Mr Iqbal’s actions by Rochdale’s multi-agency safeguarding team, known then as the sunrise team, soon revealed the extent of his abusive behaviour, unearthing a further four victims, including a victim who had been abused from the age of eight years old.

Rochdale’s Detective Constable Alex Dodd who lead the case said:

Rochdale’s Detective Constable Alex Dodd who lead the case said: “All five victims were young Muslim girls from good families, abused by a person in a position of trust and silenced through fear of getting in trouble or being blamed for the abuse. Iqbal befriended families and used the good reputation of a community to hide behind his sordid sexual agenda.

"Securing justice for these victims is a positive outcome for Rochdale’s complex safeguarding team. The multi-agency work we do in Rochdale is a collaborative force for good.

"It involves GMP officers, children’s services, youth workers, social workers, health professionals, housing officers and public protection services, all working together to investigate child sexual exploitation (CSE), safeguard victims, uncover the truth and bring offenders to justice.

"I would like to recognise and thank all five victims and their families for their determination during the lengthy investigation and four-week trial, which was a distressing process for them.

"We encourage anyone who feels they may have been subjected to Mr Iqbal’s behaviour to come forward and report it on 101 quoting ‘Operation Ganister.’"

Description

A registered sex offender has been jailed after uploading hundreds of indecent images of children to the internet.

Mark Davies, 36, (pictured) used social media platforms Snapchat and Discord to upload the images.

The offences were committed after Davies had recently been released from prison for the sexual assault of a child.

Lancashire Police officers first arrested Davies and seized his mobile phone in Skelmersdale in July 2024, as part of an investigation into possessing indecent images, after which he was promptly recalled to prison.

Whilst under investigation for this offence, police identified that further accounts linked to Davies had uploaded indecent images of children - when on police bail in July 2024 and shortly after release in May 2025.

Davies was arrested again by officers from Lancashire’s South Internet Child Exploitation team, who obtained the evidence needed to remand Davies into custody.

Davies, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to six offences of making indecent images of children and one offence of possession of extreme pornographic images.

Appearing at Preston Crown Court on Wednesday (6th August), Davies was jailed for 22 months, given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and made subject of sex offender notification requirements for 10 years.

Det Con Pippa Jackson, of our South Internet Child Exploitation team, said:

“I welcome the prison sentence which has been imposed on Mark Davies for his abhorrent behaviour.
“Davies poses a serious risk to the public with his offending and the investigation by our team has prevented this man from committing further offences.”

Description

A man who raped a woman as she slept has been sentenced to five years and ten months behind bars, given a ten-year restraining order, and will be on the Sex Offenders Register for life following his appearance at Grimsby Crown Court today (Thursday, 7 August).

Craig Hillman, 36-years-old, of Dovedale Road in Scunthorpe was charged with rape in October last year, and pleaded guilty at a hearing at Grimsby Crown Court on Monday, 7 July. 

Detective Constable Rebecca McInnis from our Protecting Vulnerable People Unit said:

“Coming forward and reporting offences of such nature is not easy, and I commend the woman for the bravery and strength she has shown in coming forward, ultimately helping to take a sexual predator like Hillman off our streets.

“Hillman preyed on the woman and raped her as she slept, and this ordeal will undoubtedly stay with her for the rest of her life, and no amount of justice will take away the trauma Hillman has inflicted.

“We take all reports of rape and other sexual offences extremely seriously and we will continue to seek justice for those who have suffered at the hands of predators like Hillman.

“Our specialist trained officers work closely with partnering agencies across the region to support victims and survivors, as well as working hard to prevent further incidents by putting perpetrators before the courts.

“When you are ready, we encourage you to tell someone. Tell a trusted adult or friend, reach out to specialist support agencies and tell us. We will always do everything we can to hold those accountable for such vile crimes."

Description

A man has been jailed for 25 years for fifteen offences including multiple rapes, sexual assaults, assaults and attempted rape.

Rhys Eaton, aged 34 of Orchard Place. Cleator Moor was sentenced today at Preston Crown Court following a trial in May 2025 and a conviction last year.

The offences were committed between 2011 and 2017 and relate to two women.

Eaton received a 21 year sentence with the remainder to be served on licence.

Eaton was arrested in January 2023 and denied all offences in interview; however, our detectives were able to build a case against him after the women came forward and told officers their stories.

Detective Sergeant Stewart Glendinning, Barrow CID said:

“I would like to thank the victims for their bravery in reporting these offences.

“I hope the sentence passed today gives the victims in this case some closure.

“We recognise these types of crimes can be extremely difficult to speak about, however please know you will be treated with respect and supported throughout our investigations.

“We continue to urge anyone who has been victim of a sexual offence to contact police so that our officers can investigate – no matter how long ago the offences took place.”

Description

A rapist who attacked a teenage girl after offering her a lift home from a party has been jailed for 11 years.

Rhys Conn, 33, took the 17-year-old victim to his house and ignored her pleas for him to stop as raped her, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

The victim said she "could not believe someone would do something so evil".

Conn, from Blackhall Colliery, near Hartlepool, had denied wrongdoing but was found guilty of six offences including two counts of rape and three of sexual assault.

Prosecutor Jane Waugh said he got the victim into his van "by fraud" and took her to his house instead of hers, which was akin to an abduction.

Ms Waugh said Conn "stalked" the victim over the course of the night and told her to "shut up" when she asked him to stop attacking her.

Philip Morley, for Conn, disputed the prosecution's claims and said it was not a "true case of abduction" as the victim had "willingly" got out of the van and gone into the rapist's home.

'Very dark place'

In a statement read to the court, the victim said she had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and had been too afraid to leave her home in the aftermath.

She said it took her a long time to understand that she was not to blame for what happened, adding: "I cannot believe someone would do something so evil to me."

Judge Carolyn Scott said Conn's actions were "disgraceful" and the girl's pleas for him to stop had had "absolutely no effect" on the rapist.

Having been taken to Conn's house instead of her own, the teenager was "scared" and "completely out of her depth and unable to get herself out of the situation", the judge said.

The attack had had a "significant" impact on the victim and left her in a "very dark place", the judge said, adding she would "have to live with what you did to her for the rest of her life".

On the issue of whether it was an abduction in legal terms, which could have increased the sentence, Judge Scott said there was no doubt the girl had wanted to go home but "abduction envisages a different and more serious scenario", such as someone being bundled into a van and taken away.

A restraining order banning Conn from contacting the victim or making any reference to her on social media was also made and he must sign the sex offenders register for the rest of his life.

Description

The man pictured is 22-year-old Joseph Turner and in April we told you that he had been found guilty of sexual offences against two girls and two boys.

His abhorrent offending predominantly took place after he lured his victims to woodland in Rawtenstall.

Today (7th August) he was deemed dangerous by Judge Sara Dodd at Burnley Crown Court and given a sentence totalling 26 years. That comprises of 18 years immediate custody, with an extended licence period of eight years.

Judge Dodd said Turner posed a significant risk to others, stating he was manipulative, his behaviour was extreme and that he had no insight into the impact of his behaviour on his victims.

Before we remind you about what Turner did, we just wanted to highlight the impact of his behaviour on his victims and their loved ones.

Some of the victims did not feel able to make impact statements to the court, but the mother of one of the female victims did.

In her statement she wrote:

“At first I was worried sick, then it went into numbness. It was horrible. I can’t put into words how I felt."

“As the victim’s mum I felt powerless and frustrated, feeling that I had not been able to protect her from what he had done to her and at the time of his arrest in April 2023 she would not speak to me or the police about the extent of the abuse which she had endured whilst involved with him.

“It took my daughter a period of time after to pluck up the courage and start to feel safe enough that she could speak out and this led to her providing detail around the sexual and physical abuse in August 2023. It was knowing that Joseph remained inside in prison on remand until his court date for child abduction that then gave her the time and space. My daughter felt safe, she was more relaxed and away from his emotional blackmail. He was no longer able to be present around her physically or by call.

“My daughter’s eating, her being prevented from having friends, self-harming and suicidal thoughts were all things that were present when Joseph had his hold and control over her and were present for a period of time. I did find it hard to see what he had to her but in time my daughter started to look towards the future and little by little things began to get better slowly. My daughter had time to reflect and try and understand what was happening and realise that it was not normal.”

She continued:

“I am relieved at the outcome and that everyone now knows what he has done, that he is an abuser and a predator. My daughter has always said that one of the reasons she spoke out was to prevent it from happening to anyone else.

“We finally have our lives back and our home. As a mother learning of the extent of abuse my daughter endured while involved with Joseph Turner is heartbreaking, but to finally see her happy again and looking forward to the future is amazing and I am so proud of her and all of his victims for having the courage to speak out and stop him harming anyone else or having to secretly carry around what he did to them. I feel like we have the power and control back and I have my daughter back.”

The first victim was 14 and Turner was 20 when he groomed her into thinking they were in a relationship. During that period, he raped her while she as unconscious, sexually assaulted her, physically assaulted her, strangled her with a belt, threatened her with knives and was verbally abusive towards her. He would call her his wife and even got her a ring.

The second victim was 16 when Turner lured her to his flat in Rawtenstall before going on to rape her.

The two male victims were just nine years old when Turner took them to the woods before sexually assaulting them.

Turner, of Linden Lea, Rawtenstall, was arrested and later charged with a number of offences.

Following a trial at Burnley Crown Court, he was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault on a child; two counts of sexual activity with a child; four counts of raping a female under the age of 16; one rape of a female over 16; two counts of intentional strangulation and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

During today’s sentencing hearing he was also placed on the Sex Offender’s Register for life and made subject of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order which limits his access to children.

DS Sarah Hargreaves, of our East Child Sexual Exploitation Team, said:

“I welcome today’s sentencing which reflects the risk Turner poses to children due to his perverted sexual interests in them.
“His offending has had a clear and long-lasting impact on his victims and their loved ones. I hope the significant sentence handed down to Turner gives them comfort and a sense that some justice has been served.
“Finally, I want to praise the investigation team - DCs Jenny Berry, Alex Biggs and Liam Morris - who worked diligently and patiently to gather all the evidence that led to the conviction after trial.”

Description

A sex offender from Sittingbourne who groomed young teenage girls and lavished them with gifts has been jailed.

Bradley Kite, 42, of Lydbrook Close, pleaded guilty to multiple offences at Maidstone Crown Court.

Investigation

While the sexual abuse was taking place, Kite manipulated a girl to believe he was her boyfriend, sending her sexualised messages as well as giving her money and jewellery.

He also took girls shopping and bought them expensive presents before sexually assaulting them.

Kent Police was alerted to Kite’s offending in June 2024 after crimes were disclosed to a victim’s family member. An investigation, which involved specialist detectives from the force, was launched. Further victims were also identified.

Kite was arrested on 27 June 2024 and he was later charged.

Jailed

He admitted thirteen offences including multiple counts of sexual activity with a child and sexual assaults of a child, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

A jury found Kite guilty of a further sexual assault of a child that he denied.

On Wednesday 6 August 2025, Kite was sentenced to 12 years and nine months’ imprisonment. He will serve at least two thirds of his sentence behind bars and will spend a further five years on licence after his release.

Kite was also made the subject of a 25 year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Detective Constable Daniel Alai said:

'Kite is a dangerous offender who preyed on the vulnerability of young teenage girls, manipulating and abusing them for his own gratification. I’m pleased that he has received a lengthy sentence and that the SHPO he has been issued will offer further protection to safeguard potential future victims.'The courage of the girls in this case should be commended and I would like to thank them for speaking out to report these crimes, which have had a lasting impact on them and their families. We will always listen sensitively to victims and will strive to bring sexual predators such as Kite before the courts to face justice.'

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Mark Smith, AKA Mark Bocker

A former headteacher who sexually assaulted three girls at his school has been jailed.

Mark Bocker, 65, abused the teenagers between 2007 and 2016 at a school in the Oswaldtwistle area.

Bocker, of Gorse Lane, Formby, was jailed for three-and-a-half years at Burnley Crown Court after he was convicted of three counts of sexual assault.

He was also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life.

Police Investigating Officer Amanda Gallery said:

"First and foremost I would like to praise these girls for having the courage to come forward and report to us what happened to them.

"I hope the guilty verdicts and sentence give them some sense that justice has been done."

Description

A man who raped a woman after holding her against her will, and harassed another woman, has been given an extended sentence totalling 15 years.

On May 25 last year, Northamptonshire Police received a report from a woman who told officers she had been approached four days earlier in Northampton by a man she knew, who made her go with him to a cellar in Queens Road where he pulled off her clothes before orally raping her.

The woman also reported that the man had robbed her during April, taking cash from her.

An investigation was launched by the Force’s dedicated rape investigation team, SOLAR, with Simon Turay, aged 47, identified as the suspect.

He was arrested on May 26 at the home of a former partner, who he was banned from contacting or approaching under a restraining order made in June 2023.

Turay went on to be charged with rape, kidnap and robbery against the first woman, and two counts of harassment and one of common assault against the second woman.

As the rape case progressed towards trial, on October 9, 2024, Turay again breached the restraining order by calling the second woman and trying to tell her what to say in court.

This led to a third charge of harassment, as well as one count of intending to pervert the course of justice.

Turay, of no fixed address, admitted the harassment, assault and perverting the course of justice charges, but went to trial on the rape, kidnap and robbery offences.

At Northampton Crown Court on May 21 this year, he was found guilty of all three counts.

Returning to the same court on Thursday, July 31, Turay was given an extended sentence totalling 15 years for the rape.

Used for criminals convicted of specific offences who are deemed to be dangerous, Turay’s extended sentence comprises 11 years’ imprisonment and a further four years on licence.

He also received one year’s imprisonment for the kidnap, and 30 months each for the robbery and perverting the course of justice, all to be served concurrently.

A further charge of giving a false statement, which Turay had denied, was discharged.

Turay was also given an indefinite restraining order banning him from contacting the rape survivor by any means or from entering Northampton town centre, and an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order to guard against future offending.

Conditions of this include that he must tell police about any future potential partner so they can be made aware of his criminal convictions.

Speaking afterwards, joint investigating officer Detective Constable Harriet Stevenson, of SOLAR, said:

“Simon Turay has a long background of violent offending against women, and the ordeal he subjected the rape survivor to was nothing short of horrific.

“Turay’s actions on May 21 last year were predatory, entitled and threatening, and I’m really pleased he has received a significant prison sentence which reflects his dangerousness.

“The survivor’s courage in reporting him to police has ensured he has been brought to justice, and I would like to thank her for her bravery and for placing her trust in us. I hope this sentence brings her some comfort as she continues to heal.”

She added her thanks to fellow investigator, Detective Constable Hayley Reed.

Description

A married father who shared dozens of pictures of children being sexually abused has been handed a suspended prison sentence.

Mark Hodgson, 57, of Carlisle, was arrested at work last September after police became aware of images of children uploaded on a social media platform.

Carlisle Crown Court heard Hodgson claimed to have no sexual interest in children, but the sentencing judge concluded that assertion was "fanciful".

Having admitted making and distributing indecent photographs of children and possessing extreme pornographic images, Hodgson was given a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years. He must also complete rehabilitation sessions and 150 hours of unpaid work.

'Grotesque' abuse

Two mobile phones seized from him contained illegal still and moving images showing children aged between seven and 15 being sexually abused.

Investigators found a total of 56 images, with 38 logged in the most serious class of category A.

When interviewed, Hodgson admitted he was sent the images which he copied, posted and forwarded on during a period of offending between February 2023 and August last year.

Recorder William Beardmore told Hodgson: "Those children, somewhere in the world, were being abused by individuals in the most grotesque way.

"Notwithstanding the fact you did not take these photographs, you were part of the reason there is a demand for this material.

Hodgson is now subject to sex offender notification requirements and must also adhere to the strict terms of a prevention order, both for 10 years.

He was also barred from working with children and vulnerable adults.

Description

A man caught in the act by Metropolitan Police officers as he attempted to view horrific and indecent footage of children has been jailed for 12 years in prison – with a lifetime sexual harm prevention order.

Lester Sharpe, 46, (25.11.1977), of no fixed address, was handed the sentence at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, 7 August. He pleaded guilty in June to the charge of arranging the commission of child sex offences and was remanded in custody.

Over April and May 2025, Sharpe believed he was speaking to a person who would facilitate an online live stream of an eight-year-old girl being sexually abused. The dangerous predator was in fact speaking with an officer from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit.

On the morning of Wednesday, 7 May Sharpe requested that the offence took place at a particular time that evening and made a specific request about what the child should wear during the abuse.

This active step to view the footage enabled officers to progress with an arrest. That same evening, police attended his place of work in Kensington while he was taking his break in the basement. They broke into the room through a locked door and found Sharpe as he prepared to access the live stream through his phone.

He was immediately arrested and subsequently charged.

Description

A man who harassed a woman after their relationship ended has been sent to prison.

Damien Asplen, 33, already had an injunction against him preventing him contacting his ex-partner after they split up last year.

However, he repeatedly breached it by sending her messages via text, WhatsApp, and Facebook, asking for money and help between January and March this year.

The woman from Cambridge managed to capture the messages and share them with police in a bid to stop the harassment escalating.

Asplen, of no fixed abode, admitted three counts of harassment and was sentenced at Peterborough Crown Court on Monday (4 August) to 10 months for each offence, to run concurrently.

He also admitted failing to comply with Sex Offenders Register requirements for him to update where he was staying and was sentenced to six months imprisonment, to run consecutively.

He was also handed an additional 12 weeks, to run consecutively, for committing an offence during the qualifying time on a previous suspended sentence.

Detective Sergeant Beccy Steel said:

I hope this case serves as a reminder to anyone who believes it is ok to abuse or harass someone, whether they are in a relationship with them or not.

No means no and when a relationship ends and it is clearly over, its time to leave and move on. There is absolutely no excuse for this type of behaviour and the sentencing clearly reflects that.

I hope the victim can now move forward with her life knowing that justice has been done.

Description

A child molester who groped and abused a girl has been jailed for four years.

John Briggs, 60 and from Houghton-le-Spring, near Sunderland, had a "devastating impact" on his young victim, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

The girl said the abuse had led to her self-harming and being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), adding she could never get back the time he had taken from her.

Briggs had denied all wrongdoing but was found guilty of eight counts of sexual assault of a child under the age of 13.

'Egregious actions'

In a statement read to the court, the victim said she had been "scared" by the abuse and it "changed" her.

She said she now found it impossible to trust men or be alone with them for fear of what they would to do her.

"I can never get the time back he has taken away from me," the girl said.

Judge Julie Scott said Briggs, a former cabinetmaker and machine technician, had had a "devastating impact" on his young victim and his actions had been "egregious".

"She will have to live with what you did to her for the rest of her life," the judge told Briggs, adding "no sentence of any length could change that for her".

Briggs was also made subject of a sexual harm prevention order and must sign the sex offender register for life.