Latest Offenders

Description

A registered sex offender from Lancashire who tried to arrange to meet a child at a motorway service station has been sent back to prison.

Nicholas Stubley, 59, pleaded guilty to arranging the commission of child sex offences, possessing indecent and prohibited images of children, and breaching an order designed to curb his behaviour.

Stubley, of Abram Close, Lancaster, was previously jailed for four years back in 2017 for making indecent images of children, attempting to arrange the commission of child sex offences, distributing indecent images of children, and breaching a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).

In September, Stubley was found to be engaging in online conversations with an undercover operative, whom he believed to be a father.

During these interactions, Stubley expressed a sexual interest in teens and his desire to meet and sexually abuse the operative's child.

He went on to arrange a meeting at a motorway services.

Stubley was arrested as his home address in October and was given an 11-year sentence last week - six years in custody and a five-year extended licence period.

He was made to sign the sex offenders' register indefinitely and given an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.

Detective Constable Becky Murrell, from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, said:

"Stubley used a messaging platform to have private conversations where he expressed his desire to meet and abuse a child.

"This case highlights the ongoing threat posed by individuals like Stubley, who seek to exploit and harm children.

"We will continue to do everything in our power to protect children from predators and bring them to justice.

"Our commitment to safeguarding the most vulnerable members of our society remains unwavering.

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

Description

Jose Martin Holden, aged 32, of George Street, appeared at Worcester Crown Court last week (Friday, August 1) for sentencing. 

Today (August 4), the force released a custody image of Holden for the first time.

He was found guilty of two counts of rape, assault by penetration and sexual assault following a trial at Worcester Crown Court from June 9 to June 13. 

He was found not guilty of attempting to assault by penetration. 

On sentencing, His Honour Judge Jackson deemed Holden a dangerous offender and dismissed mitigating circumstances from the defence regarding his learning difficulties. 

The Judge also told the court that the way Holden spoke about women during his arrest was "dehumanising". 

In court, the Judge said: "You have no insight into your behaviour...There is a significant risk of you causing further harm to other women."

Holden was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for count 1 (rape) with an extension of five years on licence. 

He was also sentenced to eight years for count 2 (assault by penetration), two years imprisonment for count 4 (sexual assault) and 10 years imprisonment for count 5 (rape). 

The above sentences will all run concurrently to the 20 years imprisonment for count 1. 

The court heard that Holden will have to serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before he is eligible to appear before the parole board. 

He was also handed an indefinite restraining order and cannot directly or indirectly contact the victims. 

One of Holden's victims told the court in a victim impact statement how delays in the case have made her feel as though she has “already served a four-year sentence”.

She told the court: “The consequences of his actions have rippled into every part of my life.

"You've destroyed parts of me, but you will not destroy the new life I am beginning."

Description

A man has avoided jail after he was caught with sexual abuse images of "very young children".

Lewis Chapman started downloading the vile material in 2019 when he was underage himself but continued into early adulthood.

A court heard that the 21-year-old's electronic devices were seized by police when intelligence indicated that the photos were being downloaded at his Ryton home. A total of 26 abuse pictures, including seven category A, which are the most serious kind and involve penetrative sexual activity, were later found on his mobile phone.

Chapman has now been given an 18-month community order after he pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children at Newcastle Magistrates' Court. District Judge Kate Meek told him: "The images did involve very young children, which aggravates the case.

"They did involve category A images, which are the most serious. In your case, you were 14 when this started and, for the vast majority of the time, you were under the age of 18.

"You're a vulnerable young person. I don't doubt that you became involved in these chatrooms and this world at a very early age when nobody at that age should be and you were taken advantage of. You had a disruptive childhood."

The court heard that Chapman started downloading the images in 2019 and his devices were seized by police in 2023. Paul Coulson, prosecuting, said: "On August 3, police attended the defendant's address after receiving intelligence that someone inside the address had been downloading indecent images of children.

"The defendant's mobile phone was identified as being responsible and it was seized, along with other items, including a tablet and charger. They were analysed and forensically examined."

Steven Linsdell-Bell, defending, said Chapman, who has no past convictions, was a youth himself through the majority of the offending. He added: "He naively searched items that people were talking to him about. He didn't understand what those items were."

Chapman was also fined £250, must pay £250 costs and a £114 victim surcharge and must sign the sex offenders register for five years.

Description

A Paisley beast has been jailed for five years after being found guilty of “orchestrated and persistent” child sex abuse spanning over two decades.

Twisted David Cardona was last month found guilty by a jury, following a trial at Paisley Sheriff Court, of the abuse of three youngsters.

The jury found the 65-year-old unanimously guilty of using “lewd, indecent and libidinous practices and behaviour” towards a boy aged under 13 between October 21, 1994 and October 23, 1994.

Creepy Cardona got into the boy’s bed while he was sleeping, laid next to him, attempted to pull his trousers down and, thereafter, performed a sex act on him.

Cardona, of Westburn Avenue in the town, was also found guilty of sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 16 on “various occasions” between July 11, 2013 and August 20, 2018 by touching her private parts through her clothing.

The court heard evidence Cardona would carry out these sexual assaults when the girl was sleeping or falling asleep.

A witness told the jury: “It was at night, he would lift her but place his hands at her pants.”

The witness told the court how this had impacted the girl and added: “When she told me, she was in pieces, she was crying; crying as if she was having a panic attack.

“After it happened, she distanced herself from him.

“It changed her, she stayed in her room after it happened, her hair would fall out, she started cutting her wrists.”

Cardona was also found guilty of sexually assaulting another girl while she was under the age of 13.

Between August 2019 and August 2021, the paedophile on “various occasions” assaulted this youngster by placing his hand inside her trousers and sexually assaulting her.

Yesterday, Sheriff Gillian Craig slammed Cardona stating: “You are a predator of the most dangerous and devious sort.

“These offences are in a league of very serious crime.

“Your victims have already lived with the trauma and may live with the trauma for the rest of their lives.

“I’ve read the victim impact statements and what is clear is the impact is devastating, you robbed these children of their childhood.”

Defence agent, Paul Keenan KC told the court there was “little he could say in mitigation”.

He added: “Mr Cardona maintains he is innocent, he understands the jury’s verdict and rejects that position.

“He is under no illusion of the severity and fully accepts the offences he’s convicted of are exceptionally serious and there will ne no choice but to impose a custodial sentence.”

Sentencing, Sheriff Craig added:

“I commend all of the victims for their bravery in coming to police.

“The ripples of what you’ve done will be felt through their families and loved ones.

“A custodial sentence is the only appropriate disposal.”

Cardona was jailed for five years and, upon his release, he will be subject to licence for three years with conditions fixed by Scottish ministers.

In addition, he was made subject to a non-harassment order for each of the three victims for 20 years and made subject to a sexual harm prevention order also for twenty years.

Description

A paedophile who groomed a 14-year-old girl via online apps Roblox and Snapchat has been jailed.

Ben Bryan, 34, of Ash Bank Road, Stoke-on-Trent, had been communicating with the child despite her telling him of her age.

He told her that he loved her and had arranged to meet her.

On October 20 last year, officers came across Bryan’s vehicle in the Clifton Drive North area of Blackpool.

The vehicle had a defective light and was showing as having no MOT.

When officers went to speak to the driver, Bryan, they had concerns for the girl in the passenger seat.

As investigations commenced, it was found that Bryan had been communicating with the victim for some time, he had indecently exposed himself to her and engaged in sexual activity in her presence.

He was arrested, and following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service charged with child grooming, child abduction, non-penetrative sexual activity, causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, engage in sexual activity in the presence of a child and engaging in sexual communication.

He pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court and was sentenced to six years and six months in prison.

He has been ordered to sign the sex offenders register and has been given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and a restraining order. 

A Lancashire Constabulary spokesperson said: 

“Bryan knew how young his victim was yet continued to groom her for his own perverted sexual desires.

“His victim has shown an incredible level of strength and bravery throughout the investigation, and we can only commend her for that. We hope she can now begin to move forward with her life knowing that Bryan is behind bars.

“If you are reading this, and you recognise the signs of grooming, or a sexual offence that may be happening to you, please know that we will listen to your report, we will thoroughly investigate, and we will do all we can to get you justice.” 

Description

A man who raped a woman after plying her with drugs and alcohol has been jailed for 10 years.

Gary Duke encouraged his victim to drink champagne and smoke cannabis before sexually abusing her as she slept.

Kent Police was called on 13 November 2022 to a report of rape at a property in Maidstone.

Duke consumed alcohol and illicit substances and persuaded the victim to do the same.

Once the woman was unconscious, Duke forced himself on her and fled the scene before she regained consciousness.

The 59 year old, of Lockside in Tonbridge, was later arrested and subsequently charged with rape.

Sentenced

He pleaded not guilty to the offence but was convicted following a trial and sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday 25 July 2025.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Joanne Burt, said:

‘Duke carried out a pre-meditated assault on his victim, purchasing drugs and alcohol with the intention of disarming her and taking advantage of her for his own sexual gratification. ‘He showed no remorse throughout and denied his actions, forcing the victim to relive a traumatic incident in court proceedings. The offender even went so far as making fictitious claims that he had sex with his victim in his sleep and was unaware of his actions. ‘I am grateful to the victim for her support in securing a conviction and hope that the lengthy custodial sentence imposed brings her some comfort.’

Description

A despicable rapist attacked an unconscious woman repeatedly, leaving her feeling "so alone and trapped in her own thoughts". Lennox Smith, 24, assaulted the victim multiple times, causing her to fall pregnant before enduring devastating baby loss.

We can confirm that a St Helens man has been jailed for six years and nine months after carrying out serious sexual offences against a woman.

Lennox Smith, 24, of Upland Road, in Thatto Heath, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today (Friday 1 August) after pleading guilty to two counts of rape and sexual assault.

The offences occurred between May and June 2023 at an address in St Helens.

As well as a prison sentence, Smith was also issued with an indefinite Restraining Order not to contact the victim and is on the Sex Offender register for life.

In a Victim Personal Statement (VPS), the woman said:

“This has had a huge impact on my life. My whole life got destroyed. I had no control over my life or my body. I was disrespected to the highest levels. Physically I have never felt so weak in my whole life. Even though I have support from family and RASA (Rape and Sexual Abuse Support) and the officers on my case, I have never felt so alone and trapped in my own thoughts. My family tell me I’m different now and I’m not the same happy person that I used to be.

“I’m trying to accept there are parts of me I will never get back and trying my best to focus on each day as it comes. I’m ready to take my life back. I’m ready to become the best strongest version of myself I possibly can. I’m ready to focus on rebuilding my life properly again and finding myself again. I’m ready to put Lennox Smith in the past.”

Detective Sergeant Bob Sandham, who led on the case, said:

“I would firstly like to commend the victim for having the courage to report these offences and I hope the sentencing of Smith provides her with some comfort.

“This has been a complex and lengthy investigation, but thankfully we were able to provide enough evidence that Smith had no choice but to admit what he’d done.

“I hope today’s result shows that violence against women and girls will simply not be tolerated in Merseyside and we will work tirelessly to bring perpetrators to justice.

“We are committed to protecting victims of sexual offences, and anyone who reports an incident to us will be safeguarded and supported throughout the investigation by Specially Trained Officers and Sexual Violence Advocates who will provide all the relevant support.

“Anyone that 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.”

Description

A man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for sexual offences committed in the Inverclyde area.

Matthew James, 47, carried out the offences, including rape, against a woman and a child between 2015 and 2022.

He was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow on Thursday, 31 July 2025, after previously pleading guilty on Thursday, 22 May 2025.

Detective Inspector David Tomlinson said:

"Matthew James is a despicable predator, and he is now being held accountable for his depraved actions.

"I commend the victims for their strength in coming forward and assisting our investigation. I hope this sentencing brings them some form of closure.

"I'd urge anyone who has been a victim of a sexual crime or who has information about such offences, to report it - regardless of when it happened. you will be listened to and supported."

Description

A man has been found guilty of murdering and raping his ex-partner, Samantha Mickleburgh, at Pennyhill Park Hotel in Bagshot last year.

James Cartwright, 61, DOB 13/04/1964, from Axminster in Devon, was convicted following a three and a half-week trial at Guildford Crown Court.

He was found not guilty of a third charge of controlling and coercive behaviour.

The jury heard how Samantha, 54, also from Axminster in Devon, had accompanied him to the hotel for his 60th birthday, as she had promised him she would and she believed he had nobody else to go with.

Samantha, who had ended the relationship and was looking to move on with her life after this final compassionate act, was instead raped and strangled by Cartwright in the early hours of 14 April.

Police were first alerted when Cartwright himself rang 999 and claimed that he had woken up to Samantha dead in the room. He claimed to responding paramedics and police officers that she had fallen over at some point in the night implying that might be the cause of death, however a subsequent forensic postmortem discovered that Samantha had sustained several injuries including a fractured skull and signs of strangulation of her neck.

Cartwright was subsequently arrested for murder on 19 April 2024.

Throughout the investigation and trial, Cartwright maintained his innocence, despite not providing any other explanation for Samantha’s fatal injuries.

During the trial the jury also heard how he had a history of obsessive behaviour towards Samantha and when she had ended the relationship his behaviour took on an even more frightening turn, including turning up at her house uninvited and mowing her lawn, sitting outside the house for extended periods of time and bombarding her with phone calls and messages.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Debbie Birch said:

“Firstly, I would like to say that our thoughts and condolences remain with Samantha’s friends and family at this extremely difficult time.

“Through our extensive investigation into her death, we got to know the Samantha’s character well and what stood out was the overwhelming sense from her loved ones that she was an extremely kind, thoughtful and compassionate person. She had felt guilty about ending her relationship with Cartwright and she had always followed through on her promises - this trip was meant to be one last kindness before she moved on with her life.

“Tragically, Cartwright ensured that she was never able to do this. His control and possessiveness meant he couldn’t bear to let her go, despite having another girlfriend at the time. He callously murdered her and has never admitted responsibility or shown any remorse, but the jury saw him for what he is and has found him guilty.”

Samantha’s family have paid tribute to her:

“We as a family, are relieved that this has finally come to an end. That the defendant has been seen for who he truly is, a rapist and a murderer. No longer free to harm or control any more women.

“Unfortunately, it was too late for our beloved Daughter, Mother, Sister and friend. She truly was the best of us, the kindest light in all our lives and the hole left behind is one of such severe magnitude we will likely never escape it. Justice will not bring her back, but it has provided a form of closure on this dark chapter and security in the knowledge that James Cartwright will remain in the safest place for everyone.

“Samantha wouldn’t want to be known as a victim. She would want to be known for her passion for life, her class and beautiful style, her honesty, integrity, strength and dedication to all who knew her.

“We continue to ask for privacy as we navigate what it means to live in a world without Samantha and her incredible personality and love.”

James Cartwright will be sentenced on Friday, 8 August at Guildford Crown Court.

Description

A man who groomed and sexually abused two young girls two decades ago, has been jailed.

Darren Kay plied the girls with alcohol and cigarettes, gaining their trust, before going on to sexually assault and rape them.

The victims who are now in their 30s were young teenagers when Kay, then in his 30s, abused them between 2004 and 2006.

Kay’s offences went undetected for almost 20 years, until one of the victims saw him in public and the memories of what happened to her came flooding back.

Following this report, the other victim also came forward and an investigation was launched in 2022.

Kay attended a voluntary police interview and, in December 2022, was charged with multiple sexual offences against the girls.

The 56-year-old of Hill Top, Bolsover denied the charges and was sent to trial at Derby Crown Court.

A jury found him guilty of two counts of rape, one count of digital penetration, and three counts of sexual touching against a child between the ages of 13-15.

On June 27, a judge handed Kay a 12-year prison term and granted indefinite restraining orders to protect the victims in the case.

Detective Sergeant Mark Webb, who oversaw the case said:

“I want to commend the two very brave women in this case, who had already lived with the trauma of what Kay had done to them for 20 years and then had to wait a further three years from their initial report to police to the case being heard at court.

“The sentence given highlights the seriousness of what Kay did to these women, when they were just young girls.

“His actions were predatory and calculated, and something he clearly thought he could get away with.

“Kay prolonged the suffering of the women he abused by denying the charges against him and forcing them to endure a trial.

“To anyone reading this who may have also suffered sexual assault or abuse, whether now or in the past, please do speak to someone. There is help available, whether you wish to involve the police or not.

“If you do feel able to contact us, we will always listen, investigate and support you through the process.”

Description

POLICE have released the mugshot of a man who was jailed for raping a woman and used a sex toy to “degrade” her during a campaign of sexual abuse.

Balazs Uliczki, 45, a Hungarian national living in Risca, used his victim for his own “sexual desires”, a judge said.

He had also used violence during the assaults during which she was vaginally and anally raped.

The defendant was jailed after being found guilty following a trial at Newport Crown Court of seven offences.

A jury convicted him of six counts of rape and one of assault by penetration.

Uliczki had denied all charges.

Ieuan Bennett, prosecuting, read out the victim’s moving impact statement at Cardiff Crown Court.

She said: “I haven’t been able to move on with my life as I had to recall it all over again.

“I don’t think I’ll be able to trust another man.

“I lived my life in fear – I was so scared of him.”

Mr Bennett said the vibrator had been used in some of the offences to “degrade” his victim.

She added: "I was scared to leave my own home and I was always looking over my shoulder.”

The defendant, of Sarn Place, who followed proceedings with the help of a Hungarian interpreter, had one previous conviction for harassment.

Judge Celia Hughes told Uliczki: “You used her for your own sexual desires.

“Your victim felt degraded and you raped her at your will.”

She added: “You have a complete lack of remorse and empathy for your victim.”

The defendant was jailed for 11 years and ordered to register as a sex offender for an indefinite period.

Uliczki was also made the subject of a restraining order not to contact the woman for an indefinite period.

He was also ordered to pay a statutory victim surcharge following his release from prison.

Description

A predatory sex offender abused a missing 15-year-old girl after encountering her alone at night. Brandon Ormond convinced his victim that he was a "good person" after approaching her in the street and handing her religious literature.

But he then whisked the vulnerable teen away to a secluded area near to a beach, where he subjected her to a series of vile sexual acts. Having then abandoned her once more in the early hours, she was ultimately discovered by police in distress near to a Morrisons supermarket.

Liverpool Crown Court heard yesterday afternoon, Wednesday, that the teenager went missing from home before travelling to New Brighton, Wirral, by bus, arriving in the area at around 10.30pm. She was then located by police at around 6am the following day, at which stage she "became visibly upset" and disclosed to officers that she had been subjected to a sexual assault.

Frances Wilmott, prosecuting, described how the girl went on detail how Ormond, of Ripon Road in Wallasey, had approached her and began talking to her. Despite having been "initially wary" of him, the 29-year-old went on to "tell her that he was a Christian and gave her a religious leaflet", which "made her think he was a good person".

The two thereafter sat on a bench, where the defendant asked if he could put his arm around her while "saying it was cold". Ormond subsequently suggested that they move to an underpass near to the beach as it "would be warmer", then began kissing the schoolgirl in this location in spite of being told of her young age.

Having subsequently "asked if she wanted to have sex", he pulled down his trousers and performed a sexual act upon her and "told her he thought she was fit" before being disturbed by a barking dog.

Ormond then left the girl and returned home at around 3.30am, leaving her to walk to the nearby Morrisons store alone before being found by police at daybreak. Having been identified and arrested, he told detectives that he believed the complainant was homeless and aged 18.

When his phone was analysed, it was found to contain a number of pictures of "partially dressed young girls in sexualised poses". These photographs did not result in criminal charges however, as they were not deemed to be indecent images by law.

Martine Snowdon, defending, told the court: "There are references from a number of people who speak well of him. He has read to me a short letter which he wanted to write to your honour, reinforcing his remorse and recognising the impact.

"He had difficult circumstances in his upbringing. A single mother brought him up. He had a relationship with his father, although he died a few years ago. He fell out of education. He is motivated to work in a positive way and hopes to be a better person. He has got support with that and a willingness to do that."

Ormond admitted two counts of sexual activity with a child and causing a child to engage in sexual activity. Appearing via video link to HMP Liverpool wearing a navy blue Regatta fleece and with a crucifix on show around his neck, he was jailed for 38 months.

Sentencing, Judge David Swinnerton said: "You were 29 when you sexually abused [victim's name], who was 15 years of age, although that was not the sum total of her vulnerabilities. You have no previous convictions, and that is something that I will take into account in your favour.

"She ran away from home. She travelled to New Brighton, where, in what must have been the early hours of the morning, you came across her alone. I do not know how much time you spent with her, but you left her alone at 3.30 in the morning.

"It must have been obvious to you quite quickly that she was young, and she told you that she was 15. It must have been obvious to you that she was vulnerable from the fact that it was cold.

"She was somebody who needed your help. It should have been obvious to you that she had other difficulties. Yet, despite that, rather than taking her to a police station or calling the police, you invited her to come down an underpass onto the beach, where you sat with her.

"From that moment, you were preying on her vulnerability. You need to be aware of the impact that you have had. Her life, her self esteem, her self confidence, her ability to cope with the world and others, all of this has been compromised by what you did to her.

"You were under the influence of alcohol. You have sought help while in custody. I think you say that you had something like six cans before you committed these offences. I take into account that you show some remorse.

"You yourself come from a background which was, in some ways, difficult. I am satisfied that you do show an interest sexually in young girls."

Ormond was also handed an indefinite sexual harm prevention order. He will be required to sign the sex offenders' register for life.

Description

A man has been jailed for more than eight years after a jury found him guilty of attempted rape and three sex assaults.

Daniel Scott will remain on the sex offender's register for the rest of his life. The 40-year-old had denied the charges but was found guilty by a jury at Teesside Crown Court.

On Monday, July 28, Scott, of Cranwell Grove, Thornaby, appeared at the court for sentencing. He was sentenced to a total of eight and a half years behind bars and a restraining order was made indefinitely.

Detective Sergeant Bonnie Dowson, who investigated said:

“The bravery of the victim in coming forward and giving evidence, will no doubt safeguard others from Scott.

“Sexual assaults like this will always be thoroughly investigated and those responsible should expect to be put before the courts. Please come forward and speak to police if you have ever been a victim of a sexual offence, where we can help victims to access support services and bring those responsible to justice.”

Description

A sex offender inadvertently revealed his illicit activities to police after reporting an apparent attempt to blackmail him.

Andrew Mayfield called Nottinghamshire Police on 16 September last year after receiving a message via social media accusing him of exchanging explicit messages with a teenage boy.

When officers arrived at his house, Mayfield handed over his mobile phone and displayed a series of messages and images, some of which had been deleted in a failed bid to avoid incriminating himself.

After his arrest on suspicion of engaging in sexual communication with a child, Mayfield’s phone was forensically examined and was found to contain multiple indecent images of children.

Mayfield was interviewed and released on conditional bail, with clear instructions not to have contact with anyone under the age of 18.

Despite this condition, he then began exchanging explicit messages with a person he believed to be a teenage boy.

In reality, he was exchanging messages with members of an online activist group, who confronted him at his home on 5 November and called Nottinghamshire Police.

His phone was later found to contain a series of sexually explicit messages to a boy who – despite not giving his age - told Mayfield he was still at school.

Despite this experience Mayfield then committed an almost identical offence with another decoy he believed to be a 14-year-old – an offence that led him to be arrested for a third time.

Mayfield, now aged 50, was remanded into custody and later charged with multiple sexual offences.

He later pleaded guilty to three counts of making an indecent photograph of a child and two counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.

Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday via video link from prison, Mayfield, formerly of Farnsfield, was jailed for 20 months.

He was also added to the sex offenders register and made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order which will tightly restrict his online activities and access to children in the future.

Mayfield, the court was told, rarely left his home and had been driven to commit the offences by his loneliness and mental ill-health.

Detective Sergeant Adam Taylor, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“For obvious reasons most of the people we deal with try very hard not to have any contact with the police.

“Mayfield is unusual in that he made the decision to call us claiming to be the victim of a crime.

“In doing so he inadvertently handed over damning evidence of his illegal online activities.

“Seemingly unphased by this first arrest, he then went on to commit two other serious sexual offences before he was remanded into custody.

“I am pleased he has now been held to account for his actions and hope this case serves as a warning to others about the potential consequences this kind of behaviour.

“Because we will find out about it, we will investigate and we will put you before the courts.”

Description

A CONVICTED paedophile set up a Snapchat account and pretended to be a teenager to encourage children to share explicit images of themselves.

Terry Hughes was ordered to register as a sex offender in 2020 for engaging in sexual communication with a child. He was sentenced for the same offence in June 2022, before appearing again later that year for possession of indecent, prohibited, and extreme pornographic images.

He was also made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order.

Prosecutor Alycia Carpanini told Swansea Crown Court that Dyfed-Powys Police attended Hughes’ Waterston home on June 25 after receiving intelligence that his IP address was linked to a Snapchat account involved in online child sex offences.

Hughes initially denied having a device, but then handed officers an unregistered phone and gave them the PIN.

Officers found a Snapchat account on the phone claiming to be a 15-year-old boy, and the account had set up a group encouraging teenagers to post indecent images.

Two accounts were also found on Session – an encrypted instant messaging app where users remain anonymous.

One of the accounts – in the name ‘Terry Teacher’ – had been communicating with accounts which claimed to be children, as well as with other adults who had a sexual interest in children.

During conversations between June 11 and 14, Hughes asked for sexual pictures from an user who said they were a teenage girl. He also sent pictures of himself naked and a video of himself masturbating.

In the early hours of June 25, he asked a user claiming to be a 10-year-old child for indecent images and sent naked images of himself. The user sent an image of a young child “in a state of undress”, however Ms Carpanini said this did not meet the criteria as an indecent image.

Hughes had also been speaking with a man with a young child, and encouraged him to send indecent images of his son.

The court heard Hughes could only be charged with attempted sexual communication with a child because the real age of the other account holders could not be identified.

Hughes, of Meadow Way, made full admissions in interview, and pleaded guilty to two offences of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, attempting to cause a child to watch sexual activity, making a Category C indecent images, and breaching of a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard all of 41-year-old Hughes’ nine previous offences were relating to child sexual offences.

David Singh, appearing for Hughes, acknowledged the mitigation available is this case was “limited”.

“There’s a recognition that he does have a real problem that has to be addressed,” he said.

“Mr Hughes deeply regrets his behaviour. He is ashamed.”

Judge Geraint Walters sentenced Hughes to a total of two years imprisonment.

The defendant must register as a sex offender for 10 years, and was made the subject of a new sexual harm prevention order for the same period.