Latest Offenders

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A former Dudley councillor has been jailed for 32 months after admitting four sexual offences involving children in an online police sting.

Adrian Hughes, 36, of Marsh Lane, Preston, was caught by officers who posed as two girls – “Lucy”, 13, and “Molly”, 12 – on the platforms IB and Kick between May and June 2025.

Despite no real victims, Recorder A Siddiqi told Preston Crown Court on April 24: “You thought you were messaging 12 and 13-year-olds, you could have done a great deal of harm. Unacceptable does not capture how appalling your behaviour was; immediate custody was inevitable.”

Hughes, a Labour councillor in Dudley from 2022 to 2024, pleaded guilty to attempting to incite a girl under 13 into non-penetrative sexual activity, the same offence with a girl aged 13–15, and attempting sexual communication with a child in both age groups.

He contacted “Lucy” first, asked for pictures, complimented her “amazing body” and sent explicit messages. He then messaged “Molly”, asked her to remove her hoodie, briefly broke off contact after noting she was “too young”, but later sent images of himself in underwear and of his genitals.

He was arrested on 23 June 2025.

Defence lawyer Georgia Faulke said Hughes was previously of good character and the offences occurred over a short period while he was suffering mental health difficulties, isolation and self-medicating with cocaine, cannabis and alcohol. He has since stopped taking drugs and dramatically reduced his drinking.

“It was a period of isolation, he wanted support from someone, someone to talk to,” Miss Faulke told the court. “It stems from mental health difficulties he was going through at the time.”

Recorder Siddiqi imposed 32 months’ imprisonment for the incitement offence and concurrent terms of 12, 15 and 12 months for the others. She noted as aggravating that Hughes had deleted some chats to conceal evidence.

He was also made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and indefinite notification requirements.

Description

A Rugby man has been jailed for seven and a half years after admitting raping and drugging a woman.

A woman in her 20s was out in Warwick on 21 July 2023 when she was approached by an unknown man.

The man – Connor Ratcliffe – plied her with drugs and alcohol over the course of the evening before carrying out what a judge described as “a sequence of predatory acts” that culminated in him raping her in a secluded car park.

Officers soon arrested 30-year-old Ratcliffe, who was later charged with two counts of rape and supplying a controlled drug of class A – cocaine.

Despite initially denying the offences, he eventually changed his plea at a hearing in March.

Appearing at Coventry Crown Court on Thursday (23 April), he was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for the rape and six months for the drug offence to run concurrently. 

Ratcliffe, of Yates Avenue, was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Detective Constable Sacha Bury said:

“This has been very traumatic for the victim who has shown immense bravery since the outset.  

“Her life has been hugely impacted by what happened, but I hope knowing Ratcliffe is now behind bars will provide some comfort as she tries to come to terms with it all.

“I hope his conviction also reassures other victims of sexual offences and gives them the confidence to report their ordeal knowing they will be listened to and supported. We will always investigate and do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.” 

Description

A registered sex offender has been jailed after he admitted sexually assaulting a young girl in Kirklees and voyeurism offences.  

Andrew Garbutt, also known as Samuel Little, aged 42, of Wentworth Road, Bridlington was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court today (27 April), after admitting four sexual offences.  

He was given an extended sentence of 11 years and three months for one count of sexual assault on a child between May and August 2023, two counts of possession of indecent photos of a child, and one count of voyeurism.  

He will serve six years and three months in jail and the rest on licence. He was also made to sign the sex offenders register for life and given a sexual harm prevention order.

Garbutt’s offending came to light in August 2023 after the sexual assault victim made disclosures to her family who then contacted Kirklees Police.  

The 42-year-old was arrested on 1 September and Kirklees safeguarding officers began a lengthy and complex enquiry into the reported offending.  

As part of the investigation, his devices were seized with officers finding indecent images of a child and a covert recording of an unidentified woman.

Garbutt was charged in July 2024 and first appeared before magistrates on 25 July. He admitted his guilt in a court hearing earlier this year.  

DC Emily Brattan of the Kirklees Child Safeguarding Unit, said:

“Andrew Garbutt undoubtedly poses a danger to young children and we welcome his sentencing for these offences.  

“I wish to commend the bravery of the young girl in disclosing Garbutt’s actions to her family and their courage in coming forwards to report his offending and support the investigation. “  

“We do realise just how difficult it can be to report being a victim of sexual abuse or disclosing offending on the behalf of a young person.    

“All reports are investigated by specially trained detectives who can also help victims access specialist services from partners that they may need.”

Description

A 24-year-old man from Bedford has been sentenced after forcing a teenage girl into marriage and subjecting her to cohesive and controlling behaviour.

Mohammed Al-Amin began a sexually abusing the victim when she was in her early teens.

In February last year, she bravely came forward to report that she was a victim of coercion and exploitation, and we launched an investigation.

She also disclosed that she has been coerced into entering an Islamic marriage via Zoom in a language she didn’t understand, when she was still under the age of 18.

She described the significant pressure she faced, including expectations on how to dress and behave in particular ways to “avoid bringing shame” upon him and his family.

After the relationship ended, Al-Amin sent abusive and threatening messages the victim, saying that he would kill her family.

Al-Amin of Saxon Way, Great Denham, Bedford, was found guilty of one count of forced marriage and two counts of sexual activity with a child. He was sentenced today (Friday) at Luton Crown Court to three years and seven months. He was also handed a five-year retraining order and will have to be on the Sex Offenders' Register for seven years.

Detective Constable Hollie Fraser, who investigated, said:

“This was a challenging investigation, and I am pleased that Al-Amin has received a custodial sentence.

“I want to commend the immense bravery shown by the victim in coming forward to report what she endured. Despite living in fear, she found the courage to speak out. Her actions not only helped bring the offender to justice but also send a powerful message to others that support is available.

“It great to see how far the victim has come since this happened - she has been able to start a new chapter of her life away from the perpetrator and I wish her well.

“Forcing someone into marriage without their consent is abuse and control, not tradition.”

Description

A man from Newcastle-under-Lyme has been found guilty of child sexual offences following a trial.

Joseph Riley, 44, of May Bank, was convicted of attempting to cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity, intentionally touching a child in a sexual manner without consent, three charges of making indecent images of children and two charges of distributing indecent images of a child at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Wednesday (22 April).

Detective Sergeant, Katie Shufflebotham, from child protection, said:

We welcome this result after what has been a lengthy investigation.

I would like to thank the victim and their family for their bravery in coming forward.

They have shown considerable strength in supporting the investigation over the last four-and-a-half years.

Riley has been remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing date at the same court on Wednesday 10 June.

Description

Vijay Chawla (10/03/1959) of Rectory Lane, Bury has been sentenced to seven years at Manchester Crown Court today (24 April 2026).

Chawla was found guilty of rape and sexual assault against the same victim at a trial in January 2026.

On Saturday 18 March 2023, officers received a disclosure from a 72-year-old woman who reported she had been raped the night before at an address in Manchester.

Despite repeatedly telling him to stop, Chawla forced himself on the woman and subjected her to a terrifying ordeal.

Officers attended the scene, and the female victim was immediately supported by specialist officers and support services.

Chawla was arrested on the same day and later released pending further investigation.

Detective Sergeant Sam Cullen, of our Criminal Investigations Department, said:

“Firstly I would like to thank the victim in his horrifying incident to come forward and report their abuse to us, allowing us to conduct a thorough investigation.

“I commend the victim in this case for supporting our investigation, which has resulted in today’s sentence and sees justice served against Chawla.

“Our officers will provide support, conduct thorough investigations, and take firm action against offenders. Your allegations will be taken seriously, and you will be treated with dignity and respect."

Description

A man who raped a schoolgirl in Bradford more than 20 years ago has been jailed after a forensic breakthrough linked him to the crime. 
 
Abdul Qayum had originally been arrested and interviewed over the rape of the 14-year-old girl at his then flat in Jacob Street, Bradford, on 9 June 2004.

The victim had been approached by Qayum, who was a passenger in a car driven by his friend. 
 
After trying to persuade her to come with them, he ordered the girl to get into the car. She was given cannabis and driven to Qayum’s flat, where she was given alcohol to drink. 
 
His friend put her to bed in a bedroom at the flat after she felt unwell, and Qayum, who was aged 31 at the time, entered the room and began shouting and swearing at her before raping her. 
 
He tried to prevent her from leaving but she managed to call the police and escape from the flat. 
 
Qayum was arrested at the scene along with his friend. 
 
The friend was eliminated from the investigation and Qayum denied the offence. He was released on bail while enquiries continued. 
 
Officers liaised with the Crown Prosecution Service, and it was assessed that there was insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction. The case was finalised and Qayum was released from his bail. 
 
He was subsequently re-arrested in June 2023 by officers from West Yorkshire Police’s Major Investigation Team (MIRT) after new evidence was found linking him to the offence. 
 
The case was among the non-recent rape and serious sexual assault cases reviewed by Operation Recall - a team within MIRT working closely with forensic science partners to make best use of advancements in DNA technology to progress investigations. 
 
Male DNA had been found on swabs taken from the victim that was a match to Qayum. 
 
He gave no comment when interviewed by officers and was subsequently charged with the rape in July 2024 following liaison with the Crown Prosecution Service. 
 
He pleaded not guilty but was convicted following a trial at Bradford Crown Court. 
 
Today, Qayum, aged 53, of Folkestone Street, Bradford, was sentenced to 14 years custody and was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

In a victim impact statement read to Bradford Crown Court, she said:  
  
“I was a 14-year-old child, and you had no right to take me away from me living a normal happy life, but you did. No amount of time you serve will ever be enough for suffering I have endured, but I can say I am glad and relieved that I have finally got the justice I deserve.  

“I know now that I should not blame myself, there is only one person to blame and that is you. It has taken twenty-two years to get justice whilst you lived a normal life. I feel as though I am the one who has been serving a sentence from the damage you caused.  

“What you did will never leave me, but I can finally move on after some closure and start to heal the best I can after it has consumed me for so long.” 
 
Detective Sergeant Richard Ord, of the Major Investigation Review Team, said:

“Qayum preyed on the victim, who was a vulnerable young schoolgirl, in the worst of circumstances, and she has had to live with the impact of his actions for all these years. 
 
“He denied the offence at the time, and unfortunately the evidence available then was not sufficient to progress to a charge. Thankfully, advances in forensic science meant we were able to reopen the case on the basis of new DNA evidence and progress the investigation to see Qayum held criminally responsible. 
 
“We hope it will provide some degree of comfort to the victim to know that he has now finally been brought to justice.”

Description

A Chatham child rapist has been jailed for more than 16 years.

Kent Police launched an investigation in July 2022, following a report regarding Jason Hartley committing multiple rapes and assaults against a child between 2001 and 2007.

A second young victim also reported the 55 year old had exposed himself to them on at least two occasions.

The Palmerston Road resident was later arrested and charged with 15 sexual offences.

Court

Hartley admitted multiple offences at Maidstone Crown Court on 23 March 2026 including counts of rape, raping a child under 13 and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. A further five charges will lie on file.

At the same court on Friday 10 April, he was sentenced to 16 and a half years in prison with a further year on licence. An indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) has also been issued and he is required to sign onto the sex offenders’ register.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Emma Davies said:

‘Hartley’s predatorial behaviour has resulted in significant harm for his young victims, and this sentence and SHPO will ensure he cannot harm anyone else.‘I commend the bravery of his victim for coming forward and reliving their experiences in order to secure this outcome. We are satisfied that Hartley is facing the consequences of his offending.’

Description

A vape shop owner who sexually assaulted a teenager in his shop in Paignton has been jailed.

Janpal Singh, 27 of High Street, Exeter, was found guilty of sexual assault against a 13-year-old girl and sentenced to six years and eight months in prison at Plymouth Crown Court today, Thursday 23 April.

Singh was also given a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and ordered to sign the National Sex Offender Register

The court heard that Signh had owned a phone repair and vape shop called ‘Fone Fix’ on Victoria Street.

The incident happened in 2023, with the victim being just 13 years old. She had been in Singh’s shop and attempted to take a vape without paying for it. She was then detained by Singh who pushed her towards the back of the shop behind the counter and subjected her to a sexual assault.

The victim managed to flee the shop and reported the incident to police.

Following a trial at Plymouth Crown Court, Singh was found guilty of sexual assault against the victim on 11th November 2025.

Detective Constable Rachael Delaney said:

“Firstly I wish to praise the courage of the victim who has demonstrated enormous strength throughout.

“I sincerely hope that today’s outcome will encourage others to come forward to report sexual abuse and gives them the confidence to know that they will be believed and listened to.”

Description

A man has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 13-and-a-half years for the religiously aggravated rape and assault of a Sikh woman in her home in Walsall.

John Ashby, 32, of no fixed address, was sentenced today (24 April 2026) at Birmingham Crown Court. He pleaded guilty on the second day of his trial, having previously denied the charges.

On 26 October 2025, Ashby was on the same bus as the victim, who was a stranger to him, after she finished work and travelled home. CCTV footage captured him following her off the bus and all the way to her address. 

A short time after arriving home, she went upstairs to change and then to the bathroom, which was unlocked as she believed she was alone in the house. She heard a noise and, thinking her flatmate had returned, rushed to lock the bathroom door.  Ashby forced his way in before she could do so.

He ordered her to remove her clothes, struck her with a stick, put his hands around her neck and strangled her, before demanding she climb into the bath and raping her.

During the attack, Ashby directed Islamophobic abuse at the victim, whom he believed to be Muslim, telling her she was dirty. He fled after being was disturbed by a noise outside.

Building the case

The Crown Prosecution Service worked closely with West Midlands Police to build a strong case based on multiple strands of evidence.

CCTV footage showed Ashby following the victim from the bus, surveying her property before gaining entry, picking up a stick, along with his fingerprints and DNA on a vape and a toothbrush left in the bathroom.

The victim provided a detailed video-recorded interview describing the full extent of the offences, including the religiously motivated abuse used throughout the attack. Three days later, she attended an identity parade and positively identified Ashby as her attacker, leading to his arrest the same day.

Senior Crown Prosecutor Rav Dhillon from the Crown Prosecution Service said:

"This was a deeply disturbing attack driven by religious hatred, carried out against an innocent woman in her own home – where she had every right to be and feel safe. 

"John Ashby targeted a complete stranger, subjected her to prolonged violence and religiously motivated abuse, and left her traumatised. The CPS worked closely with West Midlands Police to present a robust case based on CCTV footage, DNA evidence, and witness testimony. The fact Ashby initially denied these charges before changing his plea part-way through the trial reflects the strength of the evidence against him.

"We invited the court to treat the religious hostility shown throughout this offending as an aggravating feature. No one should be subjected to violence and hatred because of their background – perceived or otherwise. 

“Our thoughts remain with the victim, who showed remarkable courage, and we hope today’s sentencing brings her some measure of justice.”

Description

A Devon sex offender targeted vulnerable young girls online and incited them into sharing degrading sexual content and carrying out self-harm. 

Miles Goninon, 29, was also found in possession of thousands of indecent images and videos of children spanning all three categories. 

Goninon, from the Winkleigh area of Devon, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court on Thursday 23 April after pleading guilty to 25 offences including possession and distribution of indecent images of children (all categories), engaging in sexual communications with children and causing a child to engage in a sexual act.

Goninon was jailed for 12 years. He was made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order until further order and placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

The court heard how Goninon targeted numerous vulnerable young girls online through Snapchat, gaining their trust before abusing them.

The offending came to light when Police received intelligence reporting that a user of a Snapchat account associated with Goninon’s email address had engaged in conversation with a child online and asked her for an indecent video of herself.

The account was traced to Goninon’s home address and in June 2024 officers executed a warrant and arrested Goninon.

As a result of the warrant, a large number of devices were seized and later found to contain a huge catalogue of troubling child sex abuse material and explicit conversations with children.

Investigation showed that Goninon was operating multiple Snapchat accounts pretending to be teenagers and had also distributed child abuse material to others.

Goninon was found in possession of hundreds of indecent videos and images of victims that he had requested and filmed virtually himself.

Some of the victims were identified from their Snapchat usernames and home visits then carried out by police. Victims of Goninon were placed around the world. Many of not been identified. 

Goninon denied any criminal wrongdoing in his interviews.

The sentencing judge described Goninon as taking no responsibility for the horrendous impact his crimes had on his victims and showing very limited empathy.

Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Simon Foster said: “This was a complex and extremely disturbing investigation led by the Devon and Cornwall Paedophile Online Investigation Team. 

“The officers involved have shown incredible dedication to identify and safeguard as many children as possible. 

“Due to the nature of his offending, our specialist officers had to examine a huge amount of traumatic material to ensure all lines of enquiry were pursued. 

“Miles Goninon showed no remorse or care for his victims and was driven by his sadistic desires to harm children. 

“We welcome today’s sentence and hope this conviction serves as a stark warning to those with an unlawfully blurred view of consent and the wider implications of the sexual abuse of children. 

“I would also like to thank all the identified victims in this case for their bravery and courage in coming forward. It’s not an easy thing to disclose something very personal to you, particularly when it relates to sexual offences. 

“I hope this investigation highlights that the police take sexual allegations seriously, you will be believed, and we will always support you. 

“We believe there are still hundreds of victims targeted by Miles Goninon that our specialist victim ID officers continue to try and identify. 

“He often used his true name as usernames so if anyone feels they have been targeted by his offending, please get in contact so we can support you.

“We will never stop investigating online offences to safeguard children and protect the public from those who seek to hurt children. For those tempted to engage in this type of behaviour, our message is simple: we are watching you, you will be caught, and you can expect a knock at the door from us very soon.”

Description

A 70-year-old man has been given an Order of Lifelong Restriction (OLR) and a custodial sentence of seven years after being convicted of non-recent sexual offences.

Russell Pender’s crimes took place at various locations in Edinburgh, Midlothian and Fife between 1972 and 2021.

He was found guilty of a number of serious sexual offences, including the rape of a child, and placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow in December 2025.

The OLR means the parole board will only consider a date for Pender’s release once he has served his full sentence and his risk to the public has been assessed. He would also be subject to conditions and monitoring for the rest of his life.

Detective Inspector Keith Taylor said:

“Pender is a dangerous sexual predator who preyed on people in the most horrific way. 

“I only hope they take some comfort from knowing their abuser is now behind bars and facing the consequences of his despicable actions.

“I know how difficult it can be to report crimes of this nature and would like to commend the victims for their honesty and strength during the investigation. Their information was vital in helping us build our case against Pender.

“Police Scotland is committed to fully investigating all reports of sexual crime - no matter who the perpetrator is or how much time has passed.

“I would urge anyone who has experienced any form of abuse to please contact us. We have specially trained support officers and work closely with partner agencies to ensure those responsible are held accountable and brought to justice.” 

Description

A man who repeatedly raped a vulnerable woman and forced her to have sex with multiple men in an incident at his home has been jailed following an investigation by West Yorkshire Police’s Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Team.

The team launched an investigation in October 2022 after the victim reported being raped by Cleveland Wyatt and by several other men and badly beaten at an address in the Chapeltown area of Leeds.

Officers carried out enquiries into the incidents and arrested Wyatt and another man in March 2023.

After consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, both men were charged with several sexual offences.

Following a trial at Leeds Crown Court in February this year, Wyatt was found guilty of four offences. His co-defendant was found not guilty on all counts.

Wyatt was convicted of one count of rape of the victim between 31 July 2022 and 1 September 2022, and of another count of rape relating to three additional occasions during the same period.

He was also convicted of two counts of causing the victim to engage in penetrative sexual activity without her consent between 1 September 2022 and 31 October 2022 in relation to an incident involving the other men.

Despite extensive enquiries, officers were unable to identify the other men involved in the offences.

Officers supported the victim throughout the investigation and the trial, and she was able to give her evidence under special measures that allowed her account and cross-examination to be video recorded in advance to reduce the impact of the court process on her.

Today, Wyatt, aged 62, of Ederoyd Drive, Pudsey, was sentenced to 21 years in prison. He was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

The victim provided a Victim Personal Statement to the court. In it she said: “Immediately after all this happened I was anxious and nervous all the time. My sleep has been affected and I have nightmares. I often have nightmares that I am being raped, it’s like re-living what happened. I feel scared and nervous and think about what happened, just talking about this now makes me tear up and feel upset.”

Detective Chief Inspector Lisa Jones, who heads the Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Team, which is part of the force’s Programme Precision initiative targeting serious and organised crime, said:

“Wyatt preyed on the victim, who was clearly very vulnerable, and cruelly exploited her in the most appalling of circumstances, raping her on several occasions and forcing her into being raped by multiple other men at the same time.

“During what was a very challenging investigation, officers from the Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Team were able to build up a comprehensive evidential picture that has resulted in Wyatt being found guilty at trial.

“Most importantly, we would like to recognise the courage that the victim has shown throughout the investigation and the trial. The lasting traumatic impact that Wyatt’s actions have had on her cannot be underestimated, and we hope it will provide some degree of comfort to her to see him brought to justice.

“West Yorkshire Police remains committed to tackling violence against women and girls alongside our partner agencies, and we hope the successful outcome of this case will illustrate that continued aim and give victims of other similar offences the confidence to come forward knowing they will be listened to and supported.”

Description

A 31-year-old man has been found guilty of a string of violent sexual offences, including rape and domestic abuse, in East Lothian.

Jordan Coyle was convicted of the charges on Thursday, 23 April, 2026, following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.

His crimes were committed between 2015 and 2024 against three women in the Musselburgh, Tranent and Ormiston areas.

He is expected to be sentenced next month.

Detective Inspector Peter Baxter said:

“Coyle is an abusive, sexual predator who will now face the consequences of his despicable actions.

“We recognise how challenging these investigations can be for those have experienced abuse and I hope this result offers some form of closure to those affected by his behaviour.

“Police Scotland is committed to fully investigating all reports of sexual violence - no matter who the perpetrator is or how much time has passed.

“We have specially trained officers to support victims and work with partner agencies to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”

Description

A "dangerous" predator knocked a runner to the ground before trying to rape her as she "screamed" for help.

Michael Wanless, 41, targeted the woman early one morning in July 2023 while she was running alone in Eston.

He violently knocked her down, prompting her screams for help, which brought residents rushing to her aid.

Today at Teesside Crown Court, Wanless was classified as a dangerous offender and given an extended sentence of seven years in prison plus three years on licence to protect the public. He was also made subject to a lifetime restraining order.

In November last year, a jury took just 35 minutes to return a guilty verdict. He was remanded in custody pending sentencing.

Following sentencing, Detective Constable Prosser said:

“This lady has understandably suffered lasting trauma from this violent attack, not least because Wanless continually denied his actions that day.

“Despite this horrific ordeal, the lady’s bravery and steadfast support for our investigation has helped bring Wanless to justice and he’ll now spend time in prison where he belongs.

“I also want to thank the local community for their magnificent response that day; without hesitation they put the lady’s safety before their own even as Wanless turned violent against them as he tried desperately to evade police.

“The unwavering support we’ve received from the survivor and from the witnesses undoubtedly helped achieve Wanless’ conviction and I now hope his sentencing will reassure all our communities that Cleveland Police will do everything possible to remove dangerous and violent offenders from our streets.

“Finally, the investigating team wishes the lady all the very best in her ongoing recovery.”