Latest Offenders

Description

Lance Melville Percival, 64, (DOB:15/10/1960) from Oxted, pleaded guilty to eight counts of sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder impeding choice, four counts of rape, 2 counts of sexual assault and two counts of assault by penetration when he appeared at an earlier hearing.

He was also given a Restraining Order preventing contact with the survivor and her immediate relatives, and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

An investigation commenced when an SD card hidden within his wallet was identified as containing numerous files showing him committing the offences. The survivor can clearly be heard telling him to stop in some of the videos whilst he was subjecting her to various levels of abuse. A total of 16 videos were found spanning 13 dates between 2021 and 2024.

The survivor had never reported the abuse and had little understanding or comprehension of what has happened to her. It is believed that she would never have told anyone about what was happening due to the level of grooming and her lack of understanding.

Percival worked as a self-employed taxi driver, licensed by Tandridge District Council, for 10 years. As soon as these allegations came to light, Surrey Police notified the Council and his Hackney Carriage license was immediately revoked.

Detective Constable Marc Taylor from Surrey Police’s Sexual Offences Investigation Team, who investigated the case, said:

“Percival is a sexual predator who abused his position as her driver and took advantage of the victim’s vulnerability. The level and nature of the abuse was hugely shocking and I would like to thank all of my colleagues that assisted in the investigation. It is clear that

Percival knew what he was doing and I am glad that his depraved actions finally came to light. Thanks to the work of the Sexual Offences Investigation Team and the bravery of those involved in the investigation, we were able to secure sufficient evidence to leave

Percival no choice but to plead guilty to his crimes, meaning the survivor and her family were spared the trauma of going through the process of a trial.

This investigation, and today’s sentence, show how seriously any reports of sexual offences are taken and demonstrates that we will do whatever it takes to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.”

Description

A man from a rural Leicestershire village has been jailed after carrying out a string of sexual offences against girls he groomed on Snapchat.

Paul Lipscombe, 51, from Rothley, was sentenced for a total of 34 crimes against six girls – aged between 12 and 15 – after targeting them via the social media app.

An extensive police investigation, being carried by a team of dedicated detectives, is working to uncover the true extent of his offending after identifying six girls he had abused from across the country.  

After gaining their trust, Lipscombe would arrange to meet with the girls in private locations where he would commit acts of rape and sexual assault.

With the use of AI technology, he was also found to be creating and distributing indecent images of children.

Today (Tuesday 11 November), at Leicester Crown Court, he was sentenced to 28 years and one month imprisonment after pleading guilty in February.

He has also been place on the sex offenders register for life. A restraining order had also been issued – preventing him from contacting the victims.

Police investigation

The gravity of Lipscombe’s offending first came to light to police in April 2024 after concerns were raised in Lincolnshire in relation to a missing 15-year-old girl.

Swift action by police led officers to discover the girl was at an address in Leicestershire with Lipscombe and he was initially arrested on suspicion of kidnap.

After the girl was taken to a place of safety she disclosed to police she had been raped.

The case was handed to detectives working Leicestershire Police’s dedicated Child Abuse Investigation Unit (CAIU).

As the investigation progressed it became evident other offences against the girl had occurred and the defendant had also been in contact with other girls - using several different Snapchat accounts.  

As well as using his own name during these interactions, he also went by the names of ‘Dom Woodmore’ and ‘George’ when contacting girls.

Over the course of 10 months, detectives worked tirelessly to identify other girls he had been in contact with to establish if any offences had occurred.

Following this work a further five girls from across the country were subsequently identified and spoken to. If was clear from evidence on his phone and other devices that Lipscombe had been engaging in sexual activity with these girls also.

The offences against the six girls identified took place between September 2023 and April 2024.

When initially contacting the girls Lipscombe had told them he was in his late 20s or early 30s. Five of the six girls had met with him and been raped or sexually assaulted.

One of the girls, who was aged 14 at the time of his offending, had been communicating with him online. Lipscombe had been trying to encourage her to meet him.

She has chosen to speak out and tell her story:

Detailed examination of his devices and online storage accounts also uncovered a significant number of indecent images of children. Further investigation revealed Lipscombe had been creating many of these images using AI software.

He had also set up a website where others could buy illegal images of children and could pay him to create images for them using AI.

The investigation into Lipscombe’s offending remains ongoing.

Officer in the case, Detective Constable Lauren Speight from the CAIU, said:

“Lipscombe has been using Snapchat as a way to meet underage girls. He was able to groom them and persuade them to meet with him so he could carry out these horrendous crimes.

“Following a detailed examination of his devices, I was presented with the overwhelming amount of evidence relating to his conversations and encounters with these girls.

“When reviewing his electronic devices and online storage accounts, they contained a significant amount of illegal material which included both AI generated images and images of real children being abused. The software for creating the AI material was located on his computer.

“Not only was Lipscombe creating these images, but he was also found to have several online social media accounts and a personalised website, specifically for advertising access to these images at a cost.

“Our investigation into the offending carried out by this man is continuing. We suspect he may have been in contact with other girls and could well have committed sexual offences against others. We would urge anyone who has been in contact with him to contact us. We are specially trained to speak to children who may have been victims of similar offences.

“I would also like to praise the girls and their families for supporting our investigation during what has been an extremely difficult and distressing 18 months. It is thanks to them that Lipscombe is now behind bars and unable to prey on children anymore.”

In February, Paul Lipscombe pleaded guilty to a total of 34 offences:

• 21 counts of sexual activity with a child
• Six counts of making indecent photographs of children
• Three counts of sexual assault of a child under 13
• Two counts of rape of a child under 13
• One count of causing or indicting a child to engage in sexual activity
• One count of distributing indecent photographs of children

DC Speight added:

“Offenders like Lipscombe go to extreme lengths to manipulate and exploit children. This type of grooming and abuse can occur both online but also in person and often those being exploited don’t realise they are victims; they believe they are in a loving consensual relationship.

“We need to do all we can to keep children safe from those who want to cause them serious harm. In cases like these we often see victims being given money, gifts or even drugs or alcohol in exchange for engaging in sexual activity. We also often see that victims are made to feel special and thrive on the attention they are given. For many children and young people, it is having someone who they believe is there for them and cares about them.

“This of course is not the reality, and it is crucial everyone is aware of the issue and knows the signs to look out for.”

Description

Police are urging victims of burglary in Huddersfield who have not contacted them to get in touch follow the sentencing of a repeat burglar for sexual assault. 

Kirklees District Police has issued the appeal following the sentencing of Ference Bogdan, aged 33, of Pollard Street, Fartown last week.    

Bogdan was jailed for 16 years and ten months at Leeds Crown on November 6, for sexual assault and burglary offences in incidents in Huddersfield in 2023 and 2024. 

He has been described as a clear danger to women by detectives who said Bogdan appeared to have shown particular interest in stealing personal items from his victims. 

The 33-year-old was sentenced to six offences including a sexual assault offence on woman inside a house he broke into in Huddersfield on 28 September 2024.   

He was also convicted of trespass with intend to commit a sexual offence and burglary in relation to the incident, in which he fled the property after the victim resisted. 

Bogdan was also convicted for offences at an address on Ashbrow Road in Huddersfield on November 1 2023 in which he broke into a property and stole personal items.   

He then again trespassed at the same address on 24 November 2023, with the intention of committing a sexual offence.  

Bogdan also admitted another offence in September 2024 in which he broke into an address on Ridding Road and stole adult sex toys. 

He was located and arrested shortly after the 28 September offence and charged to appear before Leeds Magistrate’s Court two days later. 

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Thornes of Kirklees District Police, said:

“In our minds there is no doubt Ference Bogdan presents a real danger to women and we welcome his sentencing. 

“He put his victim from 28 September through a terrifying experience in the very place she should have expected to feel safe, and we wish to commend the bravery she showed.   

“Her swift report also meant we were able to quickly locate and arrest Bogdan on the same night and get him off the streets. 

DCI Thornes added:

“The personal items taken by Bogan in the burglary offences he committed also act as evidence, we believe, of the risk to women he poses. 

“We would urge anyone who may have had such personal items or underwear stolen in burglaries in Huddersfield but not reported the thefts to police for whatever reason to contact us. 

“I can assure residents that reports will be dealt with, with the utmost sensitivity and wish to stress how important it is that such thefts are investigated given the risk persons looking to take these items can pose.” 

Description

A Huddersfield sex offender has been jailed for more than a quarter of a century for a spectrum of serious sexual offences against children.  

Matthew Pearce, aged 56, of Glastonbury Drive in Huddersfield was sentenced to 27 years in prison and a year on licence at Leeds Crown Court yesterday ( Monday 10 November) after being found guilty of 20 sexual offences, including rape, against children. 

Detectives have described the offending, which took place between 2003 and 2014, as horrific.  

They have  also praised the tremendous courage of the four victims in supporting a prosecution. 

Pearce, who sexually abused two then young girls and two boys in the Kirklees area, was jailed for the following offences: 

• Three offences of rape of a child under 13. 
• Two offences of rape contrary to section 1(1) of the sexual offences act 2003 
• Two offences of sexual assault on a child under 13 
• Sexual assault 
• Two offences of causing a child to watch a sexual act  
• Two offences of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child  
• Five offences of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity. 
• Two offences of causing a child to engage in sexual activity  
• Indecency with a child contrary  

Peace’s offending was first reported to police in October 2021 after one of the victim’s came forward as an adult. 

The report initiated a complex investigation by specialist Kirklees child safeguarding detectives to trace and interview victims which resulted in Pearce’s arrest in 2022. 

The 56-year-old was charged and first appeared before magistrates in April 2024. 

Dc Paul Campbell of the Kirklees Child Safeguarding Unit, who led the investigation, said:

“The four victims in this case suffered sexual abuse which can only be described as horrific, and we want to pay tribute to the immense bravery they have shown. 

“Even by the standards of some of the dreadful offences we investigate as safeguarding detectives, Pearce’s offending has been appalling in its depravity, and this has been reflected in the very lengthy sentenced imposed by the court.” 

Detective Inspector Paul Greatorex of Kirklees Child Safeguarding Unit, added:

“I hope the now adult victims in this case can take some measure of comfort for seeing Pearce jailed for this catalogue of appalling sexual abuse committed over an 11 year period.  Their bravery in supporting the police and CPS has ensured a highly dangerous child sex offender will be off our streets for many years to come. 

“Supporting victims and putting their needs first is the cornerstone upon which we base all of our investigations into child sexual offending, and we can absolutely promise those who come forward that we will always listen and do all we can to seek justice for them. 

“As this case and others demonstrate, sexual offending can always be reported , even if it took place many years ago and we urge victims who may not have come forwards, for whatever reason, to do so.” 

Description

A FUGITIVE sex offender from Middlewich found in a caravan up a farm track was dealing crack cocaine while on the run.

Callum Lord, of Sutton Lane, had white powder and crystals, £450 in cash, scales, snap bags, and cut ends of plastic bags when police found his mobile home hideout on June 26, last year.

He was caught after police acting on intelligence about his drug dealing in the Middlewich area traced him to the farm track near Church Minshull.

The 26-year-old was wanted for breaching his bail conditions and failing to show up at court for two breaches of a sexual harm prevention order made against him on May 4, 2022.

As well as the drugs, police found two mobile phones in the caravan.

A drugs expert confirmed the white crystals found in the caravan were crack cocaine.

When he was arrested, Lord told police he was addicted to the drugs, and they belonged to him.

Lord pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class A drugs before magistrates on September 18.

He returned to Chester Crown Court on Tuesday, November 4, where His Honour Judge Patrick Thompson jailed him for two years and eight months.

Judge Thompson also order the drugs to be destroyed, and the cash to be forfeited.

It will be added to a fund used in the fight against drug crime.

Description

On Friday, November 7, Rowan Barnett-Davies, a 23-year-old resident of Brecon Road, Hirwaun, was sentenced to eight years in prison at Newport Crown Court.

He had previously pleaded guilty to multiple serious charges involving child sexual offences, including 21 counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, three counts of engaging in sexual communication with a child, 11 counts of distributing indecent images, and seven counts of possessing indecent, prohibited, and extreme images.

The investigation by South Wales Police revealed that Barnett-Davies had exploited 20 victims, all aged between 12 and 16 at the time of the offences. Officers received intelligence regarding Barnett-Davies’ possession of child sexual abuse material, which prompted a comprehensive investigation into his activities.

The investigation escalated on December 20, 2024, when West Mercia Police reported that Barnett-Davies was potentially engaging in sexual communication with a 13-year-old girl. The girl’s mother alerted police after discovering that her daughter had been communicating online with Barnett-Davies, who allegedly sent her money in exchange for indecent images. Responding swiftly, officers from the South Wales Police Online Investigation Team (POLIT) visited Barnett-Davies’ home the following day.

Upon arrival at his residence, officers found Barnett-Davies asleep in his bedroom, with two mobile phones positioned next to him. He was arrested on suspicion of possession of indecent images of children and engaging in sexual communication with a child.

As the investigation progressed, further searches of Barnett-Davies’ home led to the seizure of multiple mobile phones.  All three phones found in his bedroom were confirmed to belong to him, and he provided officers with the necessary passwords to access the content stored on them.

In a second arrest on March 19, 2025, officers again located Barnett-Davies at his home. He was arrested on suspicion of additional offences, including possession and distribution of indecent images of children and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Once more, he was cautioned, and the investigation proceeded with the seizure of another mobile phone.

Following a thorough examination of the evidence against him, Barnett-Davies pleaded guilty to the charges.

Detective Constable Amy Partridge of South Wales Police stated:

"The conviction of Rowan Barnett-Davies highlights our commitment to protecting children from exploitation. We will continue to work tirelessly to bring those who prey on the vulnerable to justice.

“The court's decision sends a clear message that such despicable actions will not be tolerated, and offenders will face severe consequences. I urge anyone who suspects child exploitation to report it immediately.”

Description

A rapist who targeted three women during a campaign of serious sexual offending lasting just over a month has been jailed.  

Mihai-Nicolae Patran was found guilty of rape, sexual assault and sexual exposure following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.  

Prosecutors played CCTV footage which showed the 34-year-old travelling on a train between Perth and Stirling on 22 October 2023. 

He went on to indecently expose himself while seated in a busy carriage and in the presence of a 19-year-old woman.  

The teenager was able to alert the conductor with the police subsequently called.   

Just weeks later, on 26 November 2023, Patran emerged from an alleyway and attacked a 29-year-old woman as she walked along Mitchell Street in Glasgow. 

He blocked her from leaving an enclosed doorway and raped her. 

Patran was later arrested and appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court where he sexually assaulted a third female on 28 November 2023. 

Prosecutors used a variety of evidence, including CCTV, mobile phone footage, DNA, and witness accounts to build a compelling case against the offender, who did not know any of the victims.  

He was convicted of all three charges on 14 October 2025. 

On 10 November 2025, at the High Court in Glasgow, Patran, of Romania, was given a 12-year extended sentence with nine years in custody

His name has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely.  

Faye Cook, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, said:  

“Mihai-Nicolae Patran poses a significant danger to women and is a sexual opportunist who offends in high-risk situations.  

“The prosecution identified and drew together multiple strands of evidence, including CCTV footage, which supported the harrowing accounts given by all three victims.  

“This conviction would not have been possible without these women, and I hope it brings some comfort that Patran has now been held accountable.  

“This type of stranger offending, while rare, will not be tolerated and Scotland’s prosecutors will continue to fully support those affected as we seek to secure justice.”  

Description

An East Malling man has been jailed after he was found guilty of raping a woman who had passed out following a night out in a pub. 

Steven Moore exploited and abused his vulnerable victim after they left the premises and he took her to a nearby residential property. 

The incident happened in 2017 and was reported to Kent Police in March 2023, when Moore was arrested.

Intoxicated and confused

An investigation established that prior to the rape, the woman had previously engaged in small talk with Moore who was acquainted with someone she knew.

During an evening between November and December 2017, the victim encountered him at the (former) Rising Sun pub in Mill Street.

They consumed several drinks and she became intoxicated and confused. The victim recalled that after accompanying Moore to a different property she blacked out and woke up to find him raping her.

Moore, now 67, of Stickens Lane, East Malling was charged with rape and pleaded not guilty. A trial was held at Maidstone Crown Court and a jury convicted him by unanimous verdict.

On 7 November 2025, Moore was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment.

Never too late to report abuse

Detective Sergeant Mike Williams said:

‘Steven Moore deliberately targeted a vulnerable woman, exploiting her trust and intoxicated state to subject her to a truly horrific ordeal.

'His actions were clearly calculated and the impact on the victim has been profound. She has found it difficult to come forward but her tremendous courage has now thankfully ensured Moore has faced justice.

‘We know how difficult it can be for victims of sexual abuse to report such abhorrent and damaging offences, especially when so much time has passed. I hope this case demonstrates that no matter when offences have happened you will always be listened to, believed and supported.’

Description

The victim of a violent and sexual assault has seen her attacker jailed for 12 years.

Danny Bailey forced his way into the victim’s property in Rochester during the early hours of 28 June 2024. The woman had opened the door believing it was a neighbour, but Bailey pushed her back inside and made threats to kill her.

He then raped the victim and physically assaulted her, leaving her with cuts to her lip and scratches on her neck.

The victim managed to escape and lock herself in an upstairs bedroom, where her screams were heard by a neighbour who called police.

Arrest

Bailey had fled the scene before officers arrived but was arrested shortly afterwards at his home in Brompton Lane, Strood. He claimed he had been there all night watching television.

The 42 year old was found guilty of rape, intentional strangulation, threats to kill, and actual bodily harm, following a trial.

At Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday 23 October 2025, Bailey was sentenced to 12 years in prison with an extended licence period of two years.

Detective Constable Devon McKee, who led the investigation, said:

‘This was a terrifying ordeal for the victim, who showed immense courage both during the attack and throughout the investigation.

‘Bailey’s actions were calculated and violent, and the sentence handed down reflects the seriousness of his crimes. We hope this outcome provides some measure of justice and reassurance to the victim as she continues to recover.’

Description

A Winsford man who incited a young child to engage in sexual activity has been jailed.

Antony Hill appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday 7 November where he was sentenced to nine years in prison.

The 27-year-old had earlier been found guilty of two counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

Hill, of Bollin Avenue, Winsford, has also been ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life and handed a restraining order to preventing him from contacting the victim.

In July 2024 the victim, a young child, disclosed to their parents that they had been sexually assaulted by Hill.

The child described how over a number of months Hill had made them engage in sexual activity and touch him inappropriately, telling the victim that it was their little secret.

Following the reports an investigation was launched by detectives from Northwich Protecting Vulnerable People (PVP).

Hill was arrested in relation to the incident and when questioned he declined to answer any questions put to him by officers.

Despite his silence, he was charged in relation to the allegations and found guilty of all the charges following a three-day trial at Chester Crown Court.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Emily Mackay, of the Northwich PVP Unit, said:

“Firstly, I would like to commend the victim in this case for the bravery and courage that they have shown throughout this investigation.

“Nobody should have to experience what they have been though, and I hope that the sentence handed to Hill will provide them and their family with some closure and allow them to move forward with their lives.

“I also hope it encourages anyone who has been a victim of sexual offences to please contact us. We will investigate all reports thoroughly with the needs and wishes of the victim as our main priority.”

Description

A specialist child protection detective has joined a Judge in praising a young child for their bravery in speaking out about abuse they’d suffered, and for preventing the perpetrator from carrying out further harm to the victim or to other children.

Detective Sergeant Allan from our POLIT (Paedophile Online Investigation Team) spoke as 24-year-old Kane Povey received a 12-year sentence after pleading guilty to six offences half-way through his trial.  

Povey will serve 11 years in prison and one on licence.

An investigation into Povey began in October 2022 after police received a report of sexual assault and rape of a seven-year-old child. 

Cleveland Police immediately put safeguarding measures in place for the child and offered the victim and family further specialist support from local professional partner organisations.

Povey was arrested and interviewed but he denied the allegations however on receiving extensive evidence from police, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised six charges against him.

These comprised three counts of rape of a child under 13 and three counts of causing or incident a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

Povey continued to deny any wrongdoing and a trial began in September this year.  Mid-trial though, he changed his plea and admitted the six charges.

He was remanded in prison until his appearance at Teesside Crown Court for sentencing today.

As well as imprisonment, Povey will be placed on the sex offenders’ register, will be subject to a SHPO (sexual harm prevention order) for life and on his eventual release, he’ll be subject to strict conditions and monitoring by specialist police officers.

Detective Sergeant Allan said:

"Firstly I’d like to acknowledge the bravery of this young child for coming forward and having their voice heard and believed.  In doing so it allowed police to take immediate action to safeguard them and protect other children from Povey.

“Povey is a dangerous and predatory man who has caused this child untold struggles in their day-to-day life, but the child and their family have shown incredible bravery throughout the police and court process.

“I hope today’s result will bring a degree of comfort to them all and I wish them all the best in going forward.”

Description

A 35-year-old man convicted of rape, harassment and non-fatal strangulation has been jailed for 12 years.

James Chater, formerly of the Sleaford area, was sentenced for the charges when he appeared at Lincoln Crown Court on Friday, 7 November.

Chater pleaded guilty to two of the charges at an earlier trial – though he denied rape before he was eventually found guilty.

The crimes took place in the Sleaford area.

Chater was given a 12-year sentence, added to the sex offender’s register and given a sexual harm prevention order when he appeared in court. He has been jailed immediately.

Trainee Detective Constable Kieron Stewart, who led the investigation, paid tribute to the bravery of the victim and said this behaviour will not be tolerated in Lincolnshire.

“Chater’s actions were reprehensible and showed a lack of empathy and thought for his victim,” he said.

“This behaviour is unacceptable, and he has rightly been jailed today for the crimes he committed.

“Without the bravery of those who came forward to help us in our investigation, he could still be on the streets, so I’d like to pay tribute to their courage.

“This sends a message to any would-be offender – we will pursue you and pursue all lines of enquiry available to us.

“This is about delivering justice and deterring offenders - we will find you.

“And we will do everything in our power to support victims who come forward.”

Description

Shazad Mughal (13/11/1977) of Tansley Road, Crumpsall was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison on Friday 7 November 2025 after being found guilty of one count of rape and one count of sexual assault by penetration.

On Wednesday 10 August 2022, officers received a 999 call from the victim at 12:45am who said she had been sexually assaulted.

The victim asked Mughal, who was working as a security guard, for directions to Manchester city centre after their tram had terminated earlier than expected.

Mughal allowed the victim to use the toilet before sexually assaulting her in his security booth.

The victim managed to flee the scene and call the police, remaining hidden until an officer could locate them.

Detective Constable Luke Miller, of our Serious Crime Division, said:

“I would like to thank the victim for reporting this terrible incident to the police and allowing us to conduct a thorough investigation.

“Mughal abused his position of authority to sexually assault a woman who had asked him for help. Mughal claimed that the victim was advancing onto them whilst in the security booth and that he did not want to have any sexual activity with the victim, which was completely untrue.

“I commend the victim in this case for supporting our investigation, which has resulted in today’s sentence and sees justice served against Mughal, who will now spend a significant amount of time behind bars.

“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

Phillip Wallbank began abusing the girl when she was just 8 years old and continued for several years, until she bravely confided in staff at her school and the matter was reported to police.

During a police interview Wallbank, of Quebec Avenue, Blackpool, provided a lengthy prepared statement denying all allegations and claiming the victim was ‘unreliable and vindictive’.

The 37-year-old was then questioned – but declined to comment – about sexual abuse material which had been downloaded from his phone after being seized by officers.

The material amounted to over a thousand images and 1 video of category c, 15 images and 1 video of category b, and 4 images of category A.

Wallbank was subsequently charged with a catalogue of sexual offences which he continued to deny until a plea hearing in August, where he eventually admitted all 12 charges against him:

• Engage in sexual activity in presence of child under 13
• x4 Assault a girl under 13 by touching
• x2 Rape a girl under 13
• x2 Assault a girl under 13 by penetration
• x3 Make indecent images of a child

In a victim impact statement, which was read out in court, the girl explained that Wallbank’s abuse had caused ruptures within her family, as some of them did not believe her when she told them of the abuse:

“I’m left feeling very angry and alone because they wouldn’t believe me and thought I was lying.”

The statement goes on to tell of the lasting damage that Wallbank has inflicted:

“Because of what he did, I have nightmares almost every night.

“I wake up shaking and frightened. Flashbacks can happen at any time. They make me feel sick and like it’s happening all over again.

“Sometimes I cut the skin on my arms to stop the bad thoughts in my head.

“I feel different from other kids, I feel worthless, like I am not good enough.

“He stole my childhood, and the hurt he caused me is still with me every single day”

A judge handed Wallbank a 25-and-half-year prison term during a sentencing hearing at Derby Crown Court on 27 October.

The term comprises 19-and-a-half years imprisonment plus a six-year extended licence period due to danger and risk he poses to the public.

The judge also placed Wallbank on the sex offenders register for life.

Detective Constable Trev Allt, officer in the case, said:

“The courage shown by the victim in this case is deeply admirable.

“Despite the devastating impact Wallbank’s abuse has had on her life, she was able to trust and confide in staff at school and later police – which has allowed us to investigate and see this case through to conviction.

“The sentence handed by the judge reflects the severity of Wallbank’s crimes and the danger he poses to the public.

“Nothing can take away what Wallbank did to the victim, but it is my hope that she can now begin to move forward and rebuild her life knowing that he is behind bars and has been held publicly accountable for his crimes.”

Description

A rapist who sexually abused three young girls during the 1990s and early 2000s has been convicted of historic sex crimes.

Peter King lured in and groomed the three children, who were between 6 and 15yrs at the time, by taking them on swimming trips, buying them clothing and food and then taking them back to his flat in Highgate, Birmingham.

King, now aged 72, worked as a taxi driver at the time and used his black cab to ferry around the girls and sometimes their friends too.

One girl he abused, who was 15 at the time, became pregnant by King before having a termination.

She bravely revealed this information years later to help our Public Protection Unit (PPU) prosecute him for his appalling actions.

Following the trial, which concluded at Birmingham Crown Court last Friday (31 October), King, of Malin Close, Southampton, was convicted of 15 sex offences, including multiple incidents if rape and indecent assault.

He was remanded into custody ahead of sentencing on 12 January.

Detective Investigating Officer Liz Weston, from the PPU, said:

“This has been a long and complex investigation into the abuse of young girls who were groomed by King.

"He preyed upon them when they were at their most vulnerable.

"He took advantage of their own personal circumstances and gave them pocket money, bought them gifts, clothing and food and took them on day trips and holidays.

"He tried to portray that he was a good man who cared for them, but the jury saw through those lies.

"I’m pleased that the women he abused as children all those years ago have finally received the justice they so deserve.

"I commend their bravery in being able to speak out and share their stories and

"I would ask anyone who has encountered similar experiences, or any kind of abuse, historically or recently, to speak to the police.

"We are here to create a safe space for you and we will listen.”