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Description

Sex offender from Gillingham has been jailed for breaching preventative court orders.

Officers reviewing monitoring software on the phone of Ian Brown, 43, noticed he had been messaging several women over many applications. Concerned, his Paget Street home was attended on 8 September and a manual check of his phone revealed he had deleted messages, breaching the terms of his court order.

He was also found to be messaging a 12 year old girl.

Brown was charged with and admitted to multiple breaches of his SHPO and at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday 5 October he was sentenced to 1 year and 4 months in prison.

Description

Sex offender from Gillingham has been jailed for breaching preventative court orders.

Officers became aware that Ben Horrobin, 40, was potentially in possession of a phone he had not made police aware of and attended his Fox Street home on Tuesday 5 May 2026.

Arresting him while the property was searched, Horrobin lunged towards an open window and threw a phone out of it. A review of this device uncovered around 5,000 indecent images of children, undeclared email addresses, and access to messaging sites and internet browsers in which usage history is deleted.

A bank card was also found which he had not notified police of.

He was later charged with multiple offences including making indecent images of children and breaching his SHPO. At Maidstone Crown Court on Friday 2 October, he was jailed for 2 years and 9 months.

Description

A man has been sentenced to 10 years and 6 months in prison after being found guilty of a series of sexual and violent offences against a woman.

Ainsley France (20/11/1997), of Lever Street, Radcliffe, was sentenced to 10 years and 6 months imprisonment after being convicted of two counts of rape, sexual assault and coercive and controlling behaviour.

A thorough investigation by officers from Bury CID uncovered overwhelming evidence of France's sustained campaign of abuse and controlling behaviour towards the victim.

The investigation established that France repeatedly stalked the victim while she was out in public with friends and family. 

France went on to rape and sexually assault the victim on multiple occasions. Despite being told to stop, he continued his abuse and mocked the victim.

The evidence gathered by investigators, alongside the victim's courage in supporting the prosecution, resulted in France being found guilty of all offences.

Detective Constable Christopher Davis, from Bury CID, said:

"The victim has shown incredible strength and courage throughout this investigation and without her determination a dangerous offender may not have been brought to justice.

"She was subjected to sustained abuse, violence and intimidation which left her isolated, frightened and living under the constant threat of further harm.

"While the sentence cannot undo the trauma she has suffered, we hope it provides some measure of closure and allows her to move forward knowing that France can no longer harm her or others.

"This case demonstrates our commitment to pursuing those who commit offences of this nature and ensuring they are held accountable for their actions.

"I would urge anyone who has experienced sexual abuse, stalking or controlling behaviour to come forward and report it. You will be listened to, supported and treated with the utmost care throughout any investigation."

Description

21-year-old Bailey Harding has been jailed for sexual offences against a teenage girl.

Harding, who was 17 when the offending began, abused the victim over a period of 18 months. The victim, a girl known to Harding, was just 14 at the time the abuse began. In January 2024 the victim contacted police and disclosed offences of rape, sexual assault, being strangled and being threatened at knifepoint.

Harding was swiftly arrested, and during a subsequent search of his room two large zombie-style knives were found and seized. In interview he denied all accusations, and claimed the victim was making malicious allegations against him.

Following a trial in July, he was convicted of:

• One count of rape
• Three counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15
• One count of intentional strangulation
• One count of threatening a person with an offensive weapon in a private place
• Controlling and coercive behaviour

On Friday, 25 September Harding, (26/03/2005), of Bookham, was jailed for four years and six months at Chichester Crown Court. He was also issued a seven-year restraining order and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

The victim is now an adult, but the effects of Harding’s abuse continue to seep into her life. She said, “I often feel as if I can see him in big crowds or in dark places” and described regularly changing her appearance so he wouldn’t recognise her if she ever saw him in public. She reflects on how he used the fact that he was older and stronger to control her, and how “I felt he was my saviour but ultimately he was my tormentor.” She told the court that “I haven’t slept peacefully in two and half years.”

Investigating officer DC Helen Cridge said:

“I would like to recognise the victim’s remarkable courage in coming forward while she was still an extremely vulnerable child. Her strength and determination have been inspiring, and her actions have played a vital role in securing this result. I hope her bravery gives others experiencing abuse the confidence to come forward, knowing that they will be listened to and that they are not alone.”

Urging others experiencing similar offences to come forward the victim said, “I know how hard it can be to speak about something that has happened to you, especially when that person has made you feel like you should stay quiet. But please don’t be afraid to speak out. Don’t let anyone make you feel like your voice doesn’t matter, and don’t let anyone take it away from you.”

Description

A man who followed a young woman onto a train before sexually assaulting her has been jailed, following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Siljan Lacaj, 33, and of Palace Road in Haringey, was sentenced on Thursday 24 September at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court to one year imprisonment, having been found guilty of Sexual Assault.

He was also handed a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) that will bar him from speaking to, approaching, or touching any woman that he does not know and prevent him from sitting next to or near any woman. He was also ordered to sign onto the sex offender's register for 10 years.

The court heard how on Monday 3 November 2025 just before 9.30pm Lacaj was at Leicester Square Underground station when he noticed a young woman sat on a bench by herself at the end of the platform.

Lacaj approached and sat next to her, asking her persistent personal questions. He then followed her onto a Piccadilly Line train and sat next to her again.

He then sexually assaulted her, which was noticed by two other people on the train. The two witnesses asked the victim if she knew the man, to which she shook her head.

Other passengers began to shout at Lacaj and demanded he moved, to which he became aggressive. The other passengers then moved the victim away, and a fight broke out between Lacaj and other passengers on the train.

An off-duty Metropolitan Police officer who was on the train intervened and arrested Lacaj on suspicion of Sexual Assault, at which point Lacaj claimed that he was just trying to help the girl get home.

In interview, Lacaj showed no remorse for his intimidating and disgraceful actions, refusing to answer any of the questions put to him.

BTP Detective Constable Dominika Rogers said:

"Lacaj's behaviour was appalling. He deliberately subjected a young woman, who was travelling alone, to a prolonged assault for his own gratification. There is simply no place for conduct like this on the railway network, and I am pleased that he has been held accountable for his actions.

"I would like to pay tribute to the victim for the courage and resilience she showed in coming forward and reporting what happened. I cannot praise the two women on the train enough for noticing what was happening and stepping in to support and protect her. Their actions undoubtedly made a difference and demonstrate the importance of looking out for one another when someone is in need of help.

"If you've been the victim of sexual offending on the railway network or have witnessed an incident, I urge you to report it to us by texting 61016 so that we can secure the justice you deserve."

Description

Three men and a 17-year-old boy who groomed and raped a teenage girl in Bristol last year leaving her “broken beyond resistance” have received custodial sentences.

• Awal Ahmadzai
• Mehrab Safi
• Salman Habibkheil

Mehrab Safi, 21, and Salman Habibkheil, 19, arranged for the victim to be brought into Bristol where they, together with Awal Ahmadzai, 19, and the 17-year-old boy, plied her with alcohol and raped her. 

They denied the offences but were convicted after a trial earlier this year and were sentenced to a combined 36 years at Bristol Crown Court today (6 October). 

The victim met Safi, of St Werburghs, on 25 November 2025 having visited the city to go Christmas shopping with a friend. 

Safi tried to persuade the pair to go to his home, offering them drugs and a place to charge their phones, but they declined and went back to their homes. 

However, Safi continued messaging the victim via Snapchat and requested indecent images from her. 

Less than a week later Safi and Habibkheil, of Lockleaze, arranged for her to be brought into Bristol by taxi. She was then taken to Safi’s house and given alcohol. 

The pair, along with Ahmadzai, of no fixed address, and the teenage boy, all of whom are Afghan nationals, then raped and sexually assaulted the victim over a period of several hours. 

She was found by officers at Safi’s home in St Werburghs having been reported missing by her mum. 

The teenage boy was arrested at the scene and the three men were arrested a few days later having been brought back to the UK after fleeing to France. 

Phones belonging to Habibkheil and Ahmadzai were found to have been used to search for news of the incident online and were also used to research court procedures relating to serious sexual offences. 

Court convictions

Safi, whose self-defined ethnicity is”any other Asian background”, was found guilty of two counts of rape and one count of arranging or facilitating the travel of a female with a view to exploitation. 

Habibkheil, whoseself-defined ethnicity is “any other Black background”, was convicted of one count of rape and one count of arranging or facilitating the travel of a female with a view to exploitation. 

Ahmadzai, whose self-defined ethnicity is “any other Asian background”, was found guilty of one count of rape and one count of sexual assault. 

The teenage boy, who cannot be identified because of his age, was convicted of one count of rape. 

At today’s sentencing hearing, a statement from the victim was read out. In it she spoke about the ongoing impact the offences has had. 

The victim said:

“When I think back to who I was a year ago, I can say that I am a different person to who I was before this all happened. I had a lot more friends, I would go out a lot more, I was happier – now I stopped going out, I don’t even leave the house in general.  

“My dream was to go to college, I wanted to work in a nursery with children, but because my anxiety now is so bad, I had to put a hold on to that dream. I do not know how I will ever be able to do that by myself.  

“When I heard that these men were found guilty, I was very glad and relieved. I knew they were guilty anyway, but I was still scared that they would get away with what they have done and I am relieved they will not be able to do that.” 

In a separate impact statement, the victim’s mother said she and her daughter had felt supported by police officers and a registered intermediary during the investigation and court process.  

She added:

“As a mum it was really hard for me to hear what had happened to my daughter and it is hard to think that my baby has gone through something so horrific, not just once but four times by four men who thought they could do what they wanted to her.  

“It is really hard for me to see how it has affected her and how she has withdrawn from the world around her. She hasn’t been able to go back into Bristol since.” 

Broken beyond resistance

Sentencing at Bristol Crown Court, Judge Cullum said the three men and the 17-year-old boy and left the victim “broken beyond resistance”.

“The victim was obviously vulnerable, and that’s why you all preyed on her,” he said. “She was, in my judgement, vulnerable from the moment you set eyes on her.”

He added:

“Having taken her by a convoluted route back to your house, you then all had sex with her when you wanted, irrespective of what she wanted.

“She was plied with drink until she was very significantly affected. You were getting her drunk to increase her vulnerability and to increase the prospect that she could not resist.”

Mehrab Safi was sentenced to 15 years in prison. 

Salman Habibkheil was sentenced to nine years’ detention. 

Awal Ahmadzai was sentenced to nine years’ detention. 

The 17-year-old boy was sentenced to three years’ detention. 

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Cable, the senior investigating officer, said:

“It’s impossible to understate how significant these offences were. 

“They took advantage of a vulnerable young girl, purely to fulfil their own sexual gratifications. 

“At no point did they give a second thought to the victim’s welfare and the trauma associated with that night will be with her forever. 

“Her bravery in standing up in court and telling her story is awe-inspiring. She has now seen them face justice for the crimes they committed against her. 

“The victim continues to be supported by a specially trained officer and support will continue to be available for as long as it is needed.” 

Georgina Broom of the Crown Prosecution Service said:

“The young victim in this case was targeted, groomed, and then lured to an unfamiliar city, miles from home in the dead of night.   

“Isolated and alone, she was plied with alcohol and then raped and abused over several hours by four different people. It was clear throughout that she did not consent. 

“Thankfully the three men who fled in such a cowardly manner were swiftly returned to the UK to face justice. 

“The CPS is committed to delivering justice for the victims of rape and sexual abuse, and I would encourage all victims to come forward to report offences to the police, so they can be investigated.” 

Description

Three men and a 17-year-old boy who groomed and raped a teenage girl in Bristol last year leaving her “broken beyond resistance” have received custodial sentences.

• Awal Ahmadzai
• Mehrab Safi
• Salman Habibkheil

Mehrab Safi, 21, and Salman Habibkheil, 19, arranged for the victim to be brought into Bristol where they, together with Awal Ahmadzai, 19, and the 17-year-old boy, plied her with alcohol and raped her. 

They denied the offences but were convicted after a trial earlier this year and were sentenced to a combined 36 years at Bristol Crown Court today (6 October). 

The victim met Safi, of St Werburghs, on 25 November 2025 having visited the city to go Christmas shopping with a friend. 

Safi tried to persuade the pair to go to his home, offering them drugs and a place to charge their phones, but they declined and went back to their homes. 

However, Safi continued messaging the victim via Snapchat and requested indecent images from her. 

Less than a week later Safi and Habibkheil, of Lockleaze, arranged for her to be brought into Bristol by taxi. She was then taken to Safi’s house and given alcohol. 

The pair, along with Ahmadzai, of no fixed address, and the teenage boy, all of whom are Afghan nationals, then raped and sexually assaulted the victim over a period of several hours. 

She was found by officers at Safi’s home in St Werburghs having been reported missing by her mum. 

The teenage boy was arrested at the scene and the three men were arrested a few days later having been brought back to the UK after fleeing to France. 

Phones belonging to Habibkheil and Ahmadzai were found to have been used to search for news of the incident online and were also used to research court procedures relating to serious sexual offences. 

Court convictions

Safi, whose self-defined ethnicity is”any other Asian background”, was found guilty of two counts of rape and one count of arranging or facilitating the travel of a female with a view to exploitation. 

Habibkheil, whoseself-defined ethnicity is “any other Black background”, was convicted of one count of rape and one count of arranging or facilitating the travel of a female with a view to exploitation. 

Ahmadzai, whose self-defined ethnicity is “any other Asian background”, was found guilty of one count of rape and one count of sexual assault. 

The teenage boy, who cannot be identified because of his age, was convicted of one count of rape. 

At today’s sentencing hearing, a statement from the victim was read out. In it she spoke about the ongoing impact the offences has had. 

The victim said:

“When I think back to who I was a year ago, I can say that I am a different person to who I was before this all happened. I had a lot more friends, I would go out a lot more, I was happier – now I stopped going out, I don’t even leave the house in general.  

“My dream was to go to college, I wanted to work in a nursery with children, but because my anxiety now is so bad, I had to put a hold on to that dream. I do not know how I will ever be able to do that by myself.  

“When I heard that these men were found guilty, I was very glad and relieved. I knew they were guilty anyway, but I was still scared that they would get away with what they have done and I am relieved they will not be able to do that.” 

In a separate impact statement, the victim’s mother said she and her daughter had felt supported by police officers and a registered intermediary during the investigation and court process.  

She added:

“As a mum it was really hard for me to hear what had happened to my daughter and it is hard to think that my baby has gone through something so horrific, not just once but four times by four men who thought they could do what they wanted to her.  

 
“It is really hard for me to see how it has affected her and how she has withdrawn from the world around her. She hasn’t been able to go back into Bristol since.” 

Broken beyond resistance

Sentencing at Bristol Crown Court, Judge Cullum said the three men and the 17-year-old boy and left the victim “broken beyond resistance”.

“The victim was obviously vulnerable, and that’s why you all preyed on her,” he said. “She was, in my judgement, vulnerable from the moment you set eyes on her.”

He added:

“Having taken her by a convoluted route back to your house, you then all had sex with her when you wanted, irrespective of what she wanted.

“She was plied with drink until she was very significantly affected. You were getting her drunk to increase her vulnerability and to increase the prospect that she could not resist.”

Mehrab Safi was sentenced to 15 years in prison. 

Salman Habibkheil was sentenced to nine years’ detention. 

Awal Ahmadzai was sentenced to nine years’ detention. 

The 17-year-old boy was sentenced to three years’ detention. 

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Cable, the senior investigating officer, said:

“It’s impossible to understate how significant these offences were. 

“They took advantage of a vulnerable young girl, purely to fulfil their own sexual gratifications. 

“At no point did they give a second thought to the victim’s welfare and the trauma associated with that night will be with her forever. 

“Her bravery in standing up in court and telling her story is awe-inspiring. She has now seen them face justice for the crimes they committed against her. 

“The victim continues to be supported by a specially trained officer and support will continue to be available for as long as it is needed.” 

Georgina Broom of the Crown Prosecution Service said:

“The young victim in this case was targeted, groomed, and then lured to an unfamiliar city, miles from home in the dead of night.   

“Isolated and alone, she was plied with alcohol and then raped and abused over several hours by four different people. It was clear throughout that she did not consent. 

“Thankfully the three men who fled in such a cowardly manner were swiftly returned to the UK to face justice. 

“The CPS is committed to delivering justice for the victims of rape and sexual abuse, and I would encourage all victims to come forward to report offences to the police, so they can be investigated.” 

Description

Three men and a 17-year-old boy who groomed and raped a teenage girl in Bristol last year leaving her “broken beyond resistance” have received custodial sentences.

• Awal Ahmadzai
• Mehrab Safi
• Salman Habibkheil

Mehrab Safi, 21, and Salman Habibkheil, 19, arranged for the victim to be brought into Bristol where they, together with Awal Ahmadzai, 19, and the 17-year-old boy, plied her with alcohol and raped her. 

They denied the offences but were convicted after a trial earlier this year and were sentenced to a combined 36 years at Bristol Crown Court today (6 October). 

The victim met Safi, of St Werburghs, on 25 November 2025 having visited the city to go Christmas shopping with a friend. 

Safi tried to persuade the pair to go to his home, offering them drugs and a place to charge their phones, but they declined and went back to their homes. 

However, Safi continued messaging the victim via Snapchat and requested indecent images from her. 

Less than a week later Safi and Habibkheil, of Lockleaze, arranged for her to be brought into Bristol by taxi. She was then taken to Safi’s house and given alcohol. 

The pair, along with Ahmadzai, of no fixed address, and the teenage boy, all of whom are Afghan nationals, then raped and sexually assaulted the victim over a period of several hours. 

She was found by officers at Safi’s home in St Werburghs having been reported missing by her mum. 

The teenage boy was arrested at the scene and the three men were arrested a few days later having been brought back to the UK after fleeing to France. 

Phones belonging to Habibkheil and Ahmadzai were found to have been used to search for news of the incident online and were also used to research court procedures relating to serious sexual offences. 

Court convictions

Safi, whose self-defined ethnicity is”any other Asian background”, was found guilty of two counts of rape and one count of arranging or facilitating the travel of a female with a view to exploitation. 

Habibkheil, whoseself-defined ethnicity is “any other Black background”, was convicted of one count of rape and one count of arranging or facilitating the travel of a female with a view to exploitation. 

Ahmadzai, whose self-defined ethnicity is “any other Asian background”, was found guilty of one count of rape and one count of sexual assault. 

The teenage boy, who cannot be identified because of his age, was convicted of one count of rape. 

At today’s sentencing hearing, a statement from the victim was read out. In it she spoke about the ongoing impact the offences has had. 

The victim said:

“When I think back to who I was a year ago, I can say that I am a different person to who I was before this all happened. I had a lot more friends, I would go out a lot more, I was happier – now I stopped going out, I don’t even leave the house in general.  

“My dream was to go to college, I wanted to work in a nursery with children, but because my anxiety now is so bad, I had to put a hold on to that dream. I do not know how I will ever be able to do that by myself.  

“When I heard that these men were found guilty, I was very glad and relieved. I knew they were guilty anyway, but I was still scared that they would get away with what they have done and I am relieved they will not be able to do that.” 

In a separate impact statement, the victim’s mother said she and her daughter had felt supported by police officers and a registered intermediary during the investigation and court process.  

She added:

“As a mum it was really hard for me to hear what had happened to my daughter and it is hard to think that my baby has gone through something so horrific, not just once but four times by four men who thought they could do what they wanted to her.  

“It is really hard for me to see how it has affected her and how she has withdrawn from the world around her. She hasn’t been able to go back into Bristol since.” 

Broken beyond resistance

Sentencing at Bristol Crown Court, Judge Cullum said the three men and the 17-year-old boy and left the victim “broken beyond resistance”.

“The victim was obviously vulnerable, and that’s why you all preyed on her,” he said. “She was, in my judgement, vulnerable from the moment you set eyes on her.”

He added:

“Having taken her by a convoluted route back to your house, you then all had sex with her when you wanted, irrespective of what she wanted.

“She was plied with drink until she was very significantly affected. You were getting her drunk to increase her vulnerability and to increase the prospect that she could not resist.”

Mehrab Safi was sentenced to 15 years in prison. 

Salman Habibkheil was sentenced to nine years’ detention. 

Awal Ahmadzai was sentenced to nine years’ detention. 

The 17-year-old boy was sentenced to three years’ detention. 

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Cable, the senior investigating officer, said:

“It’s impossible to understate how significant these offences were. 

“They took advantage of a vulnerable young girl, purely to fulfil their own sexual gratifications. 

“At no point did they give a second thought to the victim’s welfare and the trauma associated with that night will be with her forever. 

“Her bravery in standing up in court and telling her story is awe-inspiring. She has now seen them face justice for the crimes they committed against her. 

“The victim continues to be supported by a specially trained officer and support will continue to be available for as long as it is needed.” 

Georgina Broom of the Crown Prosecution Service said:

“The young victim in this case was targeted, groomed, and then lured to an unfamiliar city, miles from home in the dead of night.   

“Isolated and alone, she was plied with alcohol and then raped and abused over several hours by four different people. It was clear throughout that she did not consent. 

“Thankfully the three men who fled in such a cowardly manner were swiftly returned to the UK to face justice. 

“The CPS is committed to delivering justice for the victims of rape and sexual abuse, and I would encourage all victims to come forward to report offences to the police, so they can be investigated.” 

Description

A convicted paedophile is back behind bars after beaching the conditions of a court order.

John Ashcroft, 32, was given a sexual harm prevention order until 2032, following a previous conviction for making indecent images of children.

As part of the conditions of his order police installed monitoring software on his devices to alert them if he tried to access illegal material.

On 15 March 2025, the software on Ashcroft’s device alerted officers to suspicious activity on his account.

Police seized Ashcroft’s computer and mobile phone for forensic examination and discovered indecent images of children on both.

Ashcroft, of Judson Court, Huntingdon, was arrested and pleaded guilty to breaching his sex offender requirements and three counts of making indecent images of children.

He was sentenced to one year and one month in prison at Peterborough Crown Court on Thursday (1 October).

Detective Constable Kerry Howard, from the force’s management of sexual offenders and violent offenders team (MOSOVO), said:

“Officers from MOSOVO will always check on convicted sex offenders in the county to make sure they are adhering to their conditions and court orders.

“In this case, pre-installed software helped us uncover further offences and bring Ashcroft to justice.”

Description

46-year-old Eisen Vir Raganit, of Westwood Road, Stockport, has been jailed for 5 years after being found guilty of raping a sex worker.

He was also placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely when he appeared at York Crown Court on 6 October 2026.

In October 2024, the defendant arrived at the victim's home address in North Yorkshire after he booked an experience advertised on her website.

The website made it very clear that all customers must wear condoms during the experience.

Before any sexual activity took place, the victim also made it clear that she would only consent to sexual intercourse if a condom was used.

During the encounter, however, the defendant deliberately removed the condom without the victim's knowledge or consent and continued sexual activity. The victim immediately challenged his actions and asked him to leave. She reported the this to the police and Vir Raganit was arrested.

As part of the investigation, officers seized the defendant's mobile phone for forensic examination. Investigators identified material relevant to the case, including videos depicting the non-consensual removal of condoms during sexual activity, a practice commonly referred to as "stealthing". Some of the videos had been viewed shortly before the offence took place.

Vir Raganit was charged with rape but denied the offence throughout police interviews and pleaded not guilty when he appeared in court. However, following a trial in August 2026, the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.

In her victim personal statement, the victim said:

"It is two years since I was raped at my house. After it happened, I was extremely upset and nervous at first to meet new clients.

"Throughout the four years I had been working from home, I had never had anything like this happen to me before. I normally felt safe in my house, but this incident made me more aware of my safety. I wasn’t sure whether to report it to the police at first, and I wasn’t even sure if it was a sexual assault, but I am glad I reported it now."

She continued: "Even though I knew these investigations take time; I wanted to support the Police all the way to trial. One of the main reasons was that I think it is important to show other people who work in the sex industry that you can report things that happen to you, you will be believed and you can get justice."

Description

The strength and bravery of a woman who fought off a man trying to rape her has ensured he will spend the next decade behind bars.

On 25 March, we received reports of a man assaulting and trying to rape a woman as she walked through Concord Park, in Sheffield. The man fled the scene after the woman bravely fought him off.

Officers quickly responded and the victim, a woman in her 70s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Meticulous detective work, utilising the detailed account the victim provided and from a nearby witness, resulted in Ali Askre being identified as a suspect and arrested within four hours of the horrific incident taking place.

During the attack the victim not only displayed unwavering courage by fighting Askre off but she also managed to recall key details about the 25-year-old which contributed to detectives later identifying him on CCTV trawls of the surrounding area.

Footage recovered included a CCTV clip which showed a man wearing a balaclava and gloves making his way to the park after leaving a property Askre would later be arrested at.

Once in police custody, Askre provided a full admission detailing his pre-meditated plan to attack and a rape a woman. This included telling officers where he had ditched items of clothing as he fled the scene.

Askre, of Torksey Road West, Sheffield, was subsequently charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and attempt rape. He pleaded guilty to both counts and yesterday (Monday 5 October) was handed a 20-year sentence - made up of a 12 year custodial sentence, with an extended licence period of eight years.

Detective Constable Daniel Lilley, who was the officer in charge of this case, said:

"I would like to recognise the immense strength of the victim in this case. She provided us with crucial information in the immediate aftermath of this horrendous ordeal and has shown immeasurable courage throughout the justice process.

"Although no sentence will ever undo the trauma she has experienced, I hope this result provides some reassurance that her bravery has ensured a dangerous man has been taken off of the streets of South Yorkshire.

"This was planned attack by a vile man who showed no care for anyone else as long it furthered his selfish and perverted aims. I am pleased that he will now be put behind bars and unable to cause even more pain to our communities.”

Description

A man who travelled to Bedfordshire to sexually exploit a child has been jailed for more than 13 years.

Joshua Gray, 23, groomed the victim on TikTok before moving their conversations to online platform Discord, where he sent numerous sexually explicit messages over four days.

He then travelled from London to a village near Bedford and persuaded the girl to meet him in a local park late at night, before raping and sexually assaulting her.

Officers found the victim at the park after she was reported missing, and swiftly located and arrested Gray.

On Friday (2 October) at Luton Crown Court, Gray, of Ellanby Crescent, London, was sentenced to 13 years and six months after pleading guilty to several offences, including rape, sexual assault, sexual communication with a child and intentional strangulation.

He was also handed a 20-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order until further notice.

Detective Constable Lauren Byrne from Bedfordshire Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People team, who investigated, said:

“Gray deliberately targeted a vulnerable young girl online and manipulated her into meeting him before abusing her in the worst possible way.

“I would like to commend the bravery of the victim in supporting this investigation. I hope this sentence demonstrates that we will do everything possible to bring offenders who exploit and abuse children to justice.

“Please remember it’s never too late to report. By doing so you could help us put these dangerous perpetrators in prison, while potentially protecting further victims.” 

Description

A man who groomed and lured an underage girl to a hotel in Doncaster to have sex with her has been jailed.

Martin Norton, 32, of no fixed address has been sentenced for the abhorrent crimes he committed during 2025.

In November 2025, Norton was arrested in a hotel room after officers responded to reports and concerns he had enticed a young girl and was taking her to hotels to engage in sex.

As an investigation progressed, through interviews and evidence, officers found how Norton had begun talking to the girl on social media, and took their conversations further, asking her for provocative images, and eventually grooming her into believing he was her boyfriend.

After progressing their online relationship, Norton arranged to meet the girl, who explained to officers he had made her have sex on their first meeting.

As the weeks progressed, Norton continued to travel from Newcastle to Doncaster and manipulate the girl, buying her gifts, and food while out. He continued to book hotel rooms and forced her to commit sexual acts in public.

The victim, who has showed incredible courage and bravery throughout the investigation and court process explained in her victim impact statement how Norton has impacted all aspects of her life, leaving her afraid to go out alone, and not trusting anyone; her bravery is commendable.

The officer in charge of the case, Detective Constable Lauren Harris said:

“I hope Norton's sentencing brings closure to the young girl who has been at the heart of our investigation.

“No one should have their childhood stripped and taken from them because of someone’s pervert actions.

“I want to commend the bravery that the young girl has showed throughout this investigation, her immense courage has ensured Norton will spend a significant amount of time behind bars.

“I also hope it sends a strong message to anyone who is a victim of any sexual offence, abusive, coercive behaviour; we will listen to you, we will support you and we will carry out a thorough investigation.”

Norton appeared at Sheffield Crown Court last week (29 September) and was jailed to nine years in prison, a 25-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, placed on the sex offenders register for life and given a 25-year retraining order against the victim.

Victims of sexual offences are granted lifelong anonymity.

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A 26-year-old man has been sentenced to 23 years for violently attacking and raping a woman.

Jordan Jones of South View, Chirk told the victim, "I will show you what a rapist can do", as he caused her devastating internal injuries.

The doctor treating the victim noted her injuries were the worst they had ever seen.

Jones, who admitted nine offences including four counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, threats to kill, intentional strangulation and assault, was sentenced at Mold Crown Court today, Monday 5 October.

He was jailed for 18 years, with an extended license period of five years.

Jones will also be on the sex offenders register indefinitely and a restraining order was put in place to protect the victim for life.

In February this year, officers received a report of a woman in distress in the Chirk area.

The victim had been attacked and strangled by Jones. When she had tried to get away, he dragged her to the floor, threatened to kill her, and violently raped her.

He had also threatened to kill victim the earlier the same evening.

Jones was found in the car nearby shortly after police arrived and arrested.

He was remanded into custody until sentencing today.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable James Grimwood said:

“This was a sustained attack by a truly despicable offender who inflicted brutal violence on the victim, leaving her with devastating physical injuries and emotional distress – for which he has shown no remorse.

“She has undergone trauma that no one should ever face and it is testament to her extraordinary courage that Jones will rightly serve a considerable amount of time in prison, where he can cause no further harm.

“I hope this outcome provides some measure of reassurance and closure, as she continues her recovery.

“I would also like to thank the heroic response by uniformed colleagues on the night, who were quick to attend and safeguard the victim, whilst other colleagues were able to apprehend the defendant without delay.

"Tackling violence against women and girls remains a foremost priority for North Wales Police. We are committed to identifying perpetrators, pursuing justice, and ensuring that victims receive the protection and support they need.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to keep our communities safe."

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A 39-year-old man who repeatedly breached his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) has been jailed.

Anthony McAndrew, who previously lived in Stroud, admitted to 11 breaches of his SHPO, one count of possessing extreme pornography and one count of burglary.

He was sentenced to 38 months in prison. 

McAndrew had been given a five-year SHPO by the court in May last year (2025). It has various prohibitions relating to contact with children and internet enabled devices and their usage.

Due to being a registered sex offender, he was allocated an Offender Manager from the Constabulary's Management of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offenders (MOSOVO) team.

Following visits to his home address by both his probation officer and Offender Manager in July, August and December last year, three separate mobile phones were seized from him.

As part of his SHPO, McAndrew must inform police within three days of having a new mobile phone. He also cannot use a device with internet access unless it has the capacity to retain and display the history of internet use, and he cannot use a false alias. He breached all of these.

An extreme pornographic video was also found on one of the phones seized, and he admitted to a burglary in May 2024 in which he stole a coin collection.

McAndrew was sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court on 8 September.

PC Claire Morris, from the Constabulary's Management of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offenders team said:

"McAndrew has demonstrated that he cannot abide by the control measures which have been put in place to manage his behaviour within the community.

"A lot of work goes on in our team behind the scenes to try and safeguard those most vulnerable in our communities.

"When those stringent conditions are breached, it’s right that offenders are put back before the court, and I hope this sentence shows breaches like this will not be tolerated."