Latest Offenders

Description

A violent rapist will spend the next 30 years behind bars after being convicted of ‘extreme sexual and physical violence’ on three women.

Darren Oxley’s horrific offending took place over several years between 1988 and 2002 while he was in relationships with the women.

As well as repeatedly raping and sexually abusing the women, he left one with a broken jaw after pushing her down the stairs and forcing his knee into her face, causing it to break in multiple places.

Oxley also punched the woman, breaking her jaw again, and forced her head into a fish tank, which left her with a fractured eye socket.

On another occasion, he forced a woman’s head into a microwave and slammed the door on her face, causing her nose to break. He then threw a screwdriver at her as she tried to run away, leaving her with an open wound to her lower back.

He knocked another woman’s front teeth out after he headbutted her in the face, and injured her hand by forcing it into a top loading washing machine which was filled with boiling water.

Oxley’s offending came to light in 2023 when one of the women bravely contacted police and told them what had happened.

An investigation was launched by Durham Constabulary, which was led by Detective Constable Amie Thornton and Investigative Officer Heidi Weir from Darlington Safeguarding Team.

Through their enquiries, they found that another two women had also suffered abuse at the hands of Oxley.

The 53-year-old, of Darlington, was charged with a total of 20 offences, including six counts of rape, three of indecent assault, two of unlawful wounding, and nine of assault causing actual bodily harm.

Oxley denied the offences, but was convicted by a jury following an 11-day trial at Durham Crown Court in March.

He returned to court last Thursday (June 18) where he was jailed for 30 years and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Victim impact statements from the three women were read out in court, highlighting the long-lasting mental and physical effect his abuse had on them.

“Darren initially charmed me, but over time I became frightened of him,” one said. “The relationship was not equal, I felt controlled, intimidated, and unable to make my own decisions. I was often scared of what would happen if I did something he did not want.

“During this time I experienced both physical and emotional harm. I was left with injuries on multiple occasions, and the constant threat of violence meant that I lived in a state of ongoing anxiety and depression. I felt trapped, as though I could not safely stay, but also could not safely leave.”

Another woman said:

“For 26 years, I have lived with both physical and mental scars from the abuse I suffered at the hands of Darren Oxley. I have spent years suffering with PTSD, depression and anxiety with nightmares and flashbacks, which have led to self-harming and attempts to end my life.

“The fractures to my lower jawbone have caused problems with my teeth, pain, and lockjaw. I also have a phobia of anyone touching my face, which makes me flinch and panic.”

The third woman said:

“When the police knocked on my door back in April 2023, I felt a wave of emotion that hit me like a train. What Darren Oxley did to me shaped my life completely.

“He knocked my front teeth out, broke my nose, and gave me so many black eyes I lost count. If it wasn’t for the police coming to me, I would probably still be living with all the memories bottled inside me.

“You only get one chance in life, and he totally stole my chance of any happiness.”

He returned to court last Thursday (June 18) where he was jailed for 30 years and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Victim impact statements from the three women were read out in court, highlighting the long-lasting mental and physical effect his abuse had on them.

“Darren initially charmed me, but over time I became frightened of him,” one said. “The relationship was not equal, I felt controlled, intimidated, and unable to make my own decisions. I was often scared of what would happen if I did something he did not want.

“During this time I experienced both physical and emotional harm. I was left with injuries on multiple occasions, and the constant threat of violence meant that I lived in a state of ongoing anxiety and depression. I felt trapped, as though I could not safely stay, but also could not safely leave.”

Another woman said:

“For 26 years, I have lived with both physical and mental scars from the abuse I suffered at the hands of Darren Oxley. I have spent years suffering with PTSD, depression and anxiety with nightmares and flashbacks, which have led to self-harming and attempts to end my life.

“The fractures to my lower jawbone have caused problems with my teeth, pain, and lockjaw. I also have a phobia of anyone touching my face, which makes me flinch and panic.”

The third woman said:

“When the police knocked on my door back in April 2023, I felt a wave of emotion that hit me like a train. What Darren Oxley did to me shaped my life completely.

“He knocked my front teeth out, broke my nose, and gave me so many black eyes I lost count. If it wasn’t for the police coming to me, I would probably still be living with all the memories bottled inside me.

“You only get one chance in life, and he totally stole my chance of any happiness.”

Detective Inspector John Tyers, from Darlington Safeguarding Team, said:

“Oxley is a highly dangerous individual who showed extreme levels of violence and sexual aggression towards these women. As a result, they have been left with long-lasting physical and emotional scars, some of which they may never recover from.

“This was an exceptionally complex and challenging investigation into sexual and physical abuse which spanned multiple decades. The officers who led the case, IO Weir and DC Thornton, undertook a painstaking and methodical investigation, which included extensive tracking of survivors and witnesses through friends, relatives, former neighbours, historical records, and archived medical evidence.

“Their professionalism, empathy and determination were instrumental in securing justice for the victims and removing a dangerous offender from society.

“I’d also like to commend the women in this case for having the strength to speak to police, and support what has been a long and complicated investigation. I hope that this outcome provides a measure of comfort as they continue to rebuild their lives, and serves as a reminder to anyone who has experienced sexual violence that support is available.”

Description

We are appealing for your help to find Caeser Taylor, who is wanted for breaching the Sex Offenders Notification Register (SONR).
 
Taylor, age 62, is a convicted sex offender, having been convicted of exposure, four counts of sexual assault, and two counts of sexual assault on a girl under 13. The convictions were recorded between 2014 and 2024.
 
He was most recently sentenced to 18 months in prison in December 2024 after being convicted of sexual assault. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life in 2014 and is subject to sex offenders’ notification requirements.
 
He is wanted for breach of SONR by failing to register a new address with officers within seven days.
 
Since failing to inform officers of his change of address, officers have carried out extensive enquiries to find him. Officers have spoken to Taylor’s associates, examined his phone records, and trawled CCTV.
 
Officers are now asking anyone with information as to where Taylor might be living to get in touch.
 
Taylor is described as a white man, around 5ft 7ins tall, of a slim build, with thinning light brown/grey hair, and is clean shaven.
 
Emma Cleghorn, from the Doncaster ViSOR team, said:

“It is important that we find Taylor. If anyone is knowingly assisting him they may be committing a criminal offence and could face prosecution.
 
“Taylor has links across South Yorkshire, and we believe he may be in the Rotherham area.
 
“If you see Taylor, please do not approach him but instead call 999. If you have other information that could help us find him, please report online or by calling 101 quoting investigation number 14/84243/26.”

Description

Scott Lewis Jailed for Nine Years After Sexual Assault Conviction

A woman has told a court her life was left “in tatters” after being targeted for sexual abuse by Scott Lewis.

The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said the abuse had affected “every relationship” in her life and continued to have a profound impact on her mental health.

Lewis, 54, of East Road, Stithians, was convicted by a jury at Truro Crown Court earlier this year of multiple counts of sexual assault.

Sentencing him, Judge Simon Carr said Lewis had shown no remorse for the harm caused.

“You abused her in the most terrible way,” the judge told the defendant.

Judge Carr criticised the initial police response, saying the woman had been “catastrophically let down” after reporting the abuse but no action was taken at the time.

Highlighting the lasting damage, he added: “The effect on her has been truly devastating. Anybody reading her personal impact statement would see it has affected every aspect of her life and will continue to do so. You have shown no remorse for what you have done and the evil you have inflicted.”

In her victim impact statement, the woman said the abuse had “torn her life apart” and led to multiple suicide attempts, the first occurring shortly after it began. She described spiralling into alcohol and cannabis use, self-harm and a “path of self-destruction”.

She has since been diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and eating disorders. She continues to suffer flashbacks, nightmares and hallucinations linked to Lewis.

The trauma forced her to abandon her education after a severe panic attack during a teaching session. “The offending took my future potential away,” she said, adding she turned to alcohol and drugs “just to forget for a short time”.

She told the court she has “hundreds of scars” from self-harm and nerve damage. She once hoped to work with young people but no longer believes that is possible and has decided not to have children — decisions she described as direct consequences of the abuse.

Since the trial she has required ongoing mental health support, including home treatment, medication and hospital admission. Despite Lewis’s conviction, she said she continues to feel overwhelmed and at times guilty.

Lewis was sentenced to a total of nine years in prison.

Devon and Cornwall Police welcomed the outcome and praised the victim’s bravery.

“We welcome the result and sentence in relation to this case. Most of all we commend the bravery of the victim for reporting these offences to us,” the force said.

It acknowledged past failings but stated it has “fundamentally reformed the way cases are handled” through specialist training and a greater focus on suspect behaviour under the national Operation Soteria programme.

Description

A man who videoed himself sexually assaulting a young girl and had hundreds of indecent images of other children on a laptop and phone, has been jailed for 14 years. 

Lancashire Police launched an investigation after a USB containing videos of Kiefer Garner assaulting the girl was discovered.

The USB also had naked pictures of his victim and another girl.

When Garner (pictured) was arrested in Blackburn, officers seized a laptop and mobile phone from his home.

A total of 519 indecent images were found on the USB, laptop and mobile, with 92 of those deemed Category A – the most serious category.

On the USB, there were also several screen recordings from Snapchat in which Garner used a different name on the profile and had an image of a young adult male – not an image of himself.

The screen recordings showed Garner engaging in conversations with young females and exchanging images.

Garner, 35, of no fixed address, appeared for sentence at Preston Crown Court Sessions House last week (15th June) after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing to charges of assaulting a girl under 13 by penetration, assaulting a girl under 13 by touching, cause/incite a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13, and making indecent photographs of a child.

He was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment with an eight-year extended licence period.

Garner was made subject of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be on the Sex Offenders register for life.

Det Con Cathryn Whitworth of Lancashire Police, said:

“Kiefer Garner is a very dangerous individual and I welcome the lengthy sentence imposed on him by the judge.

“Garner has an abhorrent interest in young girls, as shown by his guilty pleas to these offences.

“If you have been a victim of sexual assault or you know someone who has, please report it to Lancashire Police.

“We will support you and investigation thoroughly in a bid to bring offenders to justice.”

Description

A man from Alton has been jailed for eight years for 23 offences, including possession of indecent images and attempted sexual communications with a child.

Following an investigation by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Internet Child Abuse Team, Gavin Chivers, 39, was identified as being suspected of accessing incident images of children online and was arrested on 31 March.

Chivers, of Russett Road in Alton, was interviewed and offered the explanation that he had accessed the images with the intention of trying to earn the trust of offenders online in order to identify and report them.

Chivers’ mobile phone was examined and a vast number of chats discussing the abuse of children were discovered, as well as a large number of indecent images and videos, including many involving the sexual abuse of children.

No evidence was discovered to support Chivers’ claim that he was attempting to identify offenders and he was charged with multiple offences.

Chivers pleaded guilty to the following offences:

• Three counts of make indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child
• One count of taking an indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child
• One count of possessing an extreme pornographic image/images portraying and act of intercourse with an animal
• 14 counts of distributing an indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child
• Two counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child
• Two counts of publishing an obscene article

He appeared today (Tuesday 23 June) at Winchester Crown Court, where he was sentenced to eight years imprisonment.

He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register and handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, both for life.

PC Ollie Green of the Internet Child Abuse Team said: 

“Having been in the department for nearly five years, this is by far the worst case I have come across.

“It is not often where I can say that the written words in the conversations were as disturbing and appalling as the images themselves.

“Chivers is without a doubt one of the most dangerous individuals I have investigated, and I am very pleased with the judge’s decision that he will receive a lengthy custodial sentence.”

Description

A man has been sentenced for the rape of a woman in a car park in Worthing.

Suleman Mukaish, aged 27, targeted the vulnerable victim in Lyndhurst Road.

The victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, received support from specially-trained officers. She reported the offence to a member of the public who then called police.

Mukaish was arrested at London Gatwick Airport two days after the offence having booked a one-way ticket to leave the country. He was subsequently charged with rape, which he admitted in court on 13 April.

Mukaish, a Pakistani national who was studying in the UK, of Cambridge Road, Worthing, appeared for sentence at Hove Crown Court on 23 June where he was jailed for 11 years and three months.

The court was told how the incident happened at about 7.30pm on 11 March this year. The victim was found by a witness returning to their vehicle, and informed the witness she had been raped.

“I could see she was in a bad way,” the witness said.

Police launched an investigation and witnesses came forward to report vital information.

Detectives were able to piece together CCTV footage which showed Mukaish grabbing the victim and taking her to the car park, where she was raped. They also found a fingerprint and handprint matching Mukaish on a car at the scene of the crime.

Detective Superintendent Andrew Harbour said:

“I would like to commend the victim for her bravery and courage and for her support of the investigation. Also I would like to thank the many witnesses and members of the public who helped her at the scene and who came forward to report information to the police. This information and support from the community was vital to ensure we secured a conviction in this case.

“I would also like to commend the dedication, professionalism and determination of the investigative team, whose painstaking work in gathering evidence and following every line of enquiry was instrumental in securing a compelling case to support a vulnerable victim and bring a dangerous offender to justice.

“Despite answering ‘no comment’ during police interviews and making a short statement to deny the offence, when presented with the strength of our evidence, Mukaish chose to plead guilty in court.

“This case shows our determination to catch offenders, and Mukaish is now serving a significant custodial sentence.”

“We take reports of rape and sexual offences extremely seriously, and tackling incidents of violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a priority for Sussex Police."

Description

A 25-year-old man has been jailed for sexually assaulting a woman in Eirias Park.

Tyler Evans, of Glyn Avenue, Colwyn Bay, grabbed a lone woman as she walked her dog on 6 October last year.

His genitals were exposed during the incident.

Evans was arrested two days later during a plain clothes operation in the area following the offence.

He was subsequently charged with sexual assault and exposure.

He denied both offences, but he was convicted on both counts at Mold Crown Court in May.

Evans appeared before Mold Crown Court for sentencing today, 22 June, where he was jailed for three years and two months.

He must also register as a sex offender indefinitely.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Kneale said:

“This incident must have been a terrifying experience for the victim while out walking her dog in Eirias Park - a location where everybody should feel safe.

“I hope today’s sentence goes some way in reassuring her that Tyler Evans can cause no further harm to anyone else.

“Violence against women and girls and pursuing those that cause the most harm in our communities remains one of our key priorities.

“We will continue to do everything we can to ensure our streets feel safe for everyone, and to create an environment where women are not avoiding certain locations in the evenings because of the behaviour of others.

“We also encourage any victim of sexual assault to come forward with the confidence that they will be heard and supported.”

Description

Convicted: Iranian Asylum Seeker Hossein Mohmoudi Found Guilty of Attempted Rape

Hossein Mohmoudi, a 35-year-old Iranian asylum seeker, has been convicted of attempted rape at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

Mohmoudi denied the offence, claiming he has a “micropenis” and is obese, and therefore could not have carried out the attack. He also cited low libido. Consultant urologist Dr George Fowlis told the court Mohmoudi’s penis was “normal”.

The court heard that in 2024, while living in an asylum hostel in London, Mohmoudi stalked a woman for around an hour after her Christmas party. He followed her for approximately three miles, crossing the road when she did and boarding the same bus, before attempting to rape her in an alleyway. A passing cyclist intervened and called police.

Officers arrested Mohmoudi two days later at his home after reviewing 30 hours of CCTV.

Mohmoudi had five previous convictions in Germany (two for assault and three for criminal damage). He left Iran in 2014 and entered the UK illegally via Turkey, Greece, Germany and France.

It was also heard that Mohmoudi had previously been reported to police for stalking a woman walking her dog. He admitted chatting on a fetish website the day before the attack, claiming it was “helpful for my English language”. Prosecutor Christiaan Moll replied: “There are other ways to improve your English…”

Defence barrister David Harounoff argued the incident lasted only 27 seconds — too short a time for Mohmoudi to attempt rape given his alleged medical issues.

During the assault the victim shouted: “Wait! Wait! Wait! F*** you! Back off! F*** off! F***!”

Detective Inspector Thomas Meaden said:  

“The victim has shown great strength throughout what has been an extremely hard experience. I hope this outcome provides some measure of justice.  

“Mohmudi is predator who poses danger to any women and girls he may cross. Had he not been interrupted by a brave member of the public, he intended to commit further harm.  

“I would like to thank the person who intervened and supported the victim ahead of officers arriving, and to commend all involved for their diligent work. Officers trawled 30 hours of CCTV to track Mohmudi, following him from the scene of the attack to his home address – resulting in his swift arrest two days later.”

Mohmoudi will be sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday, 29 July.

Description

A ‘dangerous predator’ has been jailed for more than 10 years for the rape of a teenage girl and for engaging in sexual activity with other teenage girls.

Pascal Bitton, 35, of Weston-super-Mare, was sentenced at North Somerset Court on Thursday 11 June.

He was found guilty of rape, sexual assault, inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, engage in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl, two counts of offering to supply a class A drug, being concerned in the supply of cannabis, and possession of an offensive weapon, following a trial at the same court on Wednesday 18 March.

He was sentenced to imprisonment for 10 years and six months and issued with an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Bitton approached each girl while they were alone and obtained their contact details. He then provided them with lifts in his vehicle and while doing so, offered and supplied them with quantities of alcohol and/or drugs. Once the girls were isolated and under the influence, Bitton sexually abused them.

Bitton was found guilty of his offending on Child Exploitation Awareness Day, and the sentencing is the result of a child sexual exploitation investigation which spanned several years. We maintained contact with the victims throughout the investigation, offering them access to any support services they may benefit from.

One of the girls involved wrote to Avon and Somerset Police following the trial and said:

“You were so helpful and just generally amazing and now I never have to worry about him again thanks to their work. Communication and explanation of what was going on were exactly how I asked them for and they could not have been any better. I felt heard throughout the whole process and any decision I made was respected. I am eternally grateful.”

DS Olly Stokes, a member of Avon and Somerset Police’s Child Sexual Exploitation Team (Topaz), said: 

“This result has helped to disrupt a dangerous predator and ensured that children are safeguarded from further harm.

“I would like to recognise the bravery shown by the girls involved for supporting an investigation into Bitton’s offending, which has been vital in ensuring someone who poses a serious risk to girls is taken off our streets.

“We want to remind any victim of a sexual offence that they will be heard, believed and supported, and a thorough investigation will be carried out, no matter how long ago the offending took place.”

Description

A 34-year-old man from Southampton has been jailed for six years and two months for child sex offences.

John Joseph Sullivan, of Wharncliffe Road, Southampton, was sentenced at Southampton Crown Court on Wednesday (17 June).

He had previously pleaded guilty to 31 counts of sexual assault of a child aged under 13 years, taking, making and distributing indecent images of a child, voyeurism and possession of extreme pornography. The incidents occurred in 2023.

Sullivan was first arrested in January this year. Following an examination of his electronic devices, he was subsequently charged and remanded in custody.

As well as the time he will now spend behind bars, he was also handed an extended licence period of three years and ten months, which he will serve upon his release from prison.

Sullivan was also made subject to a 20-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely.

Speaking after sentencing, DC Aimee Scott-Molloy, of the Internet Child Abuse Team, said:

“I’m pleased that justice has been served for the young victim and their family, and that Sullivan is behind bars, where he belongs.

“He is now locked up and no longer able to harm any other young person, ensuring children and the wider community are safer as a result.

“Sullivan stole the innocence of this child, but I would like to place on record my praise and admiration for the child and their family.

“They have shown incredible strength, courage and determination throughout this investigation.

“While I know this outcome won’t rid the victim and their family of the memories of what Sullivan did, I truly hope it allows them to move forward, safe in the knowledge that he is now locked up.”

Directly addressing other victims of sex offences, DC Scott-Molloy, said: “I really hope this sentence will reassure victims and their families that they will be listened to when reporting similar incidents to us.

“We encourage other victims to come forward and speak to us. We take allegations of this nature extremely seriously and work hard to bring offenders to justice.

“This case should also be a very clear message to other offenders out there that we will always work tirelessly to ensure you are brought to justice.”

Description

A rapist has been jailed for 16 years following an investigation by our City of Manchester CID.

Bilal Alfroh, (2/12/91), of Gorton, had been found guilty of several counts of rape and actual bodily harm.

He also admitted an additional count of actual bodily harm and was jailed at Minshull Crown Court on 19 June 2026.

He will serve at least two-thirds of his sentence and has a lifetime restraining order against his victim.

His female victim prepared a statement for court, in which she said:

“I would like to thank everyone who was with me, supported me and made me feel that I was never alone.

“Even those I may have only seen once but who made me feel safe at that moment, thanks for everything.

''I hope that one day I can forget all this and start living again. Thank you for taking the time to listen to what I had to say.''

Alfroh carried out a sustained campaign of physical and sexual violence against his victim, including throwing a gym weight and pouring hot tea over her.

Detective Constable Adam Gawecki said:

“The victim has shown immense bravery in reporting these horrific crimes so Alfroh could be brought to justice.

“In her statement, she detailed the impact this horrific series of incidents has had on her - how it has impacted on her ability to socialize, and how it affects her sleep and depression.

“The victim detailed how the defendant would become aggressive towards her and raped her multiple times.”

Description

A former Devon & Cornwall Police officer has been sentenced to two years and four months in prison after pleading guilty to three charges of Misconduct in Public Office.

Ex-Police Constable James Stillman, aged 32, of Chard, was sentenced when he appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Friday 19 June.

He pleaded guilty to two charges when he appeared at Taunton Magistrates’ Court on Friday 1 May. He had previously pleaded guilty to the third charge.

Stillman was charged with misconduct in a public office by having sexual intercourse with a vulnerable female whilst on duty following an incident on 1 September 2025. He had attended her home address to take a statement after she had reported being assaulted.

In an initial police interview, he denied that any sexual activity had taken place but later admitted that they had had sex while he was on duty.

In relation to a different victim, he was charged with misconduct in public office after he engaged in inappropriate sexual messaging and sexual touching of a vulnerable teenaged girl who he met through the course of his duties.

The charges relate to his time as a Devon and Cornwall Police officer. Stillman has also previously served as a Special Constable with Avon and Somerset Constabulary.

Stillman was arrested immediately when reports were made to police and was suspended from duty following his initial arrest.

He resigned from the force and was also subject to an Accelerated Misconduct Hearing.

Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew said:

“James Stillman had a role to undertake in these instances in his trusted capacity as a police officer.

“In these separate cases, he was supposed to be supporting two women, ensure their welfare and safeguard them from coming to any further harm.

“Instead, he has abused his position of power and authority to target his victims for his own needs in the knowledge that they were unlikely to report his actions to the police.

“Both victims have shown great courage in reporting these incidents to us so they could be fully investigated, and they have remained engaged throughout the judicial process.

“We expect all our officers and staff to maintain high levels of professional standards and behaviour and Stillman has shown a disregard for this expectation, which is totally unacceptable.

“Any wrongdoing or unacceptable behaviour such as this will be subject to robust action and ensuring the highest standards and ethics within the Force remains a top priority.

“We remain committed to improving the service we provide to victims of violence against women and girls.”

Description

A man who raped a teenager in St Austell has been jailed for four years and two months.

Jordan Roberts, 25, of Beacon Hill, Bodmin, was found guilty of the rape and sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl at Truro Crown Court and was sentenced to four years and two months in prison today, Friday 19 June.

Roberts was also given a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and ordered to sign the National Sex Offender Register for life. A 10-year restraining order was also imposed.

Following a trial at Truro Crown Court, that concluded on Thursday 14 May, Roberts was found guilty of rape and sexual activity against the victim.

Detective Constable Lauren Manning said:

“I would like to pay tribute to the bravery of the victim who was only 14 at the time of the offences.

“She has remained engaged with the police throughout the entire process, which has taken several years, and has given evidence in court.

“Despite the length of time from reporting it, to the matter coming to court, it has been dealt with appropriately today.

“I truly hope this result encourages others to report sexual abuse to us so it can be investigated and they can be assured that they will be listened to and believed.

“And it is important to remember that survivors of sexual offences are protected by law and have life-long anonymity.”

Description

A jail sentence has been imposed on a prolific child sex offender following the discovery of thousands of child abuse images across multiple devices.

Investigation

In 2025, Andrew Sharp uploaded an indecent image of a child to the internet. This illegal internet usage was flagged to detectives at Kent Police who launched a full investigation.

A warrant was obtained for Sharp’s property in Station Road, Lydd, Romney Marsh, and officers attended in June 2025 to seize his internet enabled devices. Sharp wasn’t in the country at the time officers conducted the warrant but was notified of the seizure of his digital assets. A laptop was analysed, and digital forensics experts discovered the presence of child sexual abuse material.

When he re-entered the country, Sharp sent a message to a contact in his phone where he confessed to possession of indecent images and revealed that he had also taken indecent images of a young girl.

Discovery

The 69 year old was arrested upon his return on June 21, 2025, and was interviewed in custody. He admitted to the possession of the indecent images found on his laptop, alongside revealing that he had sexually assaulted a young girl across four years.

He was charged with sexual assault and two other indecent image related offences. Sharp was then remanded in custody.

Enquiries progressed in the investigation, and whilst he was on remand, further laptops attributed to Sharp were discovered. Across his devices, detectives found thousands of child abuse images, as well as hundreds of images of his young victim, which gave detectives reason to believe she had been raped.

Following a detailed forensic review of the seized laptops, detectives located 17,382 indecent images of children.

Charges

Sharp was further arrested in November 2025. He pled guilty to 12 additional charges including rape and continued to be remanded in custody whilst he awaited sentencing.

On Friday 19 June 2026, Sharp, was sentenced to 13 years and 6 months in prison at Canterbury Crown Court. Additionally, the court granted a restraining order against his victim for 20 years, alongside a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the same amount of time.

Detective Constable Andrew Hunter said:

‘At no stage during the investigation did Sharp show any remorse for the sustained campaign of abuse he inflicted on his victim or for possessing such terrible images. I am pleased to see him behind bars where he can cause no further harm to our community, or to his victim.

‘I want to thank the victim and her family for their continued cooperation and for the resilience they have shown throughout this complex and upsetting investigation.’

Description

A man who raped a woman in Bristol city centre has been jailed for six years. 

Nitesh Nitesh was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday 18 June after pleading guilty to being one of the people involved. 

The court heard the attack left the woman feeling ‘suicidal’. 

In a statement prepared for the court, she said: “Although, I am starting to do very well, I do not want to think about it as it sends me back to that place. 

“What kept me engaged with the investigation is also the thought that this could’ve happened to someone else, someone more vulnerable, or a young teenage girl.” 

The woman, who is in her thirties, was raped at about 3.10am on Sunday 29 March in the Assembly Rooms Lane area of Bristol.  

Passers-by helped the woman shortly afterwards, as those responsible left the scene. Police were called at 3.18am and the first officers arrived about seven minutes later. 

Nitesh, formerly of Redfield, was identified as being involved following a public appeal and was arrested on Thursday 2 April and subsequently charged. 

The 20-year-old, who is Indian and his self-defined ethnicity is ‘Asian Indian’, was sentenced to six years in prison.  

‘Victim’s courageous stance is inspiring’ 

 DI Simon Da Costa said:

“Nitesh is a dangerous sexual predator and the streets of Bristol are safer with him in prison for many years to come. 

“This crime has impacted the victim physically, emotionally and mentally in a way that is impossible to adequately explain. 

“She has been motivated to protect others by supporting our investigation and her courageous stance is inspiring. I hope in time she feels immense pride at how she’s played a key role in securing this sentence.” 

DI Da Costa added:

“Although we released details of this crime at the time, we know people will continue to be shocked and concerned by what happened. 

“When such crimes happen they will always be taken seriously and today’s sentencing outcome highlights that. Victims of sexual offences will be believed and we will help them access any support services they may need. 

“Night-time policing operations are regularly conducted in Bristol, using both uniformed officers and colleagues in plain clothes through Project Vigilant, as they will be this weekend. This work, alongside other agencies, helps to make Bristol a safe city.”