Latest Offenders

Description

Regarded as one of the most abhorrent crimes in the North East, on December 27, 2005, Peter Voisey abducted a six-year-old girl from her bath in Wallsend, North Tyneside, subjected her to two sexual assaults, and abandoned her naked in a snowy back lane. The attack shocked the local community and the nation.

Voisey was linked to the crime via partial shoe prints on the wet bathroom floor. In 2006, at Newcastle Crown Court, he was sentenced to a minimum of 10 years, with the judge warning he might never be released.

This week, Chronicle Live reported that after his sixth parole review, the 54-year-old was deemed unsafe for release by the Parole Board, which also rejected a move to an open prison.

The Full Story of Peter Voisey: Every Parent's Nightmare

Predator Profile  

Depraved Peter Voisey fit the classic predatory sex offender mold—abused as a child, he became an abuser. He targeted the innocent six-year-old, snatching her from her bath to rape and molest her before dumping her in the cold.

He had a prior conviction for indecently assaulting a 12-year-old girl in a leisure centre changing room in 2001. At his 2006 sentencing, his troubled childhood and teen record emerged: at 15, he coerced a young girl into burgling her mother's home, but she eventually broke free.

Voisey knew every alley and shortcut in Willington Quay and Wallsend, using the area for vehicle break-ins and arson.

Criminal Background

Born July 5, 1971, in London, Voisey lived in Bristol before moving to the North East at age four. His mother Alice lived on Savory Road but separated from his tyrannical father Bill; both are deceased. Voisey claimed mistreatment by his father and was placed at Hesley Hall boarding school near Doncaster from ages nine to 15.

His petty crimes escalated during Tyneside visits. He worked in hotels nationwide, as a driver, motor mechanic, and briefly as a pizza delivery operative, but was on benefits at arrest.

2001 Indecent Assault

Four years before the abduction, under the alias Peter Smith, Voisey assaulted a girl in Macclesfield Leisure Centre's changing rooms after stalking others. Living in Crawley Road, Wallsend, he was sentenced to three years at Chester Crown Court in 2002.

Acquittals and Arrests

At 24, using Peter Smith, Voisey was acquitted of indecently assaulting three boys in Hodgkin Park, Newcastle's West End, while living in Scotswood.

In August 2003, he was arrested for assaulting four boys camping in Benridge Park, Blyth, but released due to insufficient evidence.

The Bath Abduction

On December 27, 2005, in Willington Quay, Voisey entered the flat, silenced the bathing girl (whose mother was nearby putting her brother to bed), and drove her away in his red Vauxhall Astra. After 15 minutes of assaults, he left her in a freezing alley near home.

She was found sobbing by Geoffrey Brown on Armstrong Road. He said: "It's this time of year when the memories come flooding back. There was snow on the ground and I couldn't get my head around why she didn't have any clothes on. It was when I wrapped her up and brought her in that she told me a man had taken her out of her bath and took her away.

"I was later told what had actually happened and it makes my stomach churn. She must have gone through hell. It makes you wonder about other people's psyche."

Diary and Motive

Police suspected Voisey was burgling when he saw the girl and acted impulsively. He claimed he was buying cannabis, but friends wouldn't corroborate. His diary entry for December 27 read: "Phew, it's over. Chill now."

Imprisonment 

Convicted of rape, sexual assault, and abduction, Voisey (also known as Peter Smith) received a minimum 10-year sentence. Jurors wept hearing the girl's ordeal; the judge warned of possible lifelong imprisonment.

Recent Parole Denial

In the latest review, the Parole Board summary stated: "After considering the circumstances of his offending, the progress made while in custody and the evidence presented in the dossier, the panel was not satisfied that release at this point would be safe for the protection of the public."

Risk factors included instability, relationship difficulties, poor friendships, and substance misuse. Voisey denied sexual attraction to children, but the panel noted his attitudes toward sexual behavior as relevant to risk.

He completed programs and engaged with a psychologist, but maintained innocence, hindering full understanding of his behavior.

Description

A Northampton man has been jailed for subjecting his former partner to months of domestic abuse, with the judge branding his behaviour "cowardly, cruel and unrelenting".

Craig Stewart, 34, of Helmdon Crescent, Kingsthorpe, appeared via video link from prison at Aylesbury Crown Court on July 15, with sentencing adjourned to September 2. He was convicted of controlling and coercive behaviour, plus two counts of assault by beating and three counts of causing actual bodily harm (ABH), committed between April and September 2021.

Stewart pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing on November 25, 2021.

Prosecutor Alex Radley told the court that two weeks into the relationship, Stewart demanded the victim's Instagram account be made private. The first violence followed a restaurant incident, where he slapped her at home and said she "deserved it".

Stewart called her constantly to check her activities, made derogatory comments about her outfits, called her names in public, checked her phone, and threatened to hurt her cat as it "threatened the undivided attention Stewart wanted".

Mr Radley detailed further violence, including headbutting, slapping, punching, and strangling. In one incident, "He strangled her with both hands and squeezed to the point where she couldn’t breathe. She thought he was going to kill her." Stewart also threatened to kill her and her family.

The final assault involved a torrent of abuse and punches to her head while she drove; she fled to a petrol station for help.

Stewart has 27 previous offences from 2009 to January 2020.

Defence barrister Karen Walton said Stewart accepts his behaviour was "frightening", noting his "depressing and sad background in relation to his family background and people he was close to when he was younger". She added: "He wishes to apologise unreservedly to the victim and accepts how terrifying his behaviour must have been."

His Honour Judge Francis Sheridan described Stewart's actions as "absolutely disgusting", adding: "We have to get the message across to the defendant that women are people in their own right. They are not and never will be your property.

"You have to learn that the court will do everything they can to protect them. If you are not prepared to stop, the sentences will get longer.

"I don’t know why this man was not charged with something more serious such as threats to kill. He should have been."

Stewart was sentenced to 45 months in prison, with an indefinite restraining order barring contact with the victim. He remains under an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) from a prior case.

Description

A man who raped a woman after pretending to be a taxi driver has been jailed.

The woman had been out with a friend in Sheffield in spring 2025 but decided to go home, leaving her friend out.

As she walked out of the club, she got into what she thought was a taxi, with the driver Shabir Sultani telling her he was a taxi driver and would take her home.

During the journey Sultani offered her vodka which she refused before taking her back to her home address.

When they arrived at her home in Chesterfield, he then followed her to her front door, forcing his way into the property.

Despite her telling him repeatedly she wanted him to leave Sultani continued to kiss the woman before raping her.

The woman managed to get him off her by kicking him.

Sultani was identified using CCTV footage and automatic number plate recognition of his car.

He was arrested and subsequently charged with rape and sexual assault.

The 27-year-old of Sturton Road, Sheffield, denied the charges but was found guilty after a trial at Derby Crown Court in November.

He appeared at the same court for sentence on 3 February where he was jailed for 13 years with an extension of seven years for dangerousness.

He has also been handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, given a restraining order preventing him from having any contact with the woman, and was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register.

Detective Staff Investigator Beth Waite, who led the investigation, said:

“Sultani clearly preyed on this woman on this occasion, pretending to be a taxi driver and offering to take her home.

“Despite her repeatedly saying she wasn’t interested and asking him to leave her alone, he continued to force himself upon her, ultimately raping her.

“I’d like to commend her bravery in coming forward and reporting this incident, and her support for the police investigation and subsequent prosecution.

“This incident will undoubtedly have a long-lasting impact on her but her courage has ensured that we were able to bring the perpetrator to justice.

“I hope that knowing he is now behind bars will allow her some form of peace.

“I’d encourage anyone who has been a victim of rape or a sexual assault of any kind to please come forward and report it to us. We will listen without judgement and support you throughout.”

Description

He abused his position of trust to sexually assault children and take indecent images - and now he’s rightly facing justice.

The investigating officer spoke after a 45-year-old Maldon man was sentenced for his years of abuse.

Robert Slight held a position of trust in the town for more than a decade and used that role to gain access to vulnerable children.

And on Monday 2 March he was sentenced to 12 years in prison, with a further six on licence after finally admitting to his crimes.

Detectives from the Economic Crime Team initially launched a financial investigation in July 2023 after receiving information.

A warrant was executed at the defendant’s home address in Wantz Road and a concerning number of devices and items connected to children were found at the address.

Detective Constable Karen Venables explained:

We were faced with large quantities of data, across numerous phones, laptops, and USB sticks.

These were all seized and Slight was arrested.

Following interview he was released on conditional bail.

full extent of crimes uncovered

The full extent of his crimes was uncovered during a complex two-year investigation, led by our Economic Crime Team with support from our Child Abuse Investigation Team that required painstaking work by detectives and digital forensic experts.

Thousands of images were recovered and analysed, forming a crucial part of the evidence against him.

In July 2025 he faced a number of charges and when he first appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court he admitted two counts of taking indecent images of a child, but denied two counts of causing/inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, one count of sexual assault on a child under 13, one count of meeting a child following sexual grooming and two counts of fraud.

He was then remanded into custody.

finally admitted his crimes

As officers worked on preparing the case, which involved carrying out sensitive interviews with his young victims, Slight continued to deny a number of offences he faced, but as detectives built the case against him, he changed his pleas to guilty just ahead of his February trial.

He admitted three counts of sexual assault of a girl under 13 by touching, one count of causing/inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, two counts of taking indecent images of a child (Cat B and Cat C) and one count of making an indecent photograph of a child.

One charge of causing/inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, a charge of meeting a child following sexual grooming and two counts of fraud will lie on file.

Det Con Venables said:

This was a disturbing case involving a man who exploited his position to harm children.

The investigation demanded time, care and determination from our team, who worked tirelessly to uncover the full extent of his offending.

In these cases, we often must sift through vast amounts of distressing material to build a picture of someone’s behaviour.

It’s difficult, meticulous work — but it’s essential to securing justice for victims and protecting other children from harm.

At the same court he was also given restraining orders against his victims, placed on sex offenders register and will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

During sentencing Judge Sawyer told Slight that he engaged in “classic grooming behaviour” and ingratiated himself with family.

The real impact of what you have done may not be recognised by the victims for many years.

and

what you did to each of them will stay with them forever.

Det Con Venables added:

We are firmly committed to protecting children and bringing offenders to justice.
If you report abuse to us, we will listen, and we will investigate.
Your voice matters.

Description

We are welcoming the sentencing of a former firefighter to 13 years imprisonment plus six years on extended for sexual offences against children.

Scott Cameron, 41, was initially arrested in February 2024.

Cameron was convicted after trial and has remained on remand until today, Friday 6 March 2026. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison for the following offences: 

• Six offences of Sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15
• Sexual communication with a child
• Two offences of Causing or Inciting a child to engage in sexual activity;
• Meeting a child following sexual grooming

He was additionally sentenced to one year in prison (to be served consecutively) for a further offence of Causing or Inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, in relation to a separate victim.

Cameron will also be required to register on the Sex Offender for life. He was classed as dangerous offender, has been barred from working with children, issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and Restraining Orders for both victims.

Speaking after the case, Detective Inspector Tony Meakins from our Child Criminal and Sexual Exploitation Team (CCSET) said:

"Cameron abused his position as a firefighter in order to sexually exploit a young girl, and he will now serve a considerable prison sentence, as well as ending his career in disgrace. He has no regard for the significant harm his crimes have caused, and continue to cause.

"Cameron repeatedly tried to blame those around him in attempts to cover his tracks. He was quite prepared to damage and bring under suspicion people close to him. From any perspective, Scott Cameron has shown himself to be an utterly contemptible man.

"The victims and their families have shown strength and courage throughout this process, which was made more traumatic by Cameron's denials and the consequent court case. His lies and attempts to blame his victims for his actions have caused further harm, and we hope that today's sentence at least gives some sense of justice being served, and allows them to continue the healing process.

"We have specially trained staff to help victims every step of the way, so I would urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse to come forward. They will get the support and advice they need to help them come to terms with their ordeal, and if they so wish, put their abuser before the courts."

Chief Fire Officer, Nick Searle said:

“We remain grateful to Merseyside Police for immediately bringing this matter our attention and the support they have provided to the victims and their families. The Service was made aware of Cameron’s arrest on 2nd February 2024, he was suspended from duty immediately and was dismissed on 23rd February 2024 following an investigation and discipline hearing.” 

CPS Mersey-Cheshire Senior Crown Prosecutor Georgiana Panteli said:

“Scott Cameron is a dangerous and manipulative paedophile.

“In October last year, a jury found him guilty of grooming and engaging in sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl.

“However, it became apparent that this was not the first time Scott Cameron had tried to groom an underage girl, and there is a clear pattern in his methods and behaviour.

“The Crown Prosecution Service was determined to make Cameron face up to the full extent of his offending and, when further allegations were made, he was charged with another offence of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity almost twenty years ago.

“He pleaded guilty to that offence at a hearing at Liverpool Crown Court on 27 February 2026.

“Today (5 March 2026) he has been sentenced for all 11 offences in total, the ten offences he was convicted of in October and the additional charge that he pleaded guilty to.

“The CPS would like to thank the victims and witnesses for their help in bringing this successful prosecution and ensuring Cameron faces up to what he has done.”

Description

A Derbyshire man has been jailed for more than 20 years after he was found guilty of sexually abusing two children.

Mark Kearney was arrested in November 2024 after the abuse was reported to police. He was swiftly charged and remanded into custody.

In respect of the first victim, the 55-year-old denied two counts of rape of a child under 13, assault by penetration of a child under 13, incite a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, assault by touching of a child under 13, and two counts of cause a child to look at an image of sexual activity.

He also denied assault by penetration of a child under 13, assault by touching of a child under 13, and cause a child under 13 to look at an image of sexual activity for the second victim.

He was sent to trial in April 2025 and was found guilty on all counts.

Kearney, of no fixed address, appeared at Derby Crown Court for sentencing on 26 February 2026.

He was ordered to serve a 24-year jail term by a judge, with an extended licence period of six years on release.

Kearney is also required to register with police indefinitely.

Detective Constable Danielle Lynch said:

“This has been an incredibly distressing case, and I want to commend the courage shown by both victims in coming forward and supporting the investigation.

“Their strength has ensured that a dangerous offender has been brought to justice.

“We will always take reports of child sexual abuse extremely seriously, and we are committed to doing everything we can to protect vulnerable children and pursue those who cause them harm.”

Description

A man who “groomed and manipulated” his victims has been sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison for sexual offences against a child and a teenager.

Thomas Brewer, 60, of Whitefield Avenue, Speedwell, in Bristol, was sentenced to eight offences at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday 5 March after being found guilty by a unanimous jury following a trial at the same court in January this year.

He has been convicted of four counts of engaging in non-penetrative activity with a child, two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of sexual assault against a female.

Brewer is also subject to a criminal Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) which is in place indefinitely.

The court heard how Brewer would abuse his position of trust and repeatedly assaulted his victims by touching them. He assaulted his youngest victim over a period of around six months, and the oldest victim was assaulted during a party.

Officers maintained contact with both victims throughout the investigation and have offered them access to any support services they feel they may benefit from.

Brewer’s first victim, who was under the age of 16 at the time of the offending, detailed the ordeal in a statement which was read out at court on her behalf, which said:

“I hate Tom for what he did to me and the ongoing impact of it. This happening has made me grow up, and maybe quicker than I should have.

“I am not going to let this ruin my life. I have accepted it and can finally move forwards now.”

The second victim to come forward, who was under the age of 18 at the time of the offences against her, said in her statement:

“You show no remorse for your actions and it’s sickening. I really hope one day you realise what you did and how disgusting it is. The nightmares and social anxiety I get to this day are caused by you, but I want you to know you’ve not won and never will.” 

Description

A 30yearold man who persistently stalked a teenage girl before grabbing her in an alleyway in StokeonTrent has been jailed.

Sabjan Burkazi, of Tunstall, was sentenced to three-years-and-four-months at StokeonTrent Crown Court yesterday (Thursday 5 March) after he admitting engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, stalking causing serious alarm or distress and three counts of making an indecent images of children. He had initially denied the offences but changed his plea to guilty shortly before his trial was due to start.

The offences came to light following an incident in August last year, when Burkazi approached the girl as she walked through an alleyway in Tunstall. He grabbed her, but fled moments later when a member of the public intervened. We arrested him at his home shortly after.

Following a robust investigation by officers from our public protection unit (PPU), we found that Burkazi had repeatedly targeted the same girl over several months, approaching her in public and asking for her phone number and social media details, which she refused to give. 

A search of his mobile phone uncovered indecent images of children.

The strength of the evidence gathered by officers was cited as a key factor in Burkazi’s decision to enter guilty pleas in court.

As well as a custodial sentence, Burkazi was handed an indefinite restraining order, preventing any future contact with the victim. He was also served with a five year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and put on the Sex Offenders Register for the next 10 years.

Detective Inspector Adam Goodger, from our child protection team, said

"Burkazi caused significant distress through his behaviour.

“The victim’s courage, combined with the thorough work of our officers in gathering the evidence, has ensured that he was held accountable for his crimes.

“This case demonstrates our continued commitment in Staffordshire to supporting those affected by these offences and taking strong action against those responsible.”

Description

In the space of one hour on the evening of 9 May 2025, Sonny Boyes carried out multiple sexual offences against two teenage girls in Exeter.

Today, 6 March, the 19-year-old appeared at Exeter Crown Court where the judge jailed him for 17 years, described him as having ‘breathless arrogance and distorted thinking’.

Following a trial in October 2025, a jury found him guilty of nine sexual offences, including two counts of rape.

The court heard that Boyes, of Commercial Road, Exeter, raped a 16-year-old girl near Digby & Sowton train station, shortly before 9pm, after having both got off the train there. They had not met before that day, but he asked her to hold his beer while he urinated in nearby bushes, before raping and sexually assaulting her. The victim was able to flee the area and called for help.

While still hanging around the train station, 45 minutes later, Boyes was seen with a 17-year-old girl, who he struck up struck up a conversation with. He very quickly turned the interaction sexual and began touching her – despite her saying no on numerous occasions. The ‘forceful and persistent’ assault continued on the train. The victim described that she ‘loudly told him to stop’, in hopes that others would hear.

When Boyes left the train at the next stop, members of the public and train staff approached the victim, and the incident was immediately reported to police.

He was arrested in Exeter City Centre at 10.20pm that evening and taken into custody. He was charged and appeared at court on 12 May.

Boyes pleaded not guilty to all charges, and was found guilty by a jury in October 2025 of the following offences:

• Two counts of rape
• Three counts of sexual assault
• Four counts of assault by penetration
• He was also found not guilty of one count of rape.

Boyes was remanded after the verdict and appeared at Exeter Crown Court on 6 March where he was sentenced to 17 years in prison, with an extended licence of seven years. He will sign the Sex Offenders Register for life and be subject to an indeterminate Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

On sentencing, the judge said that Boyes had ‘charmed and alarmed’ the victims, described that throughout the criminal justice process Boyes had demonstrated misogynistic views and even while in custody had continued to show derogatory behaviour towards females he had encountered.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Jordan Pearce said:

“We welcome the sentence handed down by the court today, which highlights the seriousness of the offences committed by Sonny Boyes.

“My utmost thanks and praise are foremost with the two victims. This outcome would not have been possible without the continuous courage shown by the victims. They have both been through a horrific ordeal that no person should ever be subjected to and have continued to show incredible bravery throughout.

“The crimes committed by Boyes on the 9 May 2025 have had a lasting impact on the victims, and the local community.

“He preyed on two young women, where he displayed aggressive and sexually harassing behaviour towards them. He was forceful and persistent in his attack committing two separate attacks in a very short period of time. 

“He has shown no remorse for his actions throughout the investigation and during interview he was derogatory and sexist, where he admitted to engaging in sexual activity with the victims.”

DC Pearce added:

“I would also like to the thank all witnesses that came forward to give evidence - this was key in achieving a positive result in court today. I am grateful to the members of public who acted fast to report these incidents to us so we could prevent further harm. As a result of these reports, Boyes was detained incredibly quickly and taken into custody where he was interviewed and later charged.”

Description

Two rapists who "dehumanised" a teenage girl in a planned 30-minute ordeal have been jailed.

Taylor Dove, 22, from Grangetown in Sunderland, and Vieri Chapman, 25, from Gosforth in Newcastlealso known as Jevonni Copleywere convicted at Newcastle Crown Court of offences including rape. Dove received 12 years, Chapman 10 years.

Dove was also convicted of raping another teenager when he was 17, while on bail for that offence during the joint attack.

Judge Julie Clemitson said neither had any "regard" for their victim, who was "violated in the most vile way by two men at the same time." Dove "felt entitled" to sex, Chapman had a "troubling attitude towards consent," and alcohol played a role, but they prioritized their desires. "Had you both bothered to look at her rather than playing tag, you would have noticed she was crying," the judge said. It was "truly an ordeal," leaving her "bleeding and distraught." Neither showed remorse; Dove bragged to friends afterward.

The victim said she was determined not to be defined by the attack, but "I didn't want it to affect anything in my life but it ended up affecting everything in my life." The rapists "dehumanised" her and "gave no regard" to her feelings. "I don't think they realise the severity of what they did and how much it has affected me," she added.

Dove's first victim said: "Taylor Dove has destroyed my life. I only found the strength to report what he had done due to the fear he would do the same thing to someone else." She became a "shell" of her "happy and confident" self, and Dove showed no remorse. "I don't believe he thinks what he has done is wrong," she said.

Both must sign the sex offenders register for life.

Description

A man convicted of attempting to rape a girl under 13 was jailed for 11 years today. Ryan Linden Williams, 37, of Hendre, Corwen, had a prior sexual offense on his record.

He must register as a sex offender for life, with a 25-year sexual harm prevention order and a four-year extended license period.

At Caernarfon Crown Court, defense counsel Myles Wilson noted Williams' strong work ethic, adding: "He continues to deny this offence."

The court heard he stopped the attack when asked.

Judge Timothy Petts described the relevant side of Williams' character as "very concerning indeed," stating: "Only an immediate prison sentence will do."

Description

A man who admitted to sexual offences against three women in Southampton has today been jailed for three years.

While walking along Upper Shaftesbury Avenue, Portswood, in the early hours of Tuesday 25 November, last year, a woman was approached by Sohail Amiri.

Despite not knowing the woman, he started walking alongside her, telling her she was beautiful and asking for "just one kiss".

After repeatedly being told no, Amiri, 30, an Afghan national who was living in Highfield Lane at the time, grabbed the woman's wrist and attempted to force himself upon her.

Throughout the assault, she repeatedly told him no as he repeated the words "just one kiss", before breaking free and fleeing for safety.

After receiving the report, local officers began enquiries in the area to track down CCTV, identify the movements of Amiri after the assault and trace him to his address, arrest him and seize the clothing he had been wearing at the time.

It was heard this work also led to identifying his involvement in another reported incident two months earlier.

Southampton Crown Court was told Amiri had approached a woman in Westwood Road, Bevois, on September 23, around 6.40am in the morning, asking for "just one kiss", but she ignored him and continued walking.

When she arrived at work, she told a colleague about this, who said the same thing had happened to her, but that the man had also pushed her while saying the same phrase.

The court heard following a DNA match to saliva from the incident in Portswood and mobile phone data confirming his locations, among a number of other enquiries, Amiri was charged.

Earlier this year, he pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault, one of attempted sexual assault, and to entering the United Kingdom without leave.

And today he was jailed for three years at Southampton Crown Court by Judge Nicholas Rowland. He was also handed a 10 year sexual harm prevention order.

Speaking after the hearing, DCI Michael Higgins, who oversaw the investigation, said:

"Sohail Amiri's behaviour was predatory, and created a great deal of fear and anxiety for all three women, who should be able to feel safe in their own community.

"Their courage and bravery throughout meant we have been able to present a case to the court which Amiri has had no choice but to plead guilty to.

"While nothing can undo what they have been through, I hope today's sentencing brings a measure of reassurance to them, and to the public, that we take behaviour like this extremely seriously, and will do all we can to bring perpetrators to justice."

District commander for Southampton, Superintendent Alex Charge added:

"Following the assault in Portswood, our neighbourhood enforcement team's dogged and tenacious attitude meant we were swiftly able to track Amiri's movements, locate him and bring him into custody. Our investigation team then used all the available extensions to keep him there while we pulled together all the evidence required to obtain charges from the CPS.

"Ensuring Southampton's streets not only are safe, but feel safe for all who live, work in and visit the city is the utmost priority for us, and we will not tolerate anyone who wants to target lone women in our communities.

"We have also been really clear that we police without fear or favour, and regardless of ethnicity or nationality, if you commit a crime then we will use all powers available to us to deal with you."

Description

A paedophile has been jailed again after being caught possessing indecent images of children.

Sam Whitacre, 37, formerly known as Sam Lewis from Grappenhall, was imprisoned in 2021 for two years after possessing nearly 25,000 child abuse images. He faced charges of distributing, three counts of making, and two counts of possessing indecent images, leading to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and notification requirements.

Now living on Mersey Road, Widnes, Whitacre appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday, pleading guilty to possessing 1,093 indecent images of children as young as six, three counts of making indecent images, breaching his SHPO, and failing to comply with sex offender register rules.

In May 2024, a sex offender manager visited Whitacre, who has a child, and searched his Samsung phone due to concerns about child abuse material. Authorities found 1,093 deleted indecent images, an undeclared cloud storage app (prohibited by his SHPO), and an undeclared bank card (breaching notification requirements).

The court noted Whitacre's one prior conviction for six offences, all related to indecent or prohibited child images.

Defence lawyer Jim Smith argued that Whitacre's prior custody prevented a rehabilitative order. He highlighted Whitacre's warehouse job, aware new partner, and past anxiety and depression, saying:

“I ask your honour to allow this defendant one last opportunity to get the necessary help he needs to become a coactive and cooperative useful member of society."

Recorder Alex Leach ruled:

“These offences are so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence can be justified. You do not yet form a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and I am obliged to take into account your history of offending.”

Whitacre received a 12-month prison sentence, plus a new 10-year SHPO and notification requirements.

Description

Detectives have praised the bravery of victims for coming forward and helping to bring a sexual health doctor to justice for sexual assault and voyeurism offences.

An investigation was launched by Dorset Police after an allegation was received in August 2023 in relation to Timothy Girling, who was a practising sexual health doctor in Bournemouth.

A male patient had reported that during an examination he noticed Girling recording on his mobile phone. The victim took the doctor’s phone and Girling fled the scene.

Officers attended and Girling was located nearby. The victim was also spoken to and further reported that he had been touched inappropriately.

Further investigations also identified two further patients who had been sexually assaulted, one of whom was also recorded.

An examination of the defendant’s digital devices uncovered further recordings, including covert ones from a residential bathroom, involving as yet unidentified victims as well as indecent images of children.

Following a trial at Bournemouth Crown Court, Girling was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault, six charges of voyeurism and one of attempted voyeurism. He also subsequently entered guilty pleas to three offences of possessing indecent images of children.

Girling, aged 55 and of West Molesey in Surrey, returned to court on Thursday 5 March 2026 and was sentenced to six years in prison.

Detective Constable Kit Little, of Dorset Police, said:

“Timothy Girling was in a position of trust as a sexual health doctor and exploited this by inappropriately touching and making recordings of his victims.

“We have worked tirelessly since the initial report was first made in August 2023 to investigate Girling’s offending, identify further victims where possible and bring him to justice.

“This would not have been possible without the strength and courage of the victims, who supported our investigation and the court process to ensure Girling was ultimately held to account.

“I want to thank them as well as the health services involved who have supported our comprehensive investigation.”

Lucy Paddick, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said:

“A doctor’s duty is to care for patients, not exploit them, and Timothy Girling repeatedly violated that fundamental trust.

“These sexual offences, carried out under the guise of legitimate medical practice, were deeply calculated.

“He manipulated vulnerable individuals and exploited them in clinical sittings – a place where they should feel safe and secure.

“In court, we showed how he used his professional position to facilitate this offending and secretly record intimate examinations.

“We hope these convictions demonstrate that such abuse of authority will be robustly prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service.”

Dorset HealthCare has set up a dedicated phone number – 01305 363075 – for anyone who was treated by Dr Girling to contact them and discuss any concerns they have or access support if they need it.

Description

A man who tried to groom a '14-year-old girl' for sex has been jailed.

Leighton Garner, aged 28, was in reality tricked by an online activist group into conversing with an adult volunteer in July and August last year.

Garner sent sexually explicit images to the person and requested pictures in exchange, despite her claiming to be a child.

At one point on their social media exchange, Garner received a picture of the ‘girl’ and clearly discussed her age.

Garner also discussed meeting the girl at a hotel for sex.

He also discussed meeting another woman at a Retford Supermarket on 2 August 2025, but was met instead by members of the group who then called the police.

Garner, of no fixed address, later pleaded guilty to guilty to attempting to cause a girl to engage in sexual activity and attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.

Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday 2 March he was jailed for 15 months and handed a ten-year sexual harm prevention order which will tightly restrict his internet usage and access to children.

Detective Constable Sarah Pitchford, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“Garner’s behaviour was little short of predatory.

“He genuinely believed he was in conversation with a teenage girl who he then attempted to groom for a sexual relationship.

“That’s why I am pleased not only with his jail sentence, but also with the very strict sexual harm prevention order we secured to help minimise the risk of future offending

“Garner should be under no illusion that any breach of this order once he is release will likely result in his immediate return to prison.”