Latest Offenders

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After a young victim bravely spoke out about the long term sexual abuse he had suffered at the hands of a man, that man has now been jailed.

Police arrested 44-year-old David Newsom, of Regency Close, Uckfield on 18 November, 2025 in relation to serious sexual offences committed against a boy between 2017 and 2025.

The victim was only around 10-years-old when the abuse began.

Charges were authorised the day after Newsom’s arrest, and he appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court where he was remanded in custody.

At a hearing at Lewes Crown Court on 7 January, Newsom pleaded guilty to eight offences. Rape, four counts of sexual assault against a child under 13, and three counts of sexual activity with a child.

Newsom was remanded back into custody ahead of his sentencing.

On March 23 at Brighton Crown Court, Newsom was sentenced to 14 years in prison.

Leading the investigation, Detective Constable Nandi Luthuli, said:

"Without the victim’s courage in speaking out about the sexual abuse he endured, this could have continued unchecked.

"The final offence took place just one month before Newsom’s arrest, bringing an end to around nine years of sexual abuse.

"Let there be no doubt. Anyone abusing children will be investigated and held accountable.

"And to victims, we will listen to you. There is no shame in speaking out, and you should never feel you have to suffer in silence.

"The abuse cannot be undone, but this chapter is now closed. We hope the victim can now move forward and begin to heal."

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A 52-year-old man from Halesworth has been jailed after being found guilty of non-recent sexual assault offences.

Johnathan Chapman, formerly of Johnathan Chapman, appeared before Ipswich Crown Court today (Friday 27 March) where he was sentenced to 34 months’ imprisonment.

He was found guilty by a jury of two counts of sexual assaults against two victims at an earlier hearing, following a six-day trial.

The offences took place on separate occasions when the victims, both female, were aged in their mid-late teens.

Chapman was also given a five-year restraining order against both victims and made subject of a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

DC Samuel Jones, who was the investigating officer for the case said:

“Chapman has proven himself a predator and a danger to women and girls.

“He has shown a callous disregard for his victims’ welfare, forcing them to relive their deeply traumatic experiences by denying any wrongdoing and refusing to accept responsibility for his actions.

“I would like to commend the victims for their bravery to report the crimes against them, and for their perseverance to seeing the case through to conclusion.

“Whilst nothing can undo the impact on their formative years, I hope today’s conviction offers them some comfort in knowing that Chapman is now being brought to justice.”

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Pervert Thomas Shaw had sex chats with undercover police officers after believing he was chatting to schoolgirls.

The 38-year-old dad used Kik Messenger to contact two 14-year-olds and a 12-year-old.

He asked them to wear school uniforms when sending photos, carried out a sex act, and asked to meet two of them “without their parents knowing”. Shaw, of Mallorie Road, Norton, pleaded guilty to three counts of attempting sexual communication with a person under 16 and five counts of making indecent images of children in February and March 2025.

Charlotte Johnson, prosecuting, told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court: “Police attended the defendant’s address and seized multiple devices including three phones which all had indecent images of children on them. The age ranges of the children in the images were between four and 12, both female and male. The defendant gave ‘no comment’ answers during the interview and said he couldn't remember speaking to any of the children online.”

Hamish Noble, mitigating, said:

“These offences were committed following separation from his wife. He'd become isolated, bored, he was not working, and was drinking too much. He was lonely and knew it was wrong. He has intense feelings of shame and disgust. He has some understanding of the position of the children in this case.

“He's now stopped drinking and attends a charity at Port Vale Football Club. He’s not been able to see his own children. He had a difficult childhood himself, he was forced to leave his mother’s house aged 12, and he has had some difficulties with her.”

Judge Richard McConaghy imposed a two-year community order including 30 rehabilitation activity requirement sessions and 200 hours unpaid work. Shaw is now subject to a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Judge McConaghy said: “You have denied having any sexual interest in children - that is blatantly untrue and something you need to address. You are hiding behind the drink but I acknowledge you are shameful for what has taken place in this case.”

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A man who raped a 17-year-old girl in Stratford has been jailed for ten years.

In 2024 the victim was using the bathroom at a gathering at a friend’s house when 22-year-old Mohammad Tawfiqi, also present, forced his way into the room, locked the door and attacked her.
 
We shared an appeal to trace Tawfiqi, who had told those at the house he was called Papino.

A member of the public from Hereford then called us to identify Tawfiqi, an Iranian national who was living in Stratford at the time, and he was then arrested at his place of work.
 
He attempted to give a false name to officers – and in interview he offered a pre-prepared statement denying any wrongdoing.
 
But thanks to the bravery of the victim, a strong case was built against him and on Thursday 19 March at Warwick Crown Court he was found guilty of rape.
 
That same day he was jailed for ten years.
 
Detective Constable Ella Stewart said:

“The victim has shown incredible bravery throughout this process and I want to publicly thank her for all she has done.
 
“Tawfiqi has shown no remorse for his appalling attack and, though no sentence will take away what happened, we are glad he is off the streets.”

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A man has been sentenced after being found guilty of one count of rape, two counts of sexual assault by penetration and six counts of sexual assault, after he appeared at Guildford Crown Court last Monday (16 March).

Scott Brand, 22 (DOB:20/03/2004), of Epsom was sentenced to five years and six months in prison and was also given a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order. 

Brand committed a series of serious sexual offences against three victims using different names to conceal his identity.

The investigation began in June 2021 after a 17yearold girl reported that Brand had sexually assaulted her at his home, choking her with a metal object during the attack. She immediately disclosed the incident to a friend and later reported it to Metropolitan Police. Brand was arrested shortly afterwards.

She said: “I was sad, angry and scared; constantly on high alert, whether this be in public, or whether it was to do with the severe trauma I was trying to cope with.”

A second victim, also 17, came forward days later. She reported repeated violent sexual offences involving choking, hitting and assaults that occurred while she was unconscious or asleep. She said, “My views on how relationships are formed are now very distorted due to what happened.”

Her allegations related to the same period and showed clear similarities in Brand’s behaviour, methods and use of false names.  Both girls told police that Brand went by the name “Oskar” during the time they spent with him.

During further interviews, both victims disclosed additional offences, including oral rape and attacks at an abandoned golf course.

A third victim, aged 16 at the time, was later identified. She reported that Brand, who had introduced himself as ‘Damon,’ had forcefully sexually assaulted her at her home after pressuring her throughout their relationship.

She said: “Having someone I initially felt safe with breaking my trust at 15 has indubitably shaped the way I view both romantic and platonic relationships involving a male partner, and the way I view myself.”

Following advice from the CPS, Brand was charged with 11 offences, including two rapes, sexual assault by penetration and multiple counts of sexual assault.

At his first trial in June 2025, he was convicted of one count of sexual assault by penetration relating to the third victim, though the jury could not reach verdicts on the remaining counts.

A retrial was held in December 2025, where Brand was convicted of rape, sexual assault by penetration and multiple sexual assaults against the first two victims. He was found not guilty of one count of rape and one count of sexual assault.

Reading out her impact statement at the sentencing hearing, one victim said:

“No woman should ever go through something like that, no woman should ever be afraid that they will be assaulted by their next partner, no woman deserves to feel isolated or alienated because someone thought it was within their right to take something without asking for consent.”

One of the victims also praised the case officer, DC Jamie Vernon, for his exceptional empathy, professionalism, and unwavering dedication throughout the investigation and court process.

DC Jamie Vernon said:

“I would like to pay tribute to the victims. They were young girls when this investigation began, and the serious crimes they suffered had a profound impact on their formative years, disrupting both their education and home lives.

“The nearly five years it took to finally secure justice was extremely traumatic, but they showed remarkable bravery and resilience.

“I am incredibly proud of them and have watched them grow into strong young women.”

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A registered sex offender from Gillingham has been jailed for deleting his internet browsing history.

In 2021, Nigel Edwards was convicted of making indecent images of children and became subject to strict conditions on his conduct. A 10 year sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) was put in place which included stringent restrictions around his use of the internet, specifically that he should not delete the internet history on any device.

On 18 January 2026, investigators made a regular visit to review Edwards’s laptop and were alerted to irregularities within his internet history.

The device was then seized and on 21 January he was arrested for breaching a sexual harm prevention order due to his internet browsing history being deleted.

Charged

Nigel Edwards, 54, of Flaxmans Court, Gillingham, was charged the same day and remanded in custody.

He pleaded guilty to the offence at Maidstone Crown Court and on Monday 23 March, Edwards was sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment. He will also continue to be subject to the remaining five years of his sexual harm prevention order.

Investigating officer, Police Constable Harriette Barraclough said:

‘Court orders such as these are there so convicted sex offenders can be closely monitored and help us safeguard children.

‘As this case shows we will do everything within our powers to ensure offenders like Edwards face justice.’

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A 24-year-old sexual predator has been jailed for more than seven years after admitting grooming a 14-year-old child online and coercing her into sexual activity.

Vitor Soares de Oliveira, a Brazilian national who was living in Surrey at the time of his offending, initially denied all charges against him before changing his plea on the second day of his trial at Swindon Crown Court in January.

He admitted five counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of making indecent images of a child (Category A).

Appearing before Swindon Crown Court on Friday (20/03), he was handed a total custodial sentence of seven years and six months.

He must also be registered as a sex offender indefinitely, be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years, and pay a surcharge of £228.

The court heard how offences came to light after the victim bravely confided in a friend in June 2025 - which led to the matter being reported to the police due to concerns that she was missing from her home, and in company with the defendant. 

The court heard how Soares de Oliveira gave his teenage victim drugs, alcohol, vapes and food in an effort to maintain the sexual grooming of her.

At the time of the offences, the victim believed the defendant to be 19 years old as he attempted to conceal his true age.

T/Detective Constable Samantha Martin said:

"This has been a long and traumatic ordeal for the survivor of this abuse, who has had to balance personal challenges alongside a complex police investigation. Despite this, she has displayed extraordinary strength and resilience throughout.

"Soares de Oliveira is a predatory offender who targeted the victim online and – whilst in full awareness of her age being only 14 years old – has travelled into Wiltshire repeatedly in order to pursue her for his own sexual gratification.

"Due to the evidence gathered, the victim’s courageous statement and numerous witness testimonies, the case against Soares de Oliveira was extremely strong and resulted in his guilty plea.

"Whilst nothing can undo the harm that the victim has experienced, I hope this sentencing outcome offers her some reassurance and closure so that she can move forward with her life in the way that every child deserves. 

"Wiltshire Police’s Missing & Exploitation Unit is dedicated to working directly with children who are at risk of exploitation and to help make them feel safe, believed and supported in reporting what has been happening to them, with the ultimate view of bringing offenders to justice."

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A man who sexually assaulted four women and stalked another over five months across the railway network has been sentenced following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Craig Anthony Anderson, 38 (14/05/87), of no fixed address, was sentenced to one year and 10 months in prison on 23 March at The Old Bailey. Following a trial in January, he was found guilty of four counts of Sexual Assault and one count of Stalking.

He also received a 10 year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) which prohibits him from a number of things including being able to approach, sit or stand near lone women. He also received a two restraining orders.

The court heard how Anderson embarked on a spree of sexual offending between June and October 2025, targeting lone women travelling across London and surrounding regions.

On 14 June last year just before 4pm at Bank Underground Station, Anderson followed a young woman up the stairs and engaged her in unwanted conversation. He asked for her name and phone number before telling her she looked "sexy".

The victim asked him to leave her alone before he then sexually assaulted her. As he walked away from her, he stuck his tongue out at her and laughed as he headed through the station.

Just over a week later, on 26 June, Anderson attempted to strike up a conversation with another young woman on board a train at Guildford, asking her for her social media account details. The pair exchanged phone numbers, though he soon began to harass her over text for the next few weeks.

Declining his invitation to meet up, on 15 July he followed her from Epsom railway station onto the train to Victoria, verbally abusing her before he attempted to snatch her belongings. Anderson followed her for the next part of her journey, forcing her to hide in the toilets at Canary Wharf until Anderson left. He proceeded to regularly send her sexual messages and images to her mobile phone until his arrest in early October 2025.

Then on the morning of 2 August, Anderson approached a young woman exiting Liverpool Street station, tapping her on the arm to ask where she was going. He attempted to ask her for her social media accounts, which she refused to give. He then exclaimed that she was being difficult and requested to touch her. She again refused, and Anderson proceeded to sexually assault her before walking off and leaving the station.

Just weeks later on 29 August at Westminster Underground station, Anderson approached a woman asking for directions to Finchley and followed her up the escalator before sexually assaulting her, laughing before turning to head back down the escalator.

On the evening of 6 October Anderson approached a woman on the platform at Purley railway station. He asked her for directions to Gatwick Airport and continued to engage her in conversation, asking a slew of personal questions. They both boarded the same train and he chose to sit next to her.

He then asked her for her mobile number and email address, to which she declined and said she wasn't interested. He then asked what would she do if he tried to kiss her, and she said she would report him to the police. Anderson then sexually assaulted her, and while she attempted to get out of her seat he blocked her path. She was eventually able to escape and left the train at Redhill station.

BTP officers were able to identify Anderson from CCTV stills and he was pointed out by the victims in an identification parade as the man responsible for the series of offences. He was arrested during an in person interview at the Passport Office where he claimed he would be leaving the UK in a matter of weeks.

In the police car on the way to custody, and while under caution, Anderson proceeded to make derogatory comments about the women he targeted before claiming he had not been at the locations of the alleged assaults, despite the CCTV footage proving otherwise.

Detective Constable Libby Wildego said:

“Anderson is a dangerous predator who preyed on women for his own sexual gratification. Just as he did throughout the assaults themselves, when we questioned him under caution he smirked throughout and offered no comment, highlighting the sheer lack of remorse for his actions.

"It is thanks to the brave victims who came forward and supported our investigation that we have seen Anderson sentenced for his horrific crimes. Despite his own behaviour in court where he voluntarily left before he received his sentence, I hope this result provides some sense of comfort for the victims.

"If you experience or witness a sexual offence on a train or at a station, please report it to us by texting 61016. We take every report we receive seriously and will stop at nothing to bring sexual offenders like Anderson to justice."

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A 71-year-old man from Southsea has been jailed for eleven years after he admitted sexually assaulting a woman at his home address in September 2025.

We received a report on Wednesday 24 September that a 44-year-old woman had been sexually assaulted a fortnight earlier on Wednesday 10 September at an address on St Andrews Road. Graham Michael Stubbs who lived at the address was arrested on Friday 26 September and subsequently charged with sexual assault and sexual assault by digital penetration. He later admitted both charges and was sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday 20 March 2026. The court was told that the woman had been feeling unwell and had said ‘no’ when Stubbs had initially touched her chest over her clothing. He later sexually assaulted her when she was sleeping.

Stubbs was sentenced to eight years in prison for the latter offence, but this was extended to eleven years because of the nature of the offence. He was sentenced to eight months in prison to be served concurrently for the earlier assault.

Officer in the case, DC Amy Thatcher said:

“Stubbs abused the victims’ trust after offering to help her as she was feeling unwell. Instead of helping her, her preyed upon her and sexually assaulted her. I welcome the extended period of his sentence that ensures that he can’t target other women.

“I commend the victim in this case who came forward to secure justice and stop Stubbs from preying on other women, her resilience throughout this case has been extraordinary. I hope this significant sentence helps her moving forward and encourages victims of similar offences to report to us and seek support. Our message is simple, you will be believed and we will investigate thoroughly to wherever possible secure justice and stop people from targeting women and girls”.

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A violent rapist who subjected a woman to an ordeal of controlling behaviour before attacking her has been jailed.

Brett Carnelley and the victim began a relationship in October 2022 after meeting online.

Text messages and emails from May 2023 showed him becoming increasingly controlling, jealous and possessive.

On 10 October 2023, the victim went to see Carnelley at his workshop in Sneinton, Nottingham, after he told her he was struggling with his mental health.

She found him in an intoxicated state and he went on to rape her in a violent and degrading attack.

Carnelley continued to bombard the woman with messages and subject her to abusive posts on social media following the assault and tried to control who she saw and where she went.

The victim disclosed what had happened when speaking to her neighbour in January 2025 and detectives began an investigation.

The victim was supported and bravely told her story to specialist officers.

Thirty-seven-year old Carnelley, of no fixed abode, was arrested and charged but denied the offences.

However, he was found guilty by a jury of rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and stalking.

At Nottingham Crown Court on Monday (23 March) he was given an extended jail sentence of 17 years and one month.

Carnelley will serve 12 years and one month in custody and a further five years on licence upon his release from prison. He was also made the subject of an indefinite restraining order.

Detective Constable Mark Shirra, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“Carnelley’s bullying and controlling behaviour culminated in him raping the victim when she went to support and comfort him.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the victim for her bravery in speaking out, initially to her neighbour and then to officers.

“Carnelley did not have the decency to admit what he had done, subjecting the victim to a crown court trial.

“Cases of this nature can take a huge emotional toll on victims and their families.

“The victim has shown great courage and resilience, and I wish her the very best as she continues to rebuild her life.

“I hope this case serves as a warning to other violent men who think they can subject women to this sort of abuse.

“We treat such reports with the utmost seriousness and will do whatever it takes to bring offenders to justice.

“My message to other victims who are suffering is that although the steps to come forward and report can appear difficult, you will be listened to, helped and kept safe.”

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A predator who sought a child to sexually abuse and was then caught with almost 1,000 indecent images has been jailed.

We discovered Adam Khan had been interacting with others online to find a child he could carry out sex attacks on.

Officers from our Force Priorities Team established he was meeting with someone he believed could arrange for this to happen.

However, they intercepted this meeting and arrested Khan in Great Barr in July last year.

After seizing digital devices from him we found almost 1,000 indecent images and videos of children. There was evidence he'd also distributed images of children.

Khan pleaded guilty to arranging or facilitating the rape of a child under the age of 13 and distribution of indecent images between June and July last year.

The 30-year-old from Great Barr was jailed for nine years and six months at Birmingham Crown Court last Wednesday (18 March).

Detective Sergeant Nick McCullogh, from our Force Priorities Team, said:

"Khan was intent on meeting a child who he could sexually abuse.

"We were able to stop his disgusting plan, and uncover the full extent of his offending, to ensure he has been sent to jail for many years."

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A man has been jailed following reports of a sexual assault in Ellesmere Port.

Sayed Hasib, of no fixed abode, appeared at Chester Magistrates’ Court on Monday 23 March 2026 and was sentenced to 12 months in custody.

The 30-year-old, who is from Afghanistan, had pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault.

Shortly before 6pm on Saturday 21 March 2026, officers were called to South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port, following reports that a man had inappropriately touched a 13-year-old girl over her clothing.

Officers attended the scene and Hasib was immediately arrested. Following questioning he was later charged with the offence.

Chief Inspector Daniel Reynolds, of Ellesmere Port LPU, said:

“Hasib was quickly arrested minutes after the incident was reported, and in less than 48 hours has been charged and jailed for his actions.

“This highlights how seriously we take offences of this nature and we will take robust action.

“We understand the concern that this incident is likely to have caused in the local community, and we hope the swift conclusion of this case will provide members of the public with some reassurance.

“If you have any concerns about offences of this nature, please report them to us via 101 or through the Cheshire Police website."

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Matthew Johnston has been jailed for 16 years for grooming and sexually abusing a young boy in Littlehampton over several years.

Johnston, 49, of Haynes Close in Tottenham, London, began grooming and sexually assaulting the victim in 2014 when he was four years old.

Over a number of ensuing years, Johnston subjected the boy to repeated rapes and sexual abuse.

Johnston was a regular attendee at ComiCon-style events, and used events based around Star Wars and superheroes to groom the victim.

The abuse was reported to Sussex Police in December, 2024, at which point the victim and his family were supported by specialist officers and an investigation was launched.

Johnston was arrested and subsequently charged with two counts of rape of a child under 13, two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, two counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

At Hove Crown Court on Friday, 10 October, he was found guilty on all counts.

At the same court on Monday (23 March), he was sentenced to 16 years in prison, with a further five years to be spent on extended licence after the Court judged him to be a dangerous offender.

He has also been given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, Restraining Order and will remain on the Sex Offenders Register.

Detective Constable Jacob Parkin said:

Matthew Johnston groomed, manipulated and abused this young victim over many years, in a total betrayal of the trust of him and his family.

My thanks go to the victim and his family for their strength throughout this investigation. I have no doubt how challenging this process has been for them, but they have helped bring a dangerous offender to justice.

If you, or anyone you know, has been a victim of sexual offending, please report it to Sussex Police. We will support you and we will do all we can to get you justice.

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A judge has praised a woman for her tenacity and courage in bringing a rapist to justice.

Michael Silcock, 56, of Bull Close Lane, Halifax, was jailed for 11 years at Bradford Crown Court after a jury convicted him of raping her and sexually assaulting her twice.

The court heard he attacked her in the early hours while she was heavily intoxicated, drifting in and out of consciousness and physically unable to resist. He was said to have “preyed on her helplessness”.

In a statement read to the court by prosecutor Michael Morley, the victim said she had been left feeling scared, anxious and paranoid, suffering sporadic flashbacks that left her unable to breathe.

Silcock had 40 previous convictions for 91 offences — including wounding, assault and dishonesty — dating back to 1983. Mitigating, his barrister Abigail Langford noted a significant gap in his offending since 2013 with no previous sexual offences. She said he had struggled with alcoholism and addiction and had undergone a tracheotomy during cancer treatment.

Sentencing him, His Honour Judge Ahmed Nadim said the emotional damage inflicted was “severe and long lasting” and added: “It would not be an exaggeration to say that she has lost interest in life.”

Judge Nadim described the assault as a “violation”. He ordered Silcock to serve at least two-thirds of the sentence before release on licence, to register as a sex offender for life, and imposed a 20-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

He added: “The court expresses its profound gratitude to [the victim] for the courage and the tenacity she has shown in the face of this serious violation and having had the courage to give evidence so that the defendant may be brought to justice.”

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Michael Morrice, 47, has been jailed for 14 years for raping three women in Aberdeen.

He was found guilty after a six-day trial at the High Court in Aberdeen, where Judge Summers described the crimes as a "horrific catalogue of offending" that showed a pattern of physical and sexual violence. Morrice was also convicted of assaulting the three victims.

He received an extended sentence of 17 years, meaning he will be supervised for three years after release.

The judge told Morrice:

"Your conviction for these offences is a testament to the courage and strength of those women who were prepared to speak to the police.

"It is of concern, but unsurprising, that you continue to deny any responsibility for your sexual offending.

"You have no insight in relation to the harm caused to your victims.

"You are assessed as being at very high risk of reoffending.

"It is clear, given the nature and gravity of these offences, that the only appropriate disposal is the imposition of a lengthy custodial sentence."

Detective Inspector Gordon Patullo described Morrice as a "callous predator" now facing the consequences of his actions.