Latest Offenders

Description

An abuser with no conscience or remorse locked a woman in his home overnight and raped her.

Kenneth Crane, 43, of Harvey Street in Barry, appeared at Newport Crown Court after being found guilty at trial of two counts each of rape and false imprisonment, plus intentional strangulation and threatening a person with a knife.

The court heard that around September last year, Crane locked a woman inside his Barry home overnight, threatened to rape her, and carried out the threat.

Shortly after, he threatened to gut another woman with a knife, locked her in his home, called her derogatory names while spitting at her, then pushed her against a doorframe and strangled her.

During the trial, Crane was charged with contempt after telling a witness, "Wait ‘til I see you. Wait ‘til I see you, c***. Wait ‘til I see you, bro," and repeatedly insulting the prosecution barrister "in the vilest terms."

He had 45 previous convictions for 73 offences and was under a suspended sentence, said prosecutor Emma Harris.

In mitigation, Clare Wilks noted Crane's prior offending was a "difficult obstacle," but these were his first sexual crimes. "Mr Crane maintains his denials," she said, adding he had mental health issues, was "insecure" and "became fixated on negative thoughts," with "something of a disruptive upbringing."

"You are without a conscious, still less remorse for what you did," said Judge Daniel Williams.

Crane was jailed for 15 years, with a three-year extended licence, must register as a sex offender for life, and is subject to a lifelong restraining order.

Description

A sex offender given a chance to reform breached his court order within weeks by hiding a tablet containing over 200 child abuse images.

Andrew Boatwright, 25, of Sorrel Close, Stockton, had received a 20-month suspended sentence for two years in April for possessing indecent images of children, prohibited images, and extreme pornography. He was also required to sign the sex offenders’ register and comply with a sexual harm prevention order.

Prosecutor Caroline McGurk said Boatwright used an alias on his Xbox and an incognito browser on the unregistered Samsung tablet, found hidden under his mattress. She added: “He failed to volunteer the existence of the Samsung tablet; they later found it hidden under his mattress and indecent images were recovered from it at a later date.”

Boatwright pleaded guilty to downloading 38 Category A, 58 Category B, and 169 Category C indecent images of children; three breaches of his sexual harm prevention order; and breaching notification requirements between May 10 and September 18.

Mitigator Eleanor Bohill cited his “disturbed and troubled background” and history of illicit substance abuse from a young age.

Judge Jonathan Carroll activated 14 months of the suspended sentence and added 20 months for the new offenses, totaling two years and ten months in custody.

“You were only 73 days into that order when you committed these offences,” the judge said. “I am certain that you knew full well that you should have disclosed the Samsung tablet to the police otherwise you wouldn’t have needed to hide it under your mattress or failed to disclose it to the police.”

He added: “I have no doubt at all that the court’s primary concern in April was to give you a chance to engage with probation service to help you get back on track and help you deal with your innate sexual desires and emotions. You only get one chance at that and you have squandered it.”

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A man who raped a woman in Stoke-on-Trent has been jailed.

Mark Bardell, 36, of Oakhill, Stoke-on-Trent, was sentenced to seven years imprisonment at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court yesterday (Monday 1 December) after he was found guilty of the rape of a woman at an earlier hearing.

It happened in November 2021 inside Bardell’s home. He made repeated advances on the survivor, who told him no on several occasions, but he continued anyway.

After it happened, the survivor contacted us and told officers about the incident.

We secured all of the evidence needed to charge Bardell with rape. Because of the strength of this evidence, and the bravery of the survivor, the jury deemed him guilty.

As part of his sentencing, he was put on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.

DC Jennie Holland, from our public protection unit, said:

“I’d like to commend the survivor in this case for her tremendous bravery in coming forward and telling us about what happened.

“Through her courage, and the work of the officers and staff in Staffordshire, we’ve been able to put another dangerous sex offender behind bars.”

Description

An Eastbourne man convicted of 11 counts of child sexual abuse has been jailed.

John Simpson, 52, of Sheffield Park Way in Eastbourne, appeared at Lewes Crown Court on Thursday, 13 November, where he was jailed for a total of nine years and six months.

In 2011, Simpson groomed and repeatedly sexually abused a 13-year-old girl, convincing her they were in a ‘normal relationship’.

The abuse continued for a number of months, before the victim was able to cut contact with Simpson.

The victim reported Simpson’s offending to police as an adult in 2021 and was supported by specialist officers while an investigation was carried out.

Simpson was subsequently arrested and charged with 13 counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of causing/inciting a child to commit sexual activity.

At Lewes Crown Court on 3 September, 2025, he was found guilty of nine counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of causing/inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. He was found not guilty of four counts of sexual activity with a child.

Simpson was sentenced to 9 years and 6 months in prison, will be a registered sex offender for life and was given an indefinite restraining order against the victim.

Detective Inspector Harry Doyle said:

“John Simpson took advantage of the young victim, abusing her trust for his own sexual gratification.

“She has had to live with the impact of his crimes into adulthood, but has shown incredible courage by reporting his offending to the police.

“Thanks to her determination, Simpson has now faced justice for his crimes and will spend a significant period behind bars.

“This should send a clear message to victims and perpetrators that no matter how long ago an offence took place, we will take all reports seriously, we will investigate and we will do all we can to bring offenders to justice.”

Description

A young pedophile, Anthony Lanchester, raped a teenage boy in an Ilkeston park as the victim walked home from a fair, then sexually abused a second teen months later while on bail.

At Nottingham Crown Court, the trial heard how the 20-year-old grabbed the first boy, dragged him to a secluded area, touched him sexually, and raped him. The second assault occurred in a different park.

The offenses took place in Ilkeston—one toward the end of 2024, the other in spring 2025.

Judge Mark Watson sentenced Lanchester to six-and-a-half years in a young offender’s institution, stating: “I have read the first victim’s impact statement. He says all he wanted to do was cry in the corner, he said he felt dirty on the inside but he has nothing to be ashamed of."

Prosecutor Daren Samat read the victims' statements. The rape victim said he “feels dirty inside and out” after being violated, adding: “He feels like everyone is going to judge him and has made him feel run down. He said all he wants to do is cry in the corner about everything and this has left him frustrated with life. He said he feels he is worth nothing and feels ashamed as a person.”

The second victim said he was scared to testify as it “brought it all back.”

Lanchester, of Stringer Close, Ilkeston, was found guilty of rape and sexual assault. Defense lawyer Tom Welshman described him as “a young man with no previous convictions” who was 19 at the time, noting: “The victims' personal statements are clearly moving and show these are very serious offences which have had serious consequences and have had a serious effect on them (the victims). He is perhaps a childlike man with certain childlike qualities. At the time Mr Lanchester was an isolated person without many friends who was being picked on but that does not excuse what he did. As a child he witnessed domestic violence.”

Description

A music teacher has been jailed for engaging in sexual activity with a child almost a decade ago.

Peter MacKenzie Buckby, 44, of East Ayton, Scarborough, was convicted of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and engaging in sexual activity with a child.

The offences were reported to the police in 2022 - but had taken place several years earlier.

Buckby was a music teacher in Scarborough when he sexually assaulted a girl who was under 16 at the time.

Following an investigation by North Yorkshire Police’s Non-Recent Abuse Investigation Team, Buckby was charged. He pleaded not guilty, but was convicted after a trial at York Crown Court on 8 October 2025.

At the same court on 2 December 2025, he was sentenced to four years and three months in jail.

Detective Constable Suzanne Hall, who led the investigation, said:

“The victim displayed exceptional bravery in coming forward and giving evidence against Buckby – ensuring he faced the consequences of his actions.

“I hope this case sends a clear message that it is never too late to contact the police. If you have been sexually assaulted, no matter when it happened, please get in touch. We will listen to you, support you, and work with you to secure justice.”

Description

A man has been handed a six-year custodial sentence after he lured a teenage girl into a Telford carpark before sexually assaulting her.

Lee Ward, also known as Lee Thomas, persuaded his victim to follow him into a Telford town centre car park on the evening on February 4, 2023, when she was walking alone.

The 42-year-old, of no fixed abode, then led the 16-year-old girl into the stairwell of the carpark.

Ward then produced a blanket and carried out the sexual assault while his victim pleaded with him to stop.

The girl then left the scene visibly distressed, and later reported the incident leading to police launching an investigation.

Following a number of enquiries, the suspect was identified as Ward, and he was arrested on February 20, 2023, while busking outside Asda in Telford town centre.

Ward was subsequently charged with four counts of sexual assault, assault by penetration and attempting to cause a person to engage in sexual activity.

In October of this year, Ward was found guilty of all charges by a jury following a 10-day trial at Shrewsbury Crown Court.

On Friday (28 November) Ward was handed a six and half year sentence at Stafford Crown Court for the traumatising incident.

Detective Constable Jack Pedley said:

“This was a harrowing case and I am relieved that justice has been achieved as Ward is a danger to the wider public, especially women and girls.

“The courage shown by the victim in coming forward has been instrumental and I hope this outcome offers her some reassurance. As officers our duty is not only to support victims but also to protect the wider community; particularly vulnerable children from individuals, like Ward, who pose a serious risk.

“I also hope that this result gives confidence to other victims of similar offences, showing them that they will be listened to, supported, and that offenders will be brought to justice.”

Description

A man has been jailed for three years following a collaborative investigation by Essex Police and officers in the East Midlands.

Neil Wilkin had denied attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child and attempting to arrange or facilitate the commission of a child sex offence.

However following a three-day trial at Ipswich Crown Court in October, the jury found him guilty on both counts.

They heard that in 2022 the 55-year-old used an online chat room to discuss and plan committing child sexual offences with another user on the platform who he thought was the mother of a teenage girl.

What he didn’t know was that he was interacting with police officers from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit.

"pack of lies"

In November 2022 Essex Police officers arrested Wilkin at his home in Rose Allen Avenue, Colchester.

He was sitting with numerous electronic devices around him and these were all seized. During a forensic examination of his devices, which showed signs of evidence being deleted, conversation threads between Wilkin and the officer were recovered.

Wilkin didn’t answer questions during interview, but in a prepared statement he denied the allegations, claiming it was all “fantasy”.

On Friday 28 November Judge Kelly sentenced him to three years in prison and said Wilkin told a ‘pack of lies’ during his trial.

He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely and is subject to 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Essex Police investigating officer Detective Sergeant Nicola Hadfield said:

Wilkin is a sexual predator who preyed on the vulnerability of someone who he believed was under-age.

His deviant behaviour was stopped by collaborative working by police here in Essex and in the Midlands.

We will be managing him as a sexual offender upon his release, and he will be closely monitored.

Safeguarding children and keeping them safe is our priority and we will relentlessly pursue offenders and bring them before the courts.

Description

A serial sex offender has been jailed after being caught with child sex abuse images for a third time.

Benjamin Heron, 33, of Church Road, Northwich, was found with up to 200,000 indecent images during an inspection on March 25.

Chester Crown Court heard that Heron, already subject to a sexual harm prevention order from two prior convictions, lied to officers, claiming his only devices were a Nintendo Switch and two TVs. In reality, he had memory sticks, mobile phones, and a PC.

Analysis revealed he had downloaded and distributed indecent images online multiple times between December last year and January this year.

In a sample of about 600 images, around 300 were Category A—the most serious, involving child rape. He had tens of thousands in total, but police examined only enough to secure evidence.

Heron admitted three counts of downloading indecent images, six of distributing, one of possessing indecent images, and one of possessing prohibited images (non-photographic, such as anime or cartoons, per the Crown Prosecution Service).

He also admitted breaching the sexual harm prevention order at an earlier plea hearing.

On November 21, Judge Patrick Thompson sentenced him to four years and six months in prison. Heron must comply with a lifetime sexual harm prevention order and sex offenders register, and surrender his memory sticks, mobile phones, and PC.

Description

The bravery of a victim of a sexual attack in Bournemouth has helped investigators in their relentless efforts to bring perpetrators to justice.

The woman aged in her 20s was walking in the Lansdowne area after a night out in the early hours of Sunday 29 January 2023 when Alexandru Emilian Muresan, aged 32 and of Bournemouth, approached her in his car.

The defendant offered to give her a lift home before parking outside her address and sexually assaulting her in the vehicle.

The incident was reported to police and detectives from Bournemouth CID led an extensive investigation to identify the vehicle involved and, as a result, Muresan – a Romanian national who gave his self-defined ethnicity as white British – was arrested.

The victim attended The Shores Sexual Assault Referral Centre and also received support from an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor from the STARS Dorset charity, as well as a dedicated police sexual offences liaison officer (SOLO).

Further detailed enquiries were conducted to compile evidence against the defendant and he was subsequently charged with attempted rape and sexual assault by penetration.

He continued to deny the offences but after a trial at Bournemouth Crown Court, during which the victim’s evidence proved crucial, a jury found Muresan guilty of both charges.

He returned to court on Wednesday 26 November 2025 and was sentenced to eight years in prison.

Detective Constable Hele Leech-Wilkinson, of Bournemouth CID, said:

“The victim in this case has demonstrated exceptional strength throughout our investigation – from coming forward to report the matter to supporting our investigation and giving evidence for the trial.

“Thanks to the courage she has displayed, we were able to secure a conviction for this sexual offender and he now finds himself behind bars.

“I hope the example she has set helps other victims of sexual offences find the courage to come forward in the knowledge that they will be fully supported and we will carry out a meticulous investigation to bring offenders to justice.”

Description

A paedophile who used fake online profiles to groom and sexually assault teenage girls has been jailed for 10 years, with an additional three years on license.

Scott Kirkham, from Tameside in Greater Manchester, was caught posing as a teenage after an investigation by our Complex Safeguarding Team in Tameside in conjunction with several police forces.

Kirkham pleaded guilty to 30 offences:

• Sexual communication x6
• Cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity x10
• Cause a child to watch a sexual act x6
• Engaging in sexual activity with a child x5
• Malicious communication x2
• Sexual assault on a female over 16

Kirkham, (7/2/2002), of Hope Street, Audenshaw, was jailed for 10 years at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court. He will spend another three years on license, have an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and remain on the sex offenders' register. 

His offending first came to light after reports from Oxfordshire and south Wales tracked his IP address to Tameside.

He created numerous social media accounts, pretending to be teenager ‘Jake Richardson’ aged 14-16 and using a fake photo to befriend and groom nine vulnerable victims aged from 13 to 17 between March 2020 and April 2021.

He met three of his victims – sometimes with their parents present – in Cumbria and Blackpool, and also sexually assaulted one girl at his address in Tameside.

Detective Constable Angela Pavitt, from our Tameside Complex Safeguarding Team, said:

“We had a report from Oxfordshire and one from south Wales where the IP of the suspect was tracked to Tameside – as part of our investigation we tied these reports to Kirkham.

“Kirkham targeted vulnerable girls, some who were self-harming or in care, pretending to be ‘Jake Richardson’.

“The victims turned to him for help and support – often he would mock them and encourage them to self-harm.

“He met his victims on five occasions, in Manchester, Blackpool, Cumbria and Tameside, and carried out his vile abuse.”

Kirkham was arrested in April 2021 and charged with 41 offences, eventually pleading guilty to 30, and had been on remand since December 2024.

During the investigation, his electronic devices were seized and forensically examined – they included multiple email and social media accounts, and archived WhatsApp chats with teenage girls.

Some of the messages Kirkham sent contained explicit images of his body parts.

DC Pavitt said:

“We welcome the conviction and sentence of Kirkham, who is a manipulative and dangerous individual who posed a significant threat to vulnerable children in our community.

“Kirkham engaged in a sustained campaign of deceit, coercion, and abuse, using fake online identities to groom and exploit young victims.

“Thanks to the bravery and resilience of the victims, and the tireless work of the Tameside Complex Safeguarding Team, under Operation Casement, we have successfully removed a high-risk sexual predator from our streets.

“Kirkham’s actions were calculated and predatory, and his conviction reflects the seriousness of the offences committed.

“We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the victims and their families for their courage throughout the investigation and trial - their strength has been instrumental in securing justice and protecting others from further harm.

“Greater Manchester Police remains committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable individuals. We urge anyone with concerns or information about exploitation to come forward. Together, we can continue to protect our communities and hold offenders accountable.

“You will be believed and listened to, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.”

Kirkham's actions have had a significant and detrimental affect on his victims.

Our Complex Safeguarding teams are multi-agency units comprising children’s social care and health professionals working with police officers to protect children and young people from exploitation and harm.

Detective Chief Inspector Anna Barker, GMP's Vulnerability Lead in Tameside, said:

"At the heart of the team’s mission is a commitment to safeguarding through prevention, education, and enforcement.

"Police officers embedded within the team attend daily multi-agency meetings to support with decision making, engage directly with children and families, and lead investigations into exploitation offences. 

"This integrated model ensures that children receive holistic support while perpetrators are identified, disrupted, and prosecuted."

Description

A South Cumbrian sex offender who moved to Carlisle is back behind bars after failing to notify police about an online account he created on an adult dating website.

Peter Raymond Davies, 47, formerly of Cobden Street, Dalton-in-Furness, admitted breaching his sex offender registration terms at Carlisle's Rickergate court.

He was placed on the register in July last year after convictions for attempting to incite a female child to engage in sexual activity and attempting sexual communication with a child.

When confronted by police about the account, Davies claimed he thought the site was merely a social media platform.

A probation officer informed District Judge Philip Holden that Davies has been recalled to prison to serve the remainder of his 20-month jail term, with release not due until November next year.

The judge imposed a two-week jail sentence but noted that law prevents it from running consecutively to the recall term, so Davies serves no additional time.

He warned that future breaches would lead to escalating prison terms: “You will be going to prison for longer and longer if you continue to breach these orders.”

In March last year, police were alerted by an online child abuse activist group, leading to an investigation that revealed Davies communicating sexually with someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl.

Davies admitted the offenses in police interviews, receiving a two-year-and-four-month jail sentence and a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Temporary Detective Sergeant Stewart Glendinning said at the time: “Peter Davies engaged in online conversations with a person he believed to be a 14-year-old girl.

"Despite the decoy profile informing Davies of her age, he continued to engage in sexually explicit conversation. Fortunately, there was no actual 14-year-old girl but that does not dilute the seriousness of his offending."

Description

A sex offender who failed to declare an address change and bank account details to police has received a suspended prison sentence.

Ricky Bennett, 36, is subject to notification requirements as a registered sex offender and must report personal details and changes to police.

But he neglected to inform them of his move to supported accommodation with vulnerable residents and of opening a new bank account, preventing monitoring, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Prosecutor Pamela Fee said Bennett was convicted of a sex offence in Australia and deported to England last year.

She noted he must notify new bank accounts within three days but failed to do so on August 4 last year.

The court heard Bennett was invited to the police station, given a copy of the requirements, and signed to confirm understanding.

After the undeclared account surfaced, Bennett told police he thought they would obtain the details and said they “should have checked.”

A second breach occurred when he moved from Standings Rise, Whitehaven, to supported accommodation at Peter Street.

Police conducted an unannounced visit to Standings Rise on September 13 but got no answer. Bennett later admitted living at Peter Street since June 19.

Ms. Fee said he went unmonitored for three months with “no reasonable excuse,” despite being a five-minute walk from Whitehaven Police Station.

The court also heard Bennett committed theft at Superdrug in Whitehaven on October 16, taking Palmer’s body lotion, Loreal eye products, fragrance items, hair wax, and Loreal face wash worth £75. He was identified by his offender manager via CCTV.

Ms. Fee summarized it as Bennett’s third set of breaches; he was “well aware” of requirements, yet police were unaware of his location for three months amid vulnerable people.

Bennett, of Peter Street, Whitehaven, admitted two charges of failing to comply with Sex Offenders’ Register notifications and one count of shop theft.

Defender John Cooper said Bennett had no prior trouble before the Australian matter last year, had served in the British Army, and suffers PTSD.

On notifications, Mr. Cooper said: “They are quite lengthy forms when you have to register. Every email address, every login for every website you use.

“He thought he had given them the bank details. He hasn’t.

“The more serious allegation is the fact he’s moved address. It’s the Peter Street hostel – it’s accommodation set up in Whitehaven, monitored with CCTV. It’s also got staff working there.

“Police usually have a good idea who is moving in and out the address. I’m quite surprised he was in the Peter Street hostel for that amount of time without police being aware.

“It could be because he has been convicted in Australia, it hasn’t flagged up. Having been made aware of his past, they have allowed him to stay there and he remains there until this day.”

Mr. Cooper added Bennett stole due to lacking money, calling it “a stupid thing to do” amid investigations for graver offences.

Magistrates imposed a nine-month custodial sentence, suspended for 24 months. Bennett must complete 20 rehabilitation activity days and pay a £40 fine, £75 compensation to Superdrug, and £187 victim surcharge.

Description

A man has been jailed for 30 years after physically and psychologically abusing a woman which led to her being raped and stabbed.

Gurwinder Singh, aged 36 has been sentenced after years of controlling behaviour and assault against a woman.

He began his campaign of abuse by verbally insulting and degrading her, then he began to physically assault and stalk her.

On 6 May last year he attempted to murder the woman after stabbing her several times.

He forced his way into her address with a knife and threatened to kill her. She was then stabbed multiple times to her arm, chest and stomach.

Singh then proceeded to undress and rape her and repeatedly threatened to kill her.

We arrested Singh shortly after on suspicion of a number of offences including attempted murder and rape.

Singh from Walsall was found guilty following a trial earlier this year and appeared at Stafford Crown Court this week for sentencing.

The court was told it was only a matter of millimetres that Singh didn’t kill her.

Detective Sergeant Chloe Collins who led the investigation said:

“Singh’s 30 year sentence shows the severity of his violent behaviour that lasted several years.

“This culminated in May last year when the woman nearly died. She told officers who arrived at the address that if they hadn’t have responded when they did, she would’ve been dead.

"I want to acknowledge the incredible courage and resilience shown by the victim throughout this investigation. Her strength has been instrumental to this case.

“Singh is a very dangerous and controlling man and is rightly behind bars for a long period of time.

"Our commitment to supporting victims of domestic abuse and sexual offences remains unwavering. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure they receive the protection, care, and justice they deserve.

"I also want to recognise the dedication and professionalism of our specialist teams—both internal and external—including our forensic departments, digital forensic unit, the Crown Prosecution Service, and partner support agencies. Their expertise and collaboration have been vital in securing this outcome."

Description

A paedophile has been jailed after sexually assaulting young girls in Burnley.

Sick Vincent Walker abused his young victims over a year long period leaving them traumatised and fearful.

The sexual predator was arrested after two of his victims told their parents what he had been doing to them.

After his arrest and charge in March this year further victims came forward to report similar abuse.

Walker, 72, of Rawson Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to a total of 23 sexual offences, including engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15, assault by touching, cause a child under 13 to watch / look at an image of sexual activity, engaging in sexual activity in presence of a child under 13 and breach of a sexual harm prevention order.

The five female victims were aged from just eight to 13 years old when Walker abused them.

At Preston Crown Court he was today (Friday, November 28th) jailed for 11 and a half years with a two-and-a half years extended licence.

Walker was classed as a dangerous offender and will also be on the sex offenders register indefinitely and has an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Det Con Amber Forshaw, of our child protection team, said:

First and foremost I want to praise these girls for having the courage to some forward and talk about what Walker did to them, it cannot have been easy, and I am full of admiration for them. I hope that this sentence gives them and their families some sense that justice has been done and that they can now try and move on and rebuild their lives.

Walker is clearly a dangerous sexual predator with a depraved sexual interest in young girls, and I am pleased that his conviction and sentence mean he will now be behind bars for a significant time and that people will be protected from him.

If others have suffered similar abuse, I would urge them to come forward and talk to us, safe in the knowledge that we will investigate professionally and sensitively and will look to put offenders before the courts and to provide justice for victims.