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Sion Douglas Griffiths denied the charge

A man who raped his victim whilst she slept has been jailed.

Sion Douglas Griffiths (38), of King Edwards Street, Barmouth denied the charge which related to an incident that occurred at a property in Llanrwst in August 2021.

His victim was sleeping when she woke up to Griffiths sexually assaulting her. She told him to stop but he continued despite her trying to push him away. He continued with his attack until she again told him to stop.

Griffiths was found guilty of one count of Rape at a trial at Caernarfon Crown Court in March of this year. Yesterday he was sentenced at Mold Crown Court to seven years imprisonment.

He was also made the subject of a lifetime restraining order, prohibiting him from contacting the victim, and he will be placed on the Sex Offender’s Register indefinitely.

In a powerful personal statement read to the Court, the victim described how the incident has had a significant effect on her in the intervening time, including suffering panic attacks, and feeling scared and uncomfortable around men.

Speaking after sentencing, Detective Sergeant Owen Taylor of the Protecting Vulnerable People Unit said:

“I welcome today’s sentence which sends a clear message that sexual violence in any form is not acceptable.

“I would like to praise the courage and determination of the victim who has endured a protracted process to get to today’s result. Her strength is commendable.

“If you have been the victim of a sexual offence, please be assured specialist officers will take your report seriously and conduct a suspect focussed investigation.

“Violence against women and girls is a force priority and we will relentlessly work to bring offenders to justice.”

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Thanks to the bravery of a survivor, a man who raped her has been jailed.

Muhammad Nasir, 18/12/1985, Stockport Road, Ashton Under Lyne, has today (Tuesday 5 May) been sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment with an additional four years' license at Manchester Crown Court after being convicted of rape, committed in July 2021.

The survivor and her mother courageously reported the offence via LiveChat on Tuesday 24 August 2021.

The court heard that on Saturday 24 July 2021, the survivor had been out with friends at a nightclub on Deansgate. She left alone and phoned her mother to let her know she was on her way home.

Outside the nightclub, she entered a taxi she had not prebooked, driven by Nasir.

While travelling along the A6 towards Longsight, Nasir diverted into a quiet, treelined culdesac off the A6, where he stopped the vehicle. He then sexually assaulted and raped the survivor.

Following the attack, Nasir drove the survivor to a cash machine for her to withdraw money to pay him. He took approximately £70 from her before dropping her at her home.

Detectives who investigated the taxi location at that time found that the journey that should have taken 20 minutes in fact took three and a half hours.

The survivor built up the courage to report the rape a month after the incident took place.

Detectives were able to retrieve CCTV footage from the nightclub which evidenced the survivor getting in a taxi.

The registration of the taxi was linked to Muhammad Nasir who was subsequently arrested on 15 September 2021 at an address on Ashton Road by Tameside response officers.

Nasir has also been handed a restraining order, a court order preventing him from ever becoming a taxi driver again and was told he would remain on the sex offender register for life.

In court today the survivor said:

“I am here today as a survivor of a rape that occurred when I was 20 years old. I want the court to understand the profound impact this crime has had on my life and the work I have had to do to rebuild it.

“The offender was a taxi driver - someone I should have been able to trust to keep me safe. Instead, he abused me. That betrayal has stayed with me and has shaped much of the fear and instability I have experienced since.

“Within the first year after reporting this offence, I was diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder.

“The trauma significantly affected my education; I missed a large number of university lectures, required extensions, and struggled daily to function. At times, I was unable to leave my room or remain at university.

“Beyond my studies, the impact left me anxious, withdrawn, fearful in everyday life, I struggled to feel safe leaving my home and had to make changes to my life to manage that fear.

“I felt as though I had lost my sense of self.

“Despite this, I have worked hard to rebuild my life by seeking support, committing to recovery and gradually regaining control. I now speak about my experience to raise awareness and support others and I have raised money for The Survivor Trust by completing a marathon - a charity I relied on heavily throughout the process.

“I know this experience will always be part of my life, but it no longer defines me.

“I am here today because I was believed by my family, friends and officers and charities who supported me throughout.”

Detective Constable James Adams from the Serious Crime Unit said:

“This was a truly heinous crime, and I want to pay tribute to the extraordinary strength and bravery shown by the survivor throughout this process.

“Coming forward, remaining engaged for more than four years and then choosing to raise awareness for others takes immense courage. Her determination to ensure that what happened to her does not define her is remarkable.

“Rape is one of the most serious and devastating crimes a person can experience. The sentence handed down today reflects the seriousness of Nasir’s actions and the lasting harm they caused.

“Greater Manchester Police will not tolerate sexual violence in any form, and we will always work to hold offenders to account.

“I would urge anyone who has experienced rape or sexual assault, no matter how long ago, to come forward. You will be listened to, believed and supported.”

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A man has been given an extended 18-and-a-half-year sentence after being found guilty of attempt rape at a Bradford park.

Khairul Amin aged 36 of Moor View Drive was convicted of attempt rape, intentional strangulation and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.  

The victim a woman in her 30s rang police at around 9pm on 28 August to report that she had been attacked, sexually assaulted and strangled by an unknown man.

The victim suffered serious head injuries and was treated in hospital.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, she said:

“It has ruined my day-to-day life. I am still having flashbacks regularly.  

“The defendant has no idea how this has affected every part of my life, and I hope the sentence he receives reflects the pain, trauma and loss of confidence that I have endured since the assault.  

“I hope that he never gets the chance to rob any other person of their life, as he to mine.”

At Bradford Crown Court yesterday (1 May) he was given an extended sentence of 18 and a half years. He must serve 14 and a half years in jail before being considered for parole and the rest will be on licence.  

DC Sue Sutcliffe of Bradford District Safeguarding Unit said:

“The sheer bravery and courage it took for this woman to report this to us cannot be underestimated.  

“Through reporting this quickly we were able to launch a fast paced investigation carrying out extensive enquiries to locate Amin.  

“He was arrested, charged and brought before the courts all within a day.

“He was described in court as a dangerous individual.  

“I would urge anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence, to please report it to us so we can take action.    

“We have specialist officers to support you throughout the process and bring perpetrators to justice.”

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A Birmingham man who sexually abused a young girl in the city is facing jail.

Michael Wisdom was convicted of a series of sexual offences against children, as well as possession of indecent images in April this year.

Wisdom, 67, was reported when the girl, who he abused in Birmingham in 1979, came forward to report historic sexual abuse.

Last year the girl, now a woman, came forward and reported what happened to our officers.

Following an investigation, Wisdom was arrested at his home in Birmingham in late 2025.

When officers arrived, Wisdom tried to destroy his mobile phone, which was later confirmed to contain dozens of indecent images of children including Category A images (the most severe category).

The investigation also found messages from Wisdom to a woman discussing abusing a girl.

Wisdom denied all the offences in interview but offered no alternative explanation and was charged with indecent assault and possession of indecent images.

Wisdom was convicted on 27 April this year at Birmingham Crown Court and was remanded ahead of sentencing on 13 July.

Thanks to the survivors' accounts, we were able to build a case against Wisdom and secure justice for them.

Our specialist Non-Recent RASSO Team within our Public Protection Unit investigate all reports of sex offences, no matter how long ago they took place.

You can report a sexual assault or rape that happened at any time to us, even if it was months, years or decades ago. We take every report seriously, no matter how much time has passed.

We understand that there are lots of reasons why someone might not feel ready to tell anyone about what has happened right away.

We also know it is common for survivors to take time to realise that what has happened is a crime.

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A 74-year-old man has been jailed for 11-and-a-half years after he was found guilty of multiple sexual offences committed against children.

Martin Brunt, of Warmley in South Gloucestershire, denied the offences, which date between 1992 and 2024 but was convicted in January and sentenced today (1 May).

An investigation, led by specialist detectives, began in February 2024 after police received a report that he had committed a sexual act in front of a young child.

Brunt was arrested the day the report was received and detectives then received other allegations of similar offences he had committed. He was later charged.

He pleaded not guilty to each offence, but in January a jury at Bristol Crown Court found him guilty of the following:

• Sexual activity with a child
• Two counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity
• Sexual assault of a child under 13
• Indecency with a child
• Engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child
• Three counts of exposure

Speaking after Brunt’s conviction, one of the victims, who is entitled to life-long anonymity, said:

“It was a real relief to find out that Martin Brunt had was being investigated by police, as it gave me the opportunity to speak out about what he had done 20 years earlier.”

On top of the 11-and-a-half-year prison sentence, Brunt was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

DC Cheryl Aucott, the investigating officer, said:

“The investigation and court process has caused significant anxiety for the victims and their family members.

“They each deserve immense credit for their strength and bravery in helping to ensure Brunt faced justice for his horrendous crimes against them.

“Brunt was trusted by his victims, who were all children at the time of his offending, but he took advantage of their vulnerabilities to commit sexual offences against them, solely for his own sexual gratification.

“The fact that these offences took place over a period of more than three decades demonstrates how depraved he is.”

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An 85-year-old man is expected to spend the rest of his life behind bars after being sentenced to 22 years in jail for non-recent sexual offences, including rape, against a child.

Bruce Marshall, 85, of Woolavington, near Bridgwater, was sentenced for rape, two counts of gross indecency with a child and two counts of sexual assault against a child at Exeter Crown Court on Monday 27 April.

Marshall, who pleaded guilty to the offences at an earlier hearing at the same court on Tuesday 24 March, will serve an additional year on license but given his age, he is likely to spend the rest of his life in prison.

Investigating officers visited the home of the victim to inform them an investigation was being carried out into an unrelated offence, who became emotional, and then declared she was sexually abused as a child.

Further statements were taken from witnesses the victim confided in, and Marshall was spoken to at his address about the allegations against him and was interviewed in February 2023.

On one occasion, Marshall was caught sexually assaulting his victim, and on another occasion, he assaulted them in the changing rooms of a swimming pool in Somerset.

After investigating officers gathered “sufficient evidence” and witness statements which undermined the defendant’s account, Marshall was arrested in 2023, and his passport was later seized after investigators found he had links overseas.

He was then charged with the offences on November 29, 2024, and was later warned by the judge to prepare for a significant sentence.

His victim, who we have supported and maintained contact with throughout the investigation, as well as offering her access to support services she feels she may benefit from, bravely read a victim impact statement which explained the impact of Marshall’s offending during sentencing.

She stated:

“I have been reluctant to provide a victim impact statement, simply because I refuse to allow Marshall to know how his horrific actions have impacted me.

“The police turned up at my home, and, after much deliberation, I agreed to work with them to finally, after many decades, bring Marshall to justice.

“I never thought I would say this, but I want to thank the detective for coming to my home and turning my world upside down. After decades of feeling too scared to speak out against Marshall, for fear of not being believed, it was him who handed Marshall to me on a silver plate to finally get justice.”

DC Damon Carney, from the specialist child protection team at Avon and Somerset Police’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID), said:

“Marshall has been convicted of very serious sexual offences against a child.

“Despite this being a non-recent case, the commitment of the victim and witnesses to support an investigation and seek justice has been the driving force which ultimately provided the overwhelming evidence that Marshall is guilty of these offences.

“The sentence is reflective of the harm he has caused and the risk he poses, and we hope this provides some assurance to victims of sexual assault that no matter how long ago the offending happened, you will be believed, and an investigation will be carried out.”

During sentencing, HH Judge Climie told Marshall: 

“This case is not about you, it is about the victim, a victim of your torture and cruelty, but your guilty plea does not, cannot and will not compensate her.”

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A man from Manchester has been jailed following an investigation carried out by the Constabulary’s Online Child Abuse Investigation Team.

Talha Ahmed was sentenced to four and a half years imprisonment at Chester Crown Court on Friday 1 May. He was also made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Ahmed, of Cranford Avenue, Burnage, Manchester, had previously pleaded guilty to five counts of attempting to cause a child aged 13 to 15 to look at images of sexual activity, three counts of making indecent photographs or pseudophotographs of a child and one count of attempting to incite a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity.

He also pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a prohibited image of a child and one count of possession of indecent images or pseudophotographs of a child.

The case against the 25yearold began on 17 September 2024 when officers from the Constabulary’s Online Child Abuse Investigation Team (OCAIT) executed a Section 8 warrant at Ahmed’s home address. This was in connection to offences relating to the possession, creation and sharing of indecent images of children.

Upon arrest, Ahmed told officers that illicit images had been sent to him by another person but claimed that he had since deleted them. During a subsequent search of the property, officers seized two mobile phones belonging to him.

While interviewed in custody, Ahmed was questioned about the possession and distribution of indecent images. He answered “no comment” to all questions and was later released on conditional bail while his devices were examined by digital media investigators.

Examination of the devices revealed the presence of Category A, B and C indecent images of children.

Further evidence showed that Ahmed had also committed additional offences by engaging in sexual communications with a child, requesting intimate images from her and sending sexual images of himself.

Ahmed was arrested and interviewed for a second time in February 2025, during which he was questioned about the sexual communications with the teenager and the exchange of images. He again chose to answer no comment to all questions put to him.

Digital forensic enquiries revealed that Ahmed had been communicating with the child across multiple social media and messaging platforms over a period of three years, from June 2021 to the point of his arrest in September 2024.

Ahmed was 20 years old when the offending began, and the victim was 14.

Detective Constable Faye Taylor, of the Online Child Abuse Investigation Team, said:

“Engaging in communication with young people solely for the purpose of sexual gratification is truly abhorrent, and I welcome the sentence handed down to Talha Ahmed today.

“Ahmed was fully aware that the person he was communicating with was an underaged child, six years his junior. Despite this, he chose to engage in sustained contact with her over a period of more than three years in pursuit of his own warped fantasies.

“Ahmed believed that hiding behind a screen would allow him to avoid detection. He was wrong.

“Officers from within the Online Child Abuse Investigation Team deal with some of the most harrowing investigations due to the serious nature of child sexual abuse offences and the content that is often involved in such cases.

“Despite this, OCAIT officers work tirelessly, 365 days a year, to secure convictions and preventative orders against dangerous offenders, helping to protect some of the most vulnerable members of our society, children, from harm and exploitation.”

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A “bully and dangerous man” has been jailed for rape.

Mark White is also subject to a 15-year restraining order to further protect the victim.

White, 50, from St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan, was sentenced at Newport Crown Court on Thursday, April 30.

He had previous pleaded guilty to rape at an earlier hearing at Cardiff Crown Court.

In a Victim Personal Statement read in crown court, the victim described the impact of White’s crime.

She said:

“I cannot forget that night when he lost control and raped me.

“He hurt me emotionally and physically... He is a bully and a dangerous man.

“I no longer like leaving my house due to my anxiety.”

White was sentenced to 39 months in prison and made subject to sex offender notification requirements indefinitely, in addition to the restraining order.

Officer in the case, Detective Constable Jamie Dale, from South Wales Police, said:

“The victim in this case has shown great tenacity throughout the investigation.

“She also showed great strength reading out her Victim Personal Statement in court.

“We hope that this sentence will go some way in helping her rebuild her life and heal from the awful event that took place.”

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A man has been jailed for 10 years for the rape and sexual abuse of a woman in Devon.

Philip Street, F, of Greenaway in Morchard Bishop, Devon, appeared at Exeter Crown Court for sentence on Friday 1 May.

Street had previously been found guilty at a trial in March 2026 of two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration and a sexual assault.

He was also found guilty of two multiple incident counts that reflected other occasions in the time period where he had raped and assaulted the victim.

Street must also sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

During the trial, the court heard how Street had abused his victim over the course of a two-year period, and that he used fear to facilitate the abuse.

The victim would tell Street no, and try to push him off or away from her, but he persisted.

She described that because Street was much bigger in build and height than her, he just carried on and did what he wanted despite her protestations and efforts to resist him.

Street repeatedly told the victim that it ‘was their secret’.

He also told her that nobody would believe her, allowing him to continue the abuse.

Street’s offending came to light when the victim made disclosures at her GP surgery and Police were contacted.

In his Police interview Street initially denied raping or having sex with the victim, but his DNA was later recovered from the victim’s forensic swabs.

He then stated that in that case he must have had sex with her, but that it had happened consensually.

Officer in the case, Detective Constable Craig Ferguson, said:

“I welcome today’s sentencing which follows a detailed and lengthy investigation.

“In his evidence Philip Street sought to present his sexual abuse and the repeated rape of his victim as consensual ,and as an affair. 

“The very notion of this explanation is abhorrent, and a smear upon the victim and her character. 

“Her position was clear - that Street repeatedly forced himself onto her despite her efforts to stop him and resist him. 

“He has been shown to be a sexual predator who disregarded his victims voice, and has now rightly been imprisoned

“The victim has shown tremendous courage and resolve throughout this difficult investigation and court process.

“I would like to pay tribute to her following today’s outcome for finding the strength to speak out against her abuser, and for attending Court and giving her evidence in this difficult case. 

“At the start of this process, she explained to me that she wanted justice for what had happened to her, and I hope that today’s outcome and sentence helps towards that realisation for her.

“Devon and Cornwall Police remain committed to supporting victims of sexual abuse, and to actively prosecuting those who commit violence against women and girls.”

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Clive Michael Hartley, 68, from Troutsdale Avenue in York was found guilty of two counts of rape on 30 March 2026 following a week-long trial at York Crown Court.

Today (Friday 1 May 2026), Hartley has been sentenced to 14 years at York Crown Court.

In May 2024, the victim reported to North Yorkshire Police that she had been raped by Hartley when she was a teenager, under the age of 16, decades previously. Hartley denied all allegations.

The following extract from the Victim Personal Statement, which was read out in Court by the Prosecutor on the victim's behalf, shows the devastation this abuse has caused:

"His (Hartley's) refusal to admit guilt forced me to go through a trial, which added further trauma and made me relive what I experienced.

"The two years between reporting him and it coming to trial very nearly broke me entirely.

What he did to me as a child did not end then. It has affected every part of my life for decades. I am still dealing with the consequences today.

He not only stole my childhood but a large chunk of my life ever since."

Detective Constable Ebony Wonnacott, the investigating officer from York and Selby CID, said:

"This has been a long journey for the victim in order to secure her deserved justice.

"I commend the victim's courage in sharing what happened and her resilience in seeing out justice, despite the long and difficult process to get here.

"I hope this case shows other survivors of abuse that the police are here for you, regardless of when the abuse took place.

"It is never too late to tell us - we are here, and we will listen.

"We are committed to bringing those responsible for such horrific abuse to justice - please don’t suffer in silence.”

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Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been jailed in connection with a rape in Oxford city centre in 2014.

Salam Karis, aged 35, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison following a hearing at Oxford Crown Court.

Karis was also issued with an indefinite restraining order preventing any direct or indirect contact with the victim. He will also be on the sex offender register for life.

He was previously found guilty of three counts of rape following a trial at the same court.

Karis raped a young woman, who was visiting friends in Oxford for a night out, in Oxford city centre in 2014.

Officers from Oxford’s CID department conducted a thorough investigation at the time and identified Karis as a suspect.

He was arrested on the same day of the offence and charged, following which he was brought before the courts who released him on bail and Karis fled the country.

Thames Valley Police ensured his Fail to Appear warrant was re-issued, so when he did re-enter the country in Kent in July last year, he was arrested.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Pete Warne said:

“This was an appalling attack by Karis, and I am pleased that he has finally faced justice after fleeing the country.

“This conviction demonstrates our determination to pursue offenders, regardless of how much time has elapsed, and shows that attempts to evade justice will not succeed.

“We pay tribute to the victim, whose courage and resilience in continuing to support the investigation and give evidence in court has been instrumental in securing this conviction.”

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What began in 2022 as one girl confiding in police about ongoing sexual abuse eventually led to others coming forward with similar stories of abuse involving the same man.

By 2024, three women had bravely come forward to report a series of sexual offences against them when they were children.

These reports led to Stephen Lloyd, 67 of Winchester Avenue, Nuneaton, being found unanimously guilty of 12 offences, including two counts of raping a girl under 16 which took place between July 1991 and July 1993.

He was also convicted for the following offences, taking place between September 2009 and August 2022:

• 3x Engaged in penetrative sexual activity with a girl under 13
• 4x Engaged in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl 13-15
• 1x Cause/incite girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity - no penetration
• 2x Sexual assaulted a girl under 13 by touching

Stephen Lloyd has been sentenced to 18 years in prison.

Lloyd’s wife has also received a prison sentence for wilfully exposing two young girls to sexual abuse by her husband.  

June Lloyd, 63 of Winchester Avenue, Nuneaton, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for two counts of causing assault/ill treatment/neglect/ abandonment of a child to cause unnecessary suffering or injury between September 2009 and August 2015, and between September 2020 and August 2022.

Both Stephen and June Lloyd were sentenced on 27 April 2026.

Investigating officer DC Jade Badhams said:

“After four years of tireless investigation and the incredible bravery of three women, we have a conviction putting a close to 35 years of rape and other sexual offences.

“We can’t remove the trauma. But we can say that we have found justice for the victims, and we’ve held Stephen Lloyd accountable for his actions, removing him from the public for what will likely be the rest of his life.”

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A sex offender has been returned to jail after breaching the terms of a court order restricting his access to children.

Michael Hall, 37, was previously jailed for two years and three months after being convicted of 11 counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child.

As part of his sentence, he was made the subject of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order –now known as a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

The order prohibited him from having any unsupervised contact with any child under the age of 16, other than when he cannot avoid it in the course of his everyday life.

Any adults consenting for him to be in the presence of their children also had to have knowledge of his previous convictions.

On 27 May 2025, Hall was found in the company of a child by officers who’d been called to an address in Underwood on an unrelated matter.

No additional offences were pursued from this visit, but that breach alone was enough to land Hall back in custody.

He later pleaded guilty to one count of breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and one count of failing to comply with notification requirements.

Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday 27 April, Hall, previously of Whitwell Close, Broxtowe, was jailed for two years.

Sergeant Laura Marriott, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“Hall has proven through his complete disregard of the law that he poses a significant risk to young people.

“As he has discovered at his cost, these orders have real teeth and are an effective way for us to manage persistent offenders and keep the public safe.

“I am pleased he has now been returned to jail, and hope this case serves as a warning to other sex offenders about the consequences of ignoring these orders.”

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Oscar Love, from Ramsgate, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for a series of violent crimes, including the rape of a woman.

On 7 June 2025, a woman sought refuge in a bar at Ramsgate Harbour after being assaulted by Love moments earlier on Ramsgate High Street. Police located him on Newington Road, where he resisted arrest, attempted to flee, and was later apprehended hiding in a garden.

The investigation uncovered multiple other incidents of threatening and sexually violent behaviour, leading to charges of two counts of rape and six additional offences.

Following a four-day trial, Love was convicted by a jury. He had already admitted breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order, assault, and escaping lawful custody.

Detective Constable Chris Harvey said:  

"Oscar Love is a violent offender, who caused serious physical and mental harm to his victim. Tackling violence against woman and girls is a Kent Police priority and we will do all we can to bring offenders like him to justice. I urge any other potential victims or anyone with concerns about Love’s behaviour to contact Kent Police.

"I also want to commend the strength of the victim throughout this case. Her bravery and continued support with the investigation made the conviction received today possible."

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An 80-year-old child rapist has been jailed for more than 20 years.

Michael Merron was ordered to serve a 24-year sentence following a four-week trial in which a jury found him guilty of multiple child sex offences.

These offences included charges of rape, sexual assault of a child under 13 and indecent assault.

His offending was reported to have happened between 2002 and 2014 and involved three children.

Following the allegations officers launched an investigation. While making enquiries they identified a fourth victim who disclosed that between 1985 and 1986, when they were aged 18, Merron had also sexually assaulted them. The jury also found him guilty of this offence.

The pensioner, formerly of Halls Hole Road, Tunbridge Wells, was jailed at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday 30 April 2026.

As well as being sentenced to 24 years (23 years in custody and one year on licence) he was added to the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order was also imposed.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Alice Comben said:

‘Merron was a predatory opportunist who carried out his offending when he was alone with each victim, ensuring they felt isolated and he felt in control.

‘I want to commend the bravery of each victim. Their courage to disclose his offending has ensured his criminality has been exposed, and he will now spend a significant time behind bars.

‘Anyone who is a victim of sexual abuse, or wishes to report a suspected offender, can do so in the knowledge that specialist officers will thoroughly and diligently investigate any allegations.’