Latest Offenders

Description

A rapist was jailed after police caught him in the act of attacking a woman he had met that day.

Paul Batey, 35, of Dorset Avenue, Birtley, Gateshead, was found naked and forcing himself on the victim when officers arrived at his home after she dialled 999.

The court heard the pair had been drinking alcohol before Batey took her upstairs under the guise of showing her his record decks, where he launched the attack, reports Chronicle Live.

Prosecutor Vince Ward told the court:

“The operator could hear her crying and him shouting in the background. The police attended very promptly and it appears they interrupted the offence.”

“She begged him to stop and was crying but that didn’t deter him. He was in the process of raping her when the police arrived at the door.”

Batey shouted “f*** off” at officers from the window before they entered and arrested him. He then pushed, punched and kicked a police constable.

The victim said she felt “dirty” for days afterwards, despite repeated baths and showers, and became extremely suicidal. She had made more than one attempt on her life; the offence made those feelings worse.

Batey, who had previous convictions but none for sexual offences, pleaded guilty to rape and assaulting an emergency worker.

He was jailed for five years, ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life and given a restraining order.

Defence solicitor Richard Herrmann said:

“The best mitigation he has got is that he is entitled to some credit for holding his hands up and admitting this and not putting anyone through the ordeal of a trial.”

Description

A Boston man has been jailed for raping a girl under the age of 13.

George Cordell, 32, of Boston was sentenced to 12 years and six months following his appearance at Lincoln Crown Court today (16 March).

Cordell will serve an extra four years on licence, will be on the Sex Offenders’ Register and will also be given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).  He also has a restraining order against him. 

Cordell was convicted of two counts of raping a girl under 13, two counts of assault by penetration of a girl under 13, and two counts of sexual touching of a girl under 13.

The offences happened in the Boston area between August 2024 and September 2025.  

The 32-year-old was arrested in September 2025 and was charged on 11 November. Cordell also pleaded guilty to all charges during a hearing on 22 December and was remanded into custody until his next court appearance.

Detective Constable Sabooha Richeux, who led the investigation, said:

“We’d like to thank the victim for her bravery throughout the difficult steps of what was a highly emotional and sensitive case. Her strength and courage made such an impact to our investigation, which meant that we were able to secure an arrest, a charge and ultimately convict the man responsible for the crime.”

Description

A man has been jailed for 18 years after being found guilty of raping a child.

Julian Hobbs, 36, of Cathays was sentenced to 15 years, with an extension of three years at Merthyr Crown Court today (March 16) after being found guilty multiple child sex offences.

Hobbs was found guilty of the following offences, following a three day trial between December 15 – 18 at Newport Crown Court:

• Three counts of Rape a girl under 13
• Two counts of Offender 18 or over cause a child under 13 to watch / look at an image of sexual activity
• One count of Cause / incite a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity - no penetration

His conviction comes after the victim bravely reported Hobb’s actions to a teacher at school.

Investigating officer DC Geraint Strakis said:

“I commend the victim, who is still a child, for her bravery in reporting Hobbs’ disgusting actions. No child should have to endure this type of abuse.

“Despite his continued attempts to avoid culpability for his actions by pleading guilty, I’m thankful to see he has been held account for his predatory nature.”

Description

A refugee from Afghanistan who raped a woman and a boy, and attempted to rape a girl, has been given an extended sentence as an offender of particular concern.

Talha Ahmadzai, 33, of Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, claimed when arrested that the allegations were “fabricated”. He told officers: “Women won’t have sex without force.” He later questioned the courts’ authority, saying the acts “were not offences in his country”.

All offences occurred in Wales last year. He orally raped a schoolboy, attempted to orally rape a schoolgirl, and assaulted and repeatedly raped a woman.

Before coming to the UK he had been diagnosed with what a fellow Afghan called a “sexual illness” and would “masturbate every hour”.

At Swansea Crown Court, Ahmadzai pleaded guilty to three counts of rape of a woman, rape of a boy under 13, attempted rape of a girl under 13, causing a child to watch a sexual act, and assault by beating. He has no previous convictions.

Judge Huw Rees described the crimes as “a catalogue of abhorrent offending of the utmost seriousness”. He noted Ahmadzai had been “sexually preoccupied for a long time” with “entrenched views” and a “limited understanding of attitudes and mores in the UK”, and posed a high risk to the public.

He imposed a 21-year-and-seven-month extended sentence: 19 years and seven months in custody followed by two years on licence. Ahmadzai must serve at least two-thirds of the custodial term before parole eligibility.

The judge ordered the case referred to the Home Office for possible deportation to Afghanistan.

Description

Marvyn Thomas (28/03/1987), of Belmont Street Old Trafford, has today (16 March 2026) been sentenced to thirteen-and-a-half-years in jail following a two-week trial at Manchester Crown Court.

On 3rd February 2026, Thomas was convicted of three counts of ABH, two counts of non-fatal strangulation, two counts of criminal damage, sexual assault and rape.

The court heard how he was abusive, controlling and violent towards his victim over a sustained period. On a number of occasions throughout the summer of 2023 until March 2024, Thomas raped his victim.

During one incident following a verbal argument, he followed the victim into their bedroom where he grabbed them by the throat, slammed them against the wall and threatened to kill them, continuing to verbally and physically assault the victim.

The pressure that Thomas applied to the victim’s throat completely restricted their ability to breathe, they momentarily broke free before he grabbed them by the throat for a second time, this time forcing their pants down and telling them he will have sex with them ‘whenever he wants’.

The assault continued with him then raping them.

In October 2023, the victim sustained serious injuries and was hospitalised following a prolonged and violent attack by Thomas.

In March 2024, the violence continued. On Mother’s Day, the 38-year-old punched his victim in the face, knocking them unconscious and causing them to receive severe swelling and bruising to their eye.

Following a period of no contact, Thomas re-appeared in the victim’s home area, turning up in the same place they were on numerous occasions, including one incident where the victim and their family had to barricade themselves in a business premises, with staff members preventing him from entering the building.

Detective Constable Nicola Hughes from our City of Manchester CID said:

“Thomas inflicted a sustained campaign of violence, intimidation and abuse over a significant period of time. The level of harm he caused was deeply traumatic, and no one should ever be forced to endure what this victim went through.

“Their decision to come forward, to speak openly about the horrific abuse they have suffered, and to place their trust in our officers has taken extraordinary bravery. The whole process has been extremely difficult for the victim in this case, but their strength throughout the investigation has been remarkable, and today’s sentence is a testament to their courage.

“We hope this outcome brings some measure of reassurance and demonstrates that we will not hesitate to take decisive action against those who commit such offences. We remain absolutely committed to supporting victims, challenging perpetrators, and ensuring that those who cause harm are brought to justice.”

Description

A man has been jailed for four years in connection with child sexual offences.

Patrick Joyce, aged 62, had travelled to meet who he believed to be a 14-year-old boy but was instead arrested at the scene. 

On 13 November last year, Joyce travelled to Verulamium Park in St Albans having sent sexual messages to what he believed was the boy’s account on an online website and WhatsApp from the end of October.

When Joyce arrived at the park, he was met by officers who seized a rucksack that was packed with a red thong and lubricant, as well as discovering a small knife in a sheath in his car.

Joyce, of Hart Hill Lane in Luton, was arrested and charged with engaging in sexual communication with a child, arranging/facilitating the commission of a child sexual offence, causing a child to watch a sexual act, and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

He pleaded guilty to all the offences and was jailed at St Albans Crown Court on Thursday 12 March for a total of four years, and also handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Constable Tom Campbell, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Child Online Safeguarding Team, said:

“While there was no physical victim at the heart of this specific crime, it showed the steps Patrick Joyce would take to meet a child and sexually abuse them.

"Offenders like Joyce undermine trust in online spaces and can fuel wider criminal activity. He is a dangerous individual who is now rightly serving a custodial sentence.”

Description

The unwavering dedication to investigating the crimes of a prolific sexual offender by Essex Police detectives has safeguarded women and children.

Ryan Alden was jailed for 14 years at Basildon Crown Court following a meticulous and complex investigation into his offending.

The case started with information that Alden, of Stonehill Road, Leigh, had accessed indecent images of children.

Filmed women and children with concealed camera

A search warrant was executed in December 2021 and electronic devices were seized. A review of these identified 1000s of indecent images and videos of children and evidence of online offending with children over social media.

Further investigations revealed the 36-year-old had filmed women and children without their consent and had trousers with buttons which had been fitted with a concealed camera.

Officers from our Police Online Investigation Team (POLIT) had to view thousands of videos and images of children stored on his devices.

Alden was interviewed and while saying no comment to many questions, he did admit to owning the devices and using multiple identities over a prolonged period of time to communicate with children.

The team worked tirelessly to secure the evidence and build a strong case.

32 charges

The Crown Prosecution Service authorised 32 charges:

• Sexual activity with a child
• 10 counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in a sexual activity
• Seven counts of sexual communication with a child
• Causing a child to watch a sexual act
• Three counts of making indecent photographs of children (Cat A: 5,036 videos and 1,678 images. Cat B: 1,947 videos and 1,846. Cat C: 1,637 videos and 16,195 images)
• Three counts of taking indecent photographs of children (Cat A: 104 images. Cat B 107 images. Cat C 363 images)
• Distributing indecent photographs of children
• Possessing a prohibited image of a child (2 videos and 10 images)
• Possessing an extreme pornographic image (113 videos and 69 images)
• Three counts of voyeurism One count of upskirting

When he appeared at Basildon Crown Court in June last year Alden pleaded guilty to all counts and was released on conditional bail.

At the same court on Monday 16 March he was sentenced to 20 years, 14 years in prison and a further six years on licence. He will be on the sex offenders register for life and subject to notifications.

He also received a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

'nowhere to hide in Essex'

Investigating officer Detective Constable Rob Guiney said:

This sentence reflects the gravity of Alden’s offending.

He is a danger to children and women both in the digital world and in the community.

He has abused and manipulated vulnerable children over several years.

I want to pay tribute to the brave survivors of his crimes who have spoken to us and helped us protect others from this dangerous predator.

We are committed to keeping everyone safe, whether online or in your community, and I hope this case sends a clear message to perpetrators that there is nowhere to hide in Essex.

I would encourage anyone who feels they have been a victim of this sort of offending to come forward and tell us. You will be supported throughout, and we will thoroughly investigate.

"commitment to justice and the safety of the community we serve'

Detective Inspector Emma Portfleet commended the actions of the team who investigated this case saying:

The unwavering dedication in investigating a prolific sexual offender over several years is an example of the impact a dedicated team of officers can have.

There is a real emotional toll when dealing with such heinous crimes, but the team were resolute.

Their meticulous attention to detail, safeguarding, and compassionate support for everyone involved were instrumental in building a strong case.

Det Con Guiney’s dedication exemplifies the team’s commitment to justice and the safety of the community we serve.

Description

A migrant rapist who ripped off a woman's jeans in the woods and told her to moan like she enjoyed it has been found guilty, a court heard. Gift Oladele, 24, was convicted by a Mold Crown Court jury of rape and sexual assault on a 19-year-old in Wrexham last September.

The 6ft 4in predator, who called himself “big Mike” and ran a cleaning business, put a hand over her mouth, pushed her into woods, struck her six or seven times, ripped off her jeans, and raped her.

Oladele ordered her to "moan like you are enjoying it," said he liked to be “dominant,” and told her to “pretend this never happened.” The victim said Oladele claimed she liked it: “As if justifying it in his head.” She told police: “It felt as if he had done it before. The way he did things and the way he handled me made it feel like it wasn’t the first time.” She added: “What I went through I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. I was scared for my life.”

In a video-recorded interview, the teen said Oladele approached her and a friend in Wrexham; her friend left by taxi, but she walked with him after he claimed his cousin lived nearby. They had “a laugh with each other,” but she grew uneasy. Prosecutor James Coutts said: “When she got home, the youngster woke her parents and police were called.” Officers found her phone, ripped belt, and knickers at the scene.

Oladele, staying at his cousin’s Wrexham home, later Googled “Wrexham rape after club.” He claimed the teen led him down the path and was “cunning,” insisting: “There was nothing predatory about the previous attack and I have changed since then.” He said he was trying to be a “good role model and good partner.” The jury found him guilty; he was cleared of one rape allegation.

Judge Simon Mills remanded him in custody for a danger assessment, warning: “I will be passing a long prison sentence upon you. This is a very serious case.”

This follows a 2022 conviction where Oladele, then 21 and from Manchester (having moved to the UK from Italy at 12), was jailed for two years for false imprisonment after pouncing on a lone woman who feared rape but escaped. Prosecutors called it a “disturbing and terrifying attack” and him “predatory” and a “danger to women.” Judge Conrad KC said: “You have inappropriate attitudes towards women with a sense of entitlement.”

Description

A convicted sex offender who showed "no understanding" or "remorse" for his crimes will not return to prison.

Jonathan Turkentine, 68, of Mersea Road, Colchester, had been remanded since February. He met with probation on Friday morning before appearing at Ipswich Crown Court, where he admitted possessing an indecent image of a girl and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

The SHPO was imposed in 2022, when Turkentine was jailed for possessing 251,386 indecent images and videos of children. He breached it again last year by deleting photos and messages.

In July last year, during a routine visit, an officer found the image on his phone and noted 33 deleted items from his Safari history.

Despite pleading guilty, Turkentine told officers he was "totally bamboozled" as to how the offending occurred and "completely in the dark."

His defence barrister claimed Turkentine was remorseful, but Recorder Richard Leiper KC found the probation report "troubling" and remained unconvinced.

"You have shown no understanding of your offending, no remorse and you have sought to minimise your responsibility for it," Recorder Leiper told him.

Due to the deleted history, the judge said there was no way to confirm what Turkentine had accessed but surmised the image was linked to his online activities.

Recorder Leiper imposed a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

"I have, with great reluctance concluded there is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation within the community," he said. "You should be extremely grateful for the submissions of your counsel."

Description

A woman raped by a vape shop owner when she was 14 told the paedophile he would “rot in prison”.

Iqbal Singh, 45, who also goes by Tony, groomed the schoolgirl at his Phone Repairs and Vape Store in Station Way, Cheam, by giving her free cannabis vapes and alcohol. He befriended her and other schoolchildren, letting them use the shop’s back room to watch TV, smoke THC vapes and drink alcohol he bought.

In late 2020, after getting drunk at a party and not wanting to go home, she asked to sleep in the shop. She woke to find Singh raping her. Three of the four sexual assaults occurred when he lifted her to reach £20 vapes on high shelves.

At Croydon Crown Court on Friday, March 13, Singh was convicted of rape and four sexual assaults against the same victim. He received a 22-year extended sentence — 14 years in custody plus eight years on licence — after Judge Tony Hyams-Parish ruled he posed a danger to adolescent girls. He must serve two-thirds of the prison term before parole eligibility. A restraining order was also imposed.

Looking at Singh, seated 10 metres away, the victim said: “The impact you had on me will be forever. 

“It’s horrible. I can never unsee, forget or forgive what you have done, but whilst you rot in prison, missing the years you will blame me for losing, acting as the poor victim who couldn’t help himself but to rape a young, drunk and vulnerable schoolgirl, just know I am free.  

“You have no control over my thoughts, my feeling, my life or my future – whilst your future is in the hands of the judge who I pray gives you, the vile paedophile, the harshest of sentences.”

She added: “It has left me with a feeling of grief, not because of what happened, but for who I could have been.” Now at university, she said: “While I may struggle to continue to grow, learn and move on, just know the young girl you raped, you traumatised, the life you tried to ruin will continue.   

“I will become the person I want to be. I will graduate university. I will control my own life and my future.”

The court heard Singh committed a “strikingly similar” offence against a 16-year-old in 2019 at his previous Mobilfox vape shop in Hayes. Prosecutor Andrew Bousfield said he fixed the girl’s phone for free, plied her with vapes and money, told her he loved her and sexually assaulted her. Singh was convicted of that assault in 2022.

“He has used his vape shops to attract victims and he clearly had an attraction to the type of girls who would come to the vape shops,” Bousfield said.

A probation officer told the court Singh had “distorted views of age and consent” and saw himself as the victim. At trial he denied any sexual contact and accused the girl of lying.

The victim said: “I felt like I was on trial for being raped. [The defence barrister] accused me of being in love with this monster.  

“I can see why so many women and girls don’t want to go to court when they’re treated worse than the rapist sitting in the courtroom.”

Judge Hyams-Parish told Singh: “It is quite clear to me you were grooming [the victim].”

The victim’s mother said Singh manipulated her daughter with free vapes he claimed were supplier samples. The grooming began months after he took over the Cheam shop — about a year after the Hayes offence.

“The disturbing similarities in his approach to both girls reveal a calculated and refined pattern of grooming,” she said. “That’s why I remain deeply concerned that there may be many more victims out there.

“Singh operated shops in Hayes in Bromley, and Cheam, and has known connections in Carshalton and Croydon. I urge every parent: if you’ve found vapes in your child’s possession or noticed sudden changes in their behaviour, trust your instincts. Start the conversation. It could make all the difference.”

She added: “I am incredibly proud of my daughter for finding the courage to stand up — not just for herself, but for others. She endured the trauma of going to court because she couldn’t bear the thought that if she stayed silent, it might happen to someone else.”

Met Police Det Sgt Toyene Lait said: “We remain concerned other survivors have not yet been identified. We are here to help, and anyone who would like to make a report should contact 101.”

Singh, born in Afghanistan and married with children, dissolved the Hayes business in October 2019 before buying the Cheam shop. The vape businesses now at both premises are owned by unrelated individuals.

Description

A 48-year-old man has been jailed after being found guilty of rape, attempted rape, assault by penetration and controlling and coercive behaviour.

Richard Hutchinson, from Bury St Edmunds, appeared at Huntingdon Crown Court yesterday, Thursday 12 March, where he was sentenced to a total of eight years’ imprisonment. He was also issued with a 10-year restraining order and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228.

The offences were committed against one woman.

In a victim impact statement read out in court, she said: “[He] took everything I used to be away from me… I felt that I didn’t even recognise myself in the mirror. I didn’t feel like I had a way out, every time I ended it, I felt trapped by all of it because he wouldn’t let me leave…He is Jekyll and Hyde on the surface but he comes across as a caring, funny guy but then changes to someone who is unpredictable and incredibly scary.”

PC Sarah Jamieson who was the officer in charge of the case said:

“Hutchinson is a dangerous individual, whose misogynistic attitude towards women was clear from the evidence given in court.

“He forced his victim to relive the trauma of her experiences by refusing to admit his guilt. I am thankful to the jury for seeing through his lies, and welcome the sentence given.

“I would also like to praise the victim for her strength in coming forward to report the crimes against her and for supporting the criminal justice process. I hope she is able to move forward and heal now that he has been convicted for his crimes.

“I would like to ask for anyone else suffering from similar to come forward. We have specially trained officers who will listen to you and support you with sensitivity and compassion.”

Description

A man from Swansea has been jailed after he pleaded guilty to multiple offences involving the possession and distribution of indecent images of children and animals.

42-year-old Kyle Jones, from Morriston, was arrested after initially being linked to a Kik messaging account that uploaded Category A indecent videos of children to the internet in 2023. 

After denying the offences in interview, a diligent joint investigation between the South Wales Police Online Investigation Team (POLIT) and Digital Forensics Unit discovered evidence of over 3000 illegal images and videos of children and animals on devices that were evidentially attributed to Jones. The images and videos included a large number of the most serious type, Category A.

Jones pleaded guilty to three counts of making an indecent photograph of a child, three counts of distributing an indecent photograph of a child, one count of possessing an extreme pornographic image of an animal and one count of possessing a prohibited image of a child. 

He has been sentenced to 28 months in prison.

Detective Constable Thomas Connick said:

“Kyle Jones possessed and distributed a significant number of  indecent images of children and animals, and knew that what he was doing was unacceptable when he did so.

“Following a thorough investigation, Jones is now deservedly heading to prison.

“Jones’ actions were reprehensible and will have caused an immense amount of distress to his family and local community. They can hopefully feel assurance that Jones is now behind bars.

“It is worth remembering that offences involving such illegal images are not victimless - individuals that access these images are creating and fuelling a demand that can only be met by the further abuse of vulnerable individuals.

"South Wales Police is committed to helping prevent this abhorrent abuse and will target all those that enable and encourage it.”

Description

A man from East Timor who groomed and sexually abused a child in Winsford has been jailed.

Tomas Sarmento appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today, Friday 13 March, where he was sentenced to 17 years in prison.

The 43-year-old of the Winsford area, was previously found guilty of rape of a girl under 13 and causing a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity, following an eight-day trial at Liverpool Crown Court which concluded on Wednesday 21 January.

During the trial, the court heard how Sarmento groomed and sexually abused the victim between 2022 and 2023, starting when the girl was just 8 years old.

Sarmento would lure the victim to his home under the pretence that she could use his Wi-Fi. Once the victim was inside the address, he would sexually abuse her.

The victim later bravely confided in a friend about what Sarmento had done to her, and the abuse was subsequently reported to police.

Following the reports an investigation was launched by detectives and Sarmento was questioned in relation to the allegations, where he denied any wrongdoing.

Despite his denial, he was charged with the offences.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Ann Muldowney, who led the investigation, said:

“Sarmento is a dangerous predator, who is yet to show any remorse for the sexual abuse he forced a vulnerable child to endure.

“He deliberately abused his position as a trusted adult to isolate and manipulate the victim in order to subject her to obscene acts of sexual violence, and I welcome today’s sentence, which ensures he can no longer pose a risk to other innocent children.”

In addition to his sentence, Sarmento was also handed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ register for 10 years.

DC Muldowney added:

“I commend the victim in this case, for the courage she has shown throughout the entirety of this investigation, despite having to relive her trauma during a trial, is truly remarkable.

“It is thanks to her exceptional strength and bravery that we were able to gather the evidence needed to bring this case before the courts and ensure Sarmento will never again have the opportunity to harm another child.

“I’d also like to thank the prosecution team for their efforts in securing justice for the victim and her family, and I hope today’s outcome provides them with some sense of closure as they continue to rebuild and move forward with their lives.”

Description

A dangerous man who attempted to rape a teenager on a bus has been given an extended 11-year prison sentence.

Lewis Melvin, 24, smiled, laughed, and fidgeted as he appeared via video link from HMP Leeds at Bradford Crown Court.

Judge Ahmed Nadim said Melvin showed no remorse for his targeted and brazen attack, deeming him a danger to the public.

He imposed eight years in custody plus three years on license, stating a determinate sentence “would not adequately protect the public.”

The judge told Melvin: “These offences were committed with striking audacity in broad daylight and unashamedly on a public bus, demonstrating your willingness to commit serious sexual violence even when the risk of detection was high.

“This is a very concerning feature of your offending behaviour.”

Melvin, of Owlet Grange in Shipley, was found guilty after a disruptive trial, during which he masturbated at one point.

The court heard the “brazen” attempted rape and multiple sexual assaults on the victim occurred on a public bus in March last year.

In mitigation, Nicholas Leadbeater said: “There is no mention of any other member of the public having seen what took place or having been alarmed by what took place.”

He described Melvin as “a young man with unstable mental health” possibly caused by drug misuse.

Sentencing, Judge Nadim said: “The total lack of insight into your offending I find most troubling.

“You told a probation officer ‘I did what I did’ and suggested that it may have been okay if she was okay with it.

“You have shown no genuine remorse, no understanding of the profound harm and distress you caused, and no appreciation of how your behaviour was criminal and morally wrong.

“This absence of insight is highly relevant.”

Noting Melvin's long-standing mental health issues and history of misusing drugs like cannabis, cocaine, and nitrous oxide, the judge added: “In the light of the pre-sentence report and psychiatric report, and the evidence that I heard at the trial … I find that these matters are of some grave concern to me.

“Firstly, the commission of an offence involving the targeting of a stranger.

“Secondly, the offence was committed in broad daylight on a public bus with you showing no fear of being caught.

“I therefore find you dangerous [and that] you present a serious risk of harm to members of the public.”

He imposed a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, a 15-year restraining order, and required Melvin to register as a sex offender.

Description

A 63-year-old man from Dunstable has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for raping a child.

Stephen Byrne was arrested after the victim, now an adult, disclosed the abuse she suffered as a child.

He was found guilty of five counts of rape of a girl under 13 following a six-day trial at Luton Crown Court.

Byrne received an indefinite restraining order, a sexual harm prevention order, and will be required to register as a sex offender for life.

Victim's Statement

The victim spoke about the impact of the abuse, saying:

“At the time the abuse happened, I was far too young to understand what was being done to me.

“I trusted him, and he took advantage of my vulnerability and innocence. I was sexually assaulted and raped at an age where I should have been safe, protected and carefree.

“Instead, I experienced emotional and physical harm that no child should ever have to endure. My childhood was taken from me.

“It makes me incredibly sad that this abuse has affected me for so many years, but today I finally feel that I can begin to heal.”

Detective Sergeant Natalie Miller from the PVP team expressed admiration for the victim's courage in coming forward.

“Firstly, I would like to praise the victim for her bravery in coming forward and helping us bring another sexual predator to justice," she said.

“This was a lengthy and complex investigation, and I am pleased that Byrne was given such a significant sentence and hope that this outcome will help the victim get closure now he’s behind bars."

Detective Sergeant Miller highlighted the profound impact of sexual abuse on victims, adding:

“Sexual abuse is one of the most devastating experiences a child can endure. It not only shatters their sense of safety and innocence during their formative years, but its impact can echo throughout their entire life, affecting their emotional wellbeing, relationships, and sense of self well into adulthood."