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A convicted paedophile who was already serving a prison sentence for raping a young girl has been jailed for the sexual assault of a toddler.

Christopher Proctor, who now goes by the name Daniel Travis, assaulted the girl when she was just two years old.

In 2021 the girl came forward and reported the matter to police.

At this time, Proctor, was already serving a sentence for the rape of a separate young girl for which he was handed a 12-year-jail-term in 2019.

Proctor, 49, was arrested and later charged with sexual assault by touching which he denied.

The case was sent to trial, and the victim was called to give evidence.

Only after she was cross-examined by his defence team did Proctor change his plea to admit the offence.

The girl, who read a victim impact statement in court, spoke movingly about the effect Proctor’s abuse has had on her life:

“What happened to me has had a huge impact on my life and is quite difficult to put into words…

“The impact on my mental health has been significant. I am constantly anxious and on edge, particularly around men and unfamiliar places. I struggle to trust people, even those close to me and I often feel isolated because of this.

“I experience frequent flashbacks and panic attacks from the trauma of what Christopher did to me…

“I used to self-harm to get rid of the feeling of his hands on my skin.

“I have lost my confidence and self-worth. Some days I have even thought it might be better if I am not here. But I will get through this…

“I would like the court to understand the seriousness of the harm that has been caused to me. Not only at the time of the offence, when I was little, but the lasting impact it has had on my wellbeing and future.

“… I want Christopher to remember one thing – he may have taken away my innocence, but he will never take away my future…

“I am no longer a victim. I’m a survivor…”

Proctor, of no fixed address, was sentenced on 7 January and handed a jail term of three years and nine months.

He was placed on the sex offenders register for life, handed a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a 10-year restraining order.

Detective Constable Ellen Buggins, officer in the case, said:

“The survivor in the case showed tenacity and patience throughout, despite the time taken for this to be heard in court.

“She showed immense courage and was commended by the judge for reading out her victim statement in court.

“Travis (AKA Proctor) is a dangerous individual whose offences were horrific.

“It is only right that the public are protected from him, and he will be kept a close eye on for life.”

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Thomas Dodds, 22, targeted the woman as she walked home across the High-Level Bridge over the Tyne in the early morning hours of August 16.

Dodds followed her from Westmorland Road in Newcastle and onto the bridge where he approached her from behind, before overpowering her onto the floor.

He then attempted to rape her, before she stuck her fingers down his throat and pushed him away.

Dodds then fled the scene heading back towards the city centre.

The woman quickly reported the assault to the police, and an investigation was immediately launched.

Officers from Gateshead’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) carried out extensive CCTV enquiries in Gateshead and Newcastle.

After several lines of enquiries, Dodds was tracked down and arrested within days of the report being made.

Dodds, of Woodhorn Drive in Ashington, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court in September where he pleaded guilty to attempted rape and was remanded in custody.

Yesterday (Monday, 12) he appeared at the same court where he was sentenced to 5 years and 3 months behind bars.

Dodds will also serve two years on extended license and has been added to the Sex Offenders register for life. He was also handed a restraining order to protect the victim. 

In a Victim Personal Statement (VPS) which was read to the court, the victim bravely described how the events of that night had impacted her.

She said:

“I have struggled to process my emotions following what happened on the day.

“I was shocked, upset and emotionally unstable, but also angry and confused, questioning ‘why me?’.

“It is something that I never thought would happen to me and I wonder what could have happened to me, or where I would be now, if I hadn’t managed to fight off the stranger who attacked me.

“I had to take two weeks off from work to start and try to process what had happened, which also had a financial impact upon my income.

“When going out, I have a lot of anxiety about being alone and have noticed that I am a lot more cautious, especially in the dark.

“With the winter months and the nights being darker, I am more scared to be out in public by myself and find myself wondering if someone is behind me constantly.

“My independence has been completely ruined; I enjoy going to concerts and music events and would even go alone if none of my friends were available, though I do not feel able to do that anymore.

“At the time of writing this statement, over two months have passed since it happened, and I am still trying to process it.

“I am unsure of the long-term impacts this will have on my future life, but I would not wish for anyone to go through what happened to me.”

Leading the case from Northumbria Police, Detective Constable Burns said: 

“The act committed by Thomas Dodds that night, I believe, is every woman's deepest fear.

I’d like to thank everyone involved in this case—most importantly the victim – who has shown great resilience and bravery in revisiting the events of that night throughout this ordeal.”

Detective Constable Burns added:

“I’d like to stress that stranger offences of this nature are extremely rare in our region.

“I’m glad that Dodds will be spending time behind bars, as it demonstrates how seriously we take these types of reports and how hard we work to ensure justice is delivered to victims.”

“I would urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse, or wants to share information, to get in touch.”

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A former school pastoral care manager who groomed and sexually assaulted a teenage pupil has been jailed for four-and-a-half years.

Simon Taylor, 43, preyed on the vulnerable child at Hethersett Academy despite a written warning from the school for "unprofessional" conduct.

The ex-army veteran, who lost a leg in a 2009 bomb attack in Afghanistan, targeted her after she sought support, presenting himself as "someone other than a teacher" and making her feel she should "only need or want to talk to him."

Initial messages on the school's message board led to the warning, but contact shifted to email and phone, where Taylor sent explicit images, used emotional blackmail, and threatened self-harm if she didn't send pictures.

At Norwich Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to five charges: sexual activity with a child while in a position of trust, two counts of sexual assault by intentional touching, and two counts of sexual communication with a child.

He was sentenced to prison and placed on the sex offenders' register for life.

In a victim statement read in court, she said Taylor had "stolen her childhood," "emotionally destroyed" her, and affected every part of her life. She went from being "confident, outgoing and full of life" to someone who "struggles to leave their bedroom" and lives "in constant fear they would find and harm them." She added: "My childhood was stolen from me. I never had the chance to be a normal teenager."

Prosecutor Isobel Ascherson said Taylor targeted "a particularly vulnerable child," with offending spanning over two years and continuing after she left school. He "groomed" the girl, making her "think that he was the only one who cared or could help her," and "wanted to have sex with (the girl) and wanted to meet outside school." He threatened self-harm if she didn't send images, and in one message wrote: "I look forward to some fun, as long as we’re both looking for fun, we can just have some fun until you find a nice lad hey."

The assaults involved touching her breasts in a car—once while she was a pupil and once after she left. She reported him to police in 2022 and "told his wife what he had done to her."

Taylor, a married father now of Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, and formerly of Dereham, served with the Norfolk-based Light Dragoons on four tours of Iraq and Afghanistan. In the 2009 blast, he broke nearly every bone, lost the lower half of his right leg, and was thrown from the vehicle; driver Lance Corporal Richard Brandon died.

After discharge, Taylor fundraised for veterans' charities through events like long-distance mountain bike rides across northern England and the world's longest downhill cycle race in the Alps.

Mitigating, Richard English said Taylor had no further therapeutic intervention post-discharge, "accepts that he has caused great harm," and feels "genuine remorse, sorrow and shame."

Judge Andrew Shaw said Taylor "ignored formal and informal warnings about his behaviour" and "targeted, manipulated and groomed [the victim] into thinking you were the only adult he cared." He praised her "remarkable dignity and courage" while noting the "immeasurable harm" caused.

The Inspiration Trust, which runs Hethersett Academy, said Taylor has not been employed there since July 2021.

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A man from Haydock who subjected his victim to years of sexual and physical abuse was jailed yesterday (Monday 12 January).

Alan Earwaker, aged 35, from Haydock has been jailed for nine years after pleading guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour and rape offences.

As well as a prison sentence, Earwaker was also handed an indefinite restraining order against the victim and an indefinite notification requirement.

The victim reported several incidents to Merseyside Police. Earwaker was then arrested in June 2025 and charged with rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, stalking, assault by beating, intentional strangulation, criminal damage, threats to kill, public order and common assault.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Inspector Greame Kehoe said:

“Earwaker abused, threatened, stalked and sexually assaulted his victim.

“Despite his horrific crimes she bravely reported these incidents to our officers and gave several lengthy statements that ensured his prison sentence.

“I would like to praise the courage and dignity shown by the victim throughout the investigation and court proceedings.

“I hope this sentencing shows and reassures the public how seriously the courts take these offences and how Merseyside Police is completely committed to protecting anyone from violence and sexual abuse.

“Anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence, is concerned for the safety of someone they know or suspects someone to be engaging in this criminal activity, should come forward and speak to us. 

“We have a team of dedicated staff who will expertly and compassionately deal with your reports, and we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.

“We urge anyone who is a victim of any form sexual abuse to please report this to police, as we have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and compassion.

“We take all such reports extremely seriously, and in addition, work with partner organisations such as Victim care Support Service and RASA who are there to support victims of this crime.”

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A man has been sentenced after being found guilty of child sex offences.  

Bradford District Children Vulnerable to Exploitation Team carried out an investigation in David Masters after a report in 2024 about a 16 year old who was missing from her home.  

A complex investigation involving multiple victims was carried out and Masters was charged with a number of offences.  

He was found guilty of sexual activity with a child, arrange/facilitate the sexual exploitation of a child and two counts of cause or incite sexual exploitation of a child. He previously admitted to nine counts of making indecent images of children and two counts of distributing indecent images of children.  

Masters aged 46 of Brookroyd Lane Birstall was sentenced on 12 January at Bradford Crown Court to 11 years. He was made to sign the sex offenders’ register for life and received a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. He was also given a restraining orders against his victims.  

One of Masters’ victims, who was 15 at the time of the offences, said in a Victim Personal Statement:

“It feels like the colour has gone from my life and everything has gone grey. I don’t think about my future now. I feel directionless and like I don’t know where I’m going or what I can do.”

One of the other victims, who was 17 at the time, said in her Victim Personal Statement:

“It feels like my life has become a trap I can’t get out of. I’m trying to rebuild my life after what he did, but sometimes it feels like I will never get back to normal, and I can never be the person I always wanted to be.”

PC Helena Stroud of Bradford’s Children Vulnerable to Exploitation Team said:  

“We welcome the sentence handed down to Masters. He is dangerous individual who exploited children for his own person gain.  

“Police and partners are committed to protecting and safeguarding children from harm and bring perpetrators of child exploitation to justice.  

“Our specialist teams work tirelessly to investigate reports, identify suspects, and safeguard vulnerable individuals across our communities.  

“We urge anyone who has concerns or information about child exploitation or sexual offences to come forward. Reporting these crimes is vital to protecting victims and preventing further harm.  

“Together, we can protect the most vulnerable and ensure that West Yorkshire remains a safe place for children to grow and thrive.”  

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A man has been sentenced to life for violently assaulting and raping a woman whilst he was living in Bedford.

Jamal Jeng, 28, was convicted in October 2025 of rape, strangulation and assault in relation to a number of incidents which took place over several months.

The court heard that Jeng attacked the victim on a number of occasions before raping her.

The case was investigated by detectives from Bedfordshire Police’s specialist Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) team.

Jamal Jeng, 28, of Medhurst, Milton Keynes, was sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Friday (9 January) to life but must serve a minimum of eight years before he will be considered for parole.

When sentencing him, the judge commented that there was no doubt that Jeng was on a campaign of escalating abuse and that his offending reflected his need for power and domination.

In a victim impact statement, the victim said:

“I know my life will never be the same after what he did to me and how he made me feel. It has changed me beyond recognition. I will never go back to the person I was.

“This period of my life is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”

Detective Constable Stefania Digirolamo, who investigated said:

“This was a shocking series of attacks culminating in a brutal rape.

“I would like to commend the bravery of the victim in this case. Her evidence was vital in supporting the investigation which ultimately resulted in a significant jail sentence for this violent and abusive man.

“We take a zero-tolerance approach to anyone committing violence against women and girls in our county and we will continue to relentlessly pursue anyone who seeks to commit such offences and bring them to justice.

“We would encourage victims to come forward, safe in the knowledge that they will be treated with sympathy and respect and given the support they need.

“When you are ready, our officers are there to listen and your voice will be heard.” 

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A defenceless cat suffered brutal injuries after ex-Royal Marine Paul Thorpe, 62, heartlessly "dangled" the pet over a fence and into the jaws of a dog from a breed known for its potential to cause "serious injury or even death".

Moments earlier, Thorpe had casually asked the dog's owner how his two dogs were with cats, possibly driven by "morbid curiosity" about what would happen.

The cat's hind leg was bitten down to the bone, and its tail was bitten off, Hull Crown Court heard. On November 5, 2025, Thorpe, from Ashthorpe, Orchard Park estate, north Hull, pleaded guilty to failing to prevent unnecessary suffering to the cat.

Prosecutor Mark Luxford said Thorpe, then a neighbour in Star Hill Road, Driffield, picked up the black cat while its owner was absent and "quizzed" another neighbour about his dogs. He then "dangled" the cat over the fence, placing it "in effect, on the head of one of the dogs". The dog attacked, and Thorpe "seemed to gain some enjoyment" without intervening, showing a "lack of any apparent guilt". The owner tried to stop it but was bitten on the hand.

It was "sadistic" behaviour causing "a high level of pain and suffering" and "grave injury", Mr Luxford added. "The defendant failed to intervene once the dog started attacking the cat."

In police interview, Thorpe admitted acting recklessly, apologised, and offered to pay vet bills. He had three prior convictions, including an eight-year jail term in December 2009 for the "very serious" rape of a child.

Mitigating, Holly Thompson said Thorpe hadn't minimised the incident: "This was a short-lived incident, one that caused an immense degree of harm. It was a momentary or brief lapse in judgement. This was entirely unacceptable conduct. The defendant has accepted that it was. He made admissions and apologised in full."

His actions were "odd and without any real motive", with "no precursor" or negative neighbour relations. "He is an entirely nice guy and is friendly and helpful. He is entirely apologetic at his conduct and he did not, at the time, realise the severity of it. He was unable to come to terms with it and he buried his head in the sand. He has come to terms with it now. He acted largely out of character." Thorpe served in the Royal Marines until medically discharged in 1990, having seen "atrocities".

Recorder David Kelly said Thorpe deliberately placed the cat in harm's way, with "suggestions of some sadism" and "little remorse if any". He imposed an eight-month suspended prison sentence, 15 days' rehabilitation, and £300 compensation each to the cat's owner and the bitten man.

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A mother tearfully confronted her rapist in court, saying, "You didn't listen to me when I said no, but you will listen now," as he was jailed for the assault.

Louis Cooper chillingly told his victim he "liked it when she was squirming" during the rape and laughed when he learned he had injured her. Though he denies the offense, the victim stated: "That day changed everything about me. The person I was before this happened died that day."

At Liverpool Crown Court, jurors heard that Cooper, 30, of Rossmore Road East in Ellesmere Port, began consensual sex with the complainant but suddenly changed position without consent. Despite her saying "Louis, no" and trying to push him off, he held her down and raped her. She was unable to "say or do anything" or "move." Afterward, he said: "Halfway through that, I realised I was raping you. I kind of liked it when you were squirming though." He later laughed about her injury and texted her referencing it.

In her victim impact statement, she said tearfully: "What he did to me didn't end when it was over. That day changed everything about me. The person I was before this happened died that day. People hear the word rape and think it's just one moment. It became my whole life. It followed me into my home, my job and sleep until nothing felt normal any more.

"I stopped trusting people. I became frightened of the world. My mental health deteriorated to the point that I tried to take my own life three times. I was not coping, I was not functioning and I was not surviving. I lost my confidence, independence and sense of self. I had to leave my job and move house in order to feel safe again. It still follows me every day.

"Louis Cooper didn't just hurt me, he scarred me. He took my peace, confidence and safety. He took years of my life. Surviving is not the same as living. This was not something I could just move on from. It followed me into every day and every part of my life.

"It didn't just only happen to me. My children watched their mum disappear. They watched me deteriorate, cry and shut down. They've lived with the aftermath of something they should never have been touched by. I wanted to protect them from everything, and I couldn't protect them from the things he did to me.

"My family have lived with this for years too, living with the fear that, one day, they would lose me. I will carry the impact of this for the rest of my life. This is for you Louis. You didn't listen to me when I said no, but you will listen now. This was rape, this was abuse and it nearly killed me."

Cooper has one prior conviction: three years in prison in 2020 for drug trafficking. Defense barrister Mark Connor argued: "He has no previous convictions for any violence at all. He has no previous convictions for any sexual offence. This appears to be an isolated incident. While on bail for a significant period of time, he committed no further offences. This is not a case that calls for an extended determinate sentence. Mr Cooper knows that he will receive a significant sentence of imprisonment. I ask your honour to pass the least possible sentence commensurate with the seriousness of these offences."

Convicted of rape by jury, Cooper appeared via video link from HMP Liverpool, wearing a grey Under Armour sweatshirt, with short dark hair and a beard. Judge Brian Cummings KC sentenced him to eight years in prison plus four years on extended license, noting: "It is apparent that you continue to deny the rape. It is apparent, more than three years on from the offence, that her thoughts continue to be dominated by the rape, and her life has been severely adversely affected.

"It cannot be said that this is your first experience of custody. It is, of course, now your second such experience. I take account of the character evidence presented on your behalf. It is apparent that there is a better side to your character. I take account of the fact that you have a young child. That is always a tragic aspect of any case where a court has to impose a prison sentence.

"I am afraid, notwithstanding the submissions made by Mr Connor, my own assessment, having observed the evidence given in the trial in your case, including your own evidence, is that there is a significant risk of serious harm being occasioned to members of the public by the commission by you of further specified offences. I am not satisfied that a determinate prison sentence will be sufficient, and the sentence in your case will be an extended licence sentence."

Cooper received a lifelong restraining order barring contact with the victim and must sign the sex offenders' register indefinitely.

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A man has been jailed after raping a woman in Tamworth.

Mehmet Ogur, 27, of Tamworth, was sentenced to seven years at Stafford Crown Court today (Monday 12 January) after he was previously found guilty of rape of a woman and attempted rape of a woman following a trial.

He met the survivor in a park on 18 January last year after they had been speaking over Snapchat and raped her.

It was reported to us two days later and Ogur was quickly arrested and questioned by detectives. He was charged and taken to court.

DC Samuel Infanti, from our rape and serious sexual offences unit, said:

“The survivor in this case has shown tremendous bravery in coming forward and telling us about what happened. It is because of her bravery that Ogur will now be punished for his crimes.

“We’re determined to act robustly against those responsible for sexual offences in Staffordshire and to support survivors as much as possible.”

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A judge has ordered sex offender Fintan Burke to remain in custody for re-evaluation of his risk to the public.

The 35-year-old, formerly of Newbury and latterly of no fixed address, horrified witnesses by committing a sex act in public view on the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath near Toomers Wharf last July, causing a woman in her 60s to end up in the water.

He also faces sentencing for assaulting emergency workers and racially aggravated public order offences.

Burke, pictured in a 2017 Thames Valley Police custody photo before his jailing for assault causing grievous bodily harm, has prior convictions for outraging public decency and indecent exposure.

He was due for sentencing at Reading Crown Court on Thursday, January 8, but refused to participate via video link despite the presence of barristers, judge, and staff.

Defense barrister Naomi Perry requested an adjournment, saying: “I can only ask for an adjournment in the hope that he will deign to attend [next time].”

Prosecutor Tom Blackburn urged proceeding in his absence.

Judge Rachel Drake, noting difficulty, highlighted a pre-sentence report deeming Burke a “high risk” to the public. She feared his mental health had deteriorated since a three-month-old assessment, adding: “If I were to simply sentence him today or adjourn until next week when he could refuse to come on the [prison video] link, it’s likely he would be released immediately or very shortly thereafter [due to time spent in custody on remand].”

Although a prior psychiatric report found him fit to plead and understand proceedings, Judge Drake worried this might no longer hold. She refused to sentence and release him without an updated report, stating: “If he is not now fit to plead, or his condition has deteriorated such that he should be in hospital, then now is the right time to make that decision rather than him being released now or in February and breaching the terms of his [mandated early release on licence] recall terms or committing another offence and having to start again and be assessed from scratch.”

She ordered assessment by the same psychiatrist to detect any changes and adjourned sentencing to Thursday, February 5, remanding Burke in custody.

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A sex offender who groomed children over Snapchat and paid them for indecent images has been jailed.

Ian Della-Rocca, aged 39, was arrested in November 2024 after he was involved in sexual communication online with a person he believed was a 14-year-old girl.

The person he was speaking to was in fact a police officer.

Following his arrest, investigators examined Della-Rocca’s mobile phone and discovered that he had been speaking to real children on Snapchat.

From January 2023 and up to the point of his arrest Della-Rocca, who was living in North Baddesley at the time of the offences, had been engaging in sexual conversations with the children. Police identified three teenage girls who were based across the UK who were paid money by Della-Rocca in exchange for indecent pictures and videos. Police located almost 1,200 indecent images of children on his phone.

On one occasion, he met one of the children – a 15-year-old girl – and took her to school.

He was subsequently charged with the following offences, which he admitted at Southampton Crown Court:

• Three counts of possession of indecent images of children
• Attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child
• Adult attempt to cause a child to watch / look at an image of sexual activity
• Possess a prohibited image of a child
• Distribute an indecent image of a child
• Three counts of engaging in sexual communication with a child
• Three counts of cause / inciting a child to engage in sexual activity
• Three counts of paying for the sexual services of a child aged 13 to 15
• Cause / inciting a child to look at an image of sexual activity
• Attempting to meet a girl under 16 years of age following grooming

Appearing at Southampton Crown Court on Friday 9 January 2026, Della-Rocca, of Wilson Road in Chessington, was jailed for 6 years and 8 months.

He was also ordered to sign on to the Sex Offenders Register for life, and handed a 15 year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

PC Ollie Green, from the Internet Child Abuse Team (ICAT), said:

“The relentlessness of Della-Rocca’s offending is really shocking. He persistently targeted young girls online, going as far as to pay them to provide him with indecent images.

“Della-Rocca groomed and exploited these children for his own perverse gratification, and it is clear he poses a serious risk to children.

“The girls have been incredibly brave in speaking to police about Della-Rocca’s behaviour, and it is because of them that we were able to secure so many criminal charges against him.

“I also want to extend my thanks to policing colleagues across the UK for their efforts in helping bring this man to justice.”

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A child sex offender spared jail after being exposed by online paedophile hunters now faces prison for breaching a strict court order.

Dean Jordan, 32, from Canterbury, narrowly avoided prison in September after his conviction for sexual communication with a child.

The homeless man walked free after a judge suspended a 12-month sentence for two years and placed him on the sex offenders’ register for 10 years.

Registrants must provide police with personal details, including name, address, date of birth, and bank and passport information, within three days of conviction or release.

Homeless offenders face stricter rules, requiring weekly reports to a designated police station and details of a regular location.

Jordan failed to comply on two occasions—in October and on Boxing Day.

When arrested for the breaches, officers found a small quantity of amphetamine on him.

Jordan, of no fixed address, admitted two counts of failing to comply with notification requirements and possession of a class B drug at Margate Magistrates’ Court on December 31.

Defender Scott Neilson told the court Jordan had been remanded in prison for four months before sentencing.

“He got released and had nowhere to stay as his family disowned him,” he said.

“He’s had a real mental health struggle, and he’s street homeless.”

The court heard that due to struggles sleeping rough, Jordan began taking amphetamines, leading to drug issues.

Magistrates were told he was willing to work with probation and the Forward Trust for drug and alcohol support.

Mr Neilson added: “He was low and depressed over the Christmas period, and he contacted his family but was rebuffed, but he does have some mental health issues.

“He’s feeling better now, and he was open with the police that he wants support.”

As the suspended sentence was imposed at crown court, magistrates sent the case back to Canterbury Crown Court, where Jordan will learn his fate on a date to be set.

Jordan, who gave a care-of address in Station Road East, Canterbury, was granted bail.

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Lee Spence, a 25-year-old Fife man currently serving an eight-and-a-half-year sentence for attempting to murder his father in a premeditated blade attack at HMP Perth, has been placed on the sex offenders register due to a separate incident involving a 16-year-old girl in Glenrothes. The assault on the teenager occurred before his imprisonment, where Spence followed her and made inappropriate, lewd comments, causing her significant distress. This behavior was classified as sexual in nature, leading to charges and highlighting a pattern of violent and inappropriate conduct that echoes his family's troubled history, including his father's own convictions for child abuse.

In court, the judge underscored the seriousness of Spence's actions toward the girl, noting the profound impact on the young victim and the need for public protection. As a result of this conviction, Spence will be monitored under the sex offenders register upon release, joining his father on the list. The case draws attention to Spence's vengeful tendencies and ongoing risks, with authorities emphasizing measures to prevent future incidents.

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Jordan Gouldmartin (28/11/1994) of Ludlow Drive, Leigh, was found guilty by a jury of sexual assault of a boy under the age of 13.

Following the verdict yesterday (Thursday 8 January 2026) Gouldmartin was sentenced to five years imprisonment at Manchester Crown Square Court.

On release, Gouldmartin will be subject to a five-year licence period. The court also imposed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a lifetime restraining order to protect the victim.

Detective Constable Jennifer Bradley said:

“We welcome the sentence handed down at Crown Court. This outcome reflects the gravity of the offence and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable members of our community.

“I want to personally thank the young victim for their courage in coming forward and reporting this horrific incident to the police.

“Their strength has been instrumental in securing justice and ensuring protections are now in place to prevent further harm.”

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A man has been jailed after admitting rape, assault with intent to commit a sexual offence, false imprisonment and controlling and coercive behaviour.

In March 2025, Paul Devaney, aged 42, of no fixed abode, committed a catalogue of offences against the same woman which included punching her in the face and pinning her to a sofa in an address in Stockton, using his knee to restrict her breathing.

The woman was raped by Devaney and video evidence of this was found on a mobile phone.

Devaney was arrested and later charged after detectives worked diligently in their investigation.

He pleaded guilty at court to committing an offence with the intention of committing a relevant sexual offence, rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and false imprisonment.

At Teesside Crown Court today, Friday 9th January 2026, Devaney was sentenced to life imprisonment with a recommendation to serve a minimum of eight years in prison, and he was given a lifetime restraining order.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Jess Mangham, said:

“I am satisfied with the sentence today. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the victim in this case who has shown bravery and courage despite the significant impact this incident has had on her life. Devaney will now spend a significant period behind bars, preventing him from harming others.”