Latest Offenders

Description

A man from Winsford has been found guilty of rape, assault and two counts of controlling and coercive behaviour.

Damon Furmedge was found guilty of the charges following an eight-day trial at Chester Crown Court which concluded on Friday 29 May.

The 36-year-old, previously from Weaver Street, Winsford, has been remanded in custody and will appear at Chester Crown Court on17 July to be sentenced.

The case began in November 2024 when police received an anonymous call about Furmedge’s behaviour towards the victim.

The victim was spoken to on her own but was reluctant to give any information and said she was scared.

After gaining the women’s trust, she went on disclose how she had been raped, strangled and abused by Furmedge.

The woman told officers that the first time she was assaulted Furmedge threw her fully clothed into a bath-full of water and held her under the water by her neck. He did this twice and left her terrified she was going to die.

What followed was a catalogue of threats, violence and controlling behaviour which left her so scared that she considered taking her own life to escape.

She told officers that Furmedge had installed cameras and microphones at her home, he had also monitored her movements by tracking her phone and threatened to harm her.

DC Hannah Lamborn from Northwich CID said:

“The level of intimidation and violence was terrifying for the victim who wanted to report Furmedge but was scared of the repercussions.

“The anonymous call that night gave her the courage to speak out about her ordeal. I think that’s a vital example of how concerned friends and family can call out this horrific behaviour and help their loved-one break free. 

“I would personally like to thank the victim for her courage in supporting the Police investigation so that justice could be served.

“Our officers are here to help you, with the assistance of specialist agencies, to break the cycle of abuse and get the perpetrator away from you and convict them of their abhorrent crimes.”

Description

A young girl who stood up to her rapist has seen him jailed for ten years.

David McDonald raped the girl when she was 13 years old.

He was arrested when the girl bravely told a teacher what had happened, and an investigation was launched.

The 64-year-old was charged with several offences, including rape and several counts of sexual assault.

McDonald, of Newton Aycliffe, denied the offences and went on trial at Durham Crown Court earlier this year where a jury found him guilty of rape.

He was acquitted of the other charges.   

Appearing back at court last Friday (June 5), McDonald was jailed for ten years.

He was also handed an indefinite restraining order preventing him from contacting the girl, and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

In a victim impact statement, the girl said he has ruined her life.

The Officer in the Case (OIC) Samantha Geraghty, from Darlington Safeguarding Team, said:

“I’d like to commend the young girl for the immense bravery she has shown throughout this investigation and subsequent court process.

“By standing up to her rapist and having her voice heard, she has helped to get a dangerous man off the streets.”

Description

The courage of seven girls who bravely disclosed the sexual abuse they had been subjected to has resulted in the conviction of two men.

Bawan Hawre and Sharam Muhamadi were both found guilty by a jury today (Tuesday 9 June) of a number of offences against the girls, who were aged between 12 and 16 at the time, after a four-week long trial at Sheffield Crown Court.

They were charged following a thorough investigation, led by South Yorkshire Police’s Barnsley Child Exploitation Team which works collaboratively with Barnsley Council under the umbrella of the BSAFE team.

Through engagement with and support from officers and staff in the BSAFE team, the investigation began in August 2024, after one of the victims bravely made a disclosure during routine safeguarding after being reported missing from home. The girl disclosed she had been abused by a man she knew as being called 'Karo', and in contact with another man she knew as 'Jack'.

After building rapport with the victims, the multi-agency investigation team was able to establish that there were additional victims, and through careful and dedicated work over a period of time, identified 'Karo' as 28-year-old Hawre and 'Jack' as 21-year-old Muhamadi.

During the trial, the jury heard the offenders, who used the fake names in every encounter with the girls, initially made contact via a social media platform where they offered the girls vapes, e-cigarettes, and money.

Arrangements were then made to meet in person, where the girls were transported between Barnsley and Doncaster.

Six of the girls were given alcohol and drugs before being raped by Hawre.

Detective Sergeant Jude Proffitt, who works in the BSAFE team, said:

"These girls have demonstrated such bravery in testifying against these men who abused them. They will continue to be safeguarded and offered support by the force, Barnsley Council, and other services.

"We will continue to do everything we can to prevent and eradicate child sexual exploitation, acknowledging that the issue is evolving and there will always be more to do. We are, however, encouraged that the processes and procedures the police and local authority have in place to spot the signs and act on them enabled and empowered one of the victims to make the first disclosure which ultimately led to these convictions.

“We also commit to ensuring our response to child sexual exploitation is the best it can be, providing victims with the support they need to disclose incidents and bring cases to court in the hope of securing justice.

“While this conviction concludes these criminal proceedings, both ourselves and Barnsley Council will continue in our efforts to identify those at risk of child sexual exploitation and intervene at the earliest possible opportunity. If you or someone you know may have been subjected to this awful abuse, please report it to the police, BSAFE or someone you trust.”

Bawan Hawre, formerly of Hexthorpe Road, Doncaster, was found guilty of six counts of arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view of exploitation, one count of rape of a girl under 13, four counts of rape of a girl aged 13/14/15, two counts of adult meeting a girl under 16 years of age following grooming, and two counts of false imprisonment.

He pleaded guilty to one count of rape of a girl under 13 before the trial. One count of rape of a girl aged 13/14/15 was dropped during court proceedings.

Sharam Muhamadi, formerly of Hexthorpe Road, Doncaster, was found guilty of two counts of arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view of exploitation.

He was found not guilty of one count of rape of a girl under 13, one count of rape of a girl aged 13/14/15 and two counts of arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view of exploitation. A charge of sexual assault on a female was dropped during court proceedings.

Sentencing will take place on Thursday 11 June at Sheffield Crown Court.

Description

A man has admitted raping, strangling and suffocating a woman in Staffordshire.

Miles Phillips, 41, of Abingdon, Oxfordshire, pleaded guilty at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court yesterday (Monday 8 June) to four counts of rape, intentional strangulation, intentional suffocation and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour.

The offences took place between 2023 and 2025.

Officers from Staffordshire Police’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit (RASSO) worked tirelessly to support the survivor and build the evidence needed to secure the charges against Phillips.

Phillips has been remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on 31 July.

Detective Constable Josie Frost, from RASSO, said:

“I would like to recognise the immense courage and bravery shown by the survivor throughout our investigation.

“Phillips is a dangerous offender and officers and staff worked tirelessly to secure these convictions and bring him to justice.

“I hope knowing that he is behind bars awaiting sentencing provides some comfort to the survivor.”

Description

Sharam Muhamadi, aged 21, was today (Tuesday 9 June) found guilty today of two counts of arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view of exploitation.

He was convicted in his absence after failing to appear at Sheffield Crown Court from Monday 18 May.

Muhamadi had been remanded in custody between charge and the beginning of the trial, when his defence team’s application for bail was granted by the court.

Upon his failure to appear, South Yorkshire Police immediately began a manhunt but, due to the court’s reporting restriction, we have been unable to publicly appeal for help until today.

Officers are actively conducting extensive enquiries to find Muhamadi and have trawled through hours of CCTV, and phone records. These are just a couple of examples of the extensive work our officers have been completing.

These enquiries have established that Muhamadi has links to the West Midlands area, and we know he travelled to Birmingham via train between Saturday 16 and Monday 18 May. Our officers rushed to the Birmingham area where, working alongside West Midlands Police, they have conducted extensive enquiries over multiple days – patrolling the streets, officers have shown his photo to members of the public.

The last confirmed sighting of Muhamadi was at around 9pm on Monday 18 May in Birmingham city centre. He then travelled in a taxi from the centre towards Coventry Road and the Small Heath Park area, southeast of the city. We do not know where Muhamadi travelled from there, but we are determined to find him and are now appealing for the public’s help.

Assistant Chief Constable Hayley Barnett said:

“Our priority has been and will continue to be securing full justice for the victims tragically involved. They have shown commendable bravery throughout our full investigation and the complex trial which followed.

“We are wholly focussed on finding Muhamadi and ensuring his faces the consequences of his actions.

“Officers have been relentlessly pursing all lines of enquiries. We are keeping an open mind of his whereabouts. We believe he is still in the country, but if he is found abroad, we will seek the Government’s help in doing everything we can to extradite him.

“We will not stop until we find him, and we will ensure these young girls get the justice they deserve.”

Description

A sex offender from Ramsgate who targeted two girls enjoying a night out together in Canterbury has been jailed.

Harry Homewood, 22, formerly of Augustine Road, pleaded guilty to multiple sexual offences before Canterbury Crown Court.

His crimes were reported to Kent Police in the early hours of Saturday 14 March 2026.

Victims approached

The victims, two friends in their late teens, had been socialising in the city centre the previous evening.

At around 2.30am, whilst walking in Station Road East, the girls were approached by Homewood, who was unknown to either of them.

Repeated assaults

Homewood started speaking to the girls before touching them over and under their clothing. He carried out repeated sexual assaults and made inappropriate comments, despite the victims’ efforts to make him stop.

The girls were able to alert friends who were in the area and police were made aware of the incident. Officers attended and Homewood was arrested shortly afterwards.

He was charged the following day.

Offender jailed

After pleading guilty, Homewood was sentenced at the same court on Thursday 4 June to 3 years and 9 months’ imprisonment. He will be subject to police notification requirements indefinitely.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Kirsty Chilcott, said:

‘Every woman and girl has the right to feel safe while they are out socialising and the repulsive, aggressive behaviour of sexual predators such as Homewood will never be tolerated.

‘Homewood’s offending has had a significant impact on both of his victims, whose courage I would like to commend. I hope they can take some comfort in knowing that he is in prison, where he belongs, and that restrictions are in place when he becomes eligible for parole to safeguard against future offending.

‘Anyone who thinks they can offend in this way should know that they can expect to be tracked down by us and brought before the courts, where they will be made to answer for their actions.’

Description

A man has been jailed after he subjected his former partner to more than eight years of sexual assaults, controlling and coercive behaviour, strangulation and physical assaults.

Scott Herbert, aged 57 and of Bishops Walk in Forthampton, Tewkesbury, appeared at Gloucester Crown Court on Friday (5 June) and was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison.

Herbert had pleaded guilty to one count of controlling and coercive behaviour and three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and was later found guilty of one count of rape and one count of non-fatal strangulation following a trial which concluded in October 2025. 

Herbert will also be placed onto the sex offenders register and must comply with conditions of this when ultimately released from custody.

The court heard how Herbert had been in an intimate relationship with the victim for several years, having first met her in 2017 after accidentally crashing into her car.

On 14 March 2025, police were contacted by a friend of the victim who made a crime report on her behalf after becoming aware of Herbert's actions.

It was reported that he had been physically, sexually and mentally abusive to her and had assaulted her numerous times during the course of their relationship causing bruising to her body. As well as this it was also reported that Herbert had forced himself onto the victim and made her have non-consensual sex with him.

Herbert was arrested the following day (15 March 2025) and the victim took part in a video interview during which she detailed five different instances when she had been physically and sexually abused by him.

It was reported that Herbert had punched the victim in the face one evening in January 2022 after becoming violent whilst drunk. It is believed that he had broken the woman's nose however she retracted her statement to police after Herbert pressured her into doing so.

In December 2024 it was reported that Herbert had assaulted the woman by grabbing her hair and dragging her across the house before trying to throw her outside. During this incident Herbert took her mobile phone and smashed it damaging it and the assault caused bruising to the woman's legs and knees.

The victim then recounted an incident from 14 February 2025 stating she and Herbert had stayed at a hotel in London. Herbert had paid for the hotel room and so she believed he would expect sex. 

Once at the hotel Herbert told the woman that they couldn’t go for dinner or drinks until they had sex and when she expressed wishes against this Herbert sexually and physically assaulted her. He punched her three times and strangled her making her think she was going to die. 

Around a week later Herbert assaulted the woman following an argument and told her to "think of herself as lucky".

The last incident to be recalled took place in March 2025. The woman described how she had met up with Herbert and that he had bought a large amount of sex toys which he wanted to use. Herbert ignored the victim's wishes and once again made her have non-consensual sex with him.

During conversations with police the woman said that Herbert would body shame her appearance and that he had hit her multiple times, previously spat in her face and strangled her. This caused the woman to be frightened of Herbert and in fear that he would hurt her more seriously. 

She stated that there had been around 50 instances of assaults and threats throughout their relationship.

As part of the investigation Herbert's partner provided a Victim Impact Statement which explained the impact of Herbert's actions.

She said:

"You broke me, mentally, emotionally, physically and sexually. You knew this but continued to chip away anyway. You broke my peace of mind and my spirit with your systematic humiliations.

"Your belittling, your devaluing of me, your constant bullying and continuous mocking of me from how I looked, right down to what I wore and to the car I drove, nothing that I ever did or chose seemed to be good enough.

"Your body shaming of me went way above my comprehension and has left lasting damage to my confidence. You seemed to get some perverse kick and enjoyment from seeing my pain and sadness.

"You intimidated me, mocked me and even laughed in my face when you could see the effect your words were having. I felt like I was a game or a plaything to you and just to take your frustrations out on.

"I felt uncomfortable with your demands. You made me feel ugly and old. You took away my self-esteem and confidence. Made me feel stupid, worthless, not fit for purpose, irrelevant. I lost credibility. I felt insignificant. And it just dehumanized me."

At the conclusion of sentencing, Acting Detective Sergeant Jonathan Stokes from the Criminal Investigation Department said:

"I thank the victim for having the strength to initially come forward and report the abuse she was suffering and for then going through the entire judicial process.

"It takes a lot of strength and courage to put yourself under this level of scrutiny, especially when you have experienced prolonged abuse over a number of years.

"It's clear that Herbert subjected her to a variety of offences over a number of years and she has been incredibly brave in being willing to stand in court and give evidence of his violent actions against her.

"Crimes such as these often happen behind closed doors between partners and without the victim being willing to go through all the different stages and processes, some of which couldn’t have been pleasant, we would not have known about the true level of Herbert's offending against her.

"Herbert's crimes have had a long lasting impact on the victim and she is still processing how to move forward as clearly articulated in her impactful personal statement. 

"Hopefully now that he has been sentenced for the offences he committed against her, she can start to focus on the future and starting her life free from abuse and fear."

Description

Paedophile Avoids Jail After Directing Police to 100,000+ Child Abuse Images

A 59-year-old paedophile who “recognised his own interest in children” has avoided an immediate prison sentence after voluntarily telling police where to find his vast collection of child abuse images.

Carl Mitchell, of Shakespeare Street, Southport, had downloaded more than 100,000 indecent images of children. Merseyside Police executed a search warrant at his home on 30 September last year and seized several devices, but initially missed his computer tower.

During interview, Mitchell denied viewing or sharing the images but directed officers to the unseized computer. A second search recovered the tower and three external hard drives containing the material.

Analysis revealed 11,046 Category A images (the most serious), including 358 videos and footage of a baby aged six to 12 months being sexually assaulted; 10,483 Category B images; 95,248 Category C images; and 24 extreme pornographic images.

Mitchell, who has 15 previous convictions for 28 offences including indecent assaults in 1986 and 1988 but none since 2002, admitted three counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possessing extreme pornography. A charge of distributing the images was discontinued.

At Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, defence barrister Lloyd Morgan told the court:  
“Somewhat unusually, this is a defendant who has made full admissions about his sexual interest in children… He has struggled to come to grips with that interest. It shows that he is ashamed and appalled of his behaviour and has showed a desperation for help… Genuine remorse… is present in this case… There is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.”

Sentencing, Judge Brian Cummings KC highlighted four aggravating features: the “sheer volume” of Category A material (over 11,000 images including 358 videos), the inclusion of a baby victim, the huge additional volumes of Category B and C images, and Mitchell’s previous convictions for indecent assault.

The judge noted the “pattern of entrenched distorted thinking in relation to children” identified in the pre-sentence report, but accepted the “unusual… level of frankness” shown by Mitchell in recognising his sexual interest in children, describing it as mitigation that gave “greater cause for hope” of successful rehabilitation.

Mitchell was handed a 16-month prison sentence suspended for two years, with a rehabilitation activity requirement of up to 20 days, a programme requirement, and a 12-month mental health treatment requirement. He was also made subject to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must sign the sex offenders’ register for the next decade.

Description

A former assistant at a Halifax children’s home has been sentenced following her conviction for sexual offences against children in her care, after an extensive investigation by officers into abuse at Skircoat Lodge Children’s Home.  

Linda Brunning, aged 67, of Sowerby Bridge, Calderdale, appeared at Bradford Crown Court today (Monday 8 June) for sentencing after being found guilty in February of one count of indecent assault on a boy and four further offences of aiding and abetting serious sexual abuse carried out by the former manager of the home. 

Brunning was sentenced to 25 years for her role in the abuse, which took place between the 1970s and 1990s.  

She was also made subject to the Sex Offenders Register requirements indefinitely.  

The Judge also made final orders in respect of Malcolm Phillips, aged 93, formerly of Tyseley, Birmingham, who managed Skircoat Lodge Children’s Home during the period of offending.  

Phillips was deemed unfit to stand trial and therefore faced a trial of facts, a legal process which does not result in a criminal conviction or custodial sentence.  

However, a jury concluded that he committed the sexual offences against children in his care.  

At today’s hearing, the Judge submitted an order of Absolute Discharge in relation to Phillips. He was made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years, and also the Sex Offender Register requirements for the remainder of his life.

It was reiterated that, while a sentence could not be passed, the findings formally recognised the seriousness and scale of his offending and the harm caused to children.  

Speaking after sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Claire Smith of Calderdale District Police said:  

“Today’s outcome cannot undo the harm suffered by those children at Skircoat Lodge, but it does represent long overdue accountability. The bravery shown by the survivors in coming forward after so many years has been extraordinary, and we hope this brings some measure of acknowledgement and closure.”  

“We would encourage anyone who has suffered child abuse and exploitation to come forward and report it to us. No matter the length of time passed, you will be listened to and believed. There are also support services out there, that are on hand to support you when you are ready, if you don’t wish to contact police straight away.” 

Description

A 27-year-old man who raped a woman has had his sentence increased after a hearing at the Court of Appeal.

Aaron Akram, from Canton Acre, Painswick, had been found guilty of two counts of raping his ex-partner following a trial in November last year.

In December he was sentenced to four years imprisonment and given a 15-year restraining order.

The Crown Prosecution Service referred the sentence to the Attorney General's office under the Unduly Lenient Scheme, after liaising with the victim and police, and there was a hearing at the Court of Appeal in London on 14 May. Akram's sentence was increased to six years and six months.

During his trial, the court heard how Akram raped his ex-partner. She had tried to end their relationship but Akram would not accept that it was over, and he would turn up at her home uninvited and persistently ask her to have sex with him.

She repeatedly told him she did not want to and he ignored her refusals and raped her.

The victim reported what had happened to a support service and then the police.

Following an investigation by Gloucestershire Constabulary's Criminal Investigation Department, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised the charges.

After the sentence was increased, the victim said:

"I'm so relieved that the jury saw through Aaron's lies and that they believed the truth about what he subjected me to. I feel that he has always had a manipulative way of talking his way out of anything, and won't take no for an answer. For me to have been believed means everything, and it felt so empowering to hear the word 'guilty'.

"I want people to know who he is and what he did to me, so that he can't treat other women like this in the future. I felt forced to put up with his actions for years and years, but I got to a point where I felt like I was protecting him by keeping quiet about what was happening to me, and I started to speak to my friends and family about what he was doing.

"I was put in contact with a support worker at Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS), and she was so wonderful. After speaking with her for months and months, it got me into a position where I felt as though I could speak to the police as I realised that if I didn't report him, he will be in my life forever.

"By the time I went to the police there was already a whole file of evidence on him which GDASS could provide, which helped strengthen my case, and I had friends and family as witnesses who could speak for me in court.

"My advice to anyone who is in a similar situation is to please speak to someone. It doesn’t have to be the police, but a friend, relative or someone who can support you so that you are not isolated and feeling trapped.

"It's such a relief that this is over and done with now and although it has been really difficult, I’m glad that I went through with this and trusted the process. If I hadn't, I would still be putting up with his awful actions now."

The investigating officer, Police Staff Investigator Catherine Law, said:

"Throughout this long and difficult investigation, the victim has shown remarkable strength and resilience.

"Despite the emotional strain and challenges she faced over such an extended period, she remained courageous and determined throughout.

"I hope that the outcome brings her some form of closure and peace moving forward. Her bravery and perseverance stand as an example of strength for other victims, showing that even though hardship, it is possible to continue with courage."

Tessa Davis, Service Manager from Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) said:

"We are here to support those who are at risk of, or who have experienced domestic abuse. We recognise the courage it takes for survivors to seek help and navigate the criminal justice system.

"We understand the importance of being able to access specialist support whether you choose to report or not, and we encourage anyone to reach out when they are ready to do so."

Description

Gary Day-Davies (02/10/1970) of Tyldesley has been jailed for 15 years for non-recent child sex offences at Liverpool Crown Court today (Monday 8 June 2026).

Day-Davies was found guilty of three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault by penetration and one count of sexual assault by touching of a child.

The offences occurred between 2006-09 when the survivor was a pupil at a school in Salford that Day-Davies taught at. The abuse took place both at school and in Day-Davies’ home after he invited the survivor to his house for additional tuition.

Day-Davies then plied the survivor with drugs and alcohol and sexually abused her.

The survivor bravely reported her abuse to police in 2022, which allowed officers to conduct a thorough investigation.

Throughout the investigation Day-Davies denied the offences and at trial provided little explanation as to why these were brought to him. He stated that the charges came as the survivor ‘must have just held a bit of a grudge’ against him.

In a powerful statement read out in court, the survivor said:

“Since receiving the news of the guilty verdicts, I feel like an enormous weight was lifted off my shoulders. The emotional trauma bond that I have endured for the last 20 years has finally severed.

“I can eventually breathe and think for myself without constant fear of the consequences. I finally have justice – this is justice not for me as a child but now as an adult too.

“As much as the outcome gives me some form of closure, I have not fully processed the full extent of this situation yet. I know I have a long road ahead of me in terms of recovery and I am very much looking forward to see what the future looks like for me.”

Inspector Dave Ogden, of our Criminal Investigation Department in Salford, said:

“Day-Davies took advantage of the young age of the survivor to invite her to his home and sexually abuse her. He further sexually abused the survivor in the library and store cupboard in a classroom.

“Time is no barrier when it comes to being sexually abused – no matter how long ago it was, or how old you were at the time, we will listen to you.

"We will support you, investigate, and act robustly against perpetrators. We will take your allegations seriously and treat you with dignity and respect.”

Description

A man from Bradford has been jailed for 13 years after being convicted of multiple attempt rapes and sexual assaults on a child.  

Stuart Hartley aged 47, of Dudley Hill Road was convicted of two counts of attempt rape of a child under 13, multiple sexual assaults on a child under 13, sexual activity with a child under 13 and two counts of breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).  
  
The victim was aged between 4 and 12 years old when the abuse happened between 2005 and 2013 

Today (8 June) he was sentenced at Bradford Crown Court to 15 years, 13 in prison and two on licence.  

He already has an indefinite SHPO and was given a restraining order against the victim indefinitely. 

Detective Sergeant Sam Swift of Bradford District Child Safeguarding Unit: 

“Hartley carried out horrific abuse on this young child during a sustained period.  

“He is a significant danger to children, and we welcome the lengthy sentence handed down by the court.  

“I would like to praise the victim and the family in this case for their bravery in coming forward and reporting these crimes to us.  

“No matter how long ago these offences happen, we will take the report and thoroughly investigate and support you through the process.” 

Description

Man Jailed for Nine Years for Rape in Carlisle

Liman Matubber, 26, formerly of Warwick Road, Carlisle, has been sentenced to nine years in prison after a jury at Carlisle Crown Court convicted him of rape and threatening a person with a blade.

Matubber denied the offences and continues to protest his innocence. The court heard he forced himself on the woman despite her repeated protests that she did not want sex and threatened her with a knife, causing her to fear she was about to be stabbed and scream.

Summarising the offence, Judge Michael Fanning said: “She repeatedly told him she did not want to have sex. But you had sex against her will and against her protests.”

Matubber appeared via prison video link, at times holding his head in his hands. The jury returned majority guilty verdicts on both counts.

Defence barrister John Crawford said the defendant had encountered a “significant cultural shift” since moving to the UK. He was granted asylum after claiming political persecution in Bangladesh and had experienced suicidal feelings while in custody.

Judge Fanning noted Matubber’s previous good character and said authorities would consider the risks he would face if returned to Bangladesh. He told the defendant: “The fact that you have been convicted of serious offences in this country does not mean that you deserve to be thrown to the wolves back in Bangladesh; this country rightly protects even those who commit the worst offences...”

The judge described the rape as “deeply traumatic” and ordered Matubber to be placed on the Sex Offender Register indefinitely. He now faces possible deportation after serving his sentence.

Detective Constable Josh Daniel said after the hearing:

“I would like to thank the victim for her bravery in reporting what happened to her to police.

“I hope the sentence passed today gives the victim in this case some closure.

“We continue to urge anyone who has been victim of a sexual offence to contact police so that our officers can investigate.

“We understand how difficult it can be to come forward, and we are committed to supporting victims every step of the way.”

Description

An individual identified through the Met’s V100 programme has been sentenced for multiple sexual offences.

The V100 programme uses data and intelligence to identify offenders posing the highest risk to women and girls, producing a monthly list of the top 100. Officers then relentlessly pursue these individuals to remove them from London’s streets, using tactics drawn from counter terrorism policing.

This offender represents continued progress within V100, following 208 nominals convicted up to the end of April since its launch in 2023.

On Wednesday, 1 June, Victor Komolafe 35 (16.12.90) of Harmony Close, Hertfordshire was sentenced to 8 years and 11 months at Woolwich Crown Court. He also received a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for indefinite period and will remain on the sex offenders register for life.

Komolafe was previously found guilty of 4 counts of sexual abuse on Wednesday, 23 April at Snaresbrook Crown Court, including 1 count of attempted rape, 1 count of sexual assault and 2 counts of assault by penetration.

The defendant, who also went under the aliases of Ghost and Xavier, was charged in relation to two complainants unknown to each other.

Detective Constable Jo Cheung and Helen Cordes both worked on the investigation, they shared:

“Komolafe would hide behind a guise of familiarity and friendship with his victims; this enabled him to exploit his formed connections and target these women for his abusive crimes.

“The bravery of both victims coming forward emphasises their strength of character, and their willingness to speak out against abusers such as Komolafe.

“Their courage and determination enabled our investigation to achieve the justice they desperately deserved”.

Komolafe was arrested following a report of sexual assault on 10, August 2023. When questioned by police, Komolafe stated this sexual activity was consensual and initiated by the complainant.

Following a determined investigation by Met detectives, and despite considerable efforts being taken by Komolafe to withhold his name, address, and identity from his victims, forensic analysis was found to support the report.

An additional report of sexual abuse of a similar nature was also made within a month of his arrest. This report was made on 25, September 2023. The second victim stated sexual offences were committed by Komolafe on 23, September 2023.

The second victim notes being denied food or water, which was a purposeful tactic to incapacitate the victim. Komolafe then went on to commit further sexual offences against the victim in a car belonging to his partner.

Komolafe again denied this assault, yet the investigative team found forensic evidence on the complainants clothing, which showed semen belonging to the defendant.

One victim shared:

“If you have a feeling that something happened to you against your will go to the police. It’s worth speaking up even if you’re not sure.

“This might encourage people to report him and others. People like him need to be put to face justice.

“You shouldn’t feel unsafe. If there is anyone who was hurt by Victor you should come forward. He won’t be able to hurt you now. Try and find strength to do that. It's not right to let people like him to get away with crimes like this.”

Description

A man found guilty of rape and sexual assault has been jailed for 13 years.

Jamie Twigg of Jellicoe Avenue in Lincoln was sentenced at Lincoln Crown Court on Friday, 5 June – just a day after he was found guilty of the offences in an eight-day trial.

The 43-year-old had been charged with eight counts of rape, including two counts of rape of a child and two counts of sexual assault.

Twigg had denied the offences – which took place between 2014 and 2023.

In a moving personal statement read to the court on Thursday, 4 June, the victim said they felt robbed of their childhood.

They told the court what happened will impact them for the rest of their life – but said that they were determined to have a ‘good life’ once Twigg had been dealt with.

Twigg was jailed for 13 years, given a sexual harm prevention order and an indefinite restraining order.

Detective Constable Bell, who led the investigation from Lincolnshire Police’s Protecting Vulnerable Persons Unit, said:

“Today’s sentence concludes an exhaustive, difficult and lengthy investigation into the abhorrent crimes committed by Jamie Twigg spanning almost a decade.

“We will not and cannot be intimidated by anyone in the pursuit of safeguarding the children of Lincolnshire.

“We will leave no stone unturned and wish for others to know that support is available for them.

“I’d like to thank the Crown Prosecution Service and all third-party agencies who have worked tirelessly alongside Lincolnshire Police over recent years to bring Twigg to justice for his crimes.”