Latest Offenders

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A man who abducted a teenage girl at knifepoint before raping her in a basement has been given an Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR).

Aaron Strachan, now 21, approached the 15-year-old girl as she waited at a bus stop in Edinburgh city centre in the early hours of 25 May 2025. 

Due to feeling uneasy, the victim walked away towards Princes Street, where other members of the public were present.  

Strachan, who was wearing a balaclava, was then captured on CCTV following her from a distance.  

He then ran towards the girl as she sat at a second bus stop, threatening to harm her while brandishing a knife.  

Strachan seized her by the shoulders and forcibly led her to the basement of a building on York Place. 

He blocked the door with wooden pallets to prevent the victim from leaving before raping her. 

Strachan, who did not know the victim, was identified after his DNA was found at the scene.  

He was seen by police on Dalry Road on 1 June 2025 and ran off from officers but was located hiding in shrubbery a short time later.  

On 4 December 2025, Strachan appeared at the High Court in Edinburgh where he pleaded guilty to rape. 

He also admitted repeatedly stabbing a man on the hand with a knife, causing severe injury – an offence which took place just hours before the rape. 

Strachan further pleaded guilty to a second assault after striking another man on the head with a claw hammer on 28 May 2025, to the danger of his life. 

On 13 January 2026, after sentencing was adjourned, the accused escaped from custody while leaving the court building. He was caught by police a short time later.  

On 27 July 2026, at the High Court in Edinburgh, Strachan was given the indefinite sentence and ordered to serve a minimum of five years before he can be considered for parole. 

His name has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely. 

Faye Cook, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, said:  

“Aaron Strachan’s actions in abducting his victim before raping her were calculated, predatory, and caused profound harm. 

“Although this type of stranger offending is rare, this conviction reflects the gravity of his crimes and the commitment of prosecutors and police to bring him to justice. 

“Sexual violence and the use of weapons to intimidate and harm have no place in our society. 

“We will continue to take action against perpetrators while supporting victims throughout the prosecution process.”

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A Swindon sex offender who was purporting to be a 15-year-old girl online has been jailed for a number of child sex offences.

Paul Webb, 28, formerly of Avonmead, Hayden Wick, appeared in Swindon Crown Court last Wednesday (22/07) after pleading guilty to four counts of attempting to cause/incite a boy aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of attempting to cause a child aged 13 to 15 to look at an image of sexual activity.

He was jailed for four years. He must also sign on to the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely and is subject to a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

The sentence comes following an investigation by our Paedophile Online Investigation Team (formerly known as our Child Internet Exploitation Team), which found that Webb was pretending to be a teenage girl online and repeatedly attempting to engage teenage boys in sexual conversation.

He was subsequently charged and remanded into custody.

DC Sadie McCoy from POLIT said:

“Webb is undoubtedly a dangerous individual whose behaviour poses a real risk to children.

“I’m pleased the court has recognised the severity of his offending and has put him behind bars.

“He will also be subject to a SHPO, which places a number of conditions and requirements on him for when he is released from prison.

“Our team works to prevent offenders like Webb from exploiting and abusing children and I hope this case sends a strong message to our communities that we are committed to targeting offenders like Webb who have the potential to cause serious and significant harm."

Description

A serial sex offender who exposed himself on trains twice in three days has been jailed, following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Oliver Shoesmith, 44, and of no fixed address, was sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment at Northampton Crown Court on Monday 13 July having pleaded guilty to two counts of Exposure. He was also handed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

The court heard how on Tuesday 20 August 2024 Shoesmith boarded a train at Guildford railway station bound for Farnham. He walked down the train before spotting a lone woman, opting to sit across the aisle from her despite there being many other empty seats.

The woman, who was reading her book, didn't initially notice as Shoesmith unzipped his jacket and trousers before exposing himself. As soon as she noticed, the woman stood up and moved down the train away from him.  

Shoesmith also got up, moving further down the train until he spotted another woman. He sat diagonally opposite from the woman, who was sat across from her husband, before exposing himself again and masturbating.  

Only two days later, on Thursday 22 August, Shoesmith boarded a train at Brighton railway station bound for Bedford and again sat across the aisle from a woman.

She noticed Shoesmith masturbating and exposing himself while looking directly at her and screamed. A member of railway staff came to the victim’s aid and Shoesmith moved down the carriage before getting off the train at Burgess Hill.

Shoesmith, who has previously been jailed in 2018 for three years for Exposure and Sexual Assault and again for two years and four months in 2024 for breaching his SHPO and Exposure, was linked to these two offences while he was in prison.

Shoesmith was arrested at HMP Five Wells on Thursday 6 November 2025 and taken to custody for questioning. In interview he admitted to both incidents and later pleaded guilty before being sentenced to a further 10 months' imprisonment.

BTP Detective Constable Ewen Roberts said:

"Shoesmith has repeatedly targeted lone women on the railway in deliberate and horrific acts. His behaviour, repeated time and again, is completely unacceptable and I'm pleased he’s back behind bars.

"There is absolutely no place for sexual offending on the rail network, and we're committed to securing justice for anyone who is targeted by the likes of Shoesmith.

"I'd urge anyone who experiences or witnesses a sexual offence on a train or at a station to report it to us by texting 61016. We take every report seriously, and will stop at nothing to put offenders before the courts.

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A convicted sex offender has been sent back to jail for a further string of sexual offences.

Christopher Hall, of no fixed address, appeared at Chester Crown Court on 22nd July to be sentenced after pleading guilty to four counts of making indecent photographs, possession of extreme pornographic images involving animals, possession of indecent photographs, three counts of distributing indecent photographs and being an adult attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.

The 58-year-old was sentenced to three years in prison.

As part of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order conditions, the 58-year-old has to agree to unannounced visits by police, and checks on his devices to ensure he is compliant with the order. 

On Friday 13th February 2026 officers attended his address and looked at his iPhone 14. Evidence of indecent images led to his electronic devices being seized for further investigation.

They found 32 category A videos, one category B image, 16 category B videos, 7 category C images and 14 extreme pornographic videos.

They also found that he had been using an app to speak to someone who clearly stated the were 14 years old and made continued sexualised comments and conversation with them.

PC Ell Estcourt said:

“This is Hall's second sexual offence of this nature. He knew he had to adhere to conditions in order to stay out of prison, yet he still went ahead and carried on with his predatory and disturbing behaviour.

“I hope this goes as a warning to those who are subject to such conditions, that we do check and we will take action in order to protect children and young people from harm.”

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Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been sentenced for sexual offences in South Oxfordshire. 

Karl Miles (pictured below), aged 39, of Ipsden Court, Cholsey, Wallingford, pleaded guilty to one count each of an offender 18 or over engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15 years old on multiple occasions by digital penetration, an offender 18 or over engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15 years old and engaging in sexual communication with a child at Oxford Crown Court on 22 June 2026. 

At the same court, Miles was sentenced to five years and four months' imprisonment yesterday (23/7). 

Between 1 March 2021 and 25 December 2021, Miles groomed and sexually assaulted the victim, girl in her teens at the time of the offences.  

Miles was arrested on 7 June 2022 and re-arrested on 4 May 2023.  

Subsequently, Miles was charged on 16 June 2024. 

Investigating officer Detective Constable Davina Gotch of the Criminal Investigation Department said:

"Firstly, I cannot commend the bravery of the victim enough, for coming forward and speaking out about what happened to them.  

“The abuse, and subsequent trial, has had a huge impact on the victim, but the resilience and strength of character she has shown is a real credit to her. 

"Sadly, the victim has since been diagnosed with severe complex PTSD as a result of the abuse she suffered from Miles. 

"Miles lied to police during his initial interview and continued to maintain his innocence throughout the investigation however when confronted with the evidence at court, he changed his plea to guilty.  

"The fight against child sexual abuse will never stop and I hope this conviction highlights not only our commitment in tackling these crimes but also our commitment in protecting all children and tracking down anyone who seeks to harm them. 

“As a force we remain committed to investigating these cases thoroughly, bringing sexual predators to justice, and support victims and witnesses of these abhorrent crimes. 

"I would always urge any victims of such heinous crimes to come forward and report these to police." 

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Two men have been jailed after raping a woman in Winsford.

Diyar Mohammed Abdulsalm and Dilgash Adil, both of Ledward Street, Winsford, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday 24 July for sentence.

Abdulsalm, 28, was sentenced to 11 years after being found guilty of two counts of rape.

Adil, 32, was also sentenced to 11 years after being found guilty of one count of rape.

The pair, who are both Syrian nationals, must sign the sex offender register indefinitely.

At 4.55am on Sunday 21 December police were called to concerns for an 18-year-old woman in Winsford.

It was reported she had been on a night out in the town when she started speaking to two men - Abdulsalm and Adil - and had travelled to their home address with them. 

Contact was made with the woman, who was found near to The Drumber, Winsford.

She then disclosed to officers that she had been raped. Abdulsalm and Adil were subsequently arrested and later charged.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Murray said:

“Abdulsalm and Adil targeted a young woman who could not consent due to intoxication. Officers quickly ensured the victim was safeguarded and arrested the pair in connection with the offences.

“Despite their denials, the jury found them guilty and they have now been jailed for their crimes. Although the victim will never be able to forget what happened, I hope these sentences provide her with some closure, knowing that these men are behind bars and justice has been served.”

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A woman who was raped by a man in Norwich says she feels she has finally found justice after her attacker was jailed for seven years. He was also issued with an indefinite restraining order. 

Monwar Hussain, aged 29, of Marauder Road, Norwich was sentenced at Norwich Crown Court today (Friday 24 July 2026) after previously being convicted of two counts of rape, one count of attempted rape and one count of assault by penetration.

It follows an incident on 13 March 2020 when the victim had been on a night out with friends in Norwich and ended up at a house party. When she became became unwell, her friends called her a taxi and a man who had also been at the party offered to share the taxi home.

The victim woke up the next morning to find the man raping her. 

The suspect was later identified as Monwar Hussain, also known as Rak, and in August 2024 he was charged. Hussain denied any wrongdoing but following a trial at Norwich Crown Court in April 2026 a jury found him guilty of all four charges.

In a statement read in court the victim told how the attack had had "a serious and profoundly negative impact on her.

She said:

"In the days, weeks and months that followed, I suffered with anxiety and struggled to sleep due to what he had done.

"I have a close-knit group of friends that I am lucky to have but my trust in other people and in forming new relationships has been irreparably damaged. I have found building any new relationships extremely challenging.

"The weeks that followed giving evidence in court were incredibly difficult for me. I am though, extremely proud that I was able to give evidence and explain what had happened to me in a court of law.

“I hope more people can find justice like I have done. I had incredible support from my friends throughout the process. I know that, when you know you have done nothing wrong, the process is a sad and lonely one. I hope that more people find the support to be able to stand up and get justice when incidents such as these occur."

Following sentencing investigating officer Detective Constable Matthew Hubbard said:

"I hope today’s outcome will give the victim some sense that justice has been done. I do not for a moment underestimate the courage it took not only to report what had happened but also to continue to support what was a lengthy and complex investigation and trial process.

"Thanks to this woman’s bravery and the evidence she gave, Hussain is now behind bars and I hope this will give other victims of rape and sexual assault the strength to come forward in the knowledge that we will support them and hold perpetrators to account."

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A man has been jailed after he exposed himself and carried out a sexual act in public in Stoke-on-Trent.

Christopher Mander, 41, of no fixed address, was sentenced to eight months behind bars at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Monday (20 July) after admitting outraging public decency, exposure and possession of a controlled drug of class B (monkey dust).

He was also given a three-year sexual harm prevention order.

Whilst the order is in force, Mander must not intentionally expose his genitals in any public place, or enter the premises or grounds of ASDA, Scotia Road, Tunstall.

Mander was arrested and charged after he exposed himself in Tunstall on 11 November last year and in Bucknall on 5 February this year.

Investigating officer, PC Annabel Ratcliffe, said:

“We’re committed to tackling all forms of sexual offending and we take reports of this nature very seriously.

“These offences can impact on victims greatly and can leave people feeling unsafe in their community.

"Similar reports of this nature have been reported in the north Staffordshire area recently. We won't tolerate them and we are committed to taking action against those responsible, as this case shows.

“We’re also aware of the potential for suspects to escalate their offending and I hope this case demonstrates the real and lasting repercussions for those who choose to behave in this way.”

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A man from Swansea has been jailed after he was found guilty of the rape, false imprisonment, assault and strangulation of a woman.

56-year-old Jamie Rawson, from the city centre, carried out an extended attack on his victim, whom he had met for the first time that evening, on February 8, 2025.

After pleading not guilty to all offences, Rawson was ultimately found guilty of one count each of rape, false imprisonment, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation.

He has been sentenced to jail for 12 years, with a five year extension, totalling 17 years.  

Detective Constable Rebecca Monks said:

“I would like to thank the victim in this case for her immense bravery throughout the process of the investigation. Because of her, we have been able to convict a man who is clearly a threat to women and the wider public. I can only hope this helps her to move on from this in a more positive way and gain some form of closure.

“During the trial, Jamie Rawson did not show any remorse for his actions and showed utter disregard for the welfare of the victim despite the horrific injuries he inflicted upon her. 

“If you are the victim of a sexual offence, we urge you to report it to the police as soon as possible. You will be supported, and officers will treat all reports with sensitivity and professionalism.”

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Dangerous Paedophile Malcolm Bellwood Jailed Again for Targeting Online Decoys

Malcolm Bellwood, 71, has been sentenced to seven years in prison with a further seven-year extended licence after engaging in sexual conversations with two online decoys posing as 13-year-old girls.

The offences came to light in February 2026 when members of the paedophile hunter group Justice Reborn confronted him and handed a pack of evidence to police. Bellwood, formerly of Grattan Road, Bradford, and now of no fixed abode, appeared via video link at Bradford Crown Court.

In January he contacted a decoy profile set up by the group. The WhatsApp conversation became sexual; he told the “girl” and her friend to remove their pyjamas, encouraged them to “play” with each other and gave instructions about sexual acts. He later contacted a second decoy, discussed sexual matters and asked for indecent pictures.

Bellwood pleaded guilty to attempting to cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity, attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

In 2019 he was jailed for four-and-a-half years with a six-year extended licence for similar offences and was described as “a danger to children.”

Prosecuting, Victoria Barker outlined the facts of the latest contacts. In mitigation, barrister Laura McBride said Bellwood had lived an isolated, solitary life since his previous release, made no attempt to hide his identity online and had expressed remorse.

Judge Kirstie Watson said the offending was aggravated by his previous convictions, with early guilty pleas the only significant mitigation. She told him:

“You have demonstrated time and time again that you have a paedophilic urge you are unwilling or unable to control.” The judge described an “embedded pattern” of offending and said he posed a significant risk of serious harm to female children.

Bellwood must serve two-thirds of the custodial term before the Parole Board can consider release. He remains subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must register as a sex offender for life.

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A man who exposed himself to the public through the window of a property, and who sexually abused a young girl known to him has been jailed.

Reginald Chan, 36, was reported by concerned parents who were taking their children to a nearby primary school.

The reports prompted a complex investigation into his behaviour, with extensive searches and investigations into his electronic and computer devices from his address in Billingshurst.

Through the investigation, it was further revealed Chan had sexually assaulted a young girl known to him.

The girl, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, has received support from specially trained officers.

At Lewes Crown Court on 22 July, Chan appeared for sentencing after admitting three counts of sexual assault on a child under the age of 13, three counts of possessing indecent images of children, one count of possessing prohibited images, one count of possessing extreme pornography, one count of voyeurism, and 14 counts of breaching a sexual risk order.

He was found guilty at trial in September 2025 of three counts of exposure.

Chan, formerly of Carpenters, Billingshurst, was jailed for five and a half years, with an additional two years added to his licence period as part of an extended sentence. The court also imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order indefinitely and he is now a registered sex offender.

The court was told how police received reports about a man appearing without clothing in a window of an address overlooking the primary school in early November 2022.

Chan was arrested, and officers completed a search of the address.

He had been living in squalid conditions, and officers had to sift through belongings to find and seize more than 50 electronic and computer devices.

On those devices they found child sexual abuse images, extreme pornography, prohibited images, and recordings which showed historic offences against the young victim.

When officers re-arrested him, they found him in possession of further devices, in breach of a Sexual Risk Order which prohibited him from possessing electronic devices.

Following the case Detective Chief Inspector Kay Hutchings said:

“This has been a complex investigation after concerns were raised about Chan’s behaviour.

“We take reports of sexual offending extremely seriously and after his initial arrest in 2022, Chan was subject to strict bail conditions and did not have access to children.

“Anyone who has information or concerns of further offences committed by Chan is urged to report them to Sussex Police, quoting Operation Colwell.

“Chan has now been convicted and is serving a custodial sentence. He has also been made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order which will prevent him having access to children and also restricts his access to computers and electronic devices without supervision.”

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A man has been sentenced to 22 years behind bars after being found guilty of multiple rape and sexual assault charges against a child under the age of 13.

Luke Ridley, 33 (DOB 19/12/1992), from Yateley, was given a determinant sentence of 22 years’ imprisonment with an extended licence of five years when he appeared at Guildford Crown Court yesterday (23 July).

The victim was aged just 11 years old in January 2021 when she disclosed to a family member that Ridley had raped her during the first lockdown.

She later went on to disclose that Ridley had sexually assaulted her at least twice a week since she was five years old.

Today the victim, who is now aged 17, bravely read her victim impact statement in court and addressed her abuser, stating: “You made me a victim, but today I stand in front of you a survivor.”

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Butterworth, who oversaw the investigation, said:

“Firstly, I would like to commend the courage and resilience of the victim who gave evidence against Luke Ridley, not only during the police investigation but also during the trial.

“She was only five years old when Ridley began targeting and manipulating her, before going on to repeatedly rape and sexually assault her.

“Her bravery has ensured that Ridley has been brought to justice for his abhorrent crimes.”

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A man from West Sussex who committed multiple child abuse offences, including paying for children in the Philippines to be sexually abused to order, has been jailed for 12 years.

National Crime Agency investigators identified Robert Pasteiner through suspicious payments totalling over £200,000 made to individuals in the Philippines, including arrested facilitators of live-streamed child sexual abuse (CSA).

The 76-year-old was arrested in February 2023 at Heathrow Airport, shortly before he was due to depart for the Philippines. Investigators analysed his mobile phone and discovered he had arranged to meet a 12-year-old girl in his hotel.

A search of his luggage found presents including perfume and jewellery, as well as condoms and Viagra – clear markers of his intentions. A large quantity of Filipino Pesos and false documents were also concealed in his suitcase.

Further searches of his home address uncovered 15 electronic devices, six of which contained indecent images of children. They also seized paperwork containing handwritten notes of who Pasteiner had been speaking to in the Philippines, including a number of child sexual abuse facilitators.

He had documented details about their family, phone numbers, emails, payment details, how much money he sent and when and what the payments were for; noting some as being for a ‘show’.

The NCA worked closely with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Philippine National Police (PNP) to identify and safeguard his victims.

In May 2026 Pasteiner pleaded guilty to 36 offences including causing or inciting the sexual exploitation of a child, attempted sexual communication with a child, arranging or facilitating the sexual exploitation of a child and making indecent images of children.

He was sentenced today (Thursday 23 July) at Portsmouth Crown Court to 12 years in prison. He also received a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be on the Sex Offender’s Register, both for life.

NCA Senior Investigating Officer Danielle Pownall said:

"Robert Pasteiner is a depraved man who posed a significant threat to children around the world.

"The items recovered during our investigation are a clear sign of his intentions in travelling to the Philippines. With thanks to International law enforcement partners in the Philippines we were able to arrest Pasteiner and safeguard victims.

"The NCA along with partners at home and abroad will continue to tirelessly hunt down perpetrators of child sexual abuse and protect the most vulnerable in our society."

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Stuart Rainey jailed for 17 years for repeated child sexual abuse

Stuart Rainey, 37, of Borough Road, North Tyneside, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for the repeated rape and sexual assault of a school-aged girl.

The abuse, which occurred multiple times in the North Tyneside area, came to light after the victim-survivor disclosed it to a trusted professional at school. Police were informed immediately. Rainey denied the allegations when questioned.

Following a complex investigation, he was charged in May 2025 and convicted at Newcastle Crown Court on 15 May of ten child sex offences. He was sentenced at the same court on 23 July to 17 years’ imprisonment plus one year on extended licence.

Rainey was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and made subject to a 25-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Constable Karen Douglas, of Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding Department, said:

“Stuart Rainey is a predatory paedophile who has consistently shown an attraction to children. Because of his vile offending, he has robbed this victim-survivor of her innocence and part of her childhood. I want to praise the victim-survivor in this case. Your bravery is the reason this man is now behind bars and will be monitored by police for the rest of his life.”

She added: “I want to urge victim-survivors of any sexual abuse to please speak out regardless of when it happened or who the perpetrator was. We’ll do everything we can to get you the justice you deserve, no matter the circumstances, or how much time has passed.”

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A child sex offender has been sentenced to nine years in prison after grooming and abusing a teenage girl in Cornwall.

Stephen Shill was brought to justice after his victim recognised him in a news article relating to a previous court appearance.

Shill, 63, of Valley View Close in Plymouth, was sentenced at Truro Crown Court on Thursday 23 July after being found guilty of meeting a girl under 16 following sexual grooming and two sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15 charges.

The court heard how the offences took place between 15 and 20 years ago in the Callington area.

The investigation got underway in 2024 when the victim contacted Police after seeing a news article about Shill when he was previously convicted for online sexual offending. 

She immediately recognised Shill as the man who had abused her years before, albeit she had known him by the name Joshua Edwards. Shill had also lied about his age. 

The victim told officers that she was vulnerable at the time, and that Shill used this to his advance, grooming her online and then sexually abusing her.

The abuse carried on for a prolonged period of time.

In interview, Shill admitted knowing the victim but denied any sexual relationship took place.

Detective Constable Emily Rickard said:

“I would like to praise the victim in this case for her enormous strength in reporting what happened to her at the hands of Stephen Shill years before.

“Shill preyed on her vulnerability at the time to facilitate the abuse which had an immense psychological effect on her.

“It is due to her courage in reporting the abuse, and her remaining engaged in the court process that he is finally behind the bars.

“This case goes to show that it is never too late to report sexual abuse and bring offenders to justice.”