Latest Offenders

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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.”

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A man from Neath Port Talbot has been jailed after he admitted to carrying out sexual offences against three separate victims.

23-year-old Tyrone Barnett, from Briton Ferry, has been found guilty of three counts of rape and one count of assault of a female 13 and over by penetration.

He has been handed an extended sentence of 21 years in prison.

Detective Constable Carys Davies said:

“Tyrone Barnett’s behaviour towards these victims was no one-off occurrence.

“He took advantage of them and showed complete disregard for their wellbeing.

“We commend the bravery of the victims in coming forward to disclose Tyrone Barnett’s offending, and hope that they know feel a sense of closure following this ordeal.

“If you or someone you know is the victim of sexual abuse, please do not hesitate to report it to police.”

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A man who thought he was going to meet a 14-year-old girl for sex has been jailed.

Terrence O’Neil from Gresty Road in Crewe appeared at Chester Crown Court on 20 July to be sentenced after pleading guilty to arranging the commission of a sexual offence of sexual activity with a child, being an adult attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and breaching a sexual harm prevention order at an earlier hearing.

The 42-year-old was sentenced to five years in prison.

O’Neil had been chatting online to who he thought was a 14-year-old girl between 14 April and 22 Apri this year. From the start he commented on her looks and was soon telling her what he’d like to do to her, before arranging to meet up with her for sex.

The evidence was handed over to police and O’Neil was arrested and later charged despite denying the evidence laid out to him.

DC Hollie Ikin said:

“O’Neil ignored his conditions preventing him from contacting underage girls and actively sought them out on an online chat service with clear intentions.

“His disregard for the Sexual Harm Prevention Order was called out, and he is now going to be serving a considerable time in prison for his despicable actions.”

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A sex offender who targeted a young person in a Rainham pub has been jailed.

Stephen Roche visited the premises near London Road on 18 April 2025 and approached a child who he did not know.

Roche spoke to victim for a short time before touching them under their clothing. The child immediately reported what had happened to a relative and the police were notified.

Roche, of Pembury Road, Gillingham was arrested later the same day and was subsequently charged with sexual assault.

Court

The 40-year-old pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and on Wednesday 1 July was sentenced to 1 year and 2 months’ imprisonment.

Roche will also be subject to a Community Order for 2 years, plus a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and Restraining Order for 8 years.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Nathan Hales, said:

‘Roche saw his opportunity to take advantage of a vulnerable child while they were briefly sitting alone in a pub.

‘He actions for his own gratification were appalling and attending officers were quick to track him down at his home address and detain him.‘I would like to commend his young victim who, whilst distressed by their ordeal, was quick to raise the alarm and ensure this man was brought justice.’

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A man has been sentenced to nine years in prison following a series of sexual and violent offences in Glasgow.

Iain Robertson, 45, was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday, 23 July, 2026. 

He was previously found guilty of the offences, including rape and assault, between 2004 and 2019, at the High Court in Glasgow on 23 June, 2026. 

Detective Inspector Lyndsay Laird said:

“Robertson subjected the victims to years of horrific abuse, causing lasting trauma and having a profound impact on their lives.

"Violence and abuse of any kind have no place in society and we remain committed to supporting victims and bringing those responsible to justice.

"I would encourage anyone who has experienced sexual abuse or violence to report it to police. Every report will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated." 

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A man who secretly filmed women through the windows of their homes has been jailed for more than two and a half years.

Jake Austin, age 31, of Ipswich Road, Norwich was sentenced at Norwich Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday 22 July) after previously admitting five counts of voyeurism, three counts of upskirting and three counts of making indecent images of children.

Austin was first arrested in March 2024 when a woman in Norwich reported seeing him on CCTV footage looking through the window of her ground floor bedroom window.  Officers attended and arrested him nearby to the victim’s address and seized his mobile device. When this and other electronic devices were examined, detectives found hours and hours of voyeuristic videos. Some -  filmed from the street- showed women getting dressed and undressed in their homes. Others - recorded in supermarkets, pubs and in the street -  were filmed up women's skirts.

Detectives were able to identify six of the other victims and let them know what had happened, but some women in the videos were never identified.

Further downloads from Austin's computer also showed a number of indecent images of children.

In court he was sentenced to 31 months imprisonment and placed on the sex offenders register for life. He was also issued with a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.

In statements read in court some of Austin's victims described the effect his offending had had on them.

One woman said:

"This was a significant violation of my privacy and the comfort I should feel in my own home. This experience has made me much more guarded around strangers"

Another added:

"It is a very strange feeling knowing that someone has been watching you without your knowledge. The fact that he decided to film me made me feel even more disturbed". 

And a third said she felt "vulnerable" when she was told she had been secretly filmed.

"When the officer told me, I was still breastfeeding my young daughter and this made me worried about a completely normal act and if strangers might use it for their own personal gain to take photos. It gave me a lot of anxiety."

Following sentencing investigating officer Detective Constable Matthew Hubbard said:

"Austin's offending represented a serious and sustained pattern of predatory behaviour. He deliberately targeted women who were completely unaware they were being filmed and did so both in public and in the privacy of their own homes without their knowledge or consent.

"He violated their privacy and I know that these crimes have had a profound impact on them.

"I would like to thank the women who had the courage to come forward and report these crimes, as well as everyone who supported the investigation. Their courage and bravery has resulted in this outcome.

"We would always encourage anyone who witnesses or experiences this kind of behaviour to report it to the police. Vouyerism and upskirting can sometimes indicate escalating behaviour so reporting it allows us to build intelligence and work to intervene to prevent further harm."

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A registered sex offender from Stoke-on-Trent has been jailed for breaching a court order imposed to safeguard children.

Ashley Coldwell, 36, from Hanley, was sentenced to one year in prison at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Tuesday (21 July) after pleading guilty to two counts of breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Coldwell was convicted of engaging in sexual communication with a child/attempt on 19 August last year.

As a result of his conviction, he was registered as a sex offender and issued with a five-year SHPO.

On 9 June this year, officers from our management of sexual and violent offenders (MOSOVO) team conducted a routine visit to Coldwell.

During the visit, Coldwell admitted that he had undeclared internet-enabled devices contrary to the conditions of his SHPO.

The officers located and seized several electronic devices.

Police Constable Dan Chilton, from our MOSOVO team, said:

“Coldwell’s sentence serves as a warning to others that we will work tirelessly to secure convictions against those who are a risk to children.

“We continue to monitor offenders closely and breaches will be dealt with robustly."

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Alan Raymond Pyart, aged 60, of Haverfordwest was today (22/7) jailed for seven years at Swansea Crown Court for a non-recent rape and sexual assault that took place in 1988.

The offences took place in Haverfordwest in August 1988 against a then teenage girl. Pyart was found guilty of a count each of rape and sexual assault by digital penetration following a week-long trial in February this year. 

Detective Inspector Sarah Totterdale of Pembrokeshire CID said:

“This case highlights the lasting impact that sexual abuse can have on victims and their families. I would like to commend the victim for the immense courage she has shown in coming forward and speaking about what happened to her all those years ago.

“Abuse of this nature can leave deep long-lasting scars, but it is never too late to seek justice. We hope this conviction and sentencing sends a clear message that Dyfed-Powys Police will pursue offenders, no matter how much time has passed.

“I also want to encourage anyone who has experienced sexual abuse, whether recently or many years ago, to report it. You will be listened to, supported, and taken seriously.”

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A sex offender from Ashford who targeted both children and adults has been jailed for more than 20 years.

In 2021, an investigation was launched into Lewis Stevens after allegations were made that he had raped two children in the late 2000s.

While enquiries were underway, a woman reported to officers she had also been raped by Stevens and another complained he had sent her indecent images of himself.

Officers also established he had sexually assaulted a third child. Stevens, of Newtown Green, was arrested in November 2021 and later charged with multiple sexual offences.

Court

He denied all allegations against him and was convicted by a Maidstone Crown Court jury of 10 charges including five counts of rape of a child.

At the same court on Thursday 16 July, Stevens, 34, was given an extended sentence of 22 years and 6 months in prison. He will serve a further 6 years and 6 months on licence when he becomes eligible for parole.

Remorseless

Investigating officer Detective Constable Robert Hughes said:

‘Stevens’ sickening crimes occurred over a prolonged period of time, showing him to be a persistent and remorseless danger to the community.

‘His victims have endured horrific experiences, and Stevens’ denial of his actions have forced them to relive them in what must have been a very difficult court process.

‘We are satisfied he will spend a long time behind bars, and we hope this jail term will give those he’s abused a sense that justice has been served.’

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A rapist from Lydd has been sentenced to eight years in prison.

During the evening of 12 June 2023, a woman was invited to an address where Steven Johnson was living. After offering her cannabis, Johnson exploited her vulnerability and sexually assaulted her. Despite the victim repeatedly telling him ‘no’, Johnson prevented her from leaving his room and raped her.

Following the incident, she immediately contacted a friend, who reported the offence to police on her behalf. Officers attended and located Johnson inside the property on Manor Road.

Arrested

He was arrested and was later charged with one count of rape and sexual assault.

The 52-year-old denied the offence, but following a 4 day trial at Canterbury Crown Court a jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.

Johnson was sentenced at the same court on 16 July to eight years' imprisonment with licence upon release. He was also made subject to a 15-year restraining order prohibiting any contact with the victim.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Maria Goodwin said:

‘Johnson took every opportunity to deny the overwhelming evidence against him and showed no remorse for his actions. The only emotion he expressed throughout the investigation and court proceedings was in regard for himself.

‘I would also like to commend the victim for her resilience, strength, and determination. Despite the significant emotional impact the offences had upon her, she showed considerable courage reporting the incident and pursuing the matter to ensure Johnson was held accountable for his actions. Her strength of character and commitment for justice is deservingly recognised.’