Latest Offenders

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The man pictured is Shaun Fuller, he is a child rapist and yesterday (17th November) he was jailed for 15 years.

In 2021 he raped his 15-year-old victim three times inside a property in Burnley.

The brave victim told her mum what had happened in March 2023 and the police were informed.

Fuller, 40, of Todmorden Road, Burnley, was arrested and later charged with raping a girl aged 13 / 14 /15 and sexual assault on a female.

Following a trial at Burnley Crown Court, Fuller was found guilty of three counts of raping a girl aged 13 / 14 /15 and sexual assault on a female.

He returned to the same court where he was jailed for 15 years, made subject of an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and told to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

In an impact statement to the court, the victim wrote:

“When the incidents with Shaun happened I was still at school. This all had a massive impact on my education, I often struggled to focus/concentrate at school. I didn't get the results I wanted at school and my school work was affected. In school I struggled to maintain friendships due to what Shaun did to me. All my friends at school used to talk about their relationships and boyfriends. I struggled to talk about anything like this because of what happened to me. I knew I couldn't talk about what had happened to me so I used to keep myself to myself.

“I now struggle to trust anyone, especially males. If I found out someone liked me, I used to cry and would feel uncomfortable as this would trigger the bad memories from Shaun. I also struggle to make friends due to this. I have lost contact with my old friends due to moving away and struggle to make new friends. I find it hard to engage in sexual relationships due to the flashbacks I get with Shaun.

“My mental health has been impacted massively. I have since received therapy from a free service which made it even worse by bringing up everything that happened to me. I struggle to open up and talk about it. I try to block everything out, that's how I deal with it. When it all came out and the police got involved I struggled even more - I didn't eat, I didn't sleep, I never used to leave my room. I used to sit and rock in my room and bang my head on the wall to try and numb the pain.

“I now don't go out and don't like opening up about what happened to me.

“I want Shaun to know the impact all of this has had on me, and how it will continue to impact me for the rest of my life.”

DC Sarah Holmes, from our East Child Protection Team, said:

“Fuller is a purely wicked individual who robbed the victim of her childhood due to his sordid sexual interests. His offending continues to have a profound impact on her life.

“While she showed immense courage and bravery in coming forward, Fuller showed his despicable nature by forcing his victim to go through the ordeal of a trial – despite knowing exactly what he had done to her.

“I welcome the sentence handed down to Fuller, which reflects the seriousness of his offending and the danger he poses to female children.”

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A convicted sex offender has been jailed for breaching the terms of his court order.

Carl Bray, 46, of Union Road, Southampton, was convicted in October 2023 of attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child. 

As a result he was given a 15 month sentence suspended for 24 months and placed under an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

In September, officers examined his electronic devices to check he was complying with this order.

Officers found he had been downloading social media applications Snapchat, Telegram, TikTok and Zangi, using them to communicate online with unknown people, and then deleting them again to hide the evidence.

A search of his property was conducted and officers found two further devices he was not permitted to have.

Bray was charged with breaches of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order and breaches of Sex Offender Register requirements. He was sentenced today (18/11) to 21 months imprisonment at Southampton Crown Court.

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A violent and sadistic rapist has been handed a 22-year jail sentence plus a further three years on licence by a judge at Bradford Crown Court.

George Wild, 28, of South Street, Keighley, attacked multiple victims.

Wild, who was convicted by a jury following a trial, was not present in court to be sentenced in person as he refused to leave his cell at HMP Leeds.

Jailing him in his absence, Her Honour Judge Sophie McKone said he was a dangerous offender who posed a risk to members of the public.

She said: “You were pre-occupied by sex … and took what you wanted.

“You caused [your victims] significant psychological harm."

“This case in my view is such a case where a sentence in excess of 20 years is merited.”

The court heard that Wild was convicted of multiple rapes, plus sexual assault. One of his victims was left suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

His behaviour was so extreme that he strangled one victim and demanded that she urinate in his mouth and defecate on him.

He was said to have humiliated her and forced her into another sex act that was described as “sadistic”.

In mitigation the court heard that Wild’s early life had been challenging, that he had used drugs, and that he continued to deny having committed the offences.

The court was urged to draw back a finding of dangerousness and from imposing an extended or life sentence.

Judge McKone handed Wild 22 years for each count of rape, to be served concurrently, and three months for sexual assault, also concurrent.

She then added a further three years on licence.

She explained: “I have to consider whether a standard determinate sentence of 22 years is appropriate.

“In my view the risk you pose means that such a sentence would not fully address that risk you currently present, and will present, in the future.

“I have, however, stepped back from imposing a discretionary life sentence despite the very serious nature of your offending.

“However, I do consider it necessary to impose an extended sentence in order to protect the public in the future.”

Wild will have to register as a sex offender for life.

He will serve two-thirds of his sentence before being considered for release.

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Shaun Smith, a convicted sex offender, hid a secret unregistered phone used for pornography under his sofa when police visited his home.

The 60-year-old appeared at Cardiff Crown Court, pleading guilty to two breaches of his sexual harm prevention order—his fifth such violation, following convictions in July 2020, January 2022, July 2023, and October last year.

“You show a complete disregard for this order,” said Judge Paul Hobson.

Smith was placed on the sex offenders register and given a 10-year order in 2018 after being convicted of attempting to meet a child following grooming. The order required him to register internet-capable devices with police within three days and submit them for inspection.

Prosecutor Abul Hussain said police went to Smith's Ammanford home on October 20 after intelligence suggested he had an unregistered phone. Smith handed over a Nokia, claiming it was his only device, and said a certain mobile number belonged to his neighbor, which he sometimes used as a contact.

When told the story would be verified, Smith became agitated. He was arrested, with two SIM cards found in his wallet and a smartphone hidden under the sofa.

The phone had been in use since at least October 6, primarily for viewing pornography, with no evidence of child-related material. Smith refused to provide the PIN.

Smith, of Glanafon in Betws, had 10 previous convictions for 15 offences.

“The defendant’s best mitigation is his guilty plea at the earliest opportunity,” said defense barrister Hannah George.

“You lie to your monitoring officers when that suits your purposes,” added Judge Hobson. “You deliberately concealed your phone.”

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A man who repeatedly raped a child over an eight year period has been jailed for 20 years.

Christopher Rudd, aged 34, of Wisbech was sentenced at King's Lynn Crown Court today (Monday 17 November) following a week-long trial in August where a jury found guilty unanimously of 12 counts of raping a child, 2 counts of assault (ABH) and one of causing fear of violence.

The court heard how the offences took place in the King's Lynn area and came to light in January 2025 when the girl told her family what had been happening. The court heard that in addition to the sexual assaults the child had been choked, kicked and punched by Rudd and one occasion her fingers were fractured.

At today's hearing Rudd was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment and a further four years on licence. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and indefinite retraining order.

As Recorder Rouse KC handed down the sentence in court he described Rudd as a "manipulative predator void of empathy" whose offending was "exceptional in its gravity".

In a statement read in court the victim said:

"I have been hurting everyday, for as long as I can remember, and there's no way to stop the hurting, or to feel anything else.

"(Rudd) abused me in so many ways. No amount of healing will ever change that, and I'll never get my childhood back even if I tried.

"Despite all this, despite everything I've gone through and endured, I am in a better place now.

"I finally don't have to live in fear, and I finally have the freedom to truly be myself and figure out who I really am behind all the trauma. I'm finally free, and I have my whole future ahead of me".

In her statement the victim's mother referred to Rudd as a 'monster' and said "Since finding out what happened, I have asked myself over and over how to help my daughter recover from something no child should ever endure. 

"I am doing everything I can to help my daughter heal. But healing is a long road - and I know I will be walking it with her for years to come".

Following sentencing Detective Constable Stuart Sansbury praised the victim for her bravery.

"From the outset of this investigation, the victim has demonstrated steadfast courage and it is testament to her that justice has been served.

"She has experienced a terrible amount of trauma and I truly hope today's result helps her begin a new chapter in her life, where she can be safe and thrive.

"I also hope that today’s sentence sends a clear message to others who harm, or seek to harm children and vulnerable people.

"Norfolk Constabulary takes reports of abuse extremely seriously and if this has happened to you or someone you know, then please come forward and report it to us, no matter when it happened. You will be given help and support by our dedicated teams."

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A man who subjected his partner to months of coercive control and sexual abuse has been sentenced to 19 years in prison with an additional five years on license following release.

Michael Ball (05/10/1994) of Beechwood Crescent, Leigh was found guilty of four counts of rape and two counts of controlling and coercive behaviour in relation to two victims. A restraining order is also in place against Ball and he will permanently remain on the sex offender's register. 

In a trial at Bolton Crown Court in September, the jury heard how between October 2020 and January 2021, Ball controlled every aspect of his partner’s – Jasmin – life. He dictated what clothes she could wear, calling her a ‘slag’ if he did not think her clothing was appropriate, and isolated her from family and friends who had warned her about his behaviour.

His controlling ways did not end there. Ball would monitor her movements constantly, prevented her from attending social gatherings, and even forced her to quit her job as a carer. He also took out loans in her name and accessed her bank accounts without consent.

Jasmin was also told to remain upstairs when parties were hosted at their address, with Ball telling guests that she wasn’t in so they couldn’t talk to her. She was repeatedly assaulted during the relationship, often leaving her with bruises.

The court also heard that the 31-year-old strangled her on several occasions, including one harrowing incident where he wrapped a dressing gown cord around her neck and attempted to choke her.

In January 2021 the abuse escalated to sexual violence. Jasmin recalls how she told Ball no when he came upstairs asking her for sex whilst being in an intoxicated manner. However, two hours after that interaction, she awoke to him raping her.

She was too terrified to resist, knowing he had previously threatened to kill her if she ever reported him to police.

Officers arrested ball on 19 January 2021 following this the above incident and denied all allegations while in custody.

Ball was later charged with five counts rape, one count of control and coercion, and a Section 47 assault. He was also found guilty at court of two counts of rape relating to a victim from the Lancashire area.

Jasmin, who has bravely waived her right to anonymity, read out her victim impact statement at court, she said:

“I wish I could go back in time and tell myself that it will all be okay and you will get through this. Since 2021 my life has completely changed, and it has taken me such a long time to feel like myself.

“On occasion when I do unfortunately think back to the relationship and the things which Michael did to me like the assaults, putting me in the suitcase and abuse I still remember the feeling of him touching me, how it felt on my body when he was doing it to me.

“It did take me some time, but I did manage to get in a relationship and I am now the proud mum to a lovely son who is my whole world and I know that through my love and care he will not treat any women or person the way Michael treated me.

"I know that I am entitled to life-long anonymity, but I feel now that I am free from everything and I am happy to waive this right in order to stand up for what is right and not be silenced or restricted from saying what happened to me.

“I have also now started a domestic abuse survivors group session and even though it is early I feel this will help me with processing anything left which I need to.”

Jessica Daley, Independent Domestic & Sexual Abuse Advisor from Wigan Council said: 

“It’s been a long and difficult journey to justice but I’m immensely proud of Jaz – her resilience, bravery and how far she’s come over the past few years.

“Much as I’m thrilled for her, any sentence he gets doesn’t make up for the fact that he never should have abused her in the first place.”

Detective Sergeant Sean Goddard from our Wigan division said:

"This case demonstrates the devastating impact coercive control and sexual violence can have on a victim. Michael Ball stripped away Jasmin’s independence, dignity, and safety through and manipulation.

“His actions were calculated and relentless, leaving Jasmin feeling trapped and terrified in her own home.

“I would like to commend her courage in speaking out, and in the process waving her right to anonymity, and wanting to send a clear message that abuse in any form will never be tolerated.

"I am incredibly proud of Jasmin for the bravery she's shown in coming forward and throughout the investigation. It takes a huge amount of strength to speak up about domestic abuse and we understand reaching out is never easy.

"The courage Jasmine has shown is truly remarkable and we will continue to support her throughout her journey as she continues to move forward and heal.

“We will pursue the likes of Ball and bring them before the courts, no matter how long it takes. If you are suffering abuse, please reach out – help and support are available, and you do not have to face this alone."

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An 86-year-old man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for non-recent sexual offences against a child in Wells.

Michael Eckersley, now of Coldstream Close, Warrington, was jailed on Tuesday 4 November at Taunton Crown Court, sitting at Worle, after he was unanimously found guilty of 14 offences following his trial which ended on the 4 September.

He was sentenced to a nine-year custodial term for the lead offence of indecent assault (oral rape) against a child, and a further five years for seven other charges of indecent assault against a child. He will serve an additional two years in prison for six counts of indecency with a child.

Eckersley’s campaign of abuse spanned several years when he lived in Wells and started in the 1980’s.

The victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, reported the offences to another force which ensured all necessary steps were taken in relation to victim care, before the case was handed to Avon and Somerset Police in 2021.

Eckersley was voluntary interviewed on the 3 December 2021. The investigation, which has been led by a specialist officer, was complex due to the passage of time which meant that witnesses were difficult to trace but were able to recollect information from the time of the offending clearly.

The court heard how Eckersley would ‘lavish’ his victim with gifts in the hope it would ‘buy his acceptance and silence’.

However, his victim came forward and bravely reported the offences against him and has revealed his ‘anger and heartbreak’ in a victim impact statement.

The statement, which was read in court on his behalf by prosecutor Virginia Cornwall, said:

“Eckersley gave me presents and gifts, however, this all came at a sickening price – sexual favours.

“For six years the abuse broke me, I had no-one to confide in, so I carried the burden silently.  I became withdrawn, occasionally self-harming, unable to understand the psychological damage that was being done to me.

“I am angry, heartbroken, and finally letting out tears that I have held inside for years.  As a child, I was happy and adventurous, despite a rough start.

“The last four years have brought it all back and I have had to go through it all over as it still feels like it happened yesterday.

“I am angry for the boy I was and for the life I could have had.”

DC Ben Train, officer in the case, said:

“The crimes committed by Michael Eckersley represent a complete betrayal of trust and an appalling abuse of power against a young and vulnerable victim. These actions are deeply disturbing and will rightly shock and distress the community.

“I want to pay tribute to the exceptional bravery and courage shown by the victim first and foremost but also the witnesses that came forward throughout this case. Coming forward to report such serious and traumatic offences, especially those that have had such a lasting impact over many years, demonstrates immense strength and resilience.

“The sentence handed down to Michael Eckersley will never do justice for the physical and emotional trauma he caused to the victim over the years of abuse, but it demonstrates the seriousness that the legal system takes in such matters, no matter how long ago they occurred.

“All reports of sexual abuse are treated with the utmost seriousness. Every victim will be listened to, supported, and believed. We are committed to ensuring that all survivors have access to specialist support services to support their individual needs.”

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Mustafa Taskiran, 48, escaped a deportation order after committing 54 offences over a decade.

A Turkish migrant convicted of rape is in line for compensation after claiming an electronic tag caused him "depressed."

Lawyers will discuss whether “appropriate relief” should be granted to Taskiran.

High Court judge Mr Justice Lavender ruled in his favor days before the 48-year-old admitted stalking and threatening to kill a woman with a knife.

The sex offender claimed the tag caused him “intense physical and mental distress” due to its weight and discomfort.

Taskiran's criminal history began four years after he was granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK in 1994.

Over ten years, he committed 54 offences but avoided deportation in 2009.

The Turkish national was jailed for just under seven years for rape in 2014.

Deportation failed after his 2018 release when Turkish authorities revoked his citizenship.

Since then, he has worn an electronic tag on immigration bail.

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick slammed the ruling: “I don’t care about this man’s so-called depression. And nor do the British people.”

The Home Office said:

“When foreign nationals commit serious crimes we do everything in our power to deport them.”

This follows Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's statement that the Home Office is "not yet fit for purpose," in response to an internal review criticizing its organization and functions.

She said:

"The Home Office is not yet fit for purpose, and has been set up for failure. As this report shows, the last Conservative government knew this, but failed to do anything about it. Things are now changing. I will work, with the new permanent secretary, to transform the Home Office so that it delivers for this country."

On Monday, Ms Mahmood is set to announce an overhaul to Britain's migration system, aiming to tackle human rights loopholes frustrating deportations.

Sir Keir Starmer said the changes will prevent "endless appeals" and speed up removals of "people with no right to be here."

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A man who made “determined, sophisticated and aggressive” attempts to meet a 12-year-old girl for sex after contacting her online has been jailed for six years.

Thomas Neely, 32, from Valley View in Baildon, must register as a sex offender for life and is subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

The child's profile was operated by a police officer.

Neely, using the username “Fatguy,” was traced after exchanging details and arranging to pick her up for sex at a private house in Coventry.

At Bradford Crown Court, Recorder Jason Pitter KC told Neely:

“You had every intention of carrying these offences out if [your victim] had been real.

“This was not just fantasy talk. This was you making actual arrangements to carry out the offence.

“I’m sure that is what you would have done if you could.”

Neely's case marks another success in West Yorkshire Police’s efforts to catch online pedophiles.

The court heard Neely contacted the profile on September 2 last year, saying he was “looking to have some fun.” She revealed she was 12.

On Kik as “TomN,” he asked to see her, saying he would “love to be her first,” teach her about sex and “kinks or fantasies.”

He suggested she masturbate on camera, instructed her, and sent an image of his erect penis.

He proposed sex, detailed a meetup in Coventry for a few days, and sent a masturbation video.

Police linked the Kik account to his address, seizing a smartphone, tablet, and laptop. Forensics showed he tried to delete three online accounts afterward.

Arrested on September 9, Neely gave mostly “no comment” answers.

He had no convictions but a 2016 caution for possessing an indecent child image.

Neely pleaded guilty to attempting to cause a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, attempting to cause a child under 13 to watch a sexual act, attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child under 16, and arranging for a child to engage in a sexual offence.

In mitigation, the judge was urged to avoid immediate prison due to psychological impact on Neely.

Recorder Pitter said this related to Neely being “caught out,” calling his behavior “troubling.” He noted the deletions as a “very significant aggravating factor” from being “spooked” and trying to dispose of evidence.

He added:

“You were determined, quite sophisticated with how you operated, and quite aggressive in how you operated with no regard [for the victim].”

The judge ordered forfeiture of the seized devices.

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A man who sexually assaulted a woman and strangled another has been sentenced to 11 and a half years imprisonment.

Cameron Mackay, 37, of Rougemont Close, Salisbury, was sentenced today at Salisbury Crown Court after he was found guilty at trial of assault by penetration, sexual assault, indecent exposure, actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation.

In around April 2022, Mackay plied one of the victims, a woman in her 40s, with alcohol after she had been invited round to the suspect’s house by a friend. The victim then fell asleep and woke up to find Mackay sexually assaulting her.

On another occasion, in February 2023, the victim, a woman in her 30s, met Mackay while he was out walking his dog, when he invited her back to his address.

He then exposed himself to her, at which point she tried to leave. Mackay has then assaulted her and climbed on top with her, strangling her with both hands.

The victim managed to defend herself and escape the property.

Both incidents were reported to police in around June 2023. Following an investigation by South CID, Mackay was charged.

Detective Constable Dan Smith, of South CID, said:

“Mackay is a dangerous man who has committed serious offences which will no doubt have a long lasting impact on the victims.

"I would once again like to express my utmost thanks to the two victims in this case who have shown incredible bravery and strength in reporting their ordeal to police and having the courage to stand up in court and relive their stories.

“I recognise how difficult this can be to come forward and speak about these types of incidents and I hope this investigation shows that victims will always be listened to.

“I am pleased a lengthy custodial sentence has been given to Mackay - it reflects the serious nature of his offending.”

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Stephen Heap has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for sexual assaults on a female in the Vale of Glamorgan.

His offences were reported to South Wales Police when a victim bravely came forward in 2020.

Witnesses were traced across the UK as part of a thorough and protracted investigation.

Heap, of Chadderton, Oldham, denied the offences but was found guilty following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court in June 2025.

He was convicted of nine offences - four indecent assaults, two sexual assaults, assault of a child by penetration, sexual activity with a child and assault by penetration.

The 58-year-old was sentenced at Merthyr Crown Court on November 7, 2025, to 16 years in prison plus one-year extended licence.

In a statement to the court, the victim described experiencing nightmares, feeling isolated, and ‘unable to trust anyone’, because of Heap’s actions.

Officer in the case Detective Constable Stephen Jenkins, from South Wales Police, said:

“Justice would not have been obtained had it not been for the immense strength, courage and resilience demonstrated by the victim throughout the five-year period comprising of the investigation and the court process.

“I hope that the outcome at court allows the victim to find some peace and live the life that she deserves.”

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An 18-year-old nursery worker has been jailed for sexual offences against two children.

Thomas Waller, who was 17 at the time of the offences, was convicted of rape, two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of taking indecent images following a trial at Staines Magistrates Court in July. 

Waller, (24/04/2007), of Farnham, committed the offences against two children over two weeks in August 2024 when they were just three years old. 

He was newly qualified to work with children when concerns were raised by parents of one of the victims who had told them about a serious assault. Staff at the setting (which cannot be named for legal reasons to protect the identity of the victims) then called the police. Waller was arrested and during the investigation indecent images of a second victim were discovered on his mobile phone and a second investigation immediately initiated.  

Today, (Friday, 14 November) Waller was jailed for 10 years for rape, with an additional five years on licence. In addition, he was given a four-year sentence for inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and one year for indecent images, which will run concurrently.

In statements to the court, the children’s parents described the affect his offending has had on them and their families.

The parents of one said, 

“This was not an accident. It was not a poor decision on the spur of the moment, it was premeditated and calculated. 

“This man continually gave no comment. This man chose to deny everything. He has had every opportunity to plead guilty and express remorse, and he has chosen not to. He has demonstrated no accountability for his actions.  

“We do not know yet what the long-term impact on our son will be. I am hopeful that with our support he will understand that he did nothing wrong and that he has nothing to be ashamed of. 

“We won’t know what he will think when he hears the name ‘Tom’ – as his parent, I always slightly hesitate and feel uncomfortable when I read that name out in a storybook, hear it on TV, or greet another kid’s parent with the same name. 

“The day after his appearance in court our son asked us if he was bad because of what Tom had done to him. He doesn’t understand how he was manipulated and how both his trust as well as his body was abused.” 

The parents of the second child said:

“I’ll never forget the ache in my heart when I understood what our child had gone through. 

“The worst part of this journey has been the feeling of complete helplessness. I couldn’t protect our child when they needed us most. And I can’t undo the damage that has been done to them. 

“Knowing that our child’s image was taken and shared without consent, shared with strangers, is something I cannot stop thinking about. 

“This whole experience has impacted every aspect of our lives. It has stolen our peace, our sense of security, and our ability to sleep soundly at night. We are constantly on edge, wondering how this will affect our child in the future, and we feel the weight of their burden every single day.” 

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Grace Cable, said:

“This deeply distressing case is every parent’s worst nightmare, and I would like pay tribute to the resilience of the victims and their families throughout this whole process. Their support and strength enabled us to secure this conviction and put a dangerous young man behind bars. 

“Thomas Waller had multiple opportunities to show remorse or account for his actions, both during the police investigation and the court process, but has chosen to remain silent.

“I hope his prison sentence helps the families affected by his crimes to start to move forward with their lives. 

“For any parent or guardian who wants to know how best to protect their child, my advice is that no one knows your child better than you. Always listen to what they have to say, and if you have concerns for their safety or welfare then please report them. Surrey Police take any allegation of sexual assault incredibly seriously and will do all we can to investigate and to deliver justice for victim-survivors and their loved ones.” 

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A Birmingham man who subjected a woman to a brutal assault in Walsall has been convicted of rape.

Simon Tang was convicted at Birmingham Crown Court following the attack on a sex worker near a car park in Birmingham Street, Walsall, on 5 May.

Bravely the woman came to us and told us of the ordeal she had been subjected to. She has been supported throughout her recovery and during the investigation by our specially trained teams.

During the assault she was hit repeatedly with a baseball bat which Tang had got from the boot of his car, leaving her with extensive bruising to her legs and head.

Specialist public protection officers worked with her to put together a case which saw her 56-year-old attacker convicted of two counts of rape, possessing an offensive weapon and actual bodily harm.

Tang, of Weoley Castle Road, Birmingham, will be sentenced on January 30.

DS Morgan Colley, from the investigation team, said:  “I would like to commend the bravery of the woman in this case as without her support we would not have been able to secure a positive outcome at court.

"This man posed a real danger to women and thanks to her, he has now been convicted of his crimes and remanded in custody ahead of sentence."

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Andrew Cullis, of Lynden Way in Swanley, was found to be in possession of a USB containing explicit images of children during a routine sex offender management check in February 2025.

The 43 year old was sentenced to two years and four months’ imprisonment at Maidstone Crown Court on 17 October.

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A SEX offender has been jailed after failing to inform police of a YouTube account he claimed was ‘auto-generated’ by the video sharing platform.

Michael Holliday, 52, was put behind bars for 24 weeks after Workington Magistrates’ Court heard police discovered a YouTube username on his phone which had not been disclosed.

Prosecutor Pamela Fee said Holliday is a registered sex offender who is subject to notification requirements. He is managed by officers from the Management of Sexual or Violent Offenders team who ensure that such offenders are complying with orders.

Ms Fee said Holliday is required to undertake polygraph tests after being convicted of sexual communication with a child on the social media and video sharing platform, TikTok.

In 2022, he was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and made subject to Sex Offender notification requirements for seven years. He must notify police of any online usernames within three days, the court was told.

Ms Fee said Holliday had been assessed as ‘high risk’ for reoffending after previously breaching the SHPO.

The court heard that Holliday attended the polygraph appointment in Cockermouth on September 3 and during a pre-interview discussion, he admitted deleting the internet history from his phone, stating it was ‘normal pornography’.

Ms Fee said this was ‘a huge concern’. The defendant also said he had lost that phone on the beach in the days prior.

Officers attended Cockermouth Police Station and Holliday was arrested. His phone was seized and a search was carried out on the device. There was a username on YouTube that had been used on August 31. Holliday had not notified police of the username.

Ms Fee said there had been two previous breaches of the SHPO and within five and a half weeks, the defendant had committed further breaches. Holliday was ‘fully aware’ of the requirements, the prosecutor said.

Mike Woolaghan, defending, said Holliday’s use of YouTube was known to police and had been authorised by them.

“When it was set up, a username was set up,” Mr Woolaghan said. “What has happened, I think when YouTube was purchased by Elon Musk, there was a migration of data.

“It auto-generated a username. It wasn’t creating a new account. It was being auto-generated on the system.

“That is a username he was obliged to provide to the police. There is no suggestion there are two accounts being run side by side and one is being hidden.”

Mr Woolaghan said the defendant had some issues that were ‘unaddressed’ and he had experienced childhood trauma that he continues to struggle with.

“He would benefit from some ongoing support to address those underlying trauma issues,” the solicitor said. “Avoidance strategy is not the most appropriate strategy.”

Holliday pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to failing to comply with notification requirements.

Jailing the defendant for 24 weeks, presiding magistrate Mark Gear said only a custodial sentence could be justified.

Holliday, of Moss Bay Road, Workington, must also pay £85 costs and a £154 victim surcharge.