Latest Offenders

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James Gillesphey, 65, Blyth attempted child sex offences

A married grandfather from Blyth has been given a suspended sentence after being caught in a police sting trying to communicate sexually with a child.

James Gillesphey, 65, contacted an undercover officer on FabGuys in August 2025. The officer, known in court as Z, had a profile suggesting he was in his 20s. The pair moved the conversation to Snapchat, where Z said he was actually 14 and would understand if Gillesphey no longer wanted to talk. Gillesphey said he did, and the chat continued.

Z sent a picture purporting to show himself as a 14-year-old boy. Gillesphey sent an image of himself, asked whether Zs parents monitored his phone, and was told Z was careful. They discussed sexual experiences and exchanged further pictures. Gillesphey said he would like Z as a mate and more and went on to discuss sexual activity.

On another occasion, Z said he would be visiting his father and would have to be careful. Topless images were exchanged. When Z asked whether the things they had discussed would happen in real life, Gillesphey said he was unsure about meeting. He then asked for a naked image and was sent an indecent image.

They discussed meeting while Gillespheys wife was due to be away. He later cancelled the proposed meetup.

Gillesphey, who has a previous conviction for drink-driving from 2025, pleaded guilty to attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity and attempted sexual communication with a child. He was sentenced to 22 months imprisonment, suspended for two years. He must sign the sex offenders register and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years.

Recorder Jonathan Sandiford KC said: You have a sexual interest in young people, despite your denials, and that came out when you had too much to drink.

Nicoletta Alistari, defending, said Gillesphey had significant alcohol and mental health problems and felt shame about his behaviour. She said he had a difficult childhood and that his brothers death had caused his mental health to spiral. Miss Alistari said: This was a temporary aberration at a point where his mental health was at breakdown point. It was a first but he stopped himself going any further.

The court heard he has suffered two aneurysms linked to the stress of the case and has mobility issues.

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A victim-survivor of sexual assault has described how she ‘has been taking life one day at a time’ as her abuser is jailed.

The secondary-school-aged girl was sexually assaulted in the South Tyneside area by Harry Gray, now 24.

Gray sexually assaulted the teenager initially as she slept before physically overpowering her once she awoke and made attempts to get him to stop.

Now, speaking out, the victim-survivor has shared how the effects of Gray’s crimes have had a lasting impact on her life.

She said:

“I have had entire days where I don’t even feel real and had past depressive episodes so severe that I’ve had suicidal thoughts and even made plans on so many occasions.

“I have had an intense fear of intimacy since my brain now sees it as a violent act and not a loving one.

“I’ve held such high standards for who can be in my life that it is just easier to be alone. I have been so scared to be taken advantage of again or being reduced to an object for someone else’s use, rather than being seen as a person.”

She continued:

“Taking it one day at a time has been my way of dealing and having to live with this but this way of coping doesn’t work in any other factors of life.

“I am a real person with a soul and dreams, but both of these have been permanently altered because of what happened.

“I had so many plans for my life and so many dreams I could have achieved had I not been so depressed.

I’ve lost all enjoyment in most things I used to do or those I’m expected to enjoy because I’m too afraid.”

She concluded:

“The anxiety I face every day is overwhelming. I’m too scared to grow as a person and leave my comfort zone, questioning whether this will this happen to me again, runs through my mind time after time. I’ve held myself back from opportunities and cost myself so many new experiences, friends and relationships.

“I hold back from going to new places and speaking to new people, as not knowing the people around me and what they are capable of, is always on my mind. The energy I am using worrying about what someone could do to me, takes so much life out of me. The excitement I had to learn and experience new things has gone.

“The constant feeling of sadness and shame is something that has not gotten any easier and I have just found better ways to mask it. I have good days every now and then where I go hours or even the whole day without thinking about it.

“I start to think maybe I’m getting better and it’s over, but then there is always an end to that day, and I am back in my bedroom, alone, wishing that he had just killed me, instead of making this a lifelong ordeal I must deal with.”

After being arrested, Gray was interviewed by officers but denied anything untoward had happened.

However, following a complex investigation by Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding Department, in January last year, Gray was charged in connection with the abuse.

He stood trial at Newcastle Crown Court in August where he was found unanimously guilty of one count of sexual assault.

And today (Thursday), Gray, of Dawes Street, Gillingham, Rochester, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment by a judge at the same court.

As part of his sentence, he will spend the rest of his life on the Sex Offenders’ Register.

The officer leading the case was Detective Constable Kerry Kane, of Northumbria Police.

She said:

“It’s clear from the words shared by the victim-survivor that Harry Gray’s crimes have impacted her enormously.

“I am so proud of the bravery she’s shown through a difficult court process, but I really hope that today’s sentencing hearing can signal the end of this process and the start of her onward journey.”

She added: “As a Force, we remain committed to putting offenders such as Gray before the courts.

“If you’ve experienced any form of sexual abuse, please get in touch with us so we can put your abuser before the courts too.”

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A man who took thousands of photos of women and children without their knowledge before using AI to turn them into explicit images has been sentenced following a Met investigation.

Zafer Dogan, 32 (10.08.1994) of Enfield, was sentenced to 2 years and 4 months today (Thursday, 24 September) at Wood Green Crown Court. He will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention order, and appear on the sex offender register for 10 years.

Shockingly, after Dogan pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children, he was bailed by the courts back to his home address while he waited to be sentenced – the very location where much of his offending had taken place. Prosecutors opposed bail three times with the support of officers who provided a detailed risk assessment to the courts, but their appeals were unsuccessful and Dogan was able to return to the community.

Detectives established Dogan had taken photos of women and children in ordinary circumstances before using AI to turn them into sexually explicit images, including by removing their clothing.

Many of the photos were taken from his bedroom window, which overlooked a children’s playground. Other photos appear to suggest he also followed women and schoolchildren in the surrounding area.

A limited number of those photographed have been identified and are receiving specialist support, but officers still need to identify many more. They are appealing for potential victim-survivors to come forward.

Police Constable Natalie Scagliarini, who led the investigation, said:

“This is a deeply distressing case. Dogan’s actions were predatory and dangerous. He targeted the most innocent of scenes – children playing or out walking with their parents – and manipulated the photos he took in the most sickening way.

“The nature of his offending has understandably left those who have learned of it feeling unsettled and violated, not knowing when they might be being watched or photographed and for what purpose.

“We remain committed to protecting women and children and bringing those who seek to exploit them before the courts, and I thank those affected by Dogan’s offending whose bravery and support has helped us to achieve today's result.”

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said:

“It is not often you will see me outside court following a sentencing, but this case is yet another example of victims being let down by a criminal justice system that too often fails to put their safety first – in this case children.

“Ever increasing volumes of cases are raised with me by angry and sometimes upset officers who are doing all they can to protect victims and communities but feel hamstrung by a justice system that makes seemingly unfathomable decisions. That is why I am here today, pushing for victims to be put before the criminals, as well as supporting Brian and his officers so their concerns are heard.

“Zafer Dogan who admitted his guilt for these offences was allowed to return to the very address from which he targeted his victims who lived very close by. Prosecutors rightly opposed bail on multiple occasions building on officers’ clear assessments of the risk posed. Yet bail decisions were ultimately made that prioritised the offender’s interests over the safety and peace of mind of the victims.

“The result was that a victim and their family found themselves living in close proximity to a man who had admitted targeting them. They were so fearful, ultimately felt forced to move to distant temporary accommodation, disrupting the children’s lives, to escape being neighbours of the offender. That is simply not acceptable, the children should have been put first, not the paedophile.

“The pressure to reduce the remand population has contributed to more dangerous and prolific offenders being granted bail, despite strong submissions from the police and CPS. Frontline officers see the consequences of these decisions every day. Victims are left fearful, communities are left feeling less safe, and confidence in the criminal justice system is undermined. It is little surprise that increasing numbers of victims choose not to continue with their case before it reaches court.

“This case also highlights a growing challenge for law enforcement. Dogan voyeuristically photographed children known to him before using an AI photo editing technology to manipulate those images for his own sexual gratification. This is another example of how some grossly irresponsible technology and AI companies must do more to prevent their platforms and tools from being used to facilitate sexual offending and harm. Innovation cannot come at the expense of public safety, and industry has a clear responsibility to help prevent these technologies being exploited by predators.

“Victims, in this case extremely young children and their families deserve better from both the tech companies and the criminal justice system.”

On 16 July 2026, officers arrested Dogan on suspicion of offences involving indecent images of children after receiving information about his online activity. During the arrest, Dogan ran from officers and attempted to discard his mobile phone, which contained vital evidence, in the front garden of a nearby property. He was swiftly detained by officers, and the phone was recovered with the assistance of a specialist police dog.

It was subjected to a detailed forensic examination using specialist technology, leading to the discovery of approximately 1,800 indecent imaged of children and extreme pornographic material, including bestiality.

Further examination by the investigation team revealed that Dogan had also taken more than 5,000 images of women and girls in public places. These individuals had been carrying out everyday activities, including playing in public play areas and travelling to and from school. Some of these images had been digitally manipulated to create sexualised content by altering clothing and appearance.

Officers are now working hard to identify these victims and are keen to hear from women and parents in the Enfield area who may have noticed anyone either filming or photographing them or their children.

Details of charges:

Following his initial arrest on 16 July 2026, evidence was recovered from Dogan’s phone that made it clear that he posed a significant risk. Officers moved quickly to further arrest him on Tuesday, 4 August.

He was charged the following day and remanded by the police to be taken to court the next morning.

On Thursday, 6 August he pleaded guilty to the following offences but was bailed by the court to await sentencing:

• Taking an indecent image of a child aged under 8 years old
• Take an indecent image of a child aged under 14 years old
• Making indecent images of children (Category A)
• Making indecent images of children (Category B)
• Making indecent images of children (Category C)
• Possession of extreme pornography
• Possession of prohibited images of children
• Create purported intimate image of adults
• Obstructing a constable in the execution of their duty

The decision to grant bail was appealed by the prosecutor but was unsuccessful.

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Barrie Hartley, 45, of Rimswell Holt, Greengates, Bradford, has been jailed for 12-and-a-half years after sexually assaulting two women, including the rape of one of them.

Bradford Crown Court heard that Hartley sexually assaulted and later raped his first victim when she was particularly vulnerable. She was left hysterical after the rape. Arrested, he denied any sexual contact. His DNA was found on her clothing.

In a statement read by barrister Michael Morley, the first victim said the rape had affected every part of her life and that she was living with it every day. She said: “The person I was before no longer exists.” She described living in a constant state of fear that was “persistent, overwhelming, and inescapable.”

While still under investigation for those offences, Hartley sexually assaulted a second woman. He again denied the offending when arrested.

His second victim said the offences had left a “devastating and lasting impact” and that she was trying to rebuild her life. She said she carried a deep sense of shame, felt humiliated, and that her self-worth had been affected.

In mitigation, the court heard Hartley was anxious to address his drinking, described as “his real problem”, and that until he did so “he knows that he will cause risks going forward.”

His Honour Judge Christopher Smith sentenced Hartley to six years for rape and a further six-and-a-half years for the later sexual assaults on the second woman. He considered, but did not impose, an extended sentence for dangerousness.

Speaking to Hartley, who appeared by video link from HMP Leeds, the judge said: “Whilst I have very real concerns about you, stepping back and looking at the sentence I have imposed I have come to the conclusion that by the time you are eligible for release in respect of these sentences, the risk can be – I certainly hope – adequately managed by licence conditions.

“An extended sentence is not necessary, in my view, in your case.”

Hartley must register as a sex offender for life. A restraining order will run for the same period.

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“One day, you will walk free and continue with your life. But for my daughter and me, there is no end date to our sentence. We cannot simply leave this behind when a prison sentence ends. We must live with these memories, this pain, and the lasting impact of what happened every single day.”

These powerful words, spoken by the victim’s mother, were directed at sex offender Duane Platt, who today received a prison sentence for two sexual offences against a child.

Platt, 37, of Halifax Road, Bradford, was jailed for six years at Leeds Crown Court today (Thursday 24 September) after being convicted of serious sexual offences in Kirklees.

The 37-year-old was found guilty following a trial in July of two sexual assaults against a teenage girl, including one offence involving penetration.

The offences occurred in June 2023, and were reported to police the day after they took place.

An investigation was subsequently launched by detectives from the Kirklees District Child Safeguarding Unit, and Platt was arrested shortly afterwards.

In addition to his custodial sentence, Platt was made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

The order places strict conditions upon him and means he can be immediately arrested and prosecuted should he breach any of its terms upon his release from prison.

He will also remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Detective Constable Amy Green, of the Kirklees District Child Safeguarding Unit, said:

“Platt committed extremely serious sexual offences against a vulnerable young victim, and we welcome the sentence handed down by the court today.

"Throughout the investigation and court proceedings, he showed no remorse for his actions and, at times, sought to place blame on the victim rather than accept responsibility for his offending.

"I would like to commend the courage and resilience shown by the victim and her family throughout this process.  They have remained patient, determined and committed to seeing justice done."

She added:

"Reporting offences of this nature is never easy, and their bravery in coming forward and supporting the prosecution has helped ensure that a dangerous offender has been held accountable for his actions.

"We hope that today's outcome provides them with some measure of closure and allows them to begin moving forward with their lives.

"All reports of child sexual abuse and sexual offending are treated with the utmost seriousness and are investigated by specialist officers. We are committed to supporting victims throughout the criminal justice process and ensuring they are signposted to the help and support services they may need."

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Convicted child sex offender jailed after masturbating in Mile End church foyer during toddler playgroup

A convicted child sex offender has been jailed after masturbating in the foyer of a church while a children’s playgroup was running nearby.

Mohamed Ali, 44, was sentenced to 15 months in prison at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to recklessly causing a public nuisance and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

The court heard Ali has 136 convictions dating back to 2000, including causing a child to engage in a sexual act.

On 26 February, a mother arriving for the first time with her one-year-old at Guardian Angels Church in Mile End entered through the main doors instead of the rear playgroup entrance. Prosecutor Sam Lyon said she saw a man and asked if it was the right way in. “The male replied, ‘I am a sex offender’, and the mother left straight away.”

She reported it to the church. CCTV later showed Ali in the foyer at 10.30am. “He was initially reading a newspaper before taking his penis out of his trousers and masturbating in the foyer of the church,” Mr Lyon said.

Ali was arrested months later after a police officer identified him. He pleaded guilty on the basis that he had not intended to be seen.

Appearing by videolink from prison, Ali told the court: “I never went to church to have a wank in front of children.”

Judge Leslie Cuthbert replied: “That is accepted, but there were children where you did chose to masturbate.”

Defence barrister Bethany Baggaley said Ali was remorseful, accepted the acts were unlawful, and had a traumatic childhood linked to long-term mental health problems.

Ali interrupted: “The state is responsible for my failure. I don’t know how to have a relationship. I don’t have kids. So I just sit in prison masturbating and then I get out and get nicked for masturbating. I’ve got no where to masturbate, I’m homeless.”

He also claimed, without evidence, that the mother who found him belonged to a vigilante paedophile-hunter group that followed him “24/7”.

Sentencing him, Judge Cuthbert said:

“This activity created the risk of very serious distress to members of the public, as shown by the reaction of the 1-year-old who on encountering you was so scared she left.”

The judge rejected Ali’s claimed remorse, saying it was contradicted by his attempts to shift blame. “You attempt to blame others include the system and the state, suggesting that you are being set up for your own criminal actions.”

He added: “The only thing that appears to stop you from committing further offences is prison, so I cannot suspend this sentence.”

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A lying rapist has been sentenced to years behind bars for attacking two female victims in Cornwall.

Bradley Fitzpatrick, 22, of Kinsman Estate in Bodmin, appeared at Truro Crown Court for sentence on Thursday 24 September after being found guilty at trial of three charges of rape, three sexual assaults, two charges of sexual assault by penetration and one charge of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.

Fitzpatrick also pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children and possession of extreme pornography.

He was jailed for nine years with three additional years on extended licence and made subject of a 20 year sexual harm prevention order.

During the trial, the court heard how in December 2021 Fitzpatrick met the first victim then aged in her late teens at a garage in Bodmin and they walked together.

During the walk, Fitzpatrick sexually assaulted and raped the victim.

She then went home and told her boyfriend and the matter was reported to police.

Following his arrest, Fitzpatrick lied in two interviews claiming that he never met the victim that day.

He was presented with forensic evidence and then said in court that there had been sexual contact, but it was consensual.

On two occasions in 2022, Fitzpatrick and the second victim met – aged between 16 and 18 at the time - and was having consensual sex when the victim withdrew her consent.

On both occasions she made it she had withdrawn consent, yet Fitzpatrick proceeded to rape her.

He also sexually assaulted her on a third occasion.

When interviewed in relation to these offences, Fitzpatrick told detectives that sexual contact was only ever consensual.

Following his arrest in connection to a separate allegation, Fitzpatrick’s phone was seized and found to contain indecent images of children and bestiality.

Judge James Adkin described Fitzpatrick as “clearly dangerous to young girl”, adding that he “lied profusely and with ease”.

Officer in the case, Detective Constable Emily Rickard said:

“I welcome the sentence given to Bradley Fitzpatrick at Truro Crown Court today.

“Fitzpatrick is a dangerous individual with no regard whatsoever for his victims, and who has consistently attempted to lie his way out of trouble.

“He has demonstrated himself to have no understanding of boundaries in his pursuit for sexual gratification.

“I would like to thank the two victims in this case, none of whom know each other. 

“By reporting the ordeals they suffered at the hands of Fitzpatrick and remaining engaged throughout the legal process, they have ensured that a dangerous sexual predator has been taken off the streets.”

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A rapist from Sandwich who repeatedly abused his victim has been jailed for 18 years.

Shane Higgins, from Foxborough Close, pleaded guilty to numerous offences including rape and sexual assault before Canterbury Crown Court.

Investigation

Kent Police was alerted to the offending in May 2026, when the victim disclosed to a trusted person that they had been abused by Higgins on multiple occasions.

An investigation was immediately launched involving specialist detectives from the force and Higgins, 37, was arrested the same day.

Jailed

Enquiries were swiftly completed and, on 1 June, the offender was charged. He later admitted his guilt and was sentenced at the same court on Friday 18 September.

In additional to the custodial period, Higgins will have to spend 6 years on licence when he becomes eligible for parole.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Karla Walker, said:

‘The victim in this case showed immense courage in speaking out about the appalling abuse they suffered. Our priority was to engage with them sensitively and compassionately, while ensuring we secured the best possible evidence.

‘That evidence allowed our detectives to act swiftly to build a compelling case against Higgins, resulting in his prompt arrest, charges and, ultimately, his guilty pleas, meaning there was no trial. Higgins has now rightly received a lengthy prison sentence.‘I hope the conclusion of this case can provide the victim with some measure of justice and allows them to move forward with the continued support they deserve.’

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A man has been jailed for 16 years after encouraging a child to send him indecent images of herself and her cousin.

It was reported Lloyd Sweeting, 34 years, from Speke contacted a 10-year-old child online and encouraged her to take indecent photographs of herself and her cousin, also a child.

The owner of the account was identified as Sweeting and he was arrested on 18 April 2024 and devices seized for examination.

Following extensive enquires and the examination of his devices and interactions with the victim, he was charged and ultimately convicted of the following offences:

• Four counts of causing or inciting a female under 13 to engage in sexual activity
• One count of possession of extreme pornographic images
• Two counts of possession of indecent photographs

Sweeting appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday 22 September where he was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Detective Superintendent Siobhan Russell said:

“The victim in this case, who lives in the UK, sent images to Sweeting out of fear of the repercussions if she didn’t.

“She has been left traumatised by Sweeting’s appalling actions and the psychological impact of what he subjected her to will be long-lasting.

“Sweeting poses a clear danger to children, amongst the most vulnerable in our society, and it is right that he will now spend a significant period of time in prison.

“I hope he spends that time considering the full impact of his actions and the ordeal he has put his victims through.”

Det Supt Russell added:

"While we would always encourage parents and guardians to be aware of their children's online activity, young people should be able to use technology without being targeted and exploited by adults seeking to abuse them for their own sexual gratification.

“We remain committed to identifying and prosecuting those who seek to exploit children online and will continue to work tirelessly to safeguard vulnerable young people.”

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A man has been jailed for more than a decade for the rape and coercive control of a woman in Stafford.

Kamljit Sahota, aged 48, of Cannock, was handed a 10-year-and-two-month jail term at Stafford Crown Court on Friday (11 September) after admitting two counts of rape, engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour, as well as making threats to destroy or damage property.

The offences took place from July to October last year.

Sahota had initially denied the offences, but after being presented with evidence from the survivor, changed his plea in court.

Along with his prison sentence, Sahota was also ordered to check in with police indefinitely upon his release and made subject to an ongoing restraining order.

He was also ordered to pay a surcharge of £228.

Speaking following sentencing, Detective Constable Andrea Chidgey, of our rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO) team, said:

“Sahota deliberately and callously intimidated and overpowered every aspect of the survivor’s life.

“He deliberately inflicted a great deal of harm with no thought for his actions, believing that he was immune from the consequences.

“I’d like to commend the survivor in this case who showed exceptional courage in coming forward and trusting us with her disclosures on what she went through.

“I hope she is able to continue her journey to recovery and hope this case shows how we are determined to support survivors of abuse and bring perpetrators to justice.”

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A West Yorkshire Police staff member has been sentenced after trying to arrange sexual activity with a child.

Christopher Thompson, 33, who was working in Regional Scientific Support Services at the time of his arrest, was found guilty following a trial at Kingston-upon-Hull Crown Court in July of two counts of making indecent photographs of a child, one count of sending communication conveying a threatening message and one count of intentionally encouraging or assisting the commission of an either way offence. The either way offence was trying to arrange sexual activity with a child under 13.

He appeared at Great Grimsby Crown Court yesterday where he was given an extended custodial sentence of six years. He has also been also added to the Sex Offenders Register for life and made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and indefinite restraining orders in relation to the two victims.

The investigation by West Yorkshire Police's Professional Standards Directorate looked into messages sent by Thompson to two women in January 2024. The day after the first report, Thompson was identified, arrested and suspended from duty.

On his arrest, a number of devices were also seized from Thompson and indecent images of children were found on them.

Detective Chief Superintendent Tanya Wilkins, Head of West Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Directorate, said:

“This police staff member has been involved in some really concerning behaviour online and as part of this has tried to arrange sexual activity with a child.

“We acted swiftly on the information that was provided to us and on identifying that the suspect was a police staff member ensured he was immediately arrested and suspended from duty.

“Following the conclusion of this court case, we will now be arranging misconduct proceedings with a view to him being barred from working in any further role within policing.”

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A man has been jailed for various sexual offences following a South Wales Police investigation.

Adam Chard, 22 from Bridgend was sentenced to three years in prison and given a restraining order following his conviction. He’s also been placed indefinitely on the Sex Offenders Register.

The sentencing took place on Friday August 21 at Cardiff Crown Court, where Chard pleaded guilty to 14 counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, three counts of possessing indecent images of Cat A B and C, one count of sexual communication with a child and one count of engaging in coercive/ controlling behaviour.

The officer dealing with the case said:

“This sentence sends a hugely positive message to victims of sexual abuse that they will be believed, their attackers will be identified, and they will be brought to justice.

We cannot praise the victim enough for the bravery she has shown to tell police what happened to her and secure justice against a despicable man – and that is before even mentioning Adam Chard’s part in the offending”

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A man has been sentenced for child sex offences after a complex police investigation.

David Richardson, 31, has been sentenced after he sent sexually explicit images and videos to someone he believed was a 14-year-old boy.

However, what Richardson didn’t know was he was actually speaking to an officer from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) carrying out a police investigation.

Following his arrest on July 17 at his home address in Denton Burn, Richardson was charged with attempt to cause a child to watch images of sexual activity and attempt to engage in sexual communication with a child.

Today (Wednesday), he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court for sentencing having pleaded guilty to all charges at an earlier date.

Richardson was sentenced to 12 months in prison suspended for two years, a 10-year sex offender notification requirement and a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Speaking after the sentencing, NEROCU Detective Constable Lee Robertson, said:

“This is just the latest investigation which has seen a dangerous predator have their day in court.

“Our work will not stop and we will continue to work to tackle online child abuse and sexual exploitation and would urge anyone who has been a victim of this type of offending, or has concerns about someone’s behaviour, to come forward and talk to police.”

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“I hope one day I can feel safe again, trust people again and stop questioning ordinary things. I hope one day I feel like myself again.”

These are the words from a victim of child sex offences in Bradford.

James Eisen aged 53 of Hall Lane, Manchester admitted to four child sex offences in court.

He abused her whilst she was asleep.

At Bradford Crown Court yesterday (21 September) he was sentenced to three years and six months in prison, he was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 15 years and made to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely.

He admitted to two counts of taking an indecent photograph of a child and two counts of engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15.

In a Victim Personal Statement read out in court she said:

“What he did to me has changed me as a person. I often feel like I’m still trying to work out who I am now.

“Before everything happened, I didn’t question myself or the world around me like I do now. If I could make sense of something, I think I could start to move on, but I’ve gone through every possible scenario in my head, and I still can’t understand why someone would do this to another human being.”

DC Alishia Walsh of the Bradford Child Safeguarding Unit said:

“What Eisen did to this young girl as you heard through her own words, has had a profound effect on her life.

“I hope the sentence today can bring her some closure and justice as she starts to rebuild her life.

“Eisen is a danger to children and deserves to be behind bars.

“I hope this case shows that we treat these offences seriously and do get positive outcomes at court.”

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A paedophile who messaged people he believed were children and arranged to meet them has been jailed.

Timothy Pavitt, 73, was brought to police attention after he uploaded indecent images of children to a Kik account in 2024.

Officers were able to trace the IP address of the account, which led them to Pavitt’s home in Boxworth End, Swavesey.

He was arrested on 19 February 2025 and claimed in interview to be “lonely” and using chat sites to speak to children and download images.

A review of his devices found he had been speaking in a sexual manner with users he believed to be children and arranging to meet up with them.

The devices also contained more than 350 indecent images.

The identities of the people he was messaging have never been confirmed.

Pavitt was jailed for four years and eight months after admitting 18 counts, including communicating sexually with children and making indecent images, at Peterborough Crown Court yesterday (21 September).

He was also handed an indefinite sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).

Det Sgt Zip Lloyd said:

“Pavitt knew what he was doing was wrong but continued to seek out users he believed were children, encourage sexual conversations and make indecent images.

“He was also actively sharing those images for others to view, further fuelling the exploitation of children. I am pleased he is now behind bars

“Protecting young people from harm is one of our top priorities and we will continue to work tirelessly to keep children safe.”