Latest Offenders

Description

A sex offender was arrested by police after he attempted to meet and abuse a six-year-old girl.

Michael Clarey, 59, went online specifically to try to find a child to abuse on 6 February and used a false name to cover his tracks.

He admitted to being a paedophile who had previously abused children and began exchanging messages with someone who sent him a photo of a six-year-old girl, taken at random from a blog post.

Clarey believed he was talking to the girl’s parent – although police believe it was an online activist group.

He asked if he could sexually abuse the girl and said he would take her for a meal and shopping first in Cambridge or Norwich.

However, here the conversation ended, and it was not discovered until police officers paid Clarey an unannounced visit on 25 February.

Clarey was living under restrictions placed on him by a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) imposed by a court in 2021, but officers discovered he had flouted this by hiding devices, including one behind a TV. It was this device which contained the incriminating messages.

Clarey, of New Close Road, Little Thetford, near Ely, appeared at Peterborough Crown Court on Friday, 27 June, and was jailed for five years and three months after admitting attempting to arrange / facilitate commission of a child sex offence.

He must serve a further five years extended sentence upon release under the management of the Probation Service. Any breaches could result in him being recalled to prison.

Clarey also admitted five counts of making indecent photographs/pseudo photographs of a child, possessing a prohibited image of a child and 14 breaches of a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO), for which he received no separate penalty.

DC Andrew McKeane said: “Clarey was never going to meet the girl whose photo was sent to him online but the intent to commit despicable sexual offences was clear.

“The girl in the photos, which were taken some years ago, had no link to anyone involved and is a victim in this case. We have spoken to her parents in Berkshire and they were understandably shocked and upset.

“Clarey has a complete disregard for the law and is a danger to children. He was aware what his SHPO restricted him from doing, but he chose to ignore it.”

Description

A Sidcup sex offender with over 200 previous convictions has been jailed for drunken comments to a woman outside Tesco.

Stephen Lumb, 66, began offending in 1976 and was placed on the sex offenders register for life in 2009 after a serious sexual assault. 

He has since been in and out of prison repeatedly for offences including masturbating at a bus stop in 2021. 

In 2022 he was given a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) banning him from having any unsupervised contact with any woman or female child  other than contact which is not reasonably avoidable in daily life. 

But on Tuesday, July 1, when Lumb was drunk outside Tesco on Station Road, Sidcup, he approached and spoke to a woman. 

At Bexley Magistrates' Court on Thursday, July 3, Lumb pleaded guilty to breaching the SHPO and being drunk and disorderly in public. 

He was sentenced to eight months in prison. 

Description

A man has been jailed for violent and sexual offences committed in the Ross-Shire area.

Owen Lonie, 25, was found guilty of the offences including rape at the High Court in Inverness on Monday, 23 May, 2025. He was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, 30 June, to seven years in prison, with a further five years on license.

The offences were committed against two women between 2018 and 2022.

Detective Constable Fraser Duncan said: "Lonie is an abusive individual who subjected his victims to horrific offending. He will now face the consequences of his actions.

"We recognise how difficult these enquiries can be for victims and would like to thank them in coming forward and assisting in bringing Lonie to justice.

"We remain committed to investigating all reports of sexual crime and domestic abuse and would encourage anyone affected to report it. Every report is taken seriously and will be fully investigated, with support from our specially trained officers and partner agencies."

Description

A rapist who was convicted of controlling and coercive behaviour against a woman has been jailed.

Albert Dawidziuk's victim walked into one of our front enquiry offices in September last year and told police he had abused her physically and mentally over several years. When officers arranged a further meeting with her in the following days, she disclosed the abuse had also been sexual.

She told detectives from Signal - the force's specialist rape and serious sexual investigation unit - that 36-year-old Dawidziuk had gained access to her email and social media accounts and would regularly question her about her contact with work colleagues.

She said he also isolated her from her friends and demanded she send him pictures to prove where she was and who she was with.

When the report was made Dawidziuk - a Polish national - was overseas. However, he was arrested by colleagues from Kent Police when he arrived at Dover days later.

Dawidziuk, now of HMP Leicester, was found guilty of two counts of rape, one count of assault by penetration, one count of sexual assault and one count of engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour on 20 June following a trial at Leicester Crown Court.

On Wednesday (2 July), at the same court, he was sentenced to a total of 12 years' imprisonment. He is also subject to an indefinite restraining order prohibiting any contact with the victim.

Detective Constable Adam Battley, the investigating officer, said: "The victim in this case must be commended for her bravery in coming forward and telling us what Dawidziuk had done.

"We take reports of rape, sexual assault and controlling coercive behaviour extremely seriously We strive to ensure that the perpetrators of such crimes are brought to justice. The accounts and evidence she was able to provide were key to achieving this outcome.

"I hope the fact Dawidziuk is now serving times behind bars will provide a degree of closure and allow her to move on with her life."

Description

A convicted sex offender from Chatham who breached a court order and failed to comply with sex offender notification requirements has been promptly jailed.

Denis Swift became the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) after being convicted in 2012 of child sex offences.

The conditions included a requirement he should not be in possession of an internet-enabled device without written approval from police.

Investigation

On Tuesday 24 June 2025, officers attended Swift’s home address to check he was complying with the restrictions. It was found that the offender had bought a mobile phone and he was arrested.

Swift, formerly of Seymour Road, was charged later that day with breach of a SHPO and failing to comply with sex offender notification requirements.

Jailed

The 71 year old pleaded guilty and, on Wednesday 25 June at Medway Magistrates’ Court, was sentenced to 12 months in prison.

PC Areolito Gashi said:

‘Court orders for convicted sex offenders such as Swift are put in place to safeguard against future crimes being committed - protecting vulnerable people and preventing them from becoming victims. Swift was clearly in breach of his court order and it’s right that he’s back behind bars.‘We carry out regular checks on offenders to ensure that they are complying with the conditions on which they have been released from prison. Those who fail to adhere to them can expect to face the consequences of their actions.’

Description

A sex offender who hid a secret phone under his mum's mattress has been jailed.

When the device was found, at Michael Bradshaw's home, it was discovered the internet history had been deleted.

It was in breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) passed as part of a 19-month suspended prison sentence.

The order was imposed on Bradshaw, previously known as Michael Bagnall, in October last year for offences including attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.

Durham Crown Court heard that the order made it clear he must inform his risk manager if the obtained a phone or any new device capable of accessing the internet and, if so, it must retain the internet history.

A phone he previously owned was seized by police in February and Bradshaw subsequently claimed he did not have a new device.

But by May this year it emerged that he had been untruthful and that he did have a new phone about which he had not informed his risk manager.

Police went to his property and found the phone hidden under a mattress in his mother’s bedroom.

It was discovered he had been using it since at least February 16 and that he also had access to a Telegram platform.

When examined it was discovered the internet history had been deleted.

Bradshaw was interviewed and admitted having used the phone when he had been on “sniff” and he confirmed he had hidden it under the mattress in his mother’s bedroom.

The 37-year-old defendant of Osric Place, Newton Aycliffe, admitted four counts of breaching the SHPO, which put him in breach of the suspended order from last October.

Charlie Thompson, prosecuting, said other elements of the sentence passed in October, specifically a 200-hour unpaid work requirement, had not even begun, while the defendant also failed to engage with a substance abuse course.

Michele Turner, in mitigation, said on the face of it the defendant, “appears to be a bit of a contradiction”, but, “faced with overwhelming evidence” he did make admissions when he initially went before magistrates.

“There’s clearly something that needs to be addressed in his background.

“His drug and alcohol issues arise out of untreated mental health issues.

“He’s on waiting lists for treatment which he finds frustrating.”

Miss Turner said it would appear Bradshaw had used drink and drugs to “self-medicate” in the absence of prescribed medication.

“Clearly there has been self-medication going on.”

Judge Nathan Adams told the defendant he had been given a chance with the suspended sentence passed by the court in October last year, but it was an opportunity spurned by the deliberate breaches of the SHPO earlier this year.

“You knew full well that you were not allowed access to an internet-capable device without the police’s knowledge.”

The judge added that but for those breaches of the SHPO by Bradshaw the Probation Service would have brought the case back to court over his failure to perform unpaid work.

He passed a prison sentence totalling 23 months, including 15 months activated of the previous suspended sentence.

Judge Adams reminded Bradshaw that upon his release he will still be subject of the SHPO until October 2034.

He added that any further breaches would only result in longer and longer sentences.

Description

A Liverpool man who was found to have committed child sex offences after hotel staff raised the alarm has been jailed today, Thursday 3 July.

Joel Dever, aged 25, was sentenced to five years, three months in prison at Liverpool Crown Court.

He was also issued with a lifelong restraining order and is required to sign the Sex Offender Register for life. 

Dever, of Good Shepherd Close in Croxteth, pleaded guilty to a number of child sexual offences, including six counts of sexual activity with a child, arranging or facilitating a child sex offence, and five counts of making indecent images of a child which were category A,B or C videos.

Today's sentencing relates to child sex offences Dever committed in 2023 when he was 22.

Dever met a 14-year-old girl on a social media site and engaged in a sexual relationship with her for more than a year, regularly booking hotels for them both in Liverpool and Southport.

Detective Constable Soph Lowe from Sefton Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, said: "We work closely with hotels and bars to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation. Hotel staff in particular have been trained to identify the signs of when a child is being sexual exploited and how to report issues to police.

“In this instance, Dever’s predatory and vile behaviour was found out when hotel staff at one establishment raised concerns about the girl's age and called police.

“The victim and her family have shown immense courage and bravery throughout the investigation to reach this conviction.

“Today’s custodial sentence has removed him from the streets to prevent further harm to anyone else. I hope Dever spends his time in prison reflecting on his wholly unacceptable behaviour."

Det Con Lowe added: “I hope his imprisonment encourages other victims to come forward and report sex offences to us, and demonstrates that they can have confidence in us to take reports seriously. We will ensure offenders are put before the courts so that they can pay for their crimes.

"“Anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence, or is concerned for the safety of someone they know or suspects someone to be engaging in this criminal activity, should come forward and speak to us. 

“We have a team of dedicated staff who will expertly and compassionately deal with your reports, and we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.

“Time is no barrier to reporting offences and I would urge anyone who has been victim of a sexual offence at any time to come forward and we will do everything we can to help and support them.”

Description

A man who sexually groomed and assaulted two young children has been jailed for eight years six months.

Steven Westlake, from Bolton, admitting three counts of sexual assault and two breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) in Preston.

Det Con Chris Mills, of the Lancashire Police child protection team, said: "Despite their young age, Westlake's victims have been incredibly brave throughout this process."

The 43-year-old was given an indefinite SHPO when he was sentenced at Preston Crown Court.

Det Con Mills added: "Westlake assaulted children for his own, abhorrent sexual desires.

"With the support of the victims, Westlake's crimes were brought to our attention, and we have been able to bring him to justice.

"He is a despicable man, and I welcome the custodial sentence handed down on him this week."

Westlake, of Chorley Old Road, also used the surname Clayton, the court heard.

Description

A man crept into women's houses in the dead of night and entered their bedrooms to watch them sleeping, a court has heard. On one occasion Evan Powell pleasured himself while staring at one of his dozing victims.

When arrested the defendant claimed he had been going into houses looking for someone who might have the mobile phone he had lost during a student night out on Swansea's Wind Street. He denied there was any sexual element to what he had done. A jury rejected that version of events and found him guilty of trespassing with intent to commit a sexual offence.

Making the defendant the subject of an extended sentence the judge at Swansea Crown Court said on the night in question Powell had been "prowling the streets" looking for "opportunities for non-consensual activity" and he described Powell's behaviour as "extremely sinister".

The court has previously heard that on the night of October 30 last year Swansea University computer science student Powell attended a fancy dress Cocktail Society house party on Brynmill Crescent in the Brynmill area of Swansea before going on to the bars of Wind street in the city centre. He was dressed in a black suit and tie in the style of the lead characters in the film "Men in Black".

In the early hours of the following morning the defendant left the city centre and returned to the Brynmill area where he entered three houses, and tried to enter a fourth.

In one property the student first went into a child's bedroom and rummaged through a chest of drawers - the child woke to see the stranger in his room - before entering the mother's bedroom. The court heard the women woke suddenly to see the 21-year-old standing near her bed watching her. Powell fled down the stairs and left the house.

At a property nearby Powell again entered a woman's bedroom - this time he exposed his penis and masturbated while watching his sleeping victim. The woman woke and challenged the defendant who fled into the kitchen where an altercation took place during which the woman punched him and he pushed her. The defendant then left.

The court heard Powell also entered a third property, though on that occasion the sleeping occupant was woken by the sound of the bedroom door opening. The defendant ran off and went home to his shared student house..

The incidents were reported to police and Powell was identified and subsequently arrested. Enquiries conducted by the police established that the defendant had tried to enter a fourth Brynmill property on the night in question but had been unsuccessful.

Powell subsequently pleaded not guilty and the matter went to trial in April this year. Following his conviction, sentencing was adjourned for the preparation of a report to consider the issue of dangerousness.

At the trial prosecution barrister Dyfed Thomas had put it to Powell that he had been "looking for sexual satisfaction from watching women sleeping in bed" but the defendant rejected that. Powell accepted it was a "very odd, unusual situation" but insisted he had been trying to find the property where the earlier house party had been held in the hopes someone there might know where his lost phone was. He added: "I'm very, very bad with directions".

Evan Powell, now of Rogerstone, Newport, had previously been convicted at trial of three offence of trespassing with intent to commit a sexual offence and one count of attempting to trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence when he returned to the dock for sentencing.

He has no previous convictions but the court heard that in October 2023 the defendant sexually assaulted a young woman in the Brynmill area in the early hours of the morning when he followed her along Bryn Road before grabbing her and putting his hands between her legs. The assault was reported to police but the defendant was not prosecuted and was dealt with by way of a "community resolution" which saw him admit the offence and write a letter of apology.

Judge Paul Thomas KC had previously expressed his concern at the 2023 offending being dealt with by a community resolution, and the prosecution barrister told the court he had made enquiries into the matter and it seemed the officer who investigated the incident had not referred it to an officer of detective inspector rank or above as he should have done before making the decision. The prosecutor said the officer had been spoken to.

Avirup Chaudhuri, for Powell, said the defendant came from loving and caring background. He said his client understands the gravity of the situation he was facing and asked the court to consider that it may be the "shame and embarrassment" Powell feels which prevents him from "confronting his offending in full". The barrister also asked the court to take into account the defendant's age and immaturity, and he said his client but been putting his "privileged education" to good use while on remand in prison by helping fellow inmates to improve their literacy skills.

Judge Paul Thomas KC said on the night in question Powell had been "prowling the streets of the student area looking for opportunities for non-consensual activity". He said the defendant's motivation in entering or trying to enter four properties in the space of around two hours had been sexual, and he described Powell's behaviour as "extremely sinister".

The judge said Powell had no insight into his problem and did not even acknowledge he had a problem, and he said until the defendant did come to terms with the reality of the situation he would continue to pose a high risk of sexual offending in the future.

Powell was given a nine-year extended sentence comprising five years in custody followed by a four-year licence period. He will become eligible for parole after serving two-thirds of the custodial element of the sentence. The defendant will be a registered sex offender for the rest of his life.

Judge Thomas added that it was a matter of "great regret" that the 2023 sexual offending had not been dealt with "properly" at the time as it should have been.

Speaking after the sentencing Carolina Mayorga-Williams, senior crown prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution service's rape and serious sexual offence team, said: "Waking up to find a stranger in your or your child’s bedroom must be a terrifying experience and violates a person’s right to feel safe in their own home. We take all allegations of sexual offending very seriously. The evidence presented by the Crown Prosecution Service resulted in the jury reaching their guilty verdicts and has brought Powell to justice."

Description

A 57-year-old café boss who compared himself to Benny Hill after groping teenage workers has narrowly dodged a prison sentence.

Glen Buchanan's sleazy pursuit of young female staff was partly blamed for the collapse of a restaurant chain and led to one victim trying to commit suicide.

Sheriff William Wood said: "The jury convicted you of all these charges - either sexual assault or causing young people to see sexual communications. At the time, two were children and your behaviour persisted over a period of three years. You were employed in a management position to supervise them and they would have looked to you for guidance and support.

"You have let them down and let yourself down. There was an approximate 30-year gap between you and these young women and children at the time."

He told father-of-three Buchanan that he merited a prison sentence, but noted he was a first offender and that "no physical harm" had been caused to the victims. Buchanan was placed under supervision for three years, and put on the Sex Offenders Register for the same period. He was ordered to carry out 300 hours unpaid work and attend the Tay Project for sex offenders.

He was also placed under conduct requirements, including having to tell social workers if he makes new friends, and put on a six-month restriction of liberty order. He was also told not to approach any of his victims. The young woman who tried to take her own life was one of four female employees at Cafe Biba, in Pitlochry, who were preyed upon by the creepy boss.

He made co-workers lives a misery, repeatedly placing his hands on their shoulders, buttocks and hips, sending sleazy social media messages and giving them unwanted massages, kisses and hugs. Buchanan denied allegations of sexual misconduct, claiming he had a Benny Hill-style sense of humour and attempted to dismiss his conduct as workplace banter.

But he could not justify telling a young teenager to breathe because it "accentuates the gentle curve of your breasts." After a three-day trial at Perth Sheriff Court a jury found him guilty of four counts of sexual assault.

He was further convicted of three charges of written or verbal sexual communications, intended for his own sexual gratification or to humiliate or distress his young victims. Fiscal depute Vicki Bell presented a victim impact statement from Buchanan's youngest victim and said: "This has had a significant impact on her emotional wellbeing."

"She has sought medical support and support from friends and family. The statement includes references to an attempt to take her life as a result of the accused's actions."

One victim told jurors how she quit her job because of Buchanan's relentless conduct. The woman said: "It was an uncomfortable environment. He made comments towards me that made me feel on edge. It was the way he spoke to me. There was a few occasions when he put his hands on me. I didn't feel safe."

Buchanan said he occasionally touched the women on their shoulders and hips but only to move them out the way in a narrow passage. He said: "It was more a case of expedience than anything else. There was always a sense of urgency."

He told the court it was Benny Hill-type banter and denied giving one of the women an unwanted massage. He said: "It wasn't a full massage. I was walking through the scullery, when I saw her doing the dishes. I said: 'You seem to be very stressed.' I just gave her shoulders a gentle squeeze. I would hardly call it a massage."

He also admitted giving the same woman an unwanted hug but said he stepped back when she appeared surprised. The jury heard Buchanan sent five Facebook messages to a female employee in one evening.

He told her "I'm feeling a little unloved" and said he missed her, alongside an emoji face with its tongue sticking out. Another post read: "It's my birthday on Friday, so you can surprise me with something. Your choice."

Buchanan said he sent the messages because he was annoyed she left work without telling anybody. In hindsight, it wasn't the most appropriate manner. I should have waited until we were at work together."

Asked why he mentioned his birthday, he said: "I thought it would be nice for her to buy a birthday present for me."

Ms Bell pointed out: "You are 40 years older than her. You're ancient to her." Buchanan said: "Again, it was a bad choice of words."

The woman did not reply to the messages but reported them to a manager at the cafe, who brought Buchanan in for a disciplinary meeting the next day. Jurors heard one of the women received a lewd comment from Buchanan, written on an order slip.

He wrote a customer wanted their coffee "hot, hot, hot - just like you." He told the court: "I can see how this can be misconstrued. I was just fooling around."

Buchanan, of Bridge of Tilt, tried to dismiss some of his comments as banter, such as when he told one worker she should wear dresses more often. "I was giving her a compliment," he said, adding that he told the same woman she did not need to go to a gym as she had a "perfect figure".

But he accepted he had made a sexual comment to a female employee, when she was a young teenager. "I was trying to do some paperwork and she was asking me: What can I do? I told her 'just go and breathe - it accentuates the gentle curve of your breasts.'

"I saw that she was blushing, I don't know why I said this. Once I said it I knew it was wrong and I apologised to her."

He said: "I understand that I was acting like a complete arsehole that day but that doesn't make me a sexual predator."

Ms Bell told the jury "the accused has told you he has a Benny Hill style sense of humour."

Cafe Biba was part of the Pancake Place chain, which has recently gone out of business. The company's own report of trading placed significant blame on Buchanan's offending for driving away customers. The chain also had a rodent infestation.

Description

A rapist who reported himself to police after attacking a woman has been jailed for eight years.

James Gregory, 32, called officers soon after sexually assaulting a woman and told them he had "pretty much raped" her with the intercourse "unconsented", Newcastle Crown Court heard.

He then pleaded not guilty to rape, claiming he had made a false confession, but jurors found him guilty.

The victim said she felt "angry, confused and dirty" in the aftermath of the attack, the court heard.

Gregory, of Newbolt Court in Gateshead, must also sign the sex offenders register for life.

Description

A man was jailed for repeatedly breaching a restraining order by messaging his ex-partner and turning up at her house, usually uninvited.

William Jenkinson also failed to inform police of a change of address, in breach of the terms of his notification requirements as a sex offender, when he briefly formed a relationship with another woman earlier this year.

The 40-year-old defendant of Troutbeck Way, Peterlee, appeared before Durham Crown Court for sentence after previously admitting ten counts of breaching a restraining order and one of failing to comply with notification requirements.

Paul Cleasby, prosecuting, said the restraining order was put in place at Darlington Magistrates’ Court in March 2023, after Jenkinson was convicted of common assault of his partner at the breakdown of their relationship.

Mr Cleasby said the five-year order was put in place to protect the woman from harassment and from being put in fear of violence at the defendant’s hands.

The victim described her six-year relationship with Jenkinson as “up and down”, saying that on occasions he was verbally abusive to her, but at other times he would tell her it would not happen again.

Mr Cleasby said in spite of the terms of the order, Jenkinson would turn up at her home address and contact her by phone, during which he would sometimes lose his temper.

She was fearful of what he might do and resorted to calling the police.

He was arrested in January this year as he had been going around to her home on and off for about a week at that stage.

She admitted that due to the persistence of his messaging she had invited him around on occasions just to try to appease him.

Despite being subject to bail conditions not to contact his ex-partner, his pattern of behaviour continued, leaving her feeling “vulnerable” and suffering panic attacks.

She said he had destroyed her friendships and family connections and made her feel unworthy, while at times she felt like she was “walking on eggshells” trying not to upset him.

But she said since he has been in custody in recent weeks she has felt some element of relief and a new-found sense of freedom.

Mr Cleasby said the notification offence arose as the defendant briefly moved in with another woman in February and early March this year.

It ended after the police informed her of the defendant’s history and of the court order breaches.

Mr Cleasby said the defendant should have informed his offender manager of the change of address.

The registration requirement was put in place when Jenkinson was jailed for sex offences at Edinburgh High Court, in August 2016.

Calum McNicholas, for Jenkinson conceded it had been “persistent” offending on his client’s behalf.

Mr McNicholas said there was some “back and forth” with the messaging and so the defendant considered there was, “some degree of desired contact.”

He added that the defendant had a traumatic childhood and has his own mental health issues, for which he is only just receiving the correct medication since being in custody.

Recorder Mark Ainsworth said when court orders are put in place it is for the protection of, “others in society” and defendants are expected to abide by their terms.

The Recorder told Jenkinson the responsibility was on him not to breach such orders.

He said not only were the breaches persistent, but they were aggravated by the fact the defendant was on bail after his January arrest and yet continued to flout not only the orders but also, then, his bail conditions.

Imposing a total 22-month prison sentence Recorder Ainsworth reminded Jenkinson that the terms of the orders will remain in place and further breaches would only result

Description

A remorseless sex offender has been jailed for four years for raping a teenage girl. Cameron Huggins was caged after forcing himself on the youngster in Inverness.

The 22-year-old abused the teen, who can't be named for legal reasons, in April 2023. He insisted he was innocent and went on trial over the claims.

But he was convicted at the High Court in Edinburgh on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, and returned to the same court yesterday, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, to learn his fate.

He was sentenced to four years in prison over the serious sexual assault, placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life, and made the subject of a Non-Harassment Order (NHO).

Speaking after the sentence, Police Scotland Detective Constable Emma Ellis, of Inverness Domestic Abuse and Rape Investigation Unit, said: "Huggins is an abusive individual who has shown no remorse for his violent and predatory actions.

"We would encourage anyone who has experienced any form of sexual or violent offence, regardless of when it occurred, to report it. We will investigate thoroughly and have specially trained officers and partner agencies who will support you throughout."

Description

Detectives have praised the crucial role a sexual abuse survivor played in sending her rapist to prison.

Gareth Odell now faces a lengthy stretch behind bars – thanks to the strength shown by the woman he targeted.

The woman showcased immense courage in coming forward to the police and sharing what Odell had done to her.

In total she was raped by Odell on at least 20 separate occasions during 2020 and 2021, at two different Nottingham addresses.

The rapist’s repeated level of offending came to light soon after that when his victim made the brave decision to report it to the police.

Odell was then arrested and charged with nine separate counts of rape and a further count of sexual assault.

The 37-year-old denied any wrongdoing, with a trial subsequently taking place at Nottingham Crown Court in March of this year.

Despite Odell’s protestations, the jury were able to see through his lies and found him guilty on each of the ten counts.

Odell, of Charlbury Road, Wollaton, returned to the same court to be sentenced for his crimes on 2 July.

Describing him as "a danger to women", Judge Julie Warburton handed Odell an extended custodial sentence of 24 years.

He was sentenced to 16 years behind bars and will then spend an additional eight years on licence when he’s released.

Odell was also made the subject of an indefinite restraining order.

Detective Constable Lucy Clarke, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

"Thanks to the immense bravery showcased by the woman he abused, Gareth Odell will now spend a substantial period of his life behind bars.

"It's impossible to sum up the pain, trauma and anguish his actions would've caused to this woman, and yet she found the strength to come forward and report it to the police, which is to her absolute credit.

“Odell's actions were despicable, as he repeatedly forced his victim to have sex with him throughout 2020 and 2021, despite her making it clear to him that she didn’t want to.

“That removal of consent meant what he did – on at least 20 separate occasions – amounted to rape, which is an incredibly serious offence that can destroy a person’s life.

“Even after inflicting all the pain he did, Odell compounded the damage he’d caused further by denying doing anything wrong and making his victim have to relive it all again.

"Thankfully, the jury were able to see through his lies in the trial that followed and convicted him on all ten counts.

"We hope the sentence passed today provides the victim with some small degree of comfort, while also sending a message to other survivors of sexual abuse that we will listen and take action should you report it to us."

Description

Luke David Wilson, 31, of Rosedale Close, Whitby, has been jailed for five years and 10 months for raping a woman in Whitby.

He pleaded guilty to the offence just before a three-day trial was about to start at York Crown Court on Tuesday (1 July 2025).

Wilson also admitted sexual assault by penetration on the victim, who was aged in her late 20s when it occurred at an address in Whitby between 5.20am and 6.20am on Saturday 8 July 2023.

He was remanded into custody ahead of the sentencing today (Wednesday 2 July) as he had breached both police and court bail.

Wilson carried out a prolonged sexual attack on the victim despite her repeated shouts of “no” to Wilson – she had only consented to a cuddle following a night out in the town.  

When interviewed by detectives, Wilson stated they had consensual sex. He maintained this position right up until the start of the trial on Tuesday when he changed his pleas to guilty.

He also changed his account entirely regarding the events that morning, stating that he had no recollection of what had happened.

Detective Constable Charlotte White, of the Scarborough and Ryedale Safeguarding Investigation Team, said:

“The victim in this case has shown nothing but courage and determination throughout. I thank her for her bravery and patience while the investigation has been ongoing.

“The victim had the strength to make a report to the police and the outcome at court is a testament to her strength. She has ensured that a serious sexual offender has been taken off the streets.” 

DC White added:

“As for Wilson, he has not shown a shred of remorse to the victim or for his dreadful actions.

“It is clear he had no understanding of the seriousness of the investigation and the offences for which he has now pleaded guilty to.

“He waited until the first day of trial to enter his guilty pleas, further prolonging the stress and anxiety for the victim. 

“We will continue to strive to apprehend those who cause violence against women and girls, and I hope this case shows that action will be taken against such offenders and victims will be listened to and fully supported.”

As well as the custodial sentence, Wilson has also been placed on the Register of Sex Offenders for the rest of his life.

Victim Personal Statement

The following are extracts from the Victim Personal Statement read out in full at the sentencing hearing:

“I contemplated suicide more than once and I went to my GP for help. I didn’t know where to go, or what to do, and I felt like a burden to everyone around me. I went from being a trusting, outgoing and independent person to being a shell of myself and I was just going through the motions of day-to-day life.”

“I can no longer trust men, whether that be in a relationship or family members, and I have found myself resentful towards males. I got into a relationship a long time after what happened, and it was awful. I realised that I couldn’t sleep anymore as I didn’t feel safe, so I ended the relationship, and I think that I will be alone for the rest of my life. The thought of even trying to give my trust to anyone makes me feel sick.”

“Luke stole a part of me that I will never get back and has made me lose my confidence and ability to trust…I can’t even hug my own mother anymore as any affection make me feel sick to my stomach.”

“I hope that one day I can move on, however it has now been two years, and I still have nightmares and panic attacks nearly every night. I miss the old me and how loveable I was, and how much trust I had in people. I always saw the best in everyone, and now I see the worst.”