Latest Offenders

Description

A man has been handed a 15-year custodial sentence for raping a woman in Telford.

Mark Hirons, of Habershon Close, Lydbury North, was found guilty of rape, assault and intentional strangulation relating to offences carried out in Telford.

The court heard how officers were made aware of the offences in May 2025 when the victim reported the incident to the police.

The 38-year-old was subsequently arrested, and an investigation was carried out. Hirons was later charged and stood trial where he was found guilty in November 2025.

On 9 February he was sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court to 15 years in prison, as well as being given a restraining order.

Detective Constable Darren Wincott, from Telford’s Protecting Vulnerable People team, said:

“I am very grateful for the sentence the judge has handed to Hirons, who is clearly a very dangerous individual who preys on women.

“I would like to commend the victim in this, who has been incredibly brave throughout this investigation. I hope the sentence can offer her some form of closure and will enable to her to move forward with her life.”

Description

A DNA breakthrough has resulted in a prison sentence for a man who thought he had escaped justice for raping a teenage girl almost 20 years ago.

The incident happened on 7 October 2006, when Kennedy Jimmy, then 25, met the victim and her friend in a supermarket car park in Shefford. 

He arrived in a car driven by a friend and waited until the others went inside the shop before pulling the victim into the back of the car and raping her.

She managed to escape and ran to a nearby pub, where her friend called the police.

Although detectives launched an investigation and carried out extensive lines of enquiry at the time, Jimmy – known to the victim only as ‘Kenny’ – could not be identified.

As part of Operation Painter, a specialist review of historic rape and sexual assault cases by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, a forensic analysis revealed a DNA match, which led to his arrest in November 2022.

Jimmy, now 44, of Wessex Court, Sunny Bank, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, was convicted of rape after a five-day trial at Luton Crown Court in October last year and was sentenced today (Friday) to six years with a life-long restraining order. 

Detective Constable Rhian Batterham-Jones said:

“This conviction demonstrates that time is no barrier to justice. Jimmy thought he had escaped accountability, but advances in forensic science and the determination of our team proved otherwise.

“I want to commend the victim for her incredible courage in coming forward and reliving such a traumatic experience two decades later.

“I hope this gives other victims the courage to come forward to report any sexual offences, no matter how long ago the crime took place. You will be believed and supported, and justice can be done.”

Description

Two men who preyed on and raped a vulnerable 13-year-old girl in a hotel room have now been sentenced to a combined total of 16 years and seven months behind bars following an appearance at Hull Crown Court on Friday, 30 January 2026.

Riley Smith, 19-years-old of New Street, Louth pleaded not guilty and after a four-day trial which concluded on Friday, 25 July 2025 at Grimsby Crown Court, he was found guilty of joint enterprise rape by a jury and has now been sentenced to seven years behind bars and will be on the sex offenders register for life.

Shahram Ibrehemi, 20-years-old of The Crescent, Bridlington pleaded guilty to three counts of rape at an earlier court appearance and has now been sentenced to nine years and seven months behind bars and will be on the sex offenders register for life.

Detective Constable Mark Tomlinson who lead the case said:

“We launched our investigation after receiving a report that on Thursday 26 December 2024, a vulnerable 13yearold girl was taken into a hotel room on Anlaby Road in Hull and repeatedly raped by a man later identified as Ibrehemi, while another man, later identified as Smith, kept watch.

“Smith was staying in a hotel room in the city centre and met up with Ibrehemi earlier in the day.  Both men then approached the young girl on Paragon Street several times asking for her phone number. She disclosed her age, yet they repeatedly told her it did not matter.

“They returned to her location on Paragon Street later in the night and saw that she was now highly intoxicated. Exploiting her vulnerabilities, the men, supporting her ability to stand, picked her up and escorted her to the hotel room.

“It was then in the hotel room, Ibrehemi continuously raped the young girl whilst Smith kept a look out and entered the room on multiple occasions telling Ibrehemi to shut the teenage girl up as she was going to get them both caught.

The young girl told us that during their first interaction, the men gave her a phone number in case she wished to contact them. It was this number that enabled us to identify a suspect.”

“Officers spoke with the victim and hotel staff to help identify those involved. One of the key lines of enquiry was obtaining the hotel’s CCTV, which showed the girl being escorted to a room by two men. This footage allowed us to confirm the identities of Ibrehemi and Smith”.

Following police enquiries, Ibrehemi was located and arrested on Tuesday, 14 January 2025. He provided a nocomment interview and was subsequently charged and remanded into custody.

Smith was arrested in Grimsby on 19 March 2025 after evading police for two months. He denied all allegations, but after a sevenday trial was found guilty of joint enterprise rape.

Detective Constable Mark Tomlinson continued:

“During interview, both men denied knowing each other beforehand and showed no remorse for their actions.

“This has been an incredibly traumatic experience for the young girl, particularly having to go through the court process. I want to commend her bravery, it is because of her courage that these two men are now behind bars and unable to subject anyone else to their abhorrent behaviour.

“Whilst it will never take away the trauma she endured on that night, I hope this sentence provides reassurance to victims that we will not only prosecute the offender but anyone that assists or aids a criminal offence will be put before the courts under the joint enterprise act.

“Our main priority will always be with the victims, giving them a voice and working with partners and other agencies to make them feel supported and safeguarded every step of the way. We also continue to take huge steps to reduce re-offending, deter perpetrators, and above all, keep victims safe.”

Description

Today (Thursday 12 February), following an extensive South Yorkshire Police ‘cold case’ investigation, a jury has unanimously found David Hill guilty of the rape of a woman from over 40 years ago.

On Saturday 7 September 1985, at just past midnight, a young woman walking back to her car after a night out was held at knifepoint and raped in an underground car park in Sheffield.

Despite a thorough investigation being launched - which included a detailed statement from the victim, as well forensic samples from the victim's clothing - the offender was never traced. Sadly, the victim died 12 years later without ever seeing the man who attacked her brought to justice.

In 2018, our Major Incident Review Team (MIRT) began reviewing the case. The MIRT reviews South Yorkshire’s most serious cold cases, as well as more recent incidents such as murders.

As part of this review, evidence gathered during the original investigation was re-tested and due to the advance of forensic techniques the DNA of the offender was identified. However, no matches were found on the national database.

Then in 2021, during one of the regular reviews of the case, we re-tested the DNA and matched it to Hill.

The 75-year-old's DNA had been added to the national database after he was arrested for a separate public order offence. Hill was subsequently arrested on suspicion of rape, but he denied the offence, saying he had no memory of the victim but that he must have had consensual sex with her.

Head of the Major Incident Review Team, Dave Stopford said:

"Due to the victim having sadly died, we, alongside the Crown Prosecution Service, applied to the court to have her original police statement read as ‘hearsay’ evidence, which is when evidence is provided in a manner other than as firsthand, direct testimony.

"This resulted in us carrying out a number of enquiries to prove that the victim's statement could be trusted. I would like to thank the victim's close friend and family member, who provided evidence of her character meaning the court agreed to hear her evidence."

Despite the evidence linking Hill to the rape, he pleaded not guilty. However, following a week-long trial, a jury has today seen through his lies and found Hill, of Broom Valley Road, Rotherham, guilty of rape. He has been remanded into custody and will appear before Sheffield Crown Court on 20 March for sentencing.

Mr Stopford added:

"I want to commend the victim in this case. It is tragic that she is no longer here to witness Hill facing justice, but I hope it brings her loved ones some comfort to know that we never gave up on pursuing him. The victim bravely assisted the police in the initial investigation and died very young, and our thoughts remain with her loved ones.

“I would like to thank the witnesses who helped secure this conviction. The lead investigator at the time, ex-Detective Chief Superintendent Robert Varey, and ex PC Sue Botley, who assisted in the examination of the victim, both provided crucial evidence during the trial.

"I would also like to thank the scientists involved, whose work is invaluable in these historic cases, and without them this perpetrator may never have been brought to justice for this crime.

"This has been a very lengthy and complex investigation. A number of investigating officers on my team have been involved over the years, culminating in Investigating Officer Rachel Morton working many hours to submit the case to the CPS and the courts.”

Description

Today (Tuesday 10 February) a St Helens man has been jailed for 10 years for committing child sex offences.

Aaron Ward, 26 years, of Gamble Avenue, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court and was sentenced to 10 years in prison, plus one year extended sentence.  He also received an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be subject to the Sex Offenders Register.

In July last year it was reported that Ward had committed historic child offences to a young girl from when he was 17-years-old and spanning over several years.

Following an investigation, Ward was charged with six sex offences to which he pleaded guilty to three counts of Assault by Touching and Cause/Incite a Child to Engage in Sexual Activity. However he was found guilty at trial for Rape of a Child and Assault by Penetration.

Officer in Charge of the investigation, Detective Constable Molly McKeown, said:

“Today’s sentencing follows a lengthy investigation to bring Ward before the courts so that he pays for his crimes.

“The victim showed immense courage despite her young age and was extremely brave to speak to police about this horrendous abuse.

“As part of the work of the Knowsley and St Helens Child Protection team this result has been brought today. Our sole focus is protecting young people and bringing offenders to justice. We have specialist dedicated officers who investigate these offences.”

Detective Constable McKeown added: “Merseyside Police is completely committed to protecting children from sexual abuse and those who seek to do them harm.

 “I would like to take this opportunity to stress that if you have experienced any form of sexual abuse, or know of a child being abused, please come forward and report this to police. 

“We take all such reports extremely seriously and if you can find the courage to come forward and speak to us we have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and compassion.”

Description

A man has been told he will serve a 14-year prison sentence after his appeals were rejected.

Oliver Mullen, aged 38 from Bradford-on-Avon, was convicted at Bristol Crown Court in October 2024 after being found unanimously guilty of raping two women.

He was sentenced to 14 years in prison, with a further four years on extended licence and was added to the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Mullen appealed both the conviction and the sentencing, with the request being heard at the Royal Courts of Justice on Wednesday 28 January. His conviction appeal was refused and the sentencing appeal was dismissed.

During the trial, the jury was told how Mullen had raped a woman who was not in a position to consent at a property off Atchley Street, in Bristol, on 21 May 2021.

The jury was also told how he had previously raped another woman in Ashley Avenue, in Bath, on the 10 April 2016.

In one of the victim’s statement, read out at his sentencing, she said:

“Daily, I feel fear, shame, anger, isolation and distrust. He watched me struggle to breathe and then he raped me. Today, I can breathe again.

“I find it difficult to trust new people, especially men, and this has deeply affected my ability to form meaningful relationships. The trauma I carry with me has shaped my world in ways I cannot fully express.”

Speaking following the conclusion of the appeal process, DC Lee Townsend said: 

“Mullen has repeatedly not taken accountability for his actions, and his latest appeals have only furthered the pain and suffering for his victims.

“Both women have shown exceptional strength of character and bravery throughout this investigation and the prolonged court proceedings, and I only hope that this finally closes what is an undoubtedly difficult chapter for both of them, and has provided them both with justice.

“Mullen is a dangerous man, who took advantage of his victims when they were vulnerable and unable to consent to his heinous crimes. I only hope that this sends a clear message to anyone else who thinks of committing such horrible acts against women and girls.”

Description

A man has been jailed after he was found guilty of two counts of rape in Sussex.

Carlo Di Tella, 46, stood trial accused of the rapes on a woman known to him in St Leonards.

The victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, received support from specialist officers.

She has been praised for her bravery and courage during the trial process at Lewes Crown Court.

The court was told how Di Tella had targeted the woman while she slept.

The offences happened in January 2023, and the victim reported her experience to the police.

At Lewes Crown Court on 16 January, Di Tella, of Bohemia Road, St Leonards, was sentenced to six years in prison for each count of rape, to run concurrently.

The court also imposed a ten-year restraining order on Di Tella and he has been placed on the sex offenders register.

In a statement, the victim said she has lived with the fear of seeing Di Tella in the community, and said the rapes have had a “devastating” impact on her life.

She described the “emotional rollercoaster” of the case, and said: “I will live with this ordeal for the rest of my life.”

Investigating officer PC Sally Smith said:

“This was a complex investigation and we were determined to get justice for the victim who was extremely brave and courageous when she reported the rape almost three years ago.

“She continued to support the investigation through the trial process. It shows we take reports of rape extremely seriously, and we encourage victims of rape and serious sexual offences to report their experience to the police.”

Description

A Chippenham sex offender has been jailed after committing fresh child-related offences five years after his first conviction.

Lewis Walker, 31, of Bakehouse Close, admitted making 38 indecent images of children and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

He first appeared at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court in December before being sentenced at Salisbury Crown Court in January.

Walker was convicted at Bristol Crown Court on 10 January 2020 of attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child and was handed a five-year SHPO banning contact with children and restricting his use of internet-enabled devices.

For the latest offences he was jailed for seven months, ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for seven years, and given a new seven-year SHPO with similar restrictions.

Description

Justin James, 46, from Ely, Cardiff, has been jailed for sexually assaulting three females over a three-year period.

James was found guilty of five counts of sexual assault by penetration and six counts of sexual assault by touching.

He was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday, January 23 to 14 years imprisonment and placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely.

A further hearing yesterday (Tuesday, February 10) confirmed that James is also subject of a Restraining Order and Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Constable Lewis Clarke, from South Wales Police, said:

“The victims and their relatives have been deeply impacted by James’ offending and were massively relieved at the conclusion of the trial that their voices had been heard.

“The sentencing will, of course, not undo what happened to them but gives them a piece of mind that they have been taken seriously and that they will be protected from Justin James by the sentence he has received.”

Description

A 36-year-old man has been jailed for 17 years for two counts of rape against one woman and sexually assaulting another woman, both while they were asleep.

Craig Winston, a former Gloucestershire Police student officer, was found guilty in December last year of several offences following a trial at Shrewsbury Crown Court.

After an investigation by Gloucestershire Constabulary's Criminal Investigation Department, on 17 December a jury found Winston guilty of four offences against one woman.

This was two counts of rape, one count of causing a female to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity and one count of engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour. He was also found guilty of one count of sexual assault by penetration relating to another woman.

The offences were committed off-duty, and he was found not guilty of four other counts.

His Honour Judge Anthony Lowe sentenced Winston on Friday (6 February) to 17 years in prison for the offences, and told Winston he must serve at least two-thirds before being released on licence. Judge Lowe also gave Winston 20-year restraining orders to protect both women.

During the hearing, it was said evidence presented at trial showed Winston had researched online about sexually assaulting people who were drugged or unconscious, along with the effect of various drugs on them.

The court was told his internet history indicated an interest in degrading and punishing through sexual abuse.

One of the survivors was in court and read a statement in which she described Winston as a "selfish, twisted, depraved bully".

She said Winston had threatened her by saying she would lose everything if she reported him to the police, and he said his career as a police officer would be jeopardised if she did report it and that it would be all her fault.

She added:

"Yet it was your and only your actions that brought you here, and those colleagues of yours that have helped and supported me to be able to stand here today, when so many woman are unable to do so with their abuser."

A statement was read to the court on behalf of the other victim. She said: "There is no statement that can truly describe the ways that Craig Winston ruined my life, but after today I can finally begin to walk the difficult road of moving on. I am indescribably relieved now that this process if over, and I can begin to move on with my life."

In mitigation, Winston's defence barrister said he was a relatively young man who was of previous good character, and that he had an awful childhood which may explain some of the ways in which Winston navigated his life. He said the impact of a custodial sentence on Winston would be profound.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Ed Garlick said:

"I do not underestimate how difficult it is for victims and survivors of sexual abuse to come forward and report crimes to the police, even more so when that offender is a serving police officer.

"Winston subjected both women to unimaginable harm, and although no sentence changes his horrific actions, I hope they find some comfort in knowing that by bravely coming forward, they have stopped his ability to harm anyone else.

"I commend both women for their courage in working with us, following this case through to court and giving evidence in front of a jury. It is due to them that Winston will now be behind bars for a number of years."

The court was told the crimes were reported to police after Winston had joined the service.

Judge Lowe said:

"Mr Winston was a probationary police officer and even the most scrupulous vetting system would not have exposed the matters."

Winston had been a student officer based in the Forest of Dean. He was arrested and suspended from duty as soon as the allegations came to light in October 2022 and resigned from the Constabulary in February 2023.

At the time the allegations were made he was still in his probationary period having joined the Constabulary in January 2022.

The Force referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and the IOPC returned it to the Force to investigate.

The case was then investigated by Gloucestershire Police's Criminal Investigation Department with charges authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service.

At the time of Winston’s conviction, Deputy Chief Constable Katy Barrow-Grint said:

"I am deeply shocked at the heinous crimes committed by Craig Winston, including some whilst he was a serving student police officer.

"The courage the survivors have demonstrated over the past four years is commendable and I'd like to thank them for their assistance in helping us hold him accountable.

"There is absolutely no place in policing for someone like him and we will now begin misconduct proceedings against him to ensure his name is placed on the police barred list.

"I hope this case reassures the public we will not hesitate to investigate allegations of criminal wrongdoing by our officers and staff and bring them to justice."

Gemma Kneebone, a Senior Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit, said:

"A thorough police investigation revealed that Craig Winston had a sexual interest in degrading abuse against women, and that he researched the use of various drugs to render people unconscious.

"This evidence, together with the accounts of two women who spoke of their personal experiences with Winston, enabled the Crown Prosecution Service to build a compelling case which resulted in his conviction and a very significant prison term.

"This prosecution would not have been possible without the evidence provided by these two women, and I would like to thank them for their bravery in coming forward and supporting this prosecution."

Description

A child sex offender from Margate who abused multiple victims has been jailed for 28 years.

Duncan Bayles, formerly of Northdown Road, was sentenced in relation to crimes committed against five children that began in the 1980s.

Investigation

Kent Police launched a specialist investigation in June 2019 after a man came forward to report how Bayles had abused him on several occasions when he was a boy.

Extensive enquiries were completed and complex evidence was obtained. It was established that a further three men had also been preyed upon while they were children.

Multiple victims

The young victims were sexually assaulted, manipulated, bribed with gifts in return for carrying out sexual acts and groomed to believe that Bayles’ behaviour was normal.

Bayles, 65, was arrested on 18 August 2020 and was later charged with 19 offences in relation to the reports, including gross indecency, indecent assault and attempted rape.

Having denied the offences, Bayles was found guilty of all charges on 24 October 2024, following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court.

Further victim

The court case relating to the young male victims led to a woman approaching Kent Police to report that the offender had also abused her as a child.

He threatened to harm the girl’s pets if she told anyone about him and made her think that she would not be believed if she reported his depravity.

Additional charges

Detectives launched a separate investigation, which resulted in Bayles facing an additional 17 charges including four counts of child rape.

Bayles again pleaded not guilty. A further trial took place at Canterbury Crown Court, resulting in his conviction on all counts in a unanimous jury verdict on 15 January 2026.

Convicted and jailed

On 6 February 2026, at the same court, Bayles was sentenced to 28 years in prison. He will spend a further two years on licence at the end of the custodial period and will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life.

Detective Constable Pete Edwards said:

'This was a complex case and all of Bayles’ victims should be praised for their courage in coming forward, and for remaining steadfast throughout the process of bringing this predatory offender to justice.

'It is never too late to report a crime and Kent Police remains committed to supporting survivors of abuse, listening to them and pursuing offenders no matter how much time has passed.

'We recognise the impact that these horrific crimes have had on Bayles’ victims, and hope they will find some closure, knowing that this dangerous criminal is now behind bars. The restrictions to which he must adhere at the end of his long custodial period, which will remain in place for the rest of his life, will further protect against him reoffending and safeguard future potential victims.'

2024-10-26

Former Margate bar boss and previous childrens home worker Duncan Bayles will be sentenced in January after being found guilty of sex offences against children.

Mr Bayles was found guilty of 12 indecent assault charges against children aged below 14 years; six indecency with a child charges and one charge of attempted rape following a two trial at Canterbury Crown Court which concluded last week.

The offences took place in the 1980s and 1990s against four boys, then aged under 13, at two childrens homes in Ramsgate and Deal.

Mr Bayles, aged 64, of Northdown Road, has been remanded in custody and will return to the court on January 24 for sentencing.

Description

A landscape gardener from Horsham who sexually abused a girl over several years has been jailed.

Robert Aynsley, 56, of Windrum Close in Horsham, began abusing the victim when she was 12 years old, regularly subjecting her to sexual assaults until she turned 17.

The abuse was reported to police in May, 2022, and the victim was given specialist support by specialist officers while an investigation was launched.

Aynsley was arrested the same month and subsequently charged with five counts of sexual assault on a child and two counts each of assault by touching, inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and attempted assault by penetration.

He denied all the offences, but was convicted on all counts on 11 November, 2025, following a trial at Lewes Crown Court.

At the same court on Tuesday, 3 February, he was jailed for 12 years and given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, designed to significantly limit his opportunity to reoffend.

Detective Sergeant Ellen Jones said:

“Robert Aynsley’s crimes are appalling, sustained and will have a lasting traumatic impact on the victim that she must navigate for the rest of her life.

“I cannot thank her enough for the strength and determination she has shown to first report Aynsley’s offending, then support the investigation and attend court to give evidence. Her resolve has helped put her abuser behind bars.

“If you are a victim of sexual offending, no matter how long ago, please report it to the police. We will listen, we will support you and we will do everything we can to get you justice.”

Description

A 44-year-old man has been jailed for one year after sexually assaulting a young woman on a train in the Wirral in August last year.

Following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation, Graham Wragg, of Seaview Road, Liscard, was found guilty on Wednesday 4 February following a trial at Liverpool Magistrates' Court.

Despite maintaining his innocence and pleading not guilty, Wragg was sentenced to one year in prison and further ordered to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.

The court heard how Wragg sexually assaulted an 18-year-old woman on a train from Liverpool Lime Street to New Brighton railway station at around 8.30pm on Friday 1 August 2025.

The young woman and her partner had boarded the train at Birkenhead North railway station and sat in the row of empty seats in front of Wragg.

He reached through the gap between the seat and the window to touch her before sexually assaulting her. The young woman and her partner stood up and moved seats to a different carriage.

The couple got off the service at Wallasey Bridge railway station and Wragg followed them. He then started shouting at them.

Once the couple made it home the incident was reported to BTP through the non-emergency 0800 40 50 40 number and following an investigation he was identified and arrested at his home address.

BTP Detective Sergeant Callum Lancaster said:

“This sentence reflects the courage of the young woman who came forward to report this incident. Wragg’s actions that day were completely unacceptable, and although he claimed he was simply reaching for a water bottle, we were able to prove otherwise and secure a conviction.

“I hope this outcome prompts him to reflect on his behaviour and serves as a reminder of how to conduct himself appropriately while travelling by train.

“If you experience or witness a sexual offence on a train or at a station, please report it by texting 61016. In an emergency, always call 999.”

Description

A man has been jailed for six years and will be monitored by police for life after admitting to sexual activity with a child he groomed on social media.

Lewis Plane had initially denied the offences but changed his plea at the start of his trial at Ipswich Crown Court in December last year.

Following detailed work by Essex Police’s Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) team Plane, of Prince Philip Road, Colchester, was arrested and interviewed. He refused to answer any questions.

Used fake profile

The 33-year-old had messaged the victim on Snapchat in October 2023. Using a fake profile, he asked her to add him as a friend and told her he was 17 years old.

Knowing how old she was, Plane then sent the girl multiple inappropriate and sexualised messages, including videos of him performing indecent acts.

He then told the victim his profile kept being shut down, they exchanged numbers and started communicating via WhatsApp.

And within a few weeks of the initial online contact, they had arranged to meet in Clacton. They would later meet in Colchester.

These meetings happened regularly, with the victim believing she was in a relationship with the defendant.

This continued until the victim stop seeing the defendant in the Spring of 2025.

Subject to Sexual Harm Prevention Order

Through a separate investigation officers became aware of the victim and spoke to her. Following sensitive enquiries, she was able to confirm what had happened to her.

With the weight of evidence against him, Plane admitted three counts of sexual activity with a child, meeting a child following sexual grooming, sexual communication with a child and controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship.

At Ipswich Crown Court on Friday 6 February Plane was jailed for six years, will be subject to a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order and was given an indefinite restraining order.

"supported me throughout"

Following the sentence, the victim said:

I would like to thank PC Eleanor Rutherford and Detective Constable Emmie Yeo who worked on my case and my independent sexual violence advisor Kate Allen who have all supported me through everything, I don’t know how I would’ve handled this case without them they are angels.

"child protection is utmost priority"

PC Eleanor Rutherford said:

I want to pay tribute to the victim for her resilience and strength throughout this investigation.

By sharing what happened to her, she has ensured that not only is this dangerous predator behind bars, but other children are protected.

Child protection is our utmost priority, and we will work relentlessly to keep them safe.

And when Plane is released, he will be monitored and have strict restrictions placed on him to protect children going forward.

Description

A man who sexually abused a young child in Southampton has been jailed for eight years.

Juan Francisco De La Cruz, 59, assaulted a girl – who was under the age of 13 – at a property in Southampton on multiple occasions in 2022.

De La Cruz, of Robert Keen Close, Southwark, London, was convicted following a trial at Winchester Crown Court of two counts of assault by touching, and one of assaulting of a girl by penetration.

Appearing at the same court last Thursday (5 February), he was jailed for eight years.

He will also be subject to an indefinite restraining order and sexual harm prevention order.

DC Katharine Mumford, from the Child Abuse Investigation Team, who led the investigation, said:

“De La Cruz is a depraved and predatory offender who targeted a vulnerable child. No sentence can erase the impact of his actions, but I hope today’s result offers the victim and their family some sense of justice.

“I want to recognise the immense bravery shown by the young victim in coming forward and speaking about what happened. Their courage has been central to securing this conviction.

“Our team is dedicated to protecting children, pursuing offenders, and supporting families through what is often an incredibly painful process. We will always work tirelessly to ensure those who commit these appalling offences and harm children are brought before the courts.”