Latest Offenders

Description

A former Merseyside police officer who admitted possessing "highly disturbing" extreme pornography has received a suspended sentence.

Ryan Connolly, 41, of Huyton, was cleared last week of misconduct in a public office after selfies he took on duty at a teenager's death scene and images of vulnerable detainees at hospitals were found on his phone in 2020.

At Manchester Crown Court, he was sentenced for three counts of possessing extreme pornography, involving videos in his WhatsApp sent folder: two showing sexual acts with animals and one likely to cause serious injury.

Connolly pleaded guilty on the first day of trial in November 2021.

Recorder of Manchester Judge Nicholas Dean KC described one video, showing a man appearing to cause injury to himself, as "repugnant and worryingly so, in the sense it involves scenes of a masochistic or sadistic nature." He added: "It is highly disturbing and an image that even described, let alone seen, leaves an indelible impression."

Defense counsel Charlotte Rimmer noted character references for Connolly, now a self-employed health and safety auditor who has had another child since proceedings began.

The judge said a nearly five-year delay since the 2021 guilty plea made immediate imprisonment "inappropriate," though it would otherwise have been likely.

Connolly received a 12-month sentence suspended for two years, 80 hours of unpaid work, and 10 years on the sex offender notification register.

'Deplorable'

Last week, the jury was discharged after the judge ruled the prosecution's evidence could not prove misconduct.

Jurors heard Connolly, then a constable, took selfies—including one lying on grass—while guarding a cordon after 16-year-old Daniel Gee-Jamieson's 2018 killing in Belle Vale, Liverpool.

Over 50 photos, including images of vulnerable hospital detainees, force systems, and colleagues, were found in his WhatsApp sent folder upon his February 2020 arrest.

Merseyside Police dismissed Connolly in 2021, calling his behavior "deplorable." A misconduct hearing revealed other phone images were racist, homophobic, and mocked disabled people, with messages showing he socialized with a known criminal.

Description

A serial sex offender who groped schoolchildren has been jailed for breaching court orders.

Goherali Damani, 60, of Pilgrim Close in Morden, was sentenced to one year in prison on March 4 at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court, where he pleaded guilty.

Previously convicted in 2023 of sexually assaulting schoolgirls as young as 12 and exposing himself to women and children on buses in south London, Damani was subject to a sexual harm prevention order. It banned him from using public transport without an Oyster card registered in his name and from sitting next to any unknown female.

On November 18 last year, he breached the order by sitting next to a woman on the 155 bus in Lambeth without tapping in using a registered card.

Magistrates concluded he had a flagrant disregard for court orders, justifying only a prison sentence.

Description

A 21-year-old pervert, Lewis Herman, was jailed for six years and ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life after abusing a 14-year-old girl, leaving her blaming herself.

Herman, of Westmorland Road, Newcastle, was 20 when he began Snapchat contact with the teen, lying that he was 17. He requested photos of her breasts and bottom, sent her a video of himself performing a sex act, and twice drove to meet her in Teesside for sexual activity in his car, per ChronicleLive.

At sentencing, Recorder Christopher Rose noted: "It appears a subsequent partner of yours realised what had happened before with this complainant and reported it to the police."

Herman was convicted of eight offenses, including sexual communication with a child, causing a child to watch a sexual act, sexual activity with a child, and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. He pleaded guilty to causing and inciting the sending of child abuse images.

He faces a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and restraining order.

In her victim impact statement, the girl said:

"I'm completely overwhelmed by what happened. The emotional impact on my life has been significant and my mental health has deteriorated.

"My anxiety has got much worse and I'm constantly thinking about and reliving what happened to me. I struggle to sleep, I have nightmares.

"I sit and cry and think why did it have to be me. I still blame myself even though I know it was not my fault."

She added she dislikes being alone, feels unsafe, and panics seeing people resembling Herman.

Defending, Victoria Lamballe said:

"He continues to advance, at least in part, the account the jury rejected at trial. However he accepts the jury's verdict and has begun to acknowledge he has an unhealthy pre-occupation with sexual matters."

Description

Fife rapist had his parole bid thrown out for a third time despite originally being sentenced to only 45 months in prison.

Luke Bertorelli was convicted of a total of 11 charges, including raping three women, in a spree of attacks across Dunfermline, High Valleyfield, Blairgowrie and Edinburgh between March 2017 and February 2021.

Description

Regarded as one of the most abhorrent crimes in the North East, on December 27, 2005, Peter Voisey abducted a six-year-old girl from her bath in Wallsend, North Tyneside, subjected her to two sexual assaults, and abandoned her naked in a snowy back lane. The attack shocked the local community and the nation.

Voisey was linked to the crime via partial shoe prints on the wet bathroom floor. In 2006, at Newcastle Crown Court, he was sentenced to a minimum of 10 years, with the judge warning he might never be released.

This week, Chronicle Live reported that after his sixth parole review, the 54-year-old was deemed unsafe for release by the Parole Board, which also rejected a move to an open prison.

The Full Story of Peter Voisey: Every Parent's Nightmare

Predator Profile  

Depraved Peter Voisey fit the classic predatory sex offender mold—abused as a child, he became an abuser. He targeted the innocent six-year-old, snatching her from her bath to rape and molest her before dumping her in the cold.

He had a prior conviction for indecently assaulting a 12-year-old girl in a leisure centre changing room in 2001. At his 2006 sentencing, his troubled childhood and teen record emerged: at 15, he coerced a young girl into burgling her mother's home, but she eventually broke free.

Voisey knew every alley and shortcut in Willington Quay and Wallsend, using the area for vehicle break-ins and arson.

Criminal Background

Born July 5, 1971, in London, Voisey lived in Bristol before moving to the North East at age four. His mother Alice lived on Savory Road but separated from his tyrannical father Bill; both are deceased. Voisey claimed mistreatment by his father and was placed at Hesley Hall boarding school near Doncaster from ages nine to 15.

His petty crimes escalated during Tyneside visits. He worked in hotels nationwide, as a driver, motor mechanic, and briefly as a pizza delivery operative, but was on benefits at arrest.

2001 Indecent Assault

Four years before the abduction, under the alias Peter Smith, Voisey assaulted a girl in Macclesfield Leisure Centre's changing rooms after stalking others. Living in Crawley Road, Wallsend, he was sentenced to three years at Chester Crown Court in 2002.

Acquittals and Arrests

At 24, using Peter Smith, Voisey was acquitted of indecently assaulting three boys in Hodgkin Park, Newcastle's West End, while living in Scotswood.

In August 2003, he was arrested for assaulting four boys camping in Benridge Park, Blyth, but released due to insufficient evidence.

The Bath Abduction

On December 27, 2005, in Willington Quay, Voisey entered the flat, silenced the bathing girl (whose mother was nearby putting her brother to bed), and drove her away in his red Vauxhall Astra. After 15 minutes of assaults, he left her in a freezing alley near home.

She was found sobbing by Geoffrey Brown on Armstrong Road. He said: "It's this time of year when the memories come flooding back. There was snow on the ground and I couldn't get my head around why she didn't have any clothes on. It was when I wrapped her up and brought her in that she told me a man had taken her out of her bath and took her away.

"I was later told what had actually happened and it makes my stomach churn. She must have gone through hell. It makes you wonder about other people's psyche."

Diary and Motive

Police suspected Voisey was burgling when he saw the girl and acted impulsively. He claimed he was buying cannabis, but friends wouldn't corroborate. His diary entry for December 27 read: "Phew, it's over. Chill now."

Imprisonment 

Convicted of rape, sexual assault, and abduction, Voisey (also known as Peter Smith) received a minimum 10-year sentence. Jurors wept hearing the girl's ordeal; the judge warned of possible lifelong imprisonment.

Recent Parole Denial

In the latest review, the Parole Board summary stated: "After considering the circumstances of his offending, the progress made while in custody and the evidence presented in the dossier, the panel was not satisfied that release at this point would be safe for the protection of the public."

Risk factors included instability, relationship difficulties, poor friendships, and substance misuse. Voisey denied sexual attraction to children, but the panel noted his attitudes toward sexual behavior as relevant to risk.

He completed programs and engaged with a psychologist, but maintained innocence, hindering full understanding of his behavior.

Description

We are welcoming the sentencing of a former firefighter to 13 years imprisonment plus six years on extended for sexual offences against children.

Scott Cameron, 41, was initially arrested in February 2024.

Cameron was convicted after trial and has remained on remand until today, Friday 6 March 2026. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison for the following offences: 

• Six offences of Sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15
• Sexual communication with a child
• Two offences of Causing or Inciting a child to engage in sexual activity;
• Meeting a child following sexual grooming

He was additionally sentenced to one year in prison (to be served consecutively) for a further offence of Causing or Inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, in relation to a separate victim.

Cameron will also be required to register on the Sex Offender for life. He was classed as dangerous offender, has been barred from working with children, issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and Restraining Orders for both victims.

Speaking after the case, Detective Inspector Tony Meakins from our Child Criminal and Sexual Exploitation Team (CCSET) said:

"Cameron abused his position as a firefighter in order to sexually exploit a young girl, and he will now serve a considerable prison sentence, as well as ending his career in disgrace. He has no regard for the significant harm his crimes have caused, and continue to cause.

"Cameron repeatedly tried to blame those around him in attempts to cover his tracks. He was quite prepared to damage and bring under suspicion people close to him. From any perspective, Scott Cameron has shown himself to be an utterly contemptible man.

"The victims and their families have shown strength and courage throughout this process, which was made more traumatic by Cameron's denials and the consequent court case. His lies and attempts to blame his victims for his actions have caused further harm, and we hope that today's sentence at least gives some sense of justice being served, and allows them to continue the healing process.

"We have specially trained staff to help victims every step of the way, so I would urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse to come forward. They will get the support and advice they need to help them come to terms with their ordeal, and if they so wish, put their abuser before the courts."

Chief Fire Officer, Nick Searle said:

“We remain grateful to Merseyside Police for immediately bringing this matter our attention and the support they have provided to the victims and their families. The Service was made aware of Cameron’s arrest on 2nd February 2024, he was suspended from duty immediately and was dismissed on 23rd February 2024 following an investigation and discipline hearing.” 

CPS Mersey-Cheshire Senior Crown Prosecutor Georgiana Panteli said:

“Scott Cameron is a dangerous and manipulative paedophile.

“In October last year, a jury found him guilty of grooming and engaging in sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl.

“However, it became apparent that this was not the first time Scott Cameron had tried to groom an underage girl, and there is a clear pattern in his methods and behaviour.

“The Crown Prosecution Service was determined to make Cameron face up to the full extent of his offending and, when further allegations were made, he was charged with another offence of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity almost twenty years ago.

“He pleaded guilty to that offence at a hearing at Liverpool Crown Court on 27 February 2026.

“Today (5 March 2026) he has been sentenced for all 11 offences in total, the ten offences he was convicted of in October and the additional charge that he pleaded guilty to.

“The CPS would like to thank the victims and witnesses for their help in bringing this successful prosecution and ensuring Cameron faces up to what he has done.”

Description

A Derbyshire man has been jailed for more than 20 years after he was found guilty of sexually abusing two children.

Mark Kearney was arrested in November 2024 after the abuse was reported to police. He was swiftly charged and remanded into custody.

In respect of the first victim, the 55-year-old denied two counts of rape of a child under 13, assault by penetration of a child under 13, incite a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, assault by touching of a child under 13, and two counts of cause a child to look at an image of sexual activity.

He also denied assault by penetration of a child under 13, assault by touching of a child under 13, and cause a child under 13 to look at an image of sexual activity for the second victim.

He was sent to trial in April 2025 and was found guilty on all counts.

Kearney, of no fixed address, appeared at Derby Crown Court for sentencing on 26 February 2026.

He was ordered to serve a 24-year jail term by a judge, with an extended licence period of six years on release.

Kearney is also required to register with police indefinitely.

Detective Constable Danielle Lynch said:

“This has been an incredibly distressing case, and I want to commend the courage shown by both victims in coming forward and supporting the investigation.

“Their strength has ensured that a dangerous offender has been brought to justice.

“We will always take reports of child sexual abuse extremely seriously, and we are committed to doing everything we can to protect vulnerable children and pursue those who cause them harm.”

Description

A man who “groomed and manipulated” his victims has been sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison for sexual offences against a child and a teenager.

Thomas Brewer, 60, of Whitefield Avenue, Speedwell, in Bristol, was sentenced to eight offences at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday 5 March after being found guilty by a unanimous jury following a trial at the same court in January this year.

He has been convicted of four counts of engaging in non-penetrative activity with a child, two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of sexual assault against a female.

Brewer is also subject to a criminal Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) which is in place indefinitely.

The court heard how Brewer would abuse his position of trust and repeatedly assaulted his victims by touching them. He assaulted his youngest victim over a period of around six months, and the oldest victim was assaulted during a party.

Officers maintained contact with both victims throughout the investigation and have offered them access to any support services they feel they may benefit from.

Brewer’s first victim, who was under the age of 16 at the time of the offending, detailed the ordeal in a statement which was read out at court on her behalf, which said:

“I hate Tom for what he did to me and the ongoing impact of it. This happening has made me grow up, and maybe quicker than I should have.

“I am not going to let this ruin my life. I have accepted it and can finally move forwards now.”

The second victim to come forward, who was under the age of 18 at the time of the offences against her, said in her statement:

“You show no remorse for your actions and it’s sickening. I really hope one day you realise what you did and how disgusting it is. The nightmares and social anxiety I get to this day are caused by you, but I want you to know you’ve not won and never will.” 

Description

A 30yearold man who persistently stalked a teenage girl before grabbing her in an alleyway in StokeonTrent has been jailed.

Sabjan Burkazi, of Tunstall, was sentenced to three-years-and-four-months at StokeonTrent Crown Court yesterday (Thursday 5 March) after he admitting engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, stalking causing serious alarm or distress and three counts of making an indecent images of children. He had initially denied the offences but changed his plea to guilty shortly before his trial was due to start.

The offences came to light following an incident in August last year, when Burkazi approached the girl as she walked through an alleyway in Tunstall. He grabbed her, but fled moments later when a member of the public intervened. We arrested him at his home shortly after.

Following a robust investigation by officers from our public protection unit (PPU), we found that Burkazi had repeatedly targeted the same girl over several months, approaching her in public and asking for her phone number and social media details, which she refused to give. 

A search of his mobile phone uncovered indecent images of children.

The strength of the evidence gathered by officers was cited as a key factor in Burkazi’s decision to enter guilty pleas in court.

As well as a custodial sentence, Burkazi was handed an indefinite restraining order, preventing any future contact with the victim. He was also served with a five year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and put on the Sex Offenders Register for the next 10 years.

Detective Inspector Adam Goodger, from our child protection team, said

"Burkazi caused significant distress through his behaviour.

“The victim’s courage, combined with the thorough work of our officers in gathering the evidence, has ensured that he was held accountable for his crimes.

“This case demonstrates our continued commitment in Staffordshire to supporting those affected by these offences and taking strong action against those responsible.”

Description

In the space of one hour on the evening of 9 May 2025, Sonny Boyes carried out multiple sexual offences against two teenage girls in Exeter.

Today, 6 March, the 19-year-old appeared at Exeter Crown Court where the judge jailed him for 17 years, described him as having ‘breathless arrogance and distorted thinking’.

Following a trial in October 2025, a jury found him guilty of nine sexual offences, including two counts of rape.

The court heard that Boyes, of Commercial Road, Exeter, raped a 16-year-old girl near Digby & Sowton train station, shortly before 9pm, after having both got off the train there. They had not met before that day, but he asked her to hold his beer while he urinated in nearby bushes, before raping and sexually assaulting her. The victim was able to flee the area and called for help.

While still hanging around the train station, 45 minutes later, Boyes was seen with a 17-year-old girl, who he struck up struck up a conversation with. He very quickly turned the interaction sexual and began touching her – despite her saying no on numerous occasions. The ‘forceful and persistent’ assault continued on the train. The victim described that she ‘loudly told him to stop’, in hopes that others would hear.

When Boyes left the train at the next stop, members of the public and train staff approached the victim, and the incident was immediately reported to police.

He was arrested in Exeter City Centre at 10.20pm that evening and taken into custody. He was charged and appeared at court on 12 May.

Boyes pleaded not guilty to all charges, and was found guilty by a jury in October 2025 of the following offences:

• Two counts of rape
• Three counts of sexual assault
• Four counts of assault by penetration
• He was also found not guilty of one count of rape.

Boyes was remanded after the verdict and appeared at Exeter Crown Court on 6 March where he was sentenced to 17 years in prison, with an extended licence of seven years. He will sign the Sex Offenders Register for life and be subject to an indeterminate Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

On sentencing, the judge said that Boyes had ‘charmed and alarmed’ the victims, described that throughout the criminal justice process Boyes had demonstrated misogynistic views and even while in custody had continued to show derogatory behaviour towards females he had encountered.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Jordan Pearce said:

“We welcome the sentence handed down by the court today, which highlights the seriousness of the offences committed by Sonny Boyes.

“My utmost thanks and praise are foremost with the two victims. This outcome would not have been possible without the continuous courage shown by the victims. They have both been through a horrific ordeal that no person should ever be subjected to and have continued to show incredible bravery throughout.

“The crimes committed by Boyes on the 9 May 2025 have had a lasting impact on the victims, and the local community.

“He preyed on two young women, where he displayed aggressive and sexually harassing behaviour towards them. He was forceful and persistent in his attack committing two separate attacks in a very short period of time. 

“He has shown no remorse for his actions throughout the investigation and during interview he was derogatory and sexist, where he admitted to engaging in sexual activity with the victims.”

DC Pearce added:

“I would also like to the thank all witnesses that came forward to give evidence - this was key in achieving a positive result in court today. I am grateful to the members of public who acted fast to report these incidents to us so we could prevent further harm. As a result of these reports, Boyes was detained incredibly quickly and taken into custody where he was interviewed and later charged.”

Description

Two rapists who "dehumanised" a teenage girl in a planned 30-minute ordeal have been jailed.

Taylor Dove, 22, from Grangetown in Sunderland, and Vieri Chapman, 25, from Gosforth in Newcastlealso known as Jevonni Copleywere convicted at Newcastle Crown Court of offences including rape. Dove received 12 years, Chapman 10 years.

Dove was also convicted of raping another teenager when he was 17, while on bail for that offence during the joint attack.

Judge Julie Clemitson said neither had any "regard" for their victim, who was "violated in the most vile way by two men at the same time." Dove "felt entitled" to sex, Chapman had a "troubling attitude towards consent," and alcohol played a role, but they prioritized their desires. "Had you both bothered to look at her rather than playing tag, you would have noticed she was crying," the judge said. It was "truly an ordeal," leaving her "bleeding and distraught." Neither showed remorse; Dove bragged to friends afterward.

The victim said she was determined not to be defined by the attack, but "I didn't want it to affect anything in my life but it ended up affecting everything in my life." The rapists "dehumanised" her and "gave no regard" to her feelings. "I don't think they realise the severity of what they did and how much it has affected me," she added.

Dove's first victim said: "Taylor Dove has destroyed my life. I only found the strength to report what he had done due to the fear he would do the same thing to someone else." She became a "shell" of her "happy and confident" self, and Dove showed no remorse. "I don't believe he thinks what he has done is wrong," she said.

Both must sign the sex offenders register for life.

Description

A man convicted of attempting to rape a girl under 13 was jailed for 11 years today. Ryan Linden Williams, 37, of Hendre, Corwen, had a prior sexual offense on his record.

He must register as a sex offender for life, with a 25-year sexual harm prevention order and a four-year extended license period.

At Caernarfon Crown Court, defense counsel Myles Wilson noted Williams' strong work ethic, adding: "He continues to deny this offence."

The court heard he stopped the attack when asked.

Judge Timothy Petts described the relevant side of Williams' character as "very concerning indeed," stating: "Only an immediate prison sentence will do."

Description

A man who admitted to sexual offences against three women in Southampton has today been jailed for three years.

While walking along Upper Shaftesbury Avenue, Portswood, in the early hours of Tuesday 25 November, last year, a woman was approached by Sohail Amiri.

Despite not knowing the woman, he started walking alongside her, telling her she was beautiful and asking for "just one kiss".

After repeatedly being told no, Amiri, 30, an Afghan national who was living in Highfield Lane at the time, grabbed the woman's wrist and attempted to force himself upon her.

Throughout the assault, she repeatedly told him no as he repeated the words "just one kiss", before breaking free and fleeing for safety.

After receiving the report, local officers began enquiries in the area to track down CCTV, identify the movements of Amiri after the assault and trace him to his address, arrest him and seize the clothing he had been wearing at the time.

It was heard this work also led to identifying his involvement in another reported incident two months earlier.

Southampton Crown Court was told Amiri had approached a woman in Westwood Road, Bevois, on September 23, around 6.40am in the morning, asking for "just one kiss", but she ignored him and continued walking.

When she arrived at work, she told a colleague about this, who said the same thing had happened to her, but that the man had also pushed her while saying the same phrase.

The court heard following a DNA match to saliva from the incident in Portswood and mobile phone data confirming his locations, among a number of other enquiries, Amiri was charged.

Earlier this year, he pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault, one of attempted sexual assault, and to entering the United Kingdom without leave.

And today he was jailed for three years at Southampton Crown Court by Judge Nicholas Rowland. He was also handed a 10 year sexual harm prevention order.

Speaking after the hearing, DCI Michael Higgins, who oversaw the investigation, said:

"Sohail Amiri's behaviour was predatory, and created a great deal of fear and anxiety for all three women, who should be able to feel safe in their own community.

"Their courage and bravery throughout meant we have been able to present a case to the court which Amiri has had no choice but to plead guilty to.

"While nothing can undo what they have been through, I hope today's sentencing brings a measure of reassurance to them, and to the public, that we take behaviour like this extremely seriously, and will do all we can to bring perpetrators to justice."

District commander for Southampton, Superintendent Alex Charge added:

"Following the assault in Portswood, our neighbourhood enforcement team's dogged and tenacious attitude meant we were swiftly able to track Amiri's movements, locate him and bring him into custody. Our investigation team then used all the available extensions to keep him there while we pulled together all the evidence required to obtain charges from the CPS.

"Ensuring Southampton's streets not only are safe, but feel safe for all who live, work in and visit the city is the utmost priority for us, and we will not tolerate anyone who wants to target lone women in our communities.

"We have also been really clear that we police without fear or favour, and regardless of ethnicity or nationality, if you commit a crime then we will use all powers available to us to deal with you."

Description

A paedophile has been jailed again after being caught possessing indecent images of children.

Sam Whitacre, 37, formerly known as Sam Lewis from Grappenhall, was imprisoned in 2021 for two years after possessing nearly 25,000 child abuse images. He faced charges of distributing, three counts of making, and two counts of possessing indecent images, leading to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and notification requirements.

Now living on Mersey Road, Widnes, Whitacre appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday, pleading guilty to possessing 1,093 indecent images of children as young as six, three counts of making indecent images, breaching his SHPO, and failing to comply with sex offender register rules.

In May 2024, a sex offender manager visited Whitacre, who has a child, and searched his Samsung phone due to concerns about child abuse material. Authorities found 1,093 deleted indecent images, an undeclared cloud storage app (prohibited by his SHPO), and an undeclared bank card (breaching notification requirements).

The court noted Whitacre's one prior conviction for six offences, all related to indecent or prohibited child images.

Defence lawyer Jim Smith argued that Whitacre's prior custody prevented a rehabilitative order. He highlighted Whitacre's warehouse job, aware new partner, and past anxiety and depression, saying:

“I ask your honour to allow this defendant one last opportunity to get the necessary help he needs to become a coactive and cooperative useful member of society."

Recorder Alex Leach ruled:

“These offences are so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence can be justified. You do not yet form a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and I am obliged to take into account your history of offending.”

Whitacre received a 12-month prison sentence, plus a new 10-year SHPO and notification requirements.

Description

A man who tried to groom a '14-year-old girl' for sex has been jailed.

Leighton Garner, aged 28, was in reality tricked by an online activist group into conversing with an adult volunteer in July and August last year.

Garner sent sexually explicit images to the person and requested pictures in exchange, despite her claiming to be a child.

At one point on their social media exchange, Garner received a picture of the ‘girl’ and clearly discussed her age.

Garner also discussed meeting the girl at a hotel for sex.

He also discussed meeting another woman at a Retford Supermarket on 2 August 2025, but was met instead by members of the group who then called the police.

Garner, of no fixed address, later pleaded guilty to guilty to attempting to cause a girl to engage in sexual activity and attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.

Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday 2 March he was jailed for 15 months and handed a ten-year sexual harm prevention order which will tightly restrict his internet usage and access to children.

Detective Constable Sarah Pitchford, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“Garner’s behaviour was little short of predatory.

“He genuinely believed he was in conversation with a teenage girl who he then attempted to groom for a sexual relationship.

“That’s why I am pleased not only with his jail sentence, but also with the very strict sexual harm prevention order we secured to help minimise the risk of future offending

“Garner should be under no illusion that any breach of this order once he is release will likely result in his immediate return to prison.”