Search results for Chester

Description

Paul Newman, 29, of no fixed abode in Colchester, received a suspended prison sentence after admitting multiple breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and sex offender notification requirements.

Newman was convicted in 2024 of attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child. His SHPO required him to register new bank cards, mobile phones, and changes of whereabouts with police within set timescales.

Ipswich Crown Court heard he was arrested in February after registering a Monzo bank card several weeks late, beyond the three-day limit. He also failed to notify police he had become homeless following eviction from the Riverside Hotel in North Station Road, Colchester.

In July he opened the Snapchat app (which automatically deletes messages) on his girlfriend’s phone. In August he was arrested after being reported as a high-risk missing person and handed over an unregistered mobile phone.

Newman admitted three counts of breaching the SHPO and two counts of failing to comply with notification requirements. Prosecutor Lauren Holmes outlined the breaches.

Mitigating, Benedict Peers said the offences arose because Newman was homeless and were not deliberate. “He had a difficult childhood, to put it neutrally – he has a history of learning difficulties and poor mental health which appears to be triggered by relationship problems,” Peers said. He added that Newman had informed other professional services of his homelessness (though not police within three days) and, on the Snapchat use: “This was a phone supplied to him by his partner – it already contained the application Snapchat. He logged into that application to see what his partner was posting on Snapchat.”

Newman’s former foster carer told the court he had completed a catering course and secured a job, despite a social worker previously saying this was unlikely.

Judge David Pugh sentenced Newman to 16 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years. He must also complete 180 hours of unpaid work and pay a £187 victim surcharge.

Description

Daniel Mowle, 42, of Apprentice Drive, Colchester, Essex, has been jailed for 10 years after being convicted of 11 child sexual offences.

Mowle sexually abused a young girl over a two-year period, treating her as a “sexual object.” The offences involved an abuse of trust and included no fewer than 24 incidents of sexual touching. The prosecution stated the assaults were sustained rather than fleeting.

He was convicted by a jury at Chelmsford Crown Court of:

• two counts of sexual assault of a child
• seven counts of sexual activity with a child
• two counts of inciting sexual activity with a child

The investigation by Essex Police began in 2021 after a report of child sexual abuse. Mowle denied the charges and stood trial in September 2025; he was convicted on 18 September. He was sentenced on 23 October 2026 by Judge Mary Loram KC. He showed no reaction when the sentence was passed. He had no previous convictions.

In addition to the 10-year prison term, Mowle was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely and will be subject to strict restrictions and rigorous supervision upon release.

Description

A complex investigation has seen a 38-year-old man sentenced to 15 years with an extended three years on licence for offences against four underage girls.

David Hulse (23.10.1988) of no fixed abode was sentenced to 15 years at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Tuesday 20 October 2026, and given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order after pleading guilty to 16 charges:

• Two counts of engage in sexual communication with a child
• Two counts of cause / incite a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity - no penetration
• Six counts of make indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child
• Two counts of possess extreme pornographic image / images portraying an act of intercourse
• Four counts of distribute an indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child

Hulse was arrested earlier this year in March following a warrant into the investigation of indecent images. During this warrant Hulse threw mobile phones out of the window however these were recovered and both phones were found to have a number of indecent images of children on them.

Hulse initially denied the allegations and during interview provided 'no comment' to questions before later pleading guilty.

Prior to sentencing, a mother of one of the survivors spoke out:

“What has been particularly difficult is that she has struggled to understand why this happened to her and has, at times, felt that she is somehow to blame. We have had to continually reassure her that she was not responsible for another person’s actions or for the choices they made.

“When guilty pleas were eventually entered, there was some relief that she would not have to go through that [the court] process, but the uncertainty and stress leading up to that point had already taken its toll.”

“We hope that, in time, she and our family will be able to move forward from what happened. However, the impact has been significant, and the emotional consequences of what happened will remain with us for a long time.”

Another mother noted the impact Hulse’s actions had on her daughter: “When you have a daughter, your primary duty is to protect her childhood, her innocence, and her belief that the world is safe. David Hulse deliberately took advantage of her innocence for his own sexual gratification.

“While this legal process is concluding, the harm caused to her and the memories of this ordeal will stay with us for the rest of our lives.”

Detective Constable Daryl Gray of GMP’s City of Manchester Criminal Investigation Department said:

“Hulse used messaging platforms to strike up a friendship with these young girls to gain their trust before using their vulnerability to coerce them into sharing sexual images.

“No parent should have to go through what Hulse has subjected these survivors too and I commend the entire families’ bravery throughout this investigation – the support they have given these young girls but also the way they have maintained courage in the face of the evil that is David Hulse.

“I hope that this sentence gives the families an element of hope that Hulse is now behind bars, and they can start to put this chapter behind them. Hulse belongs in the past and the families can now look towards a future together without this person in their lives.

“Our officers are here to support anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse, no matter when it happened. Please come forward. We will listen. We will support you and we will do all that we can to bring these offenders to justice.”

Description

Kenny Cox (24.06.80) of Salford has been sentenced to 14 years with four years on licence at Manchester Crown Court today (23 October 2026).

He was also given an indefinite restraining order against the victims and is subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

This sentence relates to the rape of two women – one in November 2021 and one in September 2024.

On 7 November 2021, the victim met up with the suspect after connecting through a dating app. They went to a property in Salford and after drinking alcohol together, the victim began to feel hazy and described herself as ‘feeling paralysed’ and ‘unable to move’. It was during this time she was raped by the suspect.

After she was able to move, she left the property via a taxi and subsequently reported the incident to the police. Cox was arrested on 14 November 2021 and bailed with stringent bail conditions not to contact the victim.

On 4 September 2024, a second victim met up with the suspect after again connecting through a dating app. They went to a property in Salford and he has raped her before she was able to leave the property and disclose this to a relative who subsequently called the police.

Cox was arrested on 8 September 2024, charged and remanded. He stood trial for both rapes in March 2025, however the trial resulted in a hung jury. Following this a new trial commenced in August 2026 and Cox was found guilty of two counts of rape and one of attempted rape after a jury took less than two hours to deliberate.

Following Cox’s guilty verdict, the two victims provided statements on how this had affected them.

The first victim noted:

“The last five years have been extremely difficult. The impact of the offence did not end when it happened. I have had to live with the consequences every day since, while also having to go through a long and stressful court process.

“When the guilty verdict was finally reached, I felt relief that I had been believed and that there had finally been accountability. However, the verdict did not simply make everything go away. The emotional and physical effects are still there, and I still have to deal with them.

“The last five years have changed me in ways I never wanted or expected. I hope that now the court process has finally reached its conclusion, I can begin to heal, rebuild my confidence and trust, and move forward with my life.”

The second victim noted:

“I have tried very hard not to let what happened destroy my life. However, the truth is that it changed me.”

“I do not know what the future holds for me, but I hope that with proper counselling and support, I can continue to rebuild my confidence and independence. I want to be able to go outside alone again. I want to feel safe again. I want to be able to trust people again. Most of all, I want my life to be mine again.”

Detective Sergeant James Walsh of GMP’s Salford Criminal Investigation Department said:

“I would firstly like to commend the strength of the victims in this case. They have gone through this trial process twice now and each time have has shown incredible courage to ensure Cox was put behind bars. He preyed on these women and is an violent, sexual offender.

 “I hope this sentence and the subsequent sexual harm prevention order imposed gives the victims a sense of justice to help them try to move forward from this and put Kenny Cox firmly in their past where he belongs.

"I would also like to note that our officers are here to listen to you and support you. If you have been a victim of sexual assault, no matter when it happened - please come forward. We will do all that we can to bring offenders to justice.”

Description

A man has been sentenced to 10 years and 6 months in prison after being found guilty of a series of sexual and violent offences against a woman.

Ainsley France (20/11/1997), of Lever Street, Radcliffe, was sentenced to 10 years and 6 months imprisonment after being convicted of two counts of rape, sexual assault and coercive and controlling behaviour.

A thorough investigation by officers from Bury CID uncovered overwhelming evidence of France's sustained campaign of abuse and controlling behaviour towards the victim.

The investigation established that France repeatedly stalked the victim while she was out in public with friends and family. 

France went on to rape and sexually assault the victim on multiple occasions. Despite being told to stop, he continued his abuse and mocked the victim.

The evidence gathered by investigators, alongside the victim's courage in supporting the prosecution, resulted in France being found guilty of all offences.

Detective Constable Christopher Davis, from Bury CID, said:

"The victim has shown incredible strength and courage throughout this investigation and without her determination a dangerous offender may not have been brought to justice.

"She was subjected to sustained abuse, violence and intimidation which left her isolated, frightened and living under the constant threat of further harm.

"While the sentence cannot undo the trauma she has suffered, we hope it provides some measure of closure and allows her to move forward knowing that France can no longer harm her or others.

"This case demonstrates our commitment to pursuing those who commit offences of this nature and ensuring they are held accountable for their actions.

"I would urge anyone who has experienced sexual abuse, stalking or controlling behaviour to come forward and report it. You will be listened to, supported and treated with the utmost care throughout any investigation."

Description

46-year-old Eisen Vir Raganit, of Westwood Road, Stockport, has been jailed for 5 years after being found guilty of raping a sex worker.

He was also placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely when he appeared at York Crown Court on 6 October 2026.

In October 2024, the defendant arrived at the victim's home address in North Yorkshire after he booked an experience advertised on her website.

The website made it very clear that all customers must wear condoms during the experience.

Before any sexual activity took place, the victim also made it clear that she would only consent to sexual intercourse if a condom was used.

During the encounter, however, the defendant deliberately removed the condom without the victim's knowledge or consent and continued sexual activity. The victim immediately challenged his actions and asked him to leave. She reported the this to the police and Vir Raganit was arrested.

As part of the investigation, officers seized the defendant's mobile phone for forensic examination. Investigators identified material relevant to the case, including videos depicting the non-consensual removal of condoms during sexual activity, a practice commonly referred to as "stealthing". Some of the videos had been viewed shortly before the offence took place.

Vir Raganit was charged with rape but denied the offence throughout police interviews and pleaded not guilty when he appeared in court. However, following a trial in August 2026, the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.

In her victim personal statement, the victim said:

"It is two years since I was raped at my house. After it happened, I was extremely upset and nervous at first to meet new clients.

"Throughout the four years I had been working from home, I had never had anything like this happen to me before. I normally felt safe in my house, but this incident made me more aware of my safety. I wasn’t sure whether to report it to the police at first, and I wasn’t even sure if it was a sexual assault, but I am glad I reported it now."

She continued: "Even though I knew these investigations take time; I wanted to support the Police all the way to trial. One of the main reasons was that I think it is important to show other people who work in the sex industry that you can report things that happen to you, you will be believed and you can get justice."

Description

A 69-year-old man has been jailed for sexually abusing a child in the 1970s.

Stuart McDowell, from Stuart Place in Chester appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on 30 September to be sentenced after being found guilty of nine counts of indecent assault, four counts of gross indecency, attempting to have sexual intercourse, rape of a female and unlawful sexual intercourse.

He was sentenced to 20 years in prison extended for one year. He is also subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and has to sign the Sex Offenders Register.

DS Craig Walker said:

“The length of sentence reflects how devastating his depraved behaviour has been on this survivor.

“This was a prolonged series of abuse which has had such a profound effect on her that she has struggled through life with challenges no one should have to go through.

“Despite the difficulties, she carried on even when she sometimes felt she couldn’t anymore. She is a true hero, and her sheer strength should not be underestimated.

“When she felt able to, she bravely came to us and told her story.  She got vital support, as well as the vindication she needed that his behaviour was wrong and should never happen to any vulnerable child.

“McDowell is now finally paying for his heinous actions against an innocent child.

“I hope others who have suffered, no matter how long ago, feel some hope in this conviction, and when the time is right, feel that they too can come forward to police and get the support that they need and the justice they deserve.”

Description

A sex offender who exposed himself to a woman on a train then masturbated in front of her has been jailed, following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Nisan Fernando Kurukulasuriya, 39, and of Troutbeck Road in Altrincham, was sentenced to eight months' imprisonment at Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday 15 September. He pleaded guilty to Sexual Assault and Outraging Public Decency at a previous court hearing.

He was also handed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) which will bar him from sitting next to any woman he doesn't know on public transport, and will be on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

The court heard how, on Monday 20 April 2026, Kurukulasuriya was on a train from Stoke to Manchester when he sat next to a woman he didn't know who was on the phone.

He then sexually assaulted her repeatedly, doing so again even after being pushed away by the woman. The woman then noticed that he had exposed himself and was masturbating in front of her.  

She shouted at Kurukulasuriya, who in response stood up and ran away to leave the train. The woman immediately got up to report the incident to staff.

When the train arrived at Manchester Piccadilly, the woman went to speak to a member of railway staff. Kurukulasuriya meanwhile was stood only a few meters away, seemingly without a ticket that would let him through the gate line.

The woman told a member of staff at the gateline that Kurukulasuriya had exposed himself to her, and the member of staff immediately contacted BTP.  

Officers quickly attended, speaking to the woman and arresting Kurukulasuriya before taking him to custody. When police interviewed him, Kurukulasuriya showed no remorse for his actions and refused to answer any questions put to him.

BTP Detective Sargeant Mark Haviland said:

"Kurukulasuriya is a despicable man who targeted a woman travelling alone for his own sick sexual gratification. His brazen behaviour was terrifying, and I commend the victim for having the courage to report the incident so that we could take swift action.

"There is no place on the railway network for sexual offending of any kind, so I am pleased to see Kurukulasuriya rightfully jailed for his actions.

"We take every report seriously, and we will always believe you. No report is too small, and if you've been the victim of this offending, you can contact us discreetly by texting 61016 so we can secure justice for you.”

Description

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

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

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

He abused her whilst she was asleep.

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

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

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

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

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

DC Alishia Walsh of the Bradford Child Safeguarding Unit said:

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

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

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

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

Description

A brave woman has spoken about the long-lasting trauma caused by a campaign of abuse at the hands of Elliot Allen Bulman that left her living in fear for both her own life and the safety of her newborn child.

In a Victim Personal Statement, the survivor said:

“I am making this statement to explain to the court the devastating, profound, and ongoing impact that the defendant’s actions have had on my life, my health, and my journey as a mother.

“While the jury finding Elliot guilty of rape, strangulation, threats to kill, assault occasioning ABH, and coercive control validates the living nightmare I endured, no sentence he receives can truly undo the catastrophic damage he has caused.”

The court heard how the woman was subjected to a prolonged and escalating campaign of abuse. There was no sudden moment when the young woman was cut off from her family and friends. Instead, over the course of their relationship, Bulman insidiously stripped away her relationships, one by one, distancing those who cared for her.

The woman continued:

"To ensure I had no lifeline, he executed a calculated campaign of isolation. However, he did not simply cut off every single person at once. Instead, he carefully audited my social circle, identifying specific individuals with whom he deemed surface-level communication was acceptable.

“He permitted just enough contact with them to prevent alarm bellsfrom ringing to the outside world. He used these interactions to parade himself as a loving, attentive, and caring partner, deliberately embedding himself in the centre of my relationships so he could monitor them firsthand.

“Simultaneously, he manufactured conflicts between myself, my family and my friends. By deceptively convincing me that my loved ones did not have my best interests at heart while subtly alienating them from me, he left me entirely marooned in the abusive environment he created.

“He hijacked my private thoughts and external connections by monitoring my phone, reading my messages, and dictating exactly who I could speak to and what I was permitted to say. I was a hostage in my own life, trapped under total surveillance, cut off from genuine support, and condemned to a constant state of walking on eggshells."

Whilst pregnant, Bulman’s control and abuse of the survivor escalated. Unable to attend appointments alone or speak to healthcare professionals in private, the expectant mother was unable to alert those around her to her predicament. Even when hospital staff tried to speak to her alone, Bulman blocked attempts at private conversations from taking place.

Following her discharge from hospital after the birth of her child, the abuse intensified, with the degradation, violence and isolation continuing. The new mother's pain and recovery were disregarded, and she was assaulted while holding her newborn baby.

The survivor continued:

“Elliot chose to perpetrate this horrific abuse and control during what should have been the most sacred, joyful, and protected times of my life: my pregnancy and the newborn stage of my child’s life. Instead of feeling safe, supported, and loved, I was subjected to a perpetual state of terror, hypervigilance, and agonizing physical pain.

“Because I was cut off from truly engaging with my support system, I had no one to lean on during the final stages of my pregnancy or the immediate aftermath of childbirth. My rare interactions with the outside world were forced to be entirely superficial. When my child was born—at a time when a woman is at her most physically and emotionally vulnerable—instead of being allowed to heal and bond with my baby, I was subjected to severe physical, psychological, and sexual violence. The enforced isolation meant I was completely trapped.

“When my child was a few months old, I found the courage to break through the walls of isolation Elliot had built around me and escape. I wholeheartedly believe that if I had not fled on that day, the consequences of remaining would have been fatal.”

The investigation began after police received a report that witnesses had to intervene when Bulman had assaulted the woman in a public place.

As officers took her statement, the young mother bravely disclosed the wider pattern of abuse she had suffered over many months, providing detailed accounts of the physical, sexual, emotional and financial abuse she had endured.

Officers secured victim disclosures, witness evidence, photographs of injuries and digital material, building a compelling case against Bulman.

At Bolton Crown Court on Friday 18 September 2026, Elliot Allen Bulman (03/02/2004), of Peel Hall Road, Manchester, was handed an extended sentence of 15 years in custody and given an extended five years on licence after being convicted of five offences, including rape, coercive and controlling behaviour, non-fatal strangulation, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and assault by penetration.

Description

A brave woman has spoken about the long-lasting trauma caused by a campaign of abuse at the hands of Elliot Allen Bulman that left her living in fear for both her own life and the safety of her newborn child.

In a Victim Personal Statement, the survivor said:

“I am making this statement to explain to the court the devastating, profound, and ongoing impact that the defendant’s actions have had on my life, my health, and my journey as a mother.

“While the jury finding Elliot guilty of rape, strangulation, threats to kill, assault occasioning ABH, and coercive control validates the living nightmare I endured, no sentence he receives can truly undo the catastrophic damage he has caused.”

The court heard how the woman was subjected to a prolonged and escalating campaign of abuse. There was no sudden moment when the young woman was cut off from her family and friends. Instead, over the course of their relationship, Bulman insidiously stripped away her relationships, one by one, distancing those who cared for her.

The woman continued:

"To ensure I had no lifeline, he executed a calculated campaign of isolation. However, he did not simply cut off every single person at once. Instead, he carefully audited my social circle, identifying specific individuals with whom he deemed surface-level communication was acceptable.

“He permitted just enough contact with them to prevent alarm bellsfrom ringing to the outside world. He used these interactions to parade himself as a loving, attentive, and caring partner, deliberately embedding himself in the centre of my relationships so he could monitor them firsthand.

“Simultaneously, he manufactured conflicts between myself, my family and my friends. By deceptively convincing me that my loved ones did not have my best interests at heart while subtly alienating them from me, he left me entirely marooned in the abusive environment he created.

“He hijacked my private thoughts and external connections by monitoring my phone, reading my messages, and dictating exactly who I could speak to and what I was permitted to say. I was a hostage in my own life, trapped under total surveillance, cut off from genuine support, and condemned to a constant state of walking on eggshells."

Whilst pregnant, Bulman’s control and abuse of the survivor escalated. Unable to attend appointments alone or speak to healthcare professionals in private, the expectant mother was unable to alert those around her to her predicament. Even when hospital staff tried to speak to her alone, Bulman blocked attempts at private conversations from taking place.

Following her discharge from hospital after the birth of her child, the abuse intensified, with the degradation, violence and isolation continuing. The new mother's pain and recovery were disregarded, and she was assaulted while holding her newborn baby.

The survivor continued:

“Elliot chose to perpetrate this horrific abuse and control during what should have been the most sacred, joyful, and protected times of my life: my pregnancy and the newborn stage of my child’s life. Instead of feeling safe, supported, and loved, I was subjected to a perpetual state of terror, hypervigilance, and agonizing physical pain.

“Because I was cut off from truly engaging with my support system, I had no one to lean on during the final stages of my pregnancy or the immediate aftermath of childbirth. My rare interactions with the outside world were forced to be entirely superficial. When my child was born—at a time when a woman is at her most physically and emotionally vulnerable—instead of being allowed to heal and bond with my baby, I was subjected to severe physical, psychological, and sexual violence. The enforced isolation meant I was completely trapped.

“When my child was a few months old, I found the courage to break through the walls of isolation Elliot had built around me and escape. I wholeheartedly believe that if I had not fled on that day, the consequences of remaining would have been fatal.”

The investigation began after police received a report that witnesses had to intervene when Bulman had assaulted the woman in a public place.

As officers took her statement, the young mother bravely disclosed the wider pattern of abuse she had suffered over many months, providing detailed accounts of the physical, sexual, emotional and financial abuse she had endured.

Officers secured victim disclosures, witness evidence, photographs of injuries and digital material, building a compelling case against Bulman.

At Bolton Crown Court on Friday 18 September 2026, Elliot Allen Bulman (03/02/2004), of Peel Hall Road, Manchester, was handed an extended sentence of 15 years in custody and given an extended five years on licence after being convicted of five offences, including rape, coercive and controlling behaviour, non-fatal strangulation, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and assault by penetration.

Bulman must serve a minimum of two-thirds of his sentence before being considered for parole. In addition, he will be subject to a Notification of Requirement to Register with Police indefinitely and is subject to a restraining order to protect the survivor and her immediate family for a minimum of 20 years.

Detective Constable Oliver Seymour from CID from City of Manchester district said:

"I’d like to thank the survivor for her immense bravery and patience whilst going through this process.

“I'd also like to commend her foresight in recording these incidents over a prolonged period and at great personal risk. It was no easy task given the level of control she was subjected to, but she not only made her own escape possible, but she also secured vital evidence that allowed us to bring him before the courts and hold him accountable for what he had done.

“This was an appalling case of domestic abuse involving sustained violence, coercive control and sexual offending. To be subjected to repeated assaults, intimidation and manipulation over a prolonged period, during what should have been one of the happiest times of her life, is simply abhorrent.

"Her courage in reporting these offences and supporting the investigation has been extraordinary. We know how difficult it can be for victims of domestic abuse to come forward, particularly where coercive control has left them isolated from friends and family.

"I hope this outcome provides reassurance that Greater Manchester Police will listen to victims, pursue offenders and work tirelessly to bring those responsible before the courts."

Description

A sex offender who subjected a woman to a terrifying ordeal on a train in Manchester has been jailed within 72 hours thanks to a fast-paced British Transport Police investigation.

Babatunde Odutola, 36, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Manchester Magistrates Court on Monday 14 September to 44 weeks imprisonment in total after pleading guilty to one charge of Outraging Public Decency and for breaching a suspended sentence order.

The court heard how just three days previously, at around 7pm on Friday 11 September, Odutola approached a woman whilst on a train travelling through Cheshire towards Manchester Piccadilly railway station. He looked her up and down intimidatingly and acted aggressively when she chose not to engage with him.

Odutola then began exposing himself while sat in a wheelchair and masturbating, looking at her and telling her to ‘come over’.

The victim was escorted out of the carriage by a fellow passenger, distressed by the incident. CCTV shows he continued to masturbate as other passengers passed through the carriage, undeterred. Police were called and Odutola was arrested by British Transport Police officers once the train had arrived into Manchester Piccadilly station.

British Transport Police Detective Constable Leonidas Christoforou said:

“Odutola is clearly an incredibly dangerous individual and his disturbing behaviour must have been terrifying for the victim, who he singled out when she was travelling on her own.

“He’s shown little remorse for his actions and denied the allegations against him during his police interview. But a stack of incriminating evidence, including damning CCTV and several witness accounts, left him with little choice but to plead guilty when he appeared in court.

“This was not a one-off from Odutola, who was already a registered sex offender, and this type of alarming, predatory behaviour simply will not be tolerated on our railways.

“Holding vile offenders like him to account is a number one priority for us as a force and we’re tireless in our efforts to bring them to justice.

“If you experience or witness these crimes on the railway, please report it to us by texting 61016. We will always take action.”

Description

This man began grooming and sexually exploiting a girl when he was 47, and she was just 14. Now he's behind bars.

Mark Rowley committed the offences in Brighton and around Sussex between 2022 and 2024.

The 14-year-old victim was subjected to repeated rapes by Rowley, where he would beat her if she refused to comply. He also verbally abused her, leaving her in fear of doing something that would make him angry.

Rowley made the victim believe that they were in a relationship, and he would also frequently request she took and sent him explicit photos.

In a report to police on 22 February this year, details of the abuse surfaced and an investigation was promptly launched.

Rowley was arrested on 27 February in connection with a number of sexual offences against the victim.

Mark Rowley, now 52, of Anna Sewell Way, Chichester, was charged the following morning with rape, engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl age 13 to 15, and meeting a girl under 16 years of age following grooming. He was then remanded in custody.

The case proceeded to trial on 17 August at Brighton Crown Court. On 21 August, the jury found Rowley guilty of all charges, and he was remanded back into custody ahead of his sentencing.

On Monday, 14 September at Brighton Crown Court, Rowley was sent to prison for 15 years.

The officer leading the investigation, Detective Constable Dan Bentley, said:

"In this case, Mark Rowley saw an opportunity to exploit, manipulate, and use the victim for his own sexual gratification.

"Rowley's actions have had a significant and lasting impact on the victim, who has shown immense courage throughout what has undoubtedly been an extremely difficult and distressing process.

"The victim has been supported by specialist officers throughout the investigation, and we commend her bravery in coming forward and supporting the investigation at every step.

"Now Rowley has been sentenced, we hope this outcome reinforces the message that reports of sexual offending will be listened to, will be supported, and will be taken seriously."

Description

A Chesterfield man has been jailed for sexual offences against a child and rape and coercive control against a woman.

Danny Hailes was found guilty of sexual activity with a child, sexual communication with a child, threatening to disclose private sexual photographs with intent to cause distress, and stalking involving fear of violence, against a girl in her early teens.

The 22-year-old was also found guilty of controlling and coercive behaviour, and rape against a woman in her twenties.

Hailes offences first came to light when the school of the teenage girl raised concerns about him.

He was then arrested and was still under investigation for the offences against the first victim, when he went on to offend against the second victim.

Hailes was arrested again when the woman reported that he had been controlling her and had gone on to rape her.

Hailes was subsequently charged with the offences against both victims but denied all of them.

He was sent for trial in June this year and a jury found him guilty of the above charges against the two victims after a 13-day-trial.

Hailes, of Heather Vale Road, Hasland, had additionally been charged with controlling and coercive behaviour, rape, and stalking against a third woman but was found not guilty of these during the trial.

On 14 September, a judge sentenced him to 10 years’ imprisonment.

Hailes was also handed a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and lifetime restraining orders in respect of his victims.

He will be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register and the Child’s Barred List, which means he can be prevented from working with children.

Officer in the case for Victim 1, Detective Constable Matt Charlesworth said:

“I would like to commend the victims in this case for their bravery in coming forwards and giving evidence in court regarding the horrific crimes they have been subjected to at the hands of such a dangerous, manipulative and controlling individual.

“I also wish to publicly extend my thanks to other witnesses who put their own anxieties and fears to one side, by providing evidence and making an invaluable contribution to securing his conviction.

“Whilst I am sure no sentence can offer suitable redress for the level of trauma Hailes has caused, I do hope that this outcome goes at least some way towards allowing all those affected by his actions the opportunity for some form of closure”.

Officer in the case for Victim 2, Detective Staff Investigator David Wright said:

“Danny Hailes said in open court that he was a player. The jury decided on the evidence that he was in fact a predator.

“At no point has he took responsibility for his actions, nor shown any remorse.

“He has made both victims relive their ordeals in court as an attempt to maintain control over them till the last.

“During the investigation, he refused to provide the PIN for his phones and was asked again in front of the jury by the prosecuting barrister for his PIN, but he refused.

“He clearly had something to hide, and the CPS applied for a deprivation order for his phones due to the nature of the offending.

“Above everything else, I must thank the victims for the courage they have shown in reporting Hailes’ crimes and seeing the case through till trial.”

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A former Greater Manchester Police officer today received a suspended sentence after being found guilty of a string of online child sex offences.

Michael Aspinall, 35, of Salford, Manchester, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court today (Monday 14 September) after being found guilty of three counts of attempting sexual communication with a child following a trial in July.

Aspinall, who was employed by Greater Manchester Police at the time of the offences, was arrested in October 2024 by detectives from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU). He was immediately suspended from duty following his arrest.

Prior to sentencing, Aspinall had already submitted his resignation from Greater Manchester Police.

The investigation began after evidence was obtained that Aspinall had been communicating online with individuals he believed to be children. He was in fact communicating with a police officer. Following an investigation, he was charged with various offences.

In addition to his eight-month sentence, which has been suspended for two years, Aspinall will be on the sex offender’s register for 10 years, subject to a five-year serious crime prevention order, and undertake 20 days of rehabilitation.

An Accelerated Misconduct hearing held by GMP last week found that had he still been serving, he would have been dismissed without notice. He was additionally added to the College of Policing’s barred list.

An application to request forfeiture of Aspinall’s police pension has been made to the Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester.

Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Humphreys, from our Professional Standards Directorate, said: 

“Aspinall’s offending was clearly unacceptable for any right-minded member of society and particularly inappropriate for a serving police officer.

“His actions put the whole police service under scrutiny, but thanks to the hard work and diligence of undercover officers, he was arrested, found guilty, and has now received his punishment.

“A misconduct panel by GMP found that he would have been dismissed had he still been serving – his actions take away from the hard work of the men and women who work so hard for their communities every day, and it is only right that anyone committing these sort of offences are rooted out.”