Latest Offenders Chester

Description

A convicted rapist issued threats to a court before being handed a fourth life sentence for attempting to stab a prison officer's neck.

David O’Brien, 47, already serving three life sentences for attempting to murder inmates, appeared via videolink at Manchester Crown Court for the October 2022 attack at HMP Manchester.

He previously admitted attempting to murder inmate Danny Fitzsimons by attacking him with a metal bar in the gym at Ashworth Hospital.

He also admitted attacking inmate Peter Harris by approaching from behind and "slicing his neck" with an improvised knife made from a toothbrush and razor blade.

In another incident, after meeting inmate Dean Rawlinson the previous day, O’Brien asked for a cigarette, led him to a shower block, charged at him with a weapon from his waistband, and inflicted a 12cm laceration to his left cheek requiring surgery.

Prosecutor Virginia Hayton described preexisting tensions with the officer. On October 3, 2022, O’Brien went out of camera sight in the kitchen, armed himself with a sharp improvised weapon from cutlery, then struck the officer's neck as they left. He admitted aiming for the neck, but the injury was minor.

Interrupting, O’Brien said: “Are they [the victim] not waiting for me to get f***ing slammed by the judge?” He added: “I never used a weapon on a screw ever. When you’ve got screws been in the business two years, juiced out on steroids, bringing in mobile phones for me. Trying to get me kicked off the wing, assaulting me. There were five or six waiting for me.”

In a victim impact statement, the officer said the attack had a “profound effect,” causing fear, anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, night terrors, irritability, withdrawal, and strained relationships. “I used to be outgoing, now I only leave the house to attend work or if I’m prompted by my partner to engage in daily things.”

Ms. Hayton noted O’Brien’s “extensive and serious” record: nine years for two rapes, 49 months in 2015 for robbery, and life sentences for attempted murder in April 2017, December 2017, and January 2023.

Interrupting, O’Brien said: “Read them all out - I want to hear them all. If you’re going to read all my convictions, read them all." Later: “Get f***ing on with it, I am getting bored of it and I need a s**t. What’s the f***ing point in another life sentence when I’m already doing three. I should be on the streets, when there’s terrorists out there blowing our kids up. Sentence me, I’m getting bored. Next time you sentence me it’s going to be for something else. Hurry up. Taking three years to bring this to court and then three hours to sentence me.”

Defence barrister Matthew O’Neill said O’Brien, diagnosed with personality disorder, offered no personal mitigation. “The injury caused was not significant. He is currently serving three separate life sentences and the facts relating to this offence may not warrant life imprisonment.”

O’Brien interrupted: “I really don’t care - you know if you want to life me off, I don’t care. Before you do sentence me, I will be back, and it will get worse. On my mother’s life. Do what you are doing, making it f***ing worth it. Hope every one of them dies of f***ing cancer. I hope one of my people catches up with you, the CPS, judges. For the f***ing lies, giving me 25 years. Can’t do convictions properly, reading just the worst ones out. Your court is f***ing me over and f***ing me over. Vengeance will be sweeter. Give me a life sentence judge, I’m not getting out any time. It’s destroyed my life. Splashed all over the M.E.N. You’ve got people doing worse for murder and whatever else.”

Judge Nicholas Dean KC muted O’Brien’s microphone. He said O’Brien was convicted of attempting grievous bodily harm, claiming it was revenge over a betrayed prison deal. “During the course of the trial he displayed highly volatile behaviour as he has today in the course of this sentencing hearing. Mr O’Brien has expressed threats during this hearing, and so I am satisfied that he is classed as a dangerous offender. I am satisfied there is a significant risk of him committing further offences and a significant risk of causing serious harm. I am sure there is a risk it will likely carry on in the future.”

O’Brien received a life sentence with a minimum four-and-a-half-year term before Parole Board consideration. The judge requested the hearing record, including threats, be sent to the prison for future release evaluations.

Description

A man who groomed and sexually abused a vulnerable young girl over a prolonged period has been sentenced to sixteen-and-a-half-years in prison today (Friday, 5 September 2025) at Manchester Crown Court following a complex investigation.

Junedh Ahmed (11/6/1999) of Shield Close, Oldham Manchester was found guilty of 14 offences including rape of a child under the age of 13, taking incident photographs of a child, and causing a child to engage in sexual activity following a three-week trial, which concluded on 26th July 2025 with Ahmed being remanded into custody.

Ahmed must sign the sex offender registry for life and will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 20 years. He is also subject to an indefinite restraining order.

Our investigation into Ahmed began when the victim bravely disclosed the abuse to officers at Central Park Police Station. Detectives from our complex safeguarding team launched a detailed investigation, which uncovered a disturbing pattern of grooming, coercion, and sexual violence.

As part of sentencing proceedings, the girl bravely prepared a personal impact statement which was read aloud the court and included these words:

“Jay Ahmed made me lose pieces of my childhood I can never get back.

“There were times I felt like I was drowning in silence — too scared to speak, too ashamed to ask for help.

She continued to say: “It’s taken a lot of strength just to speak these words. But I’m speaking to them because I need the court — and the world — to understand what this kind of harm does.”

Her mother also provided an impact statement, which read:

“I have watched my daughter battle pain and confusion no child should ever know.

As her mother, I have fought every day to remind her she is not broken; she is strong, she is loved, and this was never her fault.

Jay Ahmed betrayed our trust, damaged a young girl's life, and many other young girls and shook our family to the core.”

A second girl was also identified as a victim in the case and in relation to her, Ahmed was found guilty of inciting a child under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity.

Investigators conducted a thorough digital analysis reviewing social media data, search history, and mobile phone downloads to build a strong evidential package.

This investigative work was conducted despite Ahmed refusing to provide the PIN code for his mobile phones. As such, he was convicted of a criminal offence under section 53 of RIPA for failing to comply with our investigation by preventing police from reviewing the data contained on his devices.

Through our investigation, we determined that offences took place between December 2020 and February 2022, during which time Ahmed gained the trust of the victim’s family and used his position to obtain unsupervised access to the child.

Ahmed proceeded to groom the girl with gifts, alcohol, and emotional manipulation, before subjecting her to repeated sexual abuse and recorded several instances on his mobile device.

Ahmed was arrested in February 2022 and again in August 2022. Cowardly, he gave no comment in both police interviews and pleaded not guilty to the charges he faced.

After a jury was presented with a package of evidence, they found Ahmed guilty

Detective Constable Emma Davidson, who led the investigation, said:

“Ahmed led a calculated and sustained campaign of abuse against a young girl. The courage she has shown — not only in coming forward to report what happened, but in going through the difficult process of a trial — has been extraordinary.

“Her strength has helped bring a dangerous offender to justice, and we hope this outcome brings her some measure of healing.

“Our complex safeguarding team was pivotal throughout this case and built strong relationships with the victims and their families throughout the investigation, as well as provided access to tailored support.

“Having co-located multiagency teams are central to our proactive approach to protecting children and preventing further harm.”

Description

A man has been jailed for counts of rape, assault, and controlling and coercive behaviour following investigations by our detectives in the Criminal Investigation Department.  

Two women courageously came forward to report instances of rape, physical violence and controlling behaviour that they endured at the hands of this man. The perpetrator was physically aggressive and forceful over a long period of time with the one victim and caused significant psychological damage.   

Luke Cartwright (09/12/2002) of Balmoral Drive, Denton, has been sentenced after a trial at Bolton Crown Court to 15 years for seven sexual offences, including rape and coercive control against two women. He was initially arrested in February 2024 after reports were made that he abused and sexually assaulted a woman on multiple occasions from May 2022 to 2023.  

The victim bravely gave testimony in court about two separate incidents in which the perpetrator raped her in her sleep, and another where he forced himself on her, abused her and physically pinned her to the bed and wardrobe.  

Whilst enduring both physical and verbal abuse, the victim also recounts times at which Cartwright behaved in a controlling manner, such as checking through her phone every night, constantly checking her whereabouts, and hitting her in retaliation during arguments regarding his behaviour.  

In July 2024, a second woman came forward against the same perpetrator, reporting that Cartwright had raped her in her friend’s bedroom where she was staying to help with childcare. Her friend’s partner had let Cartwright into the house and the two men spent the night drinking. They later went upstairs to sleep, and Cartwright found the victim.  

She slept on a mattress beside her friends’ bed, along with their son, where Cartwright, who was heavily intoxicated, lay with her, forcefully assaulted her and raped her. Upon telling her friends what he had done, officers were called and arrested him at the scene, and CSI were able to forensically recover the mattress for further evidence.   

In November 2024, Cartwright was charged with two counts of rape and a single count of assault by penetration. 

The bravery and resilience of these women meant our dedicated detectives could ensure both victims were safeguarded from further abuse and had access to the systems available to get them the support they need.  

Both victims shared their experiences through victim impact statements, which were read to the court upon sentencing, outlining the abuse and trauma they suffered. Parts of each statement is below and demonstrates the long-lasting impact coercive control and domestic abuse can have.  

Person 1:  

“The anxiety that I would feel about how he would treat me frequently caused me to physically throw up. […] 

I know that I am not to blame, but I am still so frustrated with myself for letting him treat me like this. I don’t know how could I just freeze when he hit me or accept it when he tried to control me. When I think of that, I feel like I was so weak and there is real shame that I am still trying to work through.” 

Person 2: 

“When I would finally get to sleep, I would be constantly woken up by what happened. It was not a nightmare as such, but it was like I kept going back to that day. It kept replaying in my head, like I was there again. […]  

The main feeling, I have is anger. I am angry it happened. I am angry with myself that I feel I didn’t do enough to stop it. I know I said no and I pushed him off, however, I was still trying to be nice because I was scared. I sometimes blame myself for what happened to me, which also makes me feel angry.” 

Detective Superintendent Jen Tattersall, GMP’s lead for domestic abuse, said:

“Controlling and coercive behaviour is a massive priority for GMP along with all types of violence against women and girls which includes rape.  

"This case shows a really good investigation which highlights the complexities of that type of investigation and shows how much we take priority around our response to domestic abuse.  

"Cartwright is a dangerous offender. This conviction and sentencing is a fantastic result and demonstrates GMP’s dedication towards DA. We've invested in it, created dedicated DA teams, and we are prioritising it to raise the solved outcome rate for victims of controlling and coercive behaviour. 

"Controlling and coercive behaviour (CCB) can creep up on people, they think they are in a healthy relationship, and it slowly transforms into CCB, which makes it a challenge for victims to come forward and for policing, so GMP are trying to drive forward our overall response to domestic abuse and CCB.” 

Description

A sex offender has been jailed for offences against children that took place almost 20 years apart.

Christopher Atherton (02/07/1978), of Milnthorpe Way, Manchester, was jailed for 13 years at Manchester Minshull Street Court this week (1/9/25) following an earlier trial.

His offences against two girls in the Trafford area dated back to the early 2000s.

He was found guilty of sexual assault of a child under 13 and causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity relating to an incident in 2019.

Atherton was also found guilty of three charges – two of indecent assault and sexual assault - dating back to between 2001 and 2004 when his female victim was aged under 16.

Detective Constable Steve Matthias, of our Trafford Child Protection Unit, said:

“Atherton put his victims through two ordeals, firstly by carrying out this horrific abuse and then compounding that by denying his criminality and making them testify at his trial.

“The judge deemed him to be a significant risk of causing serious harm in the future and a danger to girls, and ordered that he remains on Sex Offender Register for life.

“I would like to commend the victims for coming forward to report his crimes and for giving evidence at his trial – that cannot have been easy.

“We want to reassure all victims and survivors that they will be supported regardless of how long has passed since the abuse took place and we will investigate all allegations.”

Description

A man has been jailed after he sent a string of explicit messages to an underage teenage girl and began a sexual relationship with her.

Kaylam Prince was arrested in July 2024 after the messages, which included requests for the victim to send naked images of herself, were uncovered.

The 28-year-old was charged and remanded and initially denied the charges against him before pleading guilty to sexual communication with a child, and two counts of sexual activity with a child.

Prince, of Gloucester Road, Stonegravels, Chesterfield, was sentenced to 28 months imprisonment during a hearing at Derby Crown Court on Friday 29 August.

He was also handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order which imposes restrictions on Prince’s internet usage and his access to children under the age of 16.

A restraining order was also granted to specifically protect the victim in the case.

Both orders remain active for a period of 5 years.

Officer in the case, PC Eloise Cooper, said:

“Kaylam Prince knowingly began a sexual relationship with a child who was well below the age of consent.

“He encouraged her to send sexual images of herself and incited her into engaging in sexual activity.

“Throughout this case the victim, who is still a young girl, has shown real courage when speaking with officers and has provided key evidence which has helped to secure this conviction.

“Her family have also been extremely supportive of the investigation and have ensured that we have been able to do everything our power to ensure that Kaylam Prince is brought to justice.”

Description

A 44-year-old data analyst, Karl Grocott, sent an image of Simpsons character Mr. Burns to "indicate his evil plan was working" before attempting to meet a "12-year-old boy" at Edge Lane McDonald's in Liverpool.

He boasted to the boy, "Kade," that he was a 27-year-old STEM teacher who "liked to kiss boys' bodies," but was actually communicating with undercover police.

Prosecutor Christopher Taylor told Liverpool Crown Court that Grocott had two conversations: one with "Kade" and one with adult "John," to whom he claimed abusing boys at parties and shopping centers, sending the Mr. Burns image as a "suggestion his evil plan was working."

After weeks of communication, Grocott arranged to meet "Kade" on May 10, 2024, planning sexual activity in a hotel room. Police arrested him nearby, seizing two Motorola phones; a hotel search found a condom, lubricant, and chocolate.

Grocott believed "Kade" was 12, claimed prior abuse of a pupil in Blackpool, sent naked torso images and sexual emojis, and promised "fun for hours" with "no pressure" for sex.

With five prior convictions for nine offenses, including making indecent images of children and breaching a sexual harm prevention order (from Manchester Minshull Street Court, 2018-2024), Grocott pleaded guilty to attempting to meet a child under 16 following grooming and attempted sexual communication with a child.

Defender David Birrell noted no sexual images were exchanged (only sent by Grocott) and cited the defendant's mental health issues or learning difficulties, adding: "I think it is commonly known that those with traits of autism can excel in certain areas." He highlighted Grocott's data analyst role, earnings, and prison progress on courses.

Sentencing, Judge Neil Flewitt KC said: "There was no real child. The people you were communicating with were two undercover police officers. There was no child available to meet you but you didn't know that or desist from the offences.

"You went online communicating with another adult expressing an interest in young boys. You then began to engage in sexualised chat with a boy you believed to be 12. It went on over a period of time. It did not end there because you agreed to meet a person you believed to be a 12-year-old boy.

"What you had in mind was penetrative sexual activity with a boy aged 12 which would have been rape of a child under the age of 13. It was only the intervention of the police that brought it to a conclusion."

"You must have known what you were doing was quite wrong."

Grocott, of Hurst Avenue in Sale, received 27 months for the two offenses, plus a consecutive six months for breaching his prior order. He faces indefinite sexual harm prevention order and Sexual Offences Act notifications.

Description

A drunken passenger on a Jet2 flight from Manchester to Tenerife made lewd advances towards a woman sat next to him, asking her: "Are you going to f*** me then?"

Craig Lowe, 53, had consumed six small bottles of red wine during the four-and-a-half-hour flight on November 12, 2023. After some light-hearted 'banter', Lowe began making crude sexual remarks towards the woman, suggesting: "Would you come back to my hotel room so I can f*** you?" He then groped her inner thigh, according to what was heard in Manchester Crown Court.

Lowe, from Wigan, repeated his inappropriate question before the woman excused herself to use the toilet to escape his advances. Upon her return, she covered her lap with her hoodie.

However, Lowe proceeded to touch her thigh twice more, causing her to freeze before finally telling him to 'stop', which he eventually did.

Lowe also verbally assaulted another passenger who attempted to assist him after he dropped his phone, threatening him with: "I'm going to kill you... go on... I'll have you outside", as reported in court. His disruptive behaviour persisted even after they disembarked the plane and boarded the bus to the terminal, with the other passenger's wife pleading loudly: "Can someone get this man away from us."

In a personal victim statement read out in court by prosecutor Amy Weir, the woman expressed her distress, stating: "This journey was supposed to be a relaxing trip away with my family after ten sets of shifts. I am now anxious to travel and I'll never sit on my own again."

The woman said she was a nervous flier, and the incident made her feel worse.

She continued: "There was no CCTV on board which makes me more apprehensive about travelling - it means there is nowhere to go.

"I'm just grateful that this occurred towards the end of a four hour flight."

Jason Smith, defending, said his client was battling alcoholism at the time, which 'destroyed his life' and 'ended his marriage'.

"In a bid to reinvent himself and take a holiday, he continued drinking at the airport and acted in a completely disgraceful way," he said.

"He has no excuse."

Mr Smith said Lowe had since 'turned his life around' and given up alcohol, reports the Manchester Evening News. During sentencing, Judge Timothy Smith said: "She described that for the majority of the flight there was nothing untoward about your behaviour - you were 'fun'. That came to an end towards the end of the flight.

"This court sees too often examples of people who misbehave and drink to excess before going on a flight. Their behaviour, in a confined space, causes fear. They see people, such as yourself, in an intoxicated state, unable to control themselves.

"You say you are disgusted in yourself and your behaviour, and so you should be."

Judge Smith said that because the sentencing hearing was happening two years after the incident, and that Lowe had taken action to tackle his problems, he felt able to suspend a prison sentence. Lowe, from Lower Green Lane in Tyldesley, received a 28-week suspended sentence after admitting to boarding an aircraft while intoxicated and committing sexual assault.

He's been ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and 20 days of rehabilitation activities.

He will also be required to register as a sex offender for the next seven years.

Description

Hassan Mahmood, a 23-year-old convicted child sex offender, fled the UK from Manchester Airport to Pakistan via Doha, Qatar, on the second day of his trial.

A warrant for his arrest was issued after he was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison in his absence by Manchester Crown Court on August 7, 2025. Greater Manchester Police have released his mugshot to aid in tracking him down.

Mahmood, formerly of Gigg Lane in Bury, was convicted last month of sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl, causing her to watch sexual activity, engaging in sexual activity in her presence, and sexual communication with her. The court heard he knew her age, having started an online relationship with her in January 2022, which became sexualized by February. He sent explicit images and videos, and during one FaceTime call, he performed a sex act. They met three times in person, including an incident in an Openshaw park where he persuaded her to perform a sex act, and other occasions involving kissing and hugging in his father’s car.

Mahmood, who had no prior convictions, became “obsessed” with the girl, declaring his love for her. After her mother discovered their Snapchat messages in May 2022, police were alerted. Following his arrest, Mahmood sent the girl an abusive letter telling her to kill herself for “snitching,” intended to intimidate her, though she was not deterred. The court noted his exploitation of her willingness to communicate for his sexual gratification.

Judge John Potter, sentencing, noted Mahmood’s absence and mental health difficulties raised by the defense. He indicated potential further proceedings for Mahmood’s flight from justice, with the arrest warrant remaining active as his exact whereabouts in Pakistan are unknown.

Description

Following a four-week trial in July this year, a man has been sentenced to 14 years – 11 of those in prison, of which he must serve two-thirds, with a further three on extended license, at Manchester Crown Court on Thursday 7 August 2025.

He is also subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and restraining orders for all victims and their families.

Umair Iqbal (28/11/1987), of Lecester Road, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, a private Quran and maths tutor was found guilty of 29 out of 30 counts of sexual assault against five children and adults aged eight - 18 years of age. The offences, including sexual assault of a child, took place over a ten-year period between 2010 - 2020 when Iqbal regularly attended the homes of the young women and girls to conduct his scheduled lessons.

Primary inquiries into Mr Iqbal began in October 2020 when the first account of sexual abuse was reported to GMP by a victim who was 15 years old at the time.

After years of believing the abuse was a fault of her own, the victim found the courage to inform her family and then the police.

A subsequent investigation into Mr Iqbal’s actions by Rochdale’s multi-agency safeguarding team, known then as the sunrise team, soon revealed the extent of his abusive behaviour, unearthing a further four victims, including a victim who had been abused from the age of eight years old.

Rochdale’s Detective Constable Alex Dodd who lead the case said:

Rochdale’s Detective Constable Alex Dodd who lead the case said: “All five victims were young Muslim girls from good families, abused by a person in a position of trust and silenced through fear of getting in trouble or being blamed for the abuse. Iqbal befriended families and used the good reputation of a community to hide behind his sordid sexual agenda.

"Securing justice for these victims is a positive outcome for Rochdale’s complex safeguarding team. The multi-agency work we do in Rochdale is a collaborative force for good.

"It involves GMP officers, children’s services, youth workers, social workers, health professionals, housing officers and public protection services, all working together to investigate child sexual exploitation (CSE), safeguard victims, uncover the truth and bring offenders to justice.

"I would like to recognise and thank all five victims and their families for their determination during the lengthy investigation and four-week trial, which was a distressing process for them.

"We encourage anyone who feels they may have been subjected to Mr Iqbal’s behaviour to come forward and report it on 101 quoting ‘Operation Ganister.’"

Description

A 32-year-old man has been jailed for the rape of a schoolgirl.

Ursaloan Ansari, of Birch Road, Manchester, denied the offence but was found guilty by a jury at Mold Crown Court last month.

Ansari drugged the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, before raping her at a property in Rhos-on-Sea in January 2022.

He was sentenced at Mold Crown Court today (Monday, 4 August) to ten years in prison.

He was subject to sex offenders register notification requirements for life and handed a 10-year restraining order to protect the victim. He was also issued an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Gavin Jones said:

“This was an incredibly difficult case and I commend the bravery and strength of the victim throughout the investigation and trial process.

“Her willingness to speak out has ensured that justice has been served, and I hope today’s result provides some measure of closure for her and her family.

“I would also like to encourage any victim of sexual abuse to come forward. We will listen, we will support you, and we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.”

Description

A man who groomed and sexually abused two young girls two decades ago, has been jailed.

Darren Kay plied the girls with alcohol and cigarettes, gaining their trust, before going on to sexually assault and rape them.

The victims who are now in their 30s were young teenagers when Kay, then in his 30s, abused them between 2004 and 2006.

Kay’s offences went undetected for almost 20 years, until one of the victims saw him in public and the memories of what happened to her came flooding back.

Following this report, the other victim also came forward and an investigation was launched in 2022.

Kay attended a voluntary police interview and, in December 2022, was charged with multiple sexual offences against the girls.

The 56-year-old of Hill Top, Bolsover denied the charges and was sent to trial at Derby Crown Court.

A jury found him guilty of two counts of rape, one count of digital penetration, and three counts of sexual touching against a child between the ages of 13-15.

On June 27, a judge handed Kay a 12-year prison term and granted indefinite restraining orders to protect the victims in the case.

Detective Sergeant Mark Webb, who oversaw the case said:

“I want to commend the two very brave women in this case, who had already lived with the trauma of what Kay had done to them for 20 years and then had to wait a further three years from their initial report to police to the case being heard at court.

“The sentence given highlights the seriousness of what Kay did to these women, when they were just young girls.

“His actions were predatory and calculated, and something he clearly thought he could get away with.

“Kay prolonged the suffering of the women he abused by denying the charges against him and forcing them to endure a trial.

“To anyone reading this who may have also suffered sexual assault or abuse, whether now or in the past, please do speak to someone. There is help available, whether you wish to involve the police or not.

“If you do feel able to contact us, we will always listen, investigate and support you through the process.”

Description

Today (Thursday 24 July 2025) Sid Ali Djelid (09/01/1986) - also known under the alias of Mourad Malki - of Smedley Road, Manchester, has been convicted on five counts of rape in the city centre following a five-week trial at Manchester Crown Court.

The court heard how the series of rapes took place between February and July 2024, and how Djelid would pray on, and attack intoxicated victims in the city centre.

The first of the three attacks came on Sunday 18 February 2024 which occurred in the early hours of the morning. CCTV footage shows Djelid leading his female victim down a secluded back street near to China Town before raping her and stealing her mobile phone and making off.

Her mobile phone was tracked to Smedley Road in Cheetham Hill, very close to Djelid’s home address.  

Djelid, believed to be an Algerian national committed his second crime on Wednesday 12 June 2024, the victim - who was visiting Manchester with work – was approached by Djelid outside a bar on Canal Street. After engaging in conversation with the victim, he walked him to a remote location close to Richmond Street and raped him.

Once again, Djelid stole items from the victim, namely his phone, watch and a necklace.The stolen phone of the victim was tracked near to Vallea Court in Cheetham Hill.

During that incident, Djelid is shown on CCTV to be wearing a distinctive, black puffa jacket.    

Djelid’s final attack before being apprehended on Sunday 21 July 2024, came three days earlier on 18th July 2024, Djelid approached his male victim who was visiting Manchester and offered to assist him back to his hotel as he was lost. Djelid was acting as a concerned good Samaritan but his intentions were anything but sincere.

Instead, he led the victim to a secluded area of the canal at Jutland Street and raped him.

Similar to the previous incidents, he took the victims phone and wallet and pushed the victim to the ground before making his escape. A short time later Djelid attended a service station in Cheetham Hill and utilised one of the bank cards to make a fraudulent transaction before attempting to make a further transaction using the stolen back card but that was declined. The stolen mobile phone was again tracked to the Cheetham Hill area.

Djelid had previously pleaded guilty to four counts of theft at an earlier hearing linked to this investigation.

Senior Investigating Officer Paul Davies from our Major Incident Team said:

"Firstly, I would like to commend all the victims who came forward. Without them Djelid may not have been caught and could still be prowling the streets. 

“Being drunk is not a crime. Everybody who visits the city centre should feel safe. Safe in the knowledge that they can go and enjoy themselves without fear of being attacked. 

“What makes these crimes particularly heinous is the deliberate and premeditated nature of Djelid’s actions. He would specifically seek out intoxicated individuals, often presenting himself as an upstanding member of the public, before leading them to secluded locations.

“He would then subject them to horrific sexual attacks and steal their belongings which included mobile phones and bank cards which he would then use. 

“These convictions reflect not only the severity of Djelid’s crimes but also the lasting impact they have had on his victims. Such predatory behaviour has no place in Greater Manchester, and those who feel it is acceptable to commit offences of this sort will be brought to justice.

“If you have been affected by this case or believe that you may have been a victim of Sid Ali Djelid, then please contact us on 101 or via our website www.gmp.police.uk and make a report using the ‘Live Chat’ function in the bottom right corner quoting Operation Baycliff

“All reports made to us will be fully investigated and specialist officers will be on hand to support you through the investigation.”

Rebekah Tomlinson, District Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said:

“Sid Ali Djelid is a serial sex offender who posed serious danger to both men and women – carrying out his horrifying crimes in one of the most celebrated and historic nightlife hotspots in the country.

“The way he targeted lone individuals who he believed would be vulnerable was both calculating and insidious. Having raped his victims, he also stole their property before he fled.

“Canal Street holds a special place in the heritage of Manchester and the LGBT community, and those on a night out have the right to enjoy themselves free from the fear of abuse and attack.

“Djelid’s crimes will doubtless leave a lasting impact on the victims – and my deepest thanks goes to them for supporting this prosecution. Without their evidence, this dangerous man would still be in our community.”

Description

THREE prison officers had to tackle a defendant who started punching a pane of glass when he was told he was being jailed.

Lewis Buckley, 27, appeared before Colchester Magistrates’ Court after he admitted one charge each of theft and failing to comply with notification requirements for sex offenders.

The court heard Buckley failed to report to a police station after he was released from HMP Chelmsford earlier this year having served a 12-week prison term for exposure.

Stuart Cowen, prosecuting, said: “This is his fifth such offence which would aggravate the matter further."

Buckley, of no fixed abode, Colchester, also stole £150 of clothes from H&M in May and was arrested after he was reported by a member of the public.

The hearing had to be adjourned briefly for a cleaner to sanitise the dock after Buckley was seen spitting into an air vent.

Referring to a pre-sentence report prepared by the probation service, Hamza Adesanu said in mitigation: “There is the usual stuff – mental health concerns, school being patchy, use of drugs and use of alcohol, and homelessness.

“He was released from custody and was overwhelmed by freedom and didn’t report to the police station.

“He has been homeless for a number of years – he has done well to be convicted as lightly as he has.

“He has been on the streets from place to place – Clacton, Colchester – and still manages to report, in the main, to a police station.”

He added: “His convictions have created a vicious cycle where work is difficult to obtain, housing is difficult to obtain – it is difficult to describe his life as anything but chaotic.”

When the bench retired to consider their sentence, Buckley launched a verbal tirade at the press bench.

He said: “You should feel ashamed sitting there. You’re a cretin – your family would be ashamed of you.”

Magistrates jailed Buckley for eight months for failing to comply with notification requirements and one month consecutive for theft from a shop.

Buckley constantly shouted at the magistrates' bench while the chair Robert Cook explained how they had reached their sentence.

After refusing to go to the cells, three dock officers wrestled Buckley to the ground before the legal adviser cleared the court.

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Sultan Amjad (20/12/2001) of Kirkmanshulme Lane, Manchester was sentenced to four-and-a-half years for rape. He was also given a five-year restraining order against his victim.

The victim reported several incidents of non-consensual sexual assaults against her which occurred in September 2024.

After the offences were reported, Sultan fled to Ireland where he was then arrested after being circulated as a wanted person.

The victim, whose identity remains anonymous, wants to encourage others to speak out against such abuse.

She said: “There are moments in life that change you forever — moments that challenge everything you thought you knew about strength, courage, and healing. Reporting the rape I experienced was one of those moments; it was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made, but one that I do not regret, because I was foreseen with no judgment or indifference, but with compassion, professionalism, and unwavering support.

“From the very beginning, Detective Constable Sam Cullen treated me with dignity and respect. In a time when I felt broken, afraid, and unsure of myself, he saw me — not just as a victim, but as a person worthy of being heard, believed, and protected. His patience, his clear communication, and his calm reassurance helped me take the first steps in what felt like an impossible journey.

“The experience I had with the police throughout this process was nothing short of extraordinary. I was kept informed at every stage, treated with care and professionalism, and never once made to feel alone in what I was facing. The updates, the follow-through, the consistent reassurance — all of it helped rebuild a sense of safety and control that I thought I had lost forever.

“DC Cullen, your dedication to my case, your belief in me, and your relentless pursuit of justice made a profound impact on my life. Your strength became my strength, and your support gave me the courage to keep going, even when the emotional toll felt overwhelming. I will never forget the way you stood by me — quietly, consistently, and with immense integrity.

“To your team — those who worked tirelessly in the background — thank you. I know how much unseen effort goes into these cases: the long hours, the careful attention to detail, the emotional weight of the work. Your dedication brought justice into reach, and for that, I am forever grateful. Even one conviction represents something monumental to me — it is proof that my voice mattered.

“This process has been incredibly painful, but because of the care and professionalism shown by you and your team, it has also been healing. You reminded me that I was not alone, that I was not to blame, and that I deserved to be fought for. That kind of support changes lives — it changed mine.”

DC Cullen added: “I would like to thank the victim for their bravery in reporting these incidents to us, which is not an easy thing to do.

“The victim told us she was subjected to an emotionally and physically abusive relationship for some time where she was manipulated financially and degraded by Amjad.

“Time is no barrier when it comes to being sexually abused – no matter how long ago it was, or how old you were at the time, we will listen to you. We will support you, investigate, and act robustly against perpetrators. We will take your allegations seriously and treat you with dignity and respect.”

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Suaiel Riaz Haider (11/08/1981) of Mosley Avenue, Bury groomed, raped, and abused a teenage girl in the early 2000s and today he has been brought to justice following a complex investigation led by specialist detectives from Bury’s Complex Safeguarding Team.

Today (07/07/2025) Hazier was sentenced to 14 years in prison for two counts of rape of a girl under the age of 16 and four counts of indecent assault and must abide by conditions set out in a lifelong sexual harm protection order.

Haider has signed the sex offender’s register for life.

Haider was convicted on 13/06/2025 after he was found guilty by a unanimous jury following a two-week trial at Manchester Crown Court.

We commenced a retrospective investigation into offences Haider committed as far back as a quarter of a century ago after a survivor courageously came forward to police in 2021.

Detectives worked closely with her to record video statements, narrow in on specific details, and gather evidence to strengthen disclosure.

The victim met Haider in 2000 when she was 15 years old, and he was 19 years old. He groomed her through providing lifts from school, food, cigarettes, and alcohol. Their relationship quickly turned sexual.

He began making derogatory comments towards her, which progressed to sexual offences.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges, subjecting the victim to a trial, and throughout he continued to deny all offences until the jury deemed him guilty.

Detective Sergeant Sarah Beale, of our Bury Complex Safeguarding Team, said:

“The strength and courage of this survivor demonstrated while supporting our investigation and subsequent legal proceedings is commendable.

“It was incredibly brave of her to speak about the abuse, and this played a crucial role in ensuring Haider couldn’t get away with his crimes any longer and faced justice.

“Today marks the conclusion of a long and complicated investigation, and I hope that brings a sense of closure to her.

“We are on an upward improvement journey in how we tackle CSE – whether it be the abuse of children yesterday or today.

“I hope this case provides confidence to anyone who has experienced child abuse that if they come forward, they will be listened to, and we will do everything we can to secure justice.”