Latest Offenders Cornwall

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A high-risk registered sex offender has been jailed for more than three years after breaching a court order aimed at stopping him from accessing indecent images of children online.

Richard Over, aged 43, was caught with a forbidden tablet hidden under his duvet, then told police: “I’m an idiot.”

A search history-concealing internet browser and dark web software were found installed on the device. 

Over, of Marazion in Cornwall, was originally convicted of making indecent images of children in 2017 and again in 2024 - for which he received suspended prison sentences.

He was also made the subject of a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) in December 2023.

Officers from Devon & Cornwall Police’s Management of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offenders (MOSOVO) team arrested Over following a visit to his home in April 2026.

He admitted five breaches of his SHPO between 17 December 2025 and 5 April 2026  and was sentenced to three years and two months in prison at Truro Crown Court.

The court heard Over had been convicted of breaching his SHPO on seven occasions since September 2023.

He had also breached his registered sex offender notification requirements seven times in the same period, the judge was told.

Over had been barred from buying or using any device capable of accessing the internet without first notifying police.

The SHPO also stipulated any such device should be able to retain and display its online history.

Over was also prohibited from deleting his internet search history and required to make any devices available for officers to inspect.

The order also banned Over from using any software which enables anonymous online activity and from password-protecting any devices or files without permission. 

An unannounced visit by officers to Over’s home on Sunday 5 April 2026 uncovered a PIN-locked tablet hidden under his duvet.

When officers unlocked the device, a private internet browser and gateway application to access the dark web were found installed on it.  

He told officers he ‘didn’t use’ the private browser and the dark web application was ‘for checking about the war’.

Police Constable Ross Waite said:

“This offender made a sustained and deliberate effort to bypass strict court orders designed to protect children and limit his access to the internet.

“Despite being fully aware of the restrictions placed upon him, he chose to conceal a device, install software to hide his online activity, and attempt to access the darkest corners of the internet.

“Sexual Harm Prevention Orders are in place to manage risk and safeguard the public, particularly the most vulnerable.

“Breaching them is not a technicality – it is a serious offence that demonstrates a clear disregard for the law and for the safety of others.

“We will continue to robustly monitor and pursue those who attempt to evade these restrictions and take swift action to bring them before the courts.”

Over was sentenced on Friday 8 May.

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A Penzance man has been jailed for over four years for inciting a child into sexual activity online.

Christopher Stevens, of Chywoone Hill in Newlyn, appeared at Truro Crown Court on Friday 8 May where he was sentenced to four years and six months’ imprisonment.

The 65-year-old pleaded guilty on 13th April to causing/or inciting a child under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity.

The court heard how Stevens had been in contact with the child over a dating app before moving over to a messaging app where explicit content was shared. It was only when the child’s father looked through her phone that contact ceased and the police were immediately alerted.

On sentencing, Stevens was made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for a period of 10 years, placing strict restrictions on his internet use and contact with children upon release. He was also placed onto the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely. 

Investigating officer Detective Constable Emily Distin said:

“This case highlights the serious risks posed to children in online environments and the determined efforts of law enforcement to identify and prosecute those who seek to exploit young people.

“This emphasises the importance of parents, carers and guardians remaining vigilant to children’s online activity and encouraging open conversations about internet safety.

“Anyone with concerns about child exploitation or inappropriate online behaviour is urged to report it to police or via the appropriate safeguarding channels below.”

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A man has been jailed for six years for sexually assaulting a woman as she slept.

Mark McIlwaine, 49, of Elizabeth Court, Higher Bugle, appeared at Truro Crown Court for sentence on Friday 10 April having previously been found guilty of sexual assault by penetration and causing a female to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity.

The court heard how McIlwaine assaulted his victim in her sleep, and initially when challenged pretended nothing had happened.

McIlwaine denied any such offending in interview.

Officer in the case Detective Constable Emily Rickard said:

“We welcome the sentence given to Mark McIlwaine who showed no consideration for the victim in this case as he sought about fulfilling his own sexual desires.

“McIlwaine has showed no remorse for what he has put the victim through.

“I would like to thank the victim for having the bravery to report what had happened to her, and for remaining engaged throughout court proceedings.

"The reporting of these incidents to police will further protect women and girls in the future."

Description

A man has been jailed for three years for a terrifying sex attack on a teenage girl in a Launceston alleyway.

Bulgarian national Yordan Stanchev, 26, of no fixed abode, appeared at Truro Crown Court for sentence on Thursday 2 April having pleaded guilty to sexual assault.

Stanchev – who will likely be deported after his sentence – must also sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life. A restraining order was in place to protect the victim, aged 17.

The court heard how the offence took place at around 9.15pm on Sunday 25 January in an alleyway near to Launceston College.

On the evening in question the victim – who did not know Stanchev - was walking in the area when she noticed him following her.

As he sprinted towards her, she screamed and tried to run away. However, Stanchev caught up with her, pushed her against a metal fence and sexually assaulted her.

Despite being terrified, the victim bravely fought her attacker and injured his face.

As a result of the victim fighting back and Stanchev possibly being disturbed by a dog walker, he fled the scene and the victim was able to run to a place of safety.

Police were then called by a relative of the victim and officers immediately deployed to the vicinity where an area search was conducted.

The victim was able to describe Stanchev and it was established that he had made a call to Police not long before the attack, saying that he’d been attacked outside of Lidl.

Officers aware of the earlier allegation arranged to meet Stanchev and he was located with an injury to his face matching the one that the victim described inflicting on him as she attempted to escape.

Stanchev was immediately arrested and his phone was determined to have been in the area of the offence at the time.

The victim was able to positively identify Stanchev as her attacker and he was promptly arrested, charged and remanded.

At the sentencing hearing, Judge Simon Carr described the offence as “every woman’s worst nightmare”, adding that Stanchev followed the victim until she arrived in a remote area before launching “a sustained and terrifying attack”.

Judge Carr went onto state that the victim showed exceptional bravery in fighting off Stanchev who intended to commit an even more serious offence.

Stanchev, Judge Carr continued, possessed misogynist views and targeted the victim at random as revenge for him believing his wife was having an affair.

Police Staff Investigator Jo Wilson said:

“This was an utterly terrifying attack for the victim, but thankfully stranger attacks of this nature remain rare here in Devon and Cornwall.

“I would like to thank the victim for her bravery and her prompt call to the Police which helped the officers to quickly locate and arrest the suspect a short time later.

“It was due to her actions, and possibly also the presence of a dog walker, that Stanchev did not go on to commit further sexual offences.

“We all should be able to walk freely outside whenever we wish without fear of violence or attack.

“I would like to reassure the public that Police take every report of sexual assault very seriously and we will do all we can to keep our communities safe.

“This is evidenced in the fact that Stanchev was arrested and taken into custody within hours of the offence being committed.

“As well as the victim in the case, we’d like to thank the dog walker, and other witnesses who supported the investigation.”

Description

A registered sex offender who made a determined effort to hide his internet activity from Police has been jailed for 21 months.

Peter Ash, 52, of Kenwyn Hill Caravan Park, Truro, was also found to have an image of a dog being sexual abused on an electronic device.

Ash appeared at Truro Crown Court for sentence on Friday 13 February after pleading guilty to three breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention order, possession of extreme pornography and a breach of his notification requirements as a sex offender.

As part of the sentence defendant must also sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for seven years.

The court heard how in 2022 Ash was convicted of possessing child sexual abuse images and given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order as part of his sentence.

In September 2025, Devon & Cornwall Police received intelligence that a user of an online platform had communications discussing child abuse

Ash was identified and arrested at his home in Truro.

Upon arrest it was discovered that Ash had attempted to conceal a mobile device within his home address and therefore committed several breaches of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

The breaches were a result of Ash failing to notify Police of a new electronic device, installing encrypted applications and using a virtual private network (VPN) to mask his IP address and attempting to prevent Police from tracing his internet history

An examination of a device found an image of a person carrying out a sex act on a dog, this forming the possession of extreme pornography charge.

Police Constable Dean Martin from the Paedophile Online Investigation Team, said:

“I welcome the sentence given to Peter Ash at Truro Crown Court.

“The conditions of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order are strictly imposed to manage risk and protect the most vulnerable members of our community in Devon and Cornwall.

“We take any violation of court-ordered conditions extremely seriously and this investigation highlights our commitment to proactive monitoring and our refusal to tolerate any behaviour that undermines public safety or the welfare of those - human or otherwise - who cannot protect themselves.

“Peter Ash made determined efforts to mask his internet history, showing no regard to the order previously given to him to curb his offending and protect others.”

Description

Nathan Trewern has been sentenced at Truro Crown Court for making indecent images of children, distributing indecent images of children, and possessing extreme pornographic images of people having sex with animals.

A depraved offender caught with indecent images of children and extreme pornographic material depicting bestiality has avoided prison.

Nathan Trewern, 30, appeared at Truro Crown Court this month and was sentenced on January 9 for offenses spanning April 2015 to May 2024. He created 190 category A indecent images of children (the most serious), 159 category B images, and 51 category C images. He also distributed 231 indecent images and possessed seven extreme pornographic images "which portrayed, in an explicit and realistic way, a person performing an act of intercourse with a live animal, namely a dog and a horse," per court documents, as reported by Cornwall Live.

Trewern, of Treloweth Road in Pool (between Redruth and Camborne), admitted three counts of making indecent images, one count of distribution, and one count of possessing extreme porn. He received a two-year suspended prison sentence, 200 hours of unpaid work, and 40 days of rehabilitation including a sex offenders' program.

He faces a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, registration on the sex offenders' list for 10 years, and £120 in court costs.

Description

A 79-year-old taxi driver has been jailed for sexually abusing a child in his car after offering her a free lift when she couldn't pay the £30 fare.

Terence Round pleaded guilty to engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl under 16 and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. He was sentenced to four years in prison at Truro Crown Court and will remain on the sex offender register for life.

The incident occurred three years ago. Prosecutor Heather Hope said Round had previously texted the victim asking her age, given her lifts, and told her it was a shame she wasn't 16. On the day of the offense, the teen offered "anything he wanted" for a free ride. Round drove her to an isolated spot in Cornwall and locked the doors.

The victim felt "terrified," "froze," and as though she would cry, Ms. Hope said. After the assault, Round drove her to her destination and told her not to tell anyone.

Defense lawyer Emily Cook described it as "clearly very serious offending" but noted "rather odd and unusual circumstances" led to it. She said Round initially thought "anything he wants" meant cleaning his car, adding he is "not a risk - he has never offended before," hasn't offended again, and "no longer works as a taxi driver - his career has ended."

Sentencing Round, Judge James Adkin said: "You were a taxi driver, you gave her a lift and took her to an isolated spot." He noted the victim "said she was terrified, she felt she was about to cry." After, "you told her to get dressed and act like nothing happened," and reminded her not to tell anyone. The judge cited Round's personal circumstances and lack of previous convictions as mitigating factors.

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Ryan Mitchell, 33, from Carn Gwavas Terrace in Newlyn, was sentenced at Truro Crown Court on December 11 to 17 years in prison for raping and violently assaulting a woman.

He was convicted on November 14 of three counts of rape in west Cornwall over five years ago, and one count of grievous bodily harm with intent in 2022, despite pleading not guilty to all charges.

Judge Simon Carr imposed 12 years for each rape count (concurrent) plus five years consecutive for the GBH.

Mitchell will be on the sex offenders register for life, with a restraining order until further notice.

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A Cornish man has been jailed for 10 years as judge calls offending a ‘campaign of the most horrific abuse’.

Dylan Cathrae, aged 20, was found guilty of six offences by a jury following a trial at Truro Crown Court in October.

Cathrae, formerly of Swallow Close, Bude, appeared at court today where he was jailed for the following offences:

• Rape
• Two counts of assault by penetration
• Coercive and controlling behaviour
• Non-fatal strangulation
• Witness intimidation

Cathrae had previously pleaded guilty to a charge of harassment against a second victim.

In addition to jail time, he was given a restraining order against both victims.

At trial the court heard that it was reported to police that Cathrae had raped and sexually assaulted the victim, behaving in a physically and emotionally abusive manner toward her including putting cigarettes out on her.

Cathrae was interviewed by detectives on multiple occasions about the reports. When asked questions about the incidents he claimed that the reports of sexual offending were made up out of jealousy.

When officers put to him that his behaviour could be construed as ‘obsessive’ and ‘controlling’, he replied saying ‘…how’s that a bad thing?’.

Following a trial at Truro Crown Court in October, the jury found him guilty on all counts.

Sentencing him to 10 years in prison, the judge told him ‘This is one of the worst cases of coercive and controlling behaviour I have seen’

At the hearing today the victim read a statement to the court in which she said the crimes had ‘ruined my life’.

Investigating officer, DC Isla Ferguson said:

“We welcome the sentence given and first and foremost I praise the victim for her strength and courage to report the crimes and support the criminal justice process.

“I hope that the outcome today may help her find some closure.

“I also hope that this case may encourage anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence to come forward and report it so that we can investigate and take action against perpetrators.”

Description

A Bude man has been jailed for nine years for raping a woman and then attending her home and slashing her car tyres in an effort to intimidate her.

Luke Clements, 52, formerly of Upton, Bude, appeared at Truro Crown Court for sentence on Thursday 2 October having been convicted by a jury of rape, sexual assault, sexual assault by penetration, witness intimidation, possession of a bladed article and assault by beating.

He had previously pleaded guilty to criminal damage and being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

As well as a nine-year prison sentence, he was given a life term restraining order to protect the victim and her family and placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

During the trial the court heard how in March 2025, the victim reported how she attended Clements’ home address for a pre-arranged coffee.

While at the property she felt the atmosphere change which progressed to Clements touching her without consent.

The victim stated that she attempted to leave, but Clements forced her upstairs and raped her. She immediately left the address and contacted the police.

Officers attended Clements’ address the same evening and arrested him, with Clements claiming the sexual contact was consensual.

He was released the following afternoon with bail conditions not to contact the victim directly or indirectly.

The next day the victim went outside and found her car tyres had been slashed with a knife, despite never having had any issues with her neighbours or anyone else.

An emergency alarm was then fitted at the victim’s address. A very short time later the victim’s son noticed the dogs barking.

When he went downstairs, he found Clements inside the house. The son immediately pressed the newly fitted alarm, dispatching officers.

Clements was wearing a black mask and a hood up and assaulted the victim’s son as he tried to flee while producing a Stanley knife from his pocket.

The son managed to detain Clements until officers arrived. Clements was taken into custody, charged and remanded.

Following a download of Clements’ phone, evidence was found linking him to the supply of cocaine between 2022 and 2024.

Clements also made comments about filling the victim’s door locks with silicone/adhesive and was found in possession of a silicone gun on arrest.

Detective Constable Tom Graham, officer in the case,  said:

“This conviction sends a clear message that such horrific crimes will not go unpunished.

“I want to pay tribute to the incredible bravery of the victim in coming forward and supporting this investigation. It takes immense courage to speak out and her strength was vital in securing today’s outcome.

“We know how difficult it can be for survivors of sexual offences to report what has happened to them. I want to reassure anyone who has experienced anything similar that we will listen, we will believe you and we will do everything in our power to seek justice.

“Our priority is always the safety, dignity and wellbeing of the victims and we remain committed to working tirelessly to bring perpetrators of such horrific crimes like Clements before the courts.”

Description

A sex offender already in prison for historical offences against a child has been sentenced to a further six years behind bars after being found guilty of additional offending.

In 2019 Tyler Munday, formerly of Porthleven, was jailed for 12 years for a "campaign of sexual violence”.

At that time he pleaded guilty to 12 offences, committed over two separate periods of time from 2011 to 2013 and then again between 2017 and 2018.

The first period of offences occurred when he was 14 or 15, but another seven offences took place when he was aged 19 and 20.

This year he faced a further three charges against a different victim, dating back to 2011 to 2014, but pleaded not guilty.

However, a jury convicted him of two counts of oral rape against a child under 13 and a further charge of inciting a child to carry out a sexual act on him.

Prosecutor Nikki Coombe told Truro Crown Court on Friday (August 29, 2025) that the victim was of young primary school age at the time, while the defendant was aged 14 to 17 during the period of offending.

Ms Coombe said that following the abuse the victim began self-harming and also attempted suicide on more than occasion.

The court heard that the impact on the victim was ongoing. On one occasion they drank so much they passed out, and upon coming back to consciousness all they could see was Munday’s face.

Munday has been sentenced to a further six years in prison (Image: Devon and Cornwall Police) Ryan Murray, representing Munday, said that during the defendant’s time in prison he had completed a number of courses and was “broadly doing well in custody.”

Before this latest conviction, papers had started to be prepared for the parole board for an application for his release on licence, when he would have become eligible in 2027.

However, Mr Murray acknowledged that pleading not guilty to these offences had “tarnished” that progress.

Mr Murray said a “return to Cornwall is not anticipated” once Munday, now aged 28, is eventually released from prison.

Judge Simon Carr told Munday: “The effect on [the victim] has been devastating. During times she has committed acts of significant self-harm and suicide attempts.

“You have shown little remorse for that, as your lack of guilty pleas indicates.”

He continued: “You have done well in prison. However, your not guilty pleas puts this into context, as they [the prison reports] are [now] not as glowing as they might be, and there’s clearly still work to be done.”

Judge Carr said he had to sentence Munday as a child at time of the offences.

As such he sentenced Munday to a total of six years in prison, to be added on to the time already sentenced.

He must serve two thirds of these six years before being eligible for a referral to the parole board.

Munday has also been placed onto the sex offenders register again, where he was already placed in 2019.

Description

A man who raped a woman in a field as she made her way home from a night out has been given an 18-year sentence.

Eugen Simion, 21, a Romanian national who was at the time residing on Praze Road, Camborne, was sentenced at Truro Crown Court on Monday 18 August having been found guilty by a jury of rape following a trial.

During the trial, the court heard how at around 1.40am on 2 February 2025 the victim attended Camborne Police Station on foot, in a distressed state with muddy clothing and no shoes.

The victim immediately disclosed that she had been raped by an unknown male 30 minutes prior in a field nearby.

She described how she had been out in Camborne town centre, before trying to get a taxi. When this was unsuccessful, she made her way home on foot.

CCTV footage showed the victim unsteady on her feet. She recalled being approached by an unknown male who tried to kiss her, but she pushed him away.

The victim told officers that the next thing she could remember was being raped by the man in a dark field.

A number of items were missing from her handbag on arrival at the police station. Some of the items were later recovered at the scene during a fingertip search.

Officers immediately set about finding the suspect and identified Simion through CCTV enquiries. He was arrested on 6 February.

In interview Simion said he too had been out with friends in Camborne but had gone home as he was too drunk.

He stated that he came across the victim who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. Simion then claimed that the victim initiated sex before asking him to stop, which he did.

Simion said he could be seen running from the scene in footage because it was late, dark and cold and he wanted to get home. He added that he took the victim’s bank card as he thought it was his due to the darkness.

Following the sentencing, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Rob Smith from the Major Crime Investigation team said:

“This was a particularly distressing attack on a lone woman who was walking home after an evening out.

“Eugen Simion targeted her and subjected her to a violent sexual assault.

“This incident has had a profound impact on the victim, who should have been able to walk home perfectly safely. She has demonstrated immense bravery and ensured we were able to bring Simion to justice.

“I would like to thank her for remaining engaged throughout the court proceedings and I hope she is now able to start to move on with her life.

“Anybody who has been the victim of rape and sexual violence is encouraged to report it to us immediately. They will be supported every step of the way by our specially trained officers.”

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James Wadhawan has been jailed for sexual offences involving a teenage girl in Lancing.

Wadhawan, 35, of Penalverne Crescent in Penzance, was issued with a Child Abduction Warning Notice (CAWN) in January, 2024, following reports of inappropriate contact with teenager.

On Saturday, 9 March, 2024, police received a report of Wadhawan having been seen with the victim in Lancing.

Officers engaged with the girl and her family, while Wadhawan was arrested later that evening. He was released on bail with strict conditions while further enquiries were carried out.

On Wednesday, 13 March, 2024, Wadhawan was found again with the girl on a bridge in Lancing and arrested.

He was charged with two counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15 and one count of child abduction, and remanded in custody.

Wadhawan pleaded guilty to all charges at Lewes Crown Court on 12 May and, at Hove Trial Centre on Tuesday (1 July), was jailed for 10 years, given an indefinite restraining order against the victim and will be a registered sex offender for life.

Detective Chief Inspector Mehdi Fallahi said:

“James Wadhawan is a predatory offender who targeted a young girl for his own vile gratification”.

“I would like to express my deep gratitude to the victim and her family for their bravery and unwavering commitment throughout the investigation, which played a vital role in putting a dangerous man behind bars. I would also like to commend Investigator Sophie Williams on her diligent investigation.

“Sussex Police remains committed to protecting women and girls, which includes close work with our partners to ensure young people are safe from grooming and exploitation."

Description

A Camborne sex offender has been jailed for six years after being convicted of the abuse of two young boys. 

Kevin Matthew Blake, 41, of Rosewarne Wollas Cottages, Camborne, was previously convicted by a jury of four counts of assault of a boy under 13 by touching.

Blake appeared at Truro Crown Court for sentence on Thursday, June 26. He was also made subject of a 20-year sexual harm prevention order.

During the proceedings, the court heard how Blake’s offending came to light in 2023 when concerns were raised that he had repeatedly declined to undertake a DBS check.

An investigation was launched in relation to two identified male victims, who both told officers they were touched sexually by Blake, the second victim saying it happened to him on several occasions.

During interview following his arrest, Blake denied any offending every took place.

Blake had previously been on the Sex Offenders’ Register but was not subject to it at the time of the start of the investigation.

Officer in the case DC Emily Distin from the Public Protection Unit, said: “Kevin Blake only had the courage to admit what he has done following his conviction, so I am happy that he has finally been brought to justice for his horrific crimes.

“I would like to thank the young victims and their parents for bravely supporting this investigation and allowing us to ensure Blake will spend a number of years behind bars.

“We take all allegations of child sexual abuse extremely seriously and urge any victims to either contact us on 101 or via our website, or by calling 999 if a child is in immediate danger.

“We will thoroughly investigate all reports made to us.”

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A man has pleaded guilty to making hundreds of indecent images of children, including dozens of the most serious kind, over a period of two years in Bristol.

James Kelvin now faces the prospect of a possible prison sentence following an appearance at Bristol Crown Court today (Monday, June 23).

Kelvin, of South Road, Goldsithney in Cornwall, was living in Bristol at the time of the offences.

Judge James Patrick heard that between November 15, 2019 and October 8, 2021, Kelvin had created 640 indecent images of children that were classed as ‘Category C’ severity, another 46 images classed as ‘Category B’, and 37 that were classed as the most serious ‘Category A’ images, included two that were video clips.

In an earlier hearing at Bristol Magistrates' Court in May, Kelvin had pleaded guilty to other charges - one of making pseudo-photos which were indecent images of children, and another of voyeurism.

The judge released Kelvin, 51, , who is originally from Bishop’s Stortford, on conditional bail after ordering a pre-sentence report to be made on him. Kelvin was ordered to co-operate with the compiling of that pre-sentence report and warned that when he returns to be sentenced on August 21, he could be given a prison sentence.