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Craig Dixon, 35, Jailed for Sexual Assault on Teenage Girl

A former Maryport man has been jailed for two years after sexually assaulting a schoolgirl in her early teens.

Craig Dixon, recently living in Stafford and formerly of Fleming Square, Maryport, committed three counts of non-penetrative sexual activity with the victim on a single occasion. He initially denied the offences and lied to police, Carlisle Crown Court heard. He later requested a second interview and admitted what he had done.

Dixon was arrested after the girl told her mother. She later told police she froze in shock as he groped her.

Defence barrister Niamh Leong said Dixon had expressed remorse and recognised the emotional harm caused. “He made full admissions in his second interview,” she told the court. She said he had sought talking therapy, hoped to return to warehouse work, and had no relevant previous convictions. “Immediate custody would disrupt the progress he has made,” she added, arguing he could be rehabilitated.

Judge Michael Fanning noted Dixon had previously been investigated for other alleged sexual offences, though none led to prosecution. He accepted that Dixon had taken responsibility by requesting the second interview, but said the defendant clearly gained sexual gratification from the assault. “You must have done; why else would you do it?” the judge said.

Referring to the “whiff” of suspicion from the earlier allegations, Judge Fanning said he could not understand how a grown man could be sexually attracted to a child. “You represent a real risk and I am of the view that the only punishment is immediate custody.”

Dixon was sentenced to two years in prison. He must remain on the Sex Offender Register for 10 years and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order for the same period. The order is designed to prevent him having unsupervised access to any female child except where it is inadvertent or unavoidable in daily life.

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A Wigton man has been jailed for making and distributing indecent images of children and breaching the notification requirements of the sex offenders register.

Craig Mason, 34, of Fell View, Wigton, was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court on Wednesday 12 August to five years in prison.

Mason was subject to sexual offender notification requirements following convictions for indecent image offences committed between 2018 and 2024.

During a home visit by officers from Cumbria Police's MOSOVO (Management of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offenders) team, Mason told officers he did not have a mobile phone or any social media accounts. Under the terms of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, he was required to notify police of any online accounts and usernames he used.

Officers subsequently located a mobile phone in Mason's bedroom. Examination of the device uncovered several social media accounts and indecent images of children.

Mason was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for ten years.

DC Andrew Minnion, of the MOSOVO team, said:

“Mason was fully aware of the conditions of the Sexual Harm Prevention Order imposed on him but chose to lie to officers.

“MOSOVO officers play a vital role in safeguarding communities by rigorously managing registered sex offenders, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and holding individuals accountable for their actions.

“We take a zero-tolerance approach against anyone found to breach the terms of their requirements or committing any further offences.”

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The man pictured is Lewis Westwood, he is 31 years old and he is a paedophile.

In April 2023 he isolated his victim inside a house in Leyland and engaged her in sexual activity against her will. Later the same day he further sexually abused her in a different part of the property.

The brave victim reported what Westwood had done to her in June 2023 and he was arrested.

He defendant admitted to attending the property, but denied any wrongdoing. He tried to explain away the presence of his DNA in the room where the raped happened, by claiming he only went in there to charge his phone.

Following a trial at Preston Crown Court, Westwood, of Brisco Road in Egremont, Cumbria, was found guilty of six counts of sexual activity with a child.

Westwood appeared at the same court today (9th February) where he was jailed for 12 years. Westwood was also made subject of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and told to sign the Sex offenders Register for life.

In a statement to the court, the victim wrote: “Since this has happened my emotional physical and mental health has deteriorated, and my life has been put on hold for the last three years. Having to talk to police officers about it and asked questions about it both in suites and at court kept it haunting me. It hasn’t just affected me, it affected my work, my social life and I can’t see a future where I will just ‘move on’ from this.

“I find myself forever doubting people’s intentions, and this has meant that no matter who I come across I push people away. The whole experience has left me feeling very lonely.”

DC Cora Cook, from our Preston Child Protection Team, said:

“Lewis Westwood is a dangerous and persistent sexual predator who targeted a vulnerable girl for his own sordid sexual intentions.

“I welcome the sentence which reflects the seriousness of the offending and the danger Westwood poses to female children.

“Finally, and most importantly, I would like to praise the victim for her bravery and patience throughout this process.”

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A repeat sex offender from west Cumbria has been jailed for flouting a court order restricting his internet use.

Benjamin James Kennedy, 34, formerly of Whitehaven and recently living at Maryport Road, Dearham, breached his sexual harm prevention order by using the "incognito" browsing feature on his mobile phone. He admitted the offence, committed between January 27 and January 30.

Defense lawyer Katie Scattergood told Carlisle’s Rickergate Magistrates’ Court that police found no "associated mischief" in his internet use. She said Kennedy used the incognito mode "solely for the purpose of watching legal adult pornography" due to "embarrassment with the officers seeing that he was watching that content and the stigma attached to it."

Scattergood added that Kennedy had completed courses in custody encouraging reflection on his past behavior and was "confused" about incognito use, as it wasn't specifically mentioned in his order.

Deputy District Judge Matthew Wallace told Kennedy:

"You have deliberately avoided allowing the officer to see your internet history." Noting his history of contact child sex offences and accessing child abuse imagery, the judge said: "You pose a risk and a danger to children.

"You say it was to access adult pornography – but we only have your word for it.

"If the danger can’t be monitored, then there is a risk that it too great and therefore the only sentence that is appropriate is one of custody.

“The risk can’t be managed if you don’t submit yourself to the rules of the sexual harm prevention order.”

Kennedy was jailed for a year and must pay a £182 victim surcharge upon release.

He was originally sentenced in 2021 for sexual activity with a child and causing a child to watch an image of sexual activity.

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A man has been jailed after pleading guilty to 26 child sex offences at Carlisle Crown Court.

Ryan Cruden, 25, of Chapel Street, Egremont was sentenced yesterday (11 Dec) to nine years in prison with three years to be served on licence, for numerous offences including sexual communication with a child, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, making indecent images and distributing indecent images.

He was also made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and has ben placed on the sex offenders register.

The offences were committed against 20 victims from 2022 to 2024.

Cruden's offending came to light after an external law enforcement agency contacted Cumbria Police to report indecent images being accessed at Cruden’s home address.

A warrant was conducted in May 2024 and Cruden’s mobile device was examined at scene by officers who identified category A and B indecent images. He was arrested and other devices were seized from the address for further investigation.

On those devices officers identified a photo messaging app account. The account, linked to Cruden’s details was using the account under a female identity asking his victims to send indecent images. This account was found on the devices of the identified victims.

In July, Cruden was further arrested for indecent image offences and inciting a child after the photo messaging account was accessed and attempted to add a victims new account. His home address was searched, and a mobile phone was seized. Data found he had accessed the account after his arrest at IP addresses linked to him and also in Greece whilst on holiday.

Speaking on the case Detective Constable Sarah Aiston from the Cyber and Digital Crime Unit said “Cruden poses a significant risk to children. He has sexually communicated with vulnerable children, ranging in age from 8 years to 14 years old.

“He went to great lengths to conceal his offending, posing behind a fake account, pretending to be a teenage girl with the sole purpose of inciting children to engage in sexual activity, coercing them into sending indecent images of themselves and communicating with them in a sexual manner. Cruden then distributed the images he received of the children to other people and used these images to cause further harm.

“Offences of this nature can have a lasting impact on the victims involved. I would like to thank the victims in this case for their courage in speaking to the police and would like to extend those thanks to their families who have supported the investigation and have also been deeply affected by what has occurred.

“We are committed to proactively targeting individuals who view and share child sexual abuse images, as well as those who communicate inappropriately with children online. 

“I would encourage anyone who has been victim of a sexual offence to contact police so that our officers can investigate. Your report will be dealt with sensitively and professionally.”

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A man has today (10 December) been jailed for sexual offences with a child.

Jordan Meek, 22, of Lonsdale Terrace, Maryport was sentenced to five years in prison.

He was also given an eight year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and a life-time restraining order.

Meek was found guilty of eight child sex offences against one child following a trial in August. The offences occurred between 2016 and 2020.

He pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply a controlled drug - Cannabis prior to the trial. He received a two-month sentence for this.

Speaking on the case Detective Constable Gail Penman from Cumbria Constabulary’s Public Protection Unit said:

“Meek is a dangerous offender who subjected the victim to multiple assaults over a number of years.

“Sex abuse can often be difficult for victims to talk about; we would encourage anyone who has been a victim of such offences to contact police so that our officers can investigate.

“Your report will be dealt with sensitively and professionally and you will be supported throughout our investigation.”

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A Cleator Moor man who once tried to meet a 14-year-old girl for sex has been jailed for breaching a court order aimed at reducing his risk.

Anthony Callander, 55, violated his Sex Offender Register terms by moving in with a friend in Brampton without notifying police, using an undeclared mobile phone, and not disclosing a new bank card. He admitted the three offenses.

Prosecutor Matthew Hopkins told Carlisle Crown Court that telecoms data revealed Callander had swapped his SIM from a declared Nokia to an undeclared Motorola handset.

“The police also received information that he had been staying at an address in Brampton for seven or more days and he had not told the police about this,” said Mr Hopkins. Callander lived there from June 15 to July 6.

The sexual harm prevention order was imposed in 2023 for attempted sexual communication with a child. Callander has 112 prior offenses and denied wrongdoing when questioned. The Motorola phone was never found.

Defending, Lucy Moran said Callander, of Queen Street, Cleator Moor, cares for his mother, who has COPD, dementia, and a recent terminal diagnosis. A report indicated the undeclared phone belonged to his Brampton friend and was used to resolve benefits issues.

Callander's father had died, his brother committed suicide years ago, and he lost a stillborn child, added Miss Moran.

Judge Michael Fanning, who recalled sentencing Callander in 2023, noted he had arranged to meet someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl in Cleator Moor Square with a bottle of wine, planning sex.

Though no evidence showed repeats, the judge said undeclared items could have enabled undetected offenses. A Probation Service report stated Callander minimizes his offending, shifts blame, and cannot be safely managed in the community.

Judge Fanning jailed him for one year.

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A sex offender who failed to declare an address change and bank account details to police has received a suspended prison sentence.

Ricky Bennett, 36, is subject to notification requirements as a registered sex offender and must report personal details and changes to police.

But he neglected to inform them of his move to supported accommodation with vulnerable residents and of opening a new bank account, preventing monitoring, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Prosecutor Pamela Fee said Bennett was convicted of a sex offence in Australia and deported to England last year.

She noted he must notify new bank accounts within three days but failed to do so on August 4 last year.

The court heard Bennett was invited to the police station, given a copy of the requirements, and signed to confirm understanding.

After the undeclared account surfaced, Bennett told police he thought they would obtain the details and said they “should have checked.”

A second breach occurred when he moved from Standings Rise, Whitehaven, to supported accommodation at Peter Street.

Police conducted an unannounced visit to Standings Rise on September 13 but got no answer. Bennett later admitted living at Peter Street since June 19.

Ms. Fee said he went unmonitored for three months with “no reasonable excuse,” despite being a five-minute walk from Whitehaven Police Station.

The court also heard Bennett committed theft at Superdrug in Whitehaven on October 16, taking Palmer’s body lotion, Loreal eye products, fragrance items, hair wax, and Loreal face wash worth £75. He was identified by his offender manager via CCTV.

Ms. Fee summarized it as Bennett’s third set of breaches; he was “well aware” of requirements, yet police were unaware of his location for three months amid vulnerable people.

Bennett, of Peter Street, Whitehaven, admitted two charges of failing to comply with Sex Offenders’ Register notifications and one count of shop theft.

Defender John Cooper said Bennett had no prior trouble before the Australian matter last year, had served in the British Army, and suffers PTSD.

On notifications, Mr. Cooper said: “They are quite lengthy forms when you have to register. Every email address, every login for every website you use.

“He thought he had given them the bank details. He hasn’t.

“The more serious allegation is the fact he’s moved address. It’s the Peter Street hostel – it’s accommodation set up in Whitehaven, monitored with CCTV. It’s also got staff working there.

“Police usually have a good idea who is moving in and out the address. I’m quite surprised he was in the Peter Street hostel for that amount of time without police being aware.

“It could be because he has been convicted in Australia, it hasn’t flagged up. Having been made aware of his past, they have allowed him to stay there and he remains there until this day.”

Mr. Cooper added Bennett stole due to lacking money, calling it “a stupid thing to do” amid investigations for graver offences.

Magistrates imposed a nine-month custodial sentence, suspended for 24 months. Bennett must complete 20 rehabilitation activity days and pay a £40 fine, £75 compensation to Superdrug, and £187 victim surcharge.

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A man has today (Oct 10) been jailed for rape and sexual assault against a child.

Raif Mentesh, 45, of Dowbeck Road, Carlisle was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court to 14 years imprisonment.

He must also register with police indefinitely and was made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

This offending occurred against one victim, prior to 2024.

Detective Constable Linzi Wilkinson from Cumberland CID said

“If you are a child or young person and have been victim to sexual offences, please tell someone and report this to police so that we can investigate.

“We take reports of this nature extremely seriously and we will do everything in our power to bring offenders to justice, as seen in today case.

“Support is available and the Constabulary works closely with trusted partner agencies to provide the appropriate support which is tailored to an individual’s circumstances."

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A pervert engaged in sexually explicit chat and sent lewd images of himself to what he thought was a 14-year-old girl.

Almost a decade after being spared prison and offered rehabilitation for similar crimes, 41-year-old Graham Bain has been handed a lengthy immediate jail term.

Carlisle Crown Court heard how Bain was originally punished in 2016 for online sexual offences. He had struck up sexually charged conversation on a dating website with what he thought was a girl aged 14. But Bain—whose messages included a lewd video—was actually chatting with an undercover police officer.

He was handed a suspended prison sentence, given community requirements, and a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) imposing restrictions on his liberty and online use.

But Bain was brought back to court after new offences came to light earlier this year.

Prosecutor Tariq Khawam said: “Police officers visited the home address of Mr Bain following the receipt of information from an undercover officer who had presented herself as a 14-year-old girl.”

Bain was “evasive” with police, claiming not to have certain mobile phones. He then led officers to three iPhones and a Samsung device but refused to provide the PIN codes.

In doing so, and by not having police-approved surveillance software on the four phones, Bain breached the SHPO.

It emerged Bain had also engaged in illegal, sexually explicit chat with the officer between 31st March and 24th April this year, via Snapchat, WhatsApp, and other platforms.

“You make it plain you are 42. She makes it plain she is only 14,” noted Judge Nicholas Barker, as he summed up the facts. “That does not prevent you from now approaching her in a predatory manner, communicating with her in a sexual way, ultimately suggesting you would get on a train, meet at a hotel and engage in sexual intercourse with her.”

Bain had further sent two lewd images and a video of himself engaged in a sex act.

He admitted attempting to cause or incite a child aged 14 to look at an image showing a person engaging in sexual activity; attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child; and multiple SHPO breaches.

Marion Weir, mitigating, said the primary plank of Bain’s mitigation was the entry of guilty pleas.

Bain, latterly of The Crescent, Cleator Moor, accepted two vices in his life—the commission of this type of offending and alcohol consumption.

Although now sober for nine years, Bain had previously used alcohol after losing his sight for 12 months following a rugby accident at age 14, and a cancer diagnosis he beat.

“He thought in those circumstances that alcohol could do him very little harm—but harm it did,” said Ms Weir of crimes for which he was punished in 2016.

Recent offending followed the loss of his father, with whom he had a fractured relationship. “He is determined to make good with those who he has let down,” added the lawyer of Bain’s positive pledge for the future.

Judge Barker imposed a 32-month prison sentence. “You are well aware of the serious [nature] of what you are doing,” said the judge of Bain’s illegal activity.

Bain remains subject to a SHPO—and also sex offender notification requirements—for an indefinite period.

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A man has been jailed for 25 years for fifteen offences including multiple rapes, sexual assaults, assaults and attempted rape.

Rhys Eaton, aged 34 of Orchard Place. Cleator Moor was sentenced today at Preston Crown Court following a trial in May 2025 and a conviction last year.

The offences were committed between 2011 and 2017 and relate to two women.

Eaton received a 21 year sentence with the remainder to be served on licence.

Eaton was arrested in January 2023 and denied all offences in interview; however, our detectives were able to build a case against him after the women came forward and told officers their stories.

Detective Sergeant Stewart Glendinning, Barrow CID said:

“I would like to thank the victims for their bravery in reporting these offences.

“I hope the sentence passed today gives the victims in this case some closure.

“We recognise these types of crimes can be extremely difficult to speak about, however please know you will be treated with respect and supported throughout our investigations.

“We continue to urge anyone who has been victim of a sexual offence to contact police so that our officers can investigate – no matter how long ago the offences took place.”

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A 19-year-old who admitted charges including rape has been jailed today (25 July).

Leo Wilson, of School Drive, Flimby, was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court after pleading guilty to rape and attempted penetrative sexual activity with a child at a hearing earlier this month.

The court heard how two girls had been in the company of Wilson at his home address in 2021, playing computer games, when they fell asleep.

One of the girls woke in the early hours of the morning to find Wilson on top of her, first sexually assaulting her and then raping her.

The girl and her friend then left.

Wilson was arrested but refused to answer questions put to him in his police interviews.

However, at court he entered a guilty plea to both offences and was sentenced to three years and two months in prison.

He was also made subject of a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an indefinite period on the sex offenders register.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Simon Quinn of Cumbria Police said:

“Wilson sought to take advantage of a girl, younger than him, who had fallen asleep in his room.

“His actions were predatory and he was fully aware that he did not have the consent of the victim.

“I’d like to thank the victim in this case for her bravery and courage throughout the process – first in coming forward to report what had occurred and then in giving statements which ultimately resulted in a guilty plea and Wilson being held accountable for his actions in court.

“I would encourage anyone who has been victim to a sexual offence to contact police so that our officers can investigate, and you will be supported.

“Support is available, and the Constabulary works closely with trusted partner agencies to provide the appropriate support which is tailored to an individual’s circumstances."

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A WEST Cumbrian man convicted of sexual assault must inform police if he begins a new relationship after being given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Brad Steele, 29, must also disclose his registered sex offender status with anyone he is in a relationship with, under the terms of the order.

Steele pleaded guilty to sexual assault on a female when he appeared before Workington Magistrates’ Court last month and was sentenced for the offence on Tuesday.

The defendant sexually touched a woman without consent and did not reasonably believe that she was consenting. The offence happened last year.

Steele, of Printers Court, Cockermouth, was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for five years.

The five-year sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) states the defendant must provide police with the name and contact details of any female that he is in a developing relationship with.

The information must be supplied to the police offender management unit within 24 hours of any such relationship being established.

Steele must disclose his registered sex offender status and the existence of the SHPO to any person with whom he is in a non-platonic relationship with ‘as soon as is reasonably practicable’.

The defendant is also prohibited from entering any vehicle with any lone female or allowing any lone female to enter a vehicle where he is present, unless they are a member of his own family or are aware of his conviction for a sexual offence.

He must not entice or seek to entice, or allow to remain in any premises occupied by him as his residence or other premises occupied by him on a temporary basis, any lone female unless they are a member of his own family or they aware of his conviction for a sexual offence.

Steele must not enter and remain in any dwelling or other residence where a lone female is present unless the female is a member of his own family or is aware of his conviction for a sexual offence.

Magistrates also imposed a 12-month community order with 120 days of alcohol abstinence and monitoring  and complete 200 hours of unpaid work.

He was ordered to pay £1,000 in compensation to his victim and was given a 12-month restraining order which bans him from contacting the victim in any way.