Latest Offenders Gloucester

Description

A 20-year-old man who manipulated children into sending him intimate images and videos of themselves has been sentenced.

Tyler Allen, who was aged 17 and 18 when he committed the offences, threatened to kill and rape one of the girls when she refused to do what he demanded.

Following an investigation by Gloucestershire Police's Child Exploitation Team he was charged with 10 offences which related to five girls.

On 9 July this year Allen, of Vicarage Court in Brockworth, pleaded guilty to six counts of causing/inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, two charges of causing a child to watch a sexual act and two charges of engaging in sexual communication with a child. 

Allen was sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court yesterday (Thursday 30 October) to 22 months detention in a young offenders' institution and he was also made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years.

The court was told that Allen's offending followed a common pattern of him manipulating conversations with girls online to become sexual in nature.

He would then ask the children to send him naked photos and videos of themselves, including of them masturbating, and he would respond with images of his penis and videos of him masturbating.

The court was told that when he was met with resistance from the girls, he used emotional manipulation by saying he loved them or that he would harm himself if they did not comply.

Allen was aged 17 in 2023 when he was speaking online to a girl whom he knew was aged 12. They had met on an online platform and then communicated over SnapChat and text.

He asked her to send him images and videos, and Allen said that he wanted to buy her a train ticket for her 13th birthday so that they could meet in person. The girl made an excuse to not meet him, and he then threatened to rape and kill her. 

Police were informed and Allen was arrested and his digital devices were seized for examination and an investigation began. He provided no comment in interview.

With one 15-year-old girl he demanded images and then threatened to post them on social media platforms if she did not supply more. The court heard how she was really scared and so she sent Allen more images.

Other charges relate to online contact with children aged between 12 and 15.

Allen was rearrested and it was found that he had breached his bail conditions which prohibited him from having unsupervised contact with anyone aged under 18.

In his mitigation, Allen's defence barrister said that he was introverted and that he was not looking for young girls online but he was on the platforms for friendship. 

It was said that he accepted what he had done and that he regrets it, and Allen accepted that he would have harmed the girls by the pressure he put upon them. 

In sentencing Allen, Judge Rupert Lowe spoke to him and said Allen’s offending "does suggest you are a young man with a very serious ongoing problem and a very significant lack of control in the way you behave, with little knowledge of what your problem is".

Judge Lowe added:

"I have to sentence you today for 10 offences involving sexual communications with girls between 12 and 15 years old, which involved inciting them to take sexualised photos and videos of themselves masturbating, or revealing their private parts, and in which you sent images of yourself doing the same sort of things, including ejaculating.

"During the course of communications you used emotional manipulation in that if they seemed to not want to do what you wanted, by telling them you loved them, and that you would not love them if they did not do X, Y and Z.

"Then using threats if that appeared to you to be more effective. To harm themselves or them if they did not do what you asked, even including threats to rape and kill the first of these victims.

"I am not suggesting you ever would, but that is a very nasty threat to make to a 12-year-old girl.

"You also threatened to distribute some of the images which you had obtained from these girls. In one case in particular, using that as a lever to get her to send more indecent images of herself."

Investigating officer, Police Staff Investigator Amber Jones said:

"Allen cruelly manipulated and exploited children for his own sexual gratification.

"I welcome the Sexual Harm Prevention Order which has been granted which puts in place certain things which Allen is prohibited from doing, such as preventing contact with anyone aged under 16 and puts restrictions on the use of electronic devices.

"The victims in this case have shown great courage in coming forward, especially as what he did to them is an exceptionally difficult topic for people of any age to talk about.

"Our team works very hard behind the scenes in order to put perpetrators who pose a risk to children before the court and I would encourage anyone who has been subjected to similar abuse to please come forward and report this to the police."

Description

A 21-year-old man who raped a woman as she slept has been jailed for nine years after a jury unanimously found him guilty following a trial.

Kian Westcarr was jailed on Friday 24 October at Gloucester Crown Court for one count of rape, which he committed in 2022.

During a trial in August this year, the jury was told that the victim woke up to Westcarr raping her.

She reported the incident to Gloucestershire Police and officers arrested him that day. 

During police interview Westcarr, of Evenlode Road in Tuffley, Gloucester said that the woman was awake and that they had had consensual sex.

Following an investigation by the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised a charge of rape.

Sentencing Westcarr, Mr Recorder Donald Tait said: "You took advantage of the victim. She thought she was safe [with you], she obviously was not."

A statement written by the victim was read to the court in which she described how she had made two attempts to end her life after Westcarr raped her.

She added:

"I cannot remember some parts of the days immediately after the assault. My brain has blocked them out, perhaps to protect me. But the emotions remain: fear; grief; anger; and a deep sense of being robbed of who I used to be.

"This crime has taken so much from me: my trust; my peace of mind; my sense of safety in the world. It has coloured every decision, every relationship, every plan for the future. It has affected my education, my friendships and my mental health.

"I am trying to rebuild my life. Coming to court and seeing the process through has given me a small amount of hope that justice can help me move forward. But I know I will never be completely free of what happened. The memories and the scars, both physical and emotional, will always be part of me.

"I hope that the sentence given reflects not only the seriousness of what was done to me, but also the lifelong impact it has had. I want to be able to move forward, to regain my confidence, and to learn to trust again. More than anything, I want to live without the constant shadow of this crime hanging over me."

In mitigation Westcarr's defence barrister said that Westcarr was a polite and respectful young man with potential, and that he had made a decision that was entirely wrong and one he will very much regret. 

In sentencing Westcarr to nine years in prison, Recorder Tait said:

"You have no previous convictions, had a job and were well thought of. I agree that before you did this you were of positive good character, but I have a public duty to perform.

"Bearing in mind the messages you sent afterwards, you chose to fight the case and the victim had to give evidence and go through the ordeal of the trial.

"If you had accepted responsibility she would not have had to have done that. You get no credit for admissions, despite admitting it to her afterwards.

"Only a significant sentence is appropriate due to the effect this has had on the victim."

Investigating officer Detective Constable Laura Davies said:

"The victim in this case has carried herself with incredible courage and dignity throughout the investigation and trial process, and I would like to thank her for her bravery in reporting what Westcarr did to her.

"He has refused to accept responsibility for his actions and has shown no remorse.

"The victim has shown great determination during a lengthy process despite the devastating effect Westcarr's actions had on her. Her unwavering commitment has resulted in him receiving a lengthy custodial sentence.

"Our Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team are committed to investigating these horrendous crimes and bringing offenders to justice. I hope this result and sentence will encourage other victims who have been subjected to sexual abuse and violence to come forward."

Description

An 80-year-old man from Tewkesbury has been jailed for 17 years for child sexual abuse offences which he committed around 30 years ago.

Michael Thomas Davies, of Knights Way, was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court today, Thursday 16 October.

Following a four-day trial at Gloucester Crown Court in September, a jury unanimously found him guilty of one count of rape and four counts of indecent assault. 

The court heard that Davies sexually assaulted the child on a number of occasions and raped the same child on a separate occasion. 

When sentencing Davies, His Honour Judge James Townsend said:

"I have to sentence you following the conviction of these offences at trial for the most appalling sexual assault of a young teenage girl.

"The abuse started with sexual touching over and under clothing, progressing to penetration and finally rape.

"It's only through the courage from your victim in coming forward that you finally face justice, and I pay tribute to her for that.

"The harrowing victim impact statement which I've read and has been read in court shows the devastating effect that these events have had upon her.

"One of the tragic consequences of offending of this sort is it makes the entirely innocent feel profoundly guilty."

As well as being sentenced to 17 years in prison, which Davies must serve at least two thirds of, he will be ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register on his release. He was also given an indefinite restraining order to protect the victim.

A statement from the victim was read to the court on her behalf in which she said she had made numerous attempts to end her life.

She said:

"My name is [name removed] and I was sexually abused as a child. Although it may sound horrific, it is a relief that I can now say that.

"For 30 years I have been trying to understand why I felt like I did, why I couldn't concentrate at school, college and university. Why I hated the way I looked and made bad choices in relationships.

"Although I told people about the abuse, I never felt I would be believed.

"In many respects my life stopped at the point of the abuse, I have remained a child and have never been able to move on. The world kept spinning but I struggled to continue with my life.

"I couldn't focus on my education; I failed my GCSEs; struggled through college and dropped out of university. I was carrying his dark secret that took all my energy. I often wonder what I might have achieved if this had not happened.

"There have been numerous occasions where I have attempted to end my life, because I couldn't cope with what happened to me.

"I don't want anyone to feel as alone as I did all these years, for so long I have lived in the past. I want to escape the torture in my mind, I want to run away from it, but I cannot. I feel weak and guilty, I can never be anything.

"Over the years daily tasks have become impossible due to anxiety and fear. During periods of my life I have been unable to work. I then had the constant worry about money and loss of earnings, and so a vicious cycle ensued.

"I wish I had the strength, encouragement and support to seek justice years ago, instead of suffering alone. Having finally decided to go through the process I have to say it has been very stressful and I was extremely anxious in the time leading up to the trial. For 30 years I have been wondering if anyone would believe me."

Judge Townsend told the court that the abuse by Davies resulted in severe psychological suffering for the victim.

He thanked the victim and her mother for attending court and said:

"I can only hope that the conclusion of these proceedings will help to some extent in helping to reduce the extent of the suffering you’ve undergone over all of these years."

Davies had been charged with the offences after an investigation by Gloucestershire Police's Criminal Investigation Department.

He denied the allegations throughout the investigation and trial, and was convicted by a jury on 25 September. 

His defence barrister told the court during sentencing that Davies is "at heart a good man" and asked the judge to take mercy on him due to his age. He also said that Davies was frightened of spending his last years in prison. 

Investigating officer Detective Constable Emma Smith said:

"The victim in this case has been incredibly brave and I would like to thank her for her perseverance and courage in reporting what Davies did to her.

"When he was aged in his 50s he groomed her over a period of time, raped her and repeatedly sexually abused the victim when she was a child.

"Davies committed the offences around 30 years ago and this conviction shows that sexual abuse, no matter how recent or not, can still be investigated and perpetrators can have their day in court and face justice.

"The victim had contacted the police in the past but felt at that time she was not able to proceed with the prosecution. However, in 2022 she decided she wanted the investigation to go ahead and the case was reopened with Davies subsequently being charged.

"This case shows that you can report incidents or choose to proceed with a prosecution at a time when you want to and feel comfortable in doing so. It is about victims and survivors having a choice."

Description

A man from the Forest of Dean has been jailed for 20 years after he was found guilty of multiple counts of raping and sexually assaulting two children several years ago.

Matthew Alexander, aged 48 and of Lydney, was jailed yesterday (Thursday 2 October) after a jury unanimously found him guilty of 16 offences against the girls following a trial.

Gloucester Crown Court was told the investigation into Alexander's crimes began in July 2023 after the victims, now adults, contacted Gloucestershire Police to report that he had raped and sexually assaulted them multiple times.

The girls were aged under 13 at the time of the offences.

Following an investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department, Alexander was subsequently charged with the offences and although he denied them all, he was found guilty by a unanimous jury following a trial in July this year.

Before Alexander was sentenced, the court heard statements written by his victims in which they described how his crimes have impacted their lives.

One of the victims said:

“Alexander’s abusive behaviour has had a massive impact on me growing up, I felt that I had to grow up faster and I couldn’t be the child that I wanted to be. 

"It’s had a major impact on my ability to form relationships, trust people and open up. Specifically, I really struggle to trust men.  

"I will never be able to forgive him for what he has done to me. I have always felt that I am not good enough. I can’t look at myself in a positive way and my body image is very low.

"Whenever I go out, I always feel on edge and am looking over my shoulder. I have flashbacks of what happened, and I have to reassure myself that he is not there and that I am safe. 

"I was overwhelmed when I received the verdict that he had been found guilty of all 16 offences, however, I felt proud that my voice got heard and I was believed."

Another victim said:

“I struggled to make friends, this was because I did not know how to approach people and feel confident.  As I grew older, I always felt so nervous about new relationships and I felt ashamed of my body.

"I now find it hard to trust anyone to look after my child, especially men. What happened to me has made me so overprotective."

Sentencing judge Recorder Crooknorth told Alexander:

"The victims have both shown immense courage in the face of something you put them through. You have tried to escape the truth and now it has caught up with you. You continued to deny the offences and there is no remorse." 

Along with the 20-year jail term, the judge gave Alexander an extended sentence with an additional two years to serve on licence due to aggravating factors around his offences. 

He was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 30 years to protect the public and a 30-year-restraining order not to contact either victim. His name will also be added to the Sex Offenders' Register for life.

Alexander will serve at least two-thirds of his sentence behind bars before he is eligible for parole.

Detective Constable Smith from Gloucestershire Constabulary's Criminal Investigation Department said:

“We are committed to protecting children from sexual abuse and those who seek to do them harm.

“As the court heard, the impact of Alexander's crimes on his victims has been significant and long-lasting and I would like to commend them for having the courage to come forward and report his horrendous crimes. Alexander’s lengthy prison sentence is down to their determination and bravery.

“We have officers dedicated to investigating these horrific crimes and bringing offenders to justice and I hope this sentence encourages other victims and survivors who may have been subjected to similar offences to report them to us, even if the offences occurred many years ago.”

Description

George Renny was sentenced today, Wednesday 17 September, to 32 months in jail at Cardiff Crown Court.

The 56-year-old from Gloucestershire, previously pleaded guilty for offences including intentionally causing or inciting the sexual exploitation of a child aged 16, making and taking indecent images of a child and possession of extreme pornography.

The evidence from Renny’s phone revealed the full extent of the risk he posed with hundreds of indecent images of children – including, but not limited to, the victim in this case - being found.

DC Lyndsay Boulton, the officer in charge said:

“I hope this sentencing, not only provides reassurance and solace to the victim, but also serves as a message to perpetrators who exploit vulnerable people, that it absolutely will not be tolerated.

“Sexual exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse. It is not always recognised by, or obvious to victims, with perpetrators’ often grooming or convincing them they are in a loving or consensual relationship.

“This complex investigation began following a concern being raised by a member of the public and I would like to personally thank those who stepped forward in this instance. Their report played an important role in safeguarding children.

“The effects of being a victim of this crime can be longstanding. We will continue to support the victim and are committed to bringing perpetrators of child exploitation before the courts.”

Description

The man pictured is Bradley Hawkins and he is a violent child rapist.

When he was a teenager, he raped an eight-year-old girl in Cheltenham. He also assaulted the same victim, raped her again and caused or incited her to engage in sexual activity.

The victim, who now lives in Lancashire, stayed silent about what had happened to her for years through fear.

However, she bravely reported the offences to police in 2023 and we launched an investigation.

Hawkins, who is a career criminal, was interviewed in prison in relation to this offending.

Before the interview could start, he said he ‘doesn’t do these types of offences and he isn’t a nonce or a rapist’. He said that ‘all his life he has been robbing’ and that ‘no one wants this put to their name as this is scum of the earth stuff’.

However, 26-year-old Hawkins’ name will now be associated with sexual offending after he pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court earlier this year to two rapes of a girl under 13, causing or inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Hawkins, of no fixed address, returned to the same court today (1st September) where he was jailed for three years. Although he is now an adult, Hawkins was sentenced based on the age he was when he committed the offences – between 13 and 14-years-old - and the sentencing guidelines at the time.

He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

In an impact statement to the court, the victim wrote:

“Having the strength to open up about the abuse I endured as a child has been one of the hardest things I have ever done.

“I felt ashamed that this had happened to me. Before I finally managed to open up to my family and then the police, I had lived with this burden all my childhood and early adult life.”

She continued: 

“I struggle to put into words how these events have affected me now as an adult. I believe this is due to the behaviours I have as an adult, that I have always considered normal to me. Upon further self-reflection and evaluation, I now understand how some of my behaviours are not ‘normal’ and are in fact a result of the trauma I experienced as a child.

“To this day I dislike being touched by anyone, unless this is on my own terms. This also has effects on my personal relationship with my partner, due to the abuse suffered I have this behaviour where I have to feel validated and reassured by people I love, If I do not receive this then my mind starts to play tricks and I feel that I am either not loved or liked, realistically I know this is not the case however due to the abuse I suffered, I cannot move past how this makes me feel all the time and I hope that one day, I can heal from this and in my eyes, act normal.”

DC Dan Healey, of the East RASSO (Rape and Serious Sexual Offences) Team, said:

“Hawkins is a dangerous and violent individual who has a worrying sexual interest in children. His views towards females and his sense of entitlement are also of great concern.

“I am content that Hawkins has been convicted and is ultimately now held accountable for his abhorrent offending. I would ask any women or girls who believe the victim of similar offending to make contact with the police as soon as possible.

“I also want to place on record my thanks to the investigation team for their diligent work in bringing Hawkins to justice, particularly DC Sarah Andrews.

“Finally, and most importantly, I want to take this opportunity to praise the victim for the bravery and strength she has displayed throughout this process.  Hawkins’ offending has clearly had a profound and long-lasting impact on her, and her bravery has not only led to a dangerous individual being put behind bars, it may also lead to other victims coming forward.”

Description

Two women have waived their right to anonymity and encouraged other victims and survivors of rape to seek support.

The man who raped them, 23-year-old Michael Brown was jailed for two counts of rape after he admitted the offences against two former partners.

Following the sentencing, both Chelsea McPherson and Rio Wager waived their right to lifelong anonymity.

Chelsea, aged 22, said:

"Michael, coming forward about what you did to me was the scariest thing I've ever done. I didn't do it for me. I did it to make sure that you would never hurt anyone again. I only wish I came forward earlier."

Rio, also aged 22, said:

"Knowing I was doing the right thing I still felt scared having to talk to the police, but I knew I had to speak out as I could not let him continue to affect me or anyone else and to get away with this. I needed to have some kind of justice."

Brown, of Foundry Rise, Dursley had been in a relationship with one of the women for around a month when he raped her. He took her to a location near his address, and encouraged her to smoke cannabis, which made her feel unwell. Brown ignored her when she told him no, withdrawing any consent, and he raped her.

She visited a Sexual Assault Referral Centre and later chose to support a prosecution. The woman then took part in a video interview with police.

In a separate occasion, Brown had been having consensual sex with another woman he was in a relationship with when she began to feel uncomfortable and repeatedly asked him to stop. He ignored her and then continued to rape her.

The woman reported the incident to a PCSO a couple of weeks later, and she did a video interview with police.

Brown was arrested and interviewed in relation to both offences of rape, which happened in 2021. In police interview he said there had been consensual sex with one of the women, and that he had no recollection of the second incident.

Following an investigation by the Constabulary's Criminal Investigation Department, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised charges.

Brown pleaded guilty the day before Chelsea was due to provide evidence to the court in a video-recorded cross examination hearing on 14 April this year.

On 14 May Judge Rupert Lowe sentenced Brown to four years in prison, and due to his guilty plea, this was reduced to three years and two months. Brown was told he must serve at least 19 months and he was given a 12-year-restraining order not to contact either Chelsea or Rio. 

Both women, along with the investigating officer and their support advocates, wrote to the Attorney General's Office to request the sentence be referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. However, this was not successful. 

After the sentencing, Rio said she wanted to waive her anonymity as she felt she should not have to hide due to someone else’s actions.

She said:

"For a week I sat there and thought what has just happened to me, who do I tell as this will make it even more real. I had to gain the courage to speak out and eventually I managed to talk to the woman that I was staying with at the time.

"Knowing I was doing the right thing I still felt scared having to talk to the police, but I knew I had to speak out as I could not let him continue to affect me or anyone else and to get away with this. I needed to have some kind of justice. 

"I find it difficult to describe my anxiety as this makes me feel low, vulnerable, and fearful. I’m unable to sleep at night due to the nightmares, flashbacks and triggers; leaving me with the trauma of reliving the events every day of my life.

"I would say to anyone who wants to report something to be mindful that the sentence might not turn out how you would hope, but that shouldn't stop you from reporting. If you report, you can also stop it from happening to someone else and that is one step closer to protecting others.

"I wanted to waive my anonymity as I did nothing wrong. I should not have to hide, and other victims and survivors should not have to hide either. Remember it is not your fault, nothing is your fault, and you do not have to hide away."

After the sentencing, Chelsea said she came forward and reported what Brown had done to her as she did not want him to hurt anyone else.

Chelsea said:

"Michael, coming forward about what you did to me was the scariest thing I’ve ever done. I didn’t do it for me. I did it to make sure that you would never hurt anyone again. I only wish I came forward earlier. 

"I don’t care for your apologies, if you are even remorseful. The damage is done.

"Although I feel the outcome didn’t fit the crime, I’m still glad I came forward, as you are now in prison and will be on the Sex Offenders' Register for life, preventing you from causing further harm.

"I would encourage anyone who has been subjected to sexual violence to please seek support, whether that's by reporting it to the police or an organisation who can provide you with support."

Chelsea also described the impact that Brown’s actions have had on her life.

She said:

"What has happened to me has destroyed my life, my family, my soul, my mental health.

"I began drinking heavily daily, staying out late, self-harming, trying to kill myself. I then thought I could go on with my life. I got a job, a car, starting attending college, socialising, hadn’t self-harmed or attempted suicide for just under a year, however after time the trauma of what you did to me caught up to me.

"What happened to me has affected my whole outlook on men. I walk up a street and I’m paranoid someone will rape me. If I’m left alone with a male I’m scared they will rape me and I’m looking for some way out. Four years later, I still get nightmares and flashbacks, have suicidal thoughts and engage in self-harm behaviours because of what you did to me. The fact you couldn’t even look at me in court speaks volumes."

Detective Sergeant Gareth Morgan said:

"Brown’s actions have had an immeasurable impact on the women in this case. I would like to thank them for supporting a prosecution which means Brown is now a Registered Sex Offender, and on his release from prison, he will be monitored by the police.

"Both of the women told Brown to stop and he ignored their pleas and then raped them - consent must be freely given, without coercion, manipulation, or pressure, and it can be withdrawn at any stage.

"In both of these cases reports were made to the police either in the weeks or months afterwards, and therefore this shows that no matter when someone has sexually assaulted you, police can and will still investigate these crimes and put rapists and other offenders before the courts."

In mitigation, Brown's defence barrister told the court that he was vulnerable, had a difficult background and that he was immature. 

Description

A 60-year-old man from Tewkesbury has been sentenced to eight years in prison for raping a woman multiple times.

Vernon Steele, who is from the Northway area, had previously denied four counts of rape, but following a trial at Gloucester Crown Court, a jury unanimously found him guilty of all charges.

It took the jury just 34 minutes to reach their verdicts on Monday 16 June.

The court heard how in June 2023, Steele had befriended the woman, who had significant learning difficulties. 

Steele began to visit the woman regularly and told her neighbours that he was helping her with household chores and keeping her company.

The following month Steele showed her a video of him masturbating and pornography on his phone. The woman did not like this and told Steele to stop.

A few days later Steele raped the woman in her bedroom.

Steele then raped the woman in her home on three more occasions over the next ten days.

His crimes were reported to the police after a neighbour found the woman distressed and crying in her flat. She disclosed that Steele had raped her on four occasions and that she had said no each time.

Officers attended and spoke with the woman and Steele was arrested on suspicion of rape.

When Steele was interviewed by officers, he denied having engaged in any sexual activity with the woman and he was released on police bail to allow for further enquiries to take place.

Steele was re-interviewed by officers in December 2023 following an investigation by Gloucestershire Constabulary's Criminal Investigation Department. He was shown forensic evidence which supported the woman's report that he had raped her.

Following this disclosure, Steele changed his account of events and said that he had consensual sexual intercourse with the woman on one occasion. 

Following a police investigation, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised charges for four counts of rape. After he appeared at court, the court released him on bail.

Steele failed to appear at Gloucester Crown Court on 22 November 2024 and a judge issued a warrant for his arrest.

Gloucestershire Police then published a wanted appeal on their social media channels and he was located in the Newent area following sightings from members of the public.

Steele was re-arrested on 20 December 2024 and remanded in custody to await trial.

As well as being sentenced to eight years in jail, Steele will be placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life.

Sentencing Steele, Judge Rupert Lowe said:

"You conceived that this vulnerable woman might be an outlet for your sexual frustrations. You showed her sexual video material on your phone but she didn't want to see it. 

"You were not to be deterred by her lack of enthusiasm for this and you got her into her own bedroom and removed her lower clothing and had sexual intercourse without her consent which is an offence of rape."

Investigating officer Detective Constable Jon Furse said:

"Steele raped the woman multiple times. He knew she was extremely vulnerable, and she had repeatedly told him no, but he ignored her and raped her. He subjected her to horrific crimes that will impact her for the rest of her life.

"Even though he denied the multiple charges of rape, the wealth of evidence we presented to the court meant his lies were uncovered with the jury returning a guilty verdict for all four counts in just 34 minutes.

"I would like to commend the victim in this case for her bravery and I would encourage anyone who has been raped to report it to us. Our specially-trained officers will listen and you will be believed and supported every step of the way." 

Description

A 33-year-old man who raped and sexually assaulted a woman has been jailed for five years.

Segun ‘Michael’ Ogundipe, of Tuffley Lane in Gloucester, denied the offences, but following a trial in May a jury found him guilty of rape, two counts of sexual assault and assault by penetration.

The court heard that in 2022 Ogundipe met the woman at her place of work and during their first meeting he asked her to go out for a drink with him.

She agreed and arranged to meet him after work the next day; texting him beforehand to make it clear that she was just getting to know him.

The following evening, Ogundipe picked the woman up in his car and they went to a bar. Throughout the course of the night Ogundipe began to sexualise the conversation, which made her feel uncomfortable.

Ogundipe then suggested he drive them to a different location to continue their evening. On the way there, he stopped at his house, saying he needed to get something from inside.

The victim needed to use the toilet and after she left the bathroom, Ogundipe sexually assaulted her and raped her.

He then drove her to an address in Cheltenham.

Even as he was driving, Ogundipe continued to try and touch the victim, who repeatedly told him to stop.

Due to the nature of his driving, Ogundipe was stopped by Gloucestershire Police officers who were on routine patrol. When the vehicle was stationary at the roadside, the victim took the opportunity to leave his car; initially telling officers that she wanted to go to a nearby family address and did not want to deal with what had happened to her. She then walked away.

Noticing how distressed and upset she was, an officer caught up with the victim who then disclosed that Ogundipe had raped her. 

Ogundipe was arrested on suspicion of rape and taken into custody where he was subsequently charged with two counts of sexual assault, assault by penetration and rape. 

The court was told that Ogundipe denied raping the victim and instead he claimed that she had initiated sexual activity and she had fully consented to having sexual intercourse with him.

The jury did not agree with his version of events and found him guilty.

In mitigation, the court heard that Ogundipe was of previous good character. His Honour Judge Lowe also took his positive character references into account before sentencing him at Gloucester Crown Court on Monday 21 July.

As well as being jailed for five years, Nigerian-born Ogundipe, who came to the UK to study in 2021, will be subject to deportation as a result of committing a serious offence here.

In a statement read out in court, the victim described to Ogundipe how being raped by him has impacted her life.

She said:

"It is still crazy to me to think how your words and your actions have made me question my worth entirely. Some days what you did to me plays over and over in my head. What you did was vile and one of the worst things you could do to someone. 

"I spent so long believing that I must have deserved what you did to me but I know now that you had no right to the rights of my body. Every single part of my life paused. I had to leave my job, a job that I loved deeply because I couldn't cope.

"I became scared to meet new people, to even smile at someone out of fear that it would be taken the wrong way. I lost my spark and even now I'm still only starting to heal."

Following Ogundipe's sentencing the victim said:

"I would encourage anyone who has experienced something similar to what I did to report it to the police. It doesn't matter if you feel ashamed or if you feel you are somehow to blame. You will be believed and supported."

Investigating officer Detective Constable Jon Furse said:

"Ogundipe's actions that night have caused serious harm and will have a lasting impact for the victim. I would like to commend her for the courage she has shown throughout this investigation.

"We are dedicated to ensuring sexual offenders are held accountable for their horrific crimes and I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of rape or other sexual assaults to please come forward and speak to police."

Description

A man who attacked and raped a woman in Bristol more than 23 years ago has been jailed for ten-and-a-half years.

Inderjit Singh Bains, 46, of Heneage Lane, Falfield, committed the attack on a woman after picking her up in his van.

The victim, now in her fifties, reported the incident to the police in January 2022 and had crucially memorised the offender’s number plate, which helped lead to his identification and arrest.

A jury unanimously found Bains guilty of rape and actual bodily harm following a trial at Bristol Crown Court in March.

At the sentencing hearing held earlier today (Friday 25 April) in Bains’ absence, Judge James Patrick said the offence involved “a degree of abduction” and the attack was “prolonged and persistent”, which had a “long-standing emotional effect” on the victim.

Bains picked up the victim, who was in the street sex trade, in his white panel van in the St Werburghs area of the city at around 1am on 10 January, 2002. The van had been circling the area and eventually stopped outside a pub, where Bains beckoned to the victim to go over.

After agreeing a fee, Bains drove towards Eastgate, where the victim had asked to go. But he didn’t turn off and headed up the M32 towards Frenchay, where he stopped in a secluded area off Stoke Lane.

The victim asked for payment first, which Bains pretended to reach for in his jacket pocket before punching her repeatedly to the face and body, causing her to lose and swallow a tooth.

He then raped her, without using a condom, before telling her to get dressed and driving her back into the city.

To protect others, the victim made a report to the One25 Project, which supports women in the street sex trade, soon after the attack. This report included a detailed description of the offender as well as his number plate

In an impact statement read to the court, the victim said: “The immediate impact of this crime on me was so traumatic that I used heroin to suppress any emotional impact, the physical impacts of the attack healed after time, but the emotional impact will stay with me forever.

“The flashbacks, panic attacks and nightmares I have continue to this day. I truly thought I was going to die that night, that kind of trauma is not easily fixed.

“There is still so much judgement and stigma around women who are trapped in the lifestyle I was, that it’s easier to let people think I’m crazy, as how do I explain what happened to me?

“For me to come forward again all these years later was the hardest decision I had to make, as I didn’t trust the police or the justice system to take me or the crime against me seriously…I didn’t realise how much emotional trauma I’d locked away about the attack.

“If it wasn’t for the empathetic, non-judgemental nature of my investigating officer, I would never have put myself through the retraumatising effects of a trial, but I am told this is also part of my healing process.

“Going to court was terrifying, especially having to face him, but I’m so glad I did as I see him not as a monster, but as a coward who preys on the most vulnerable people in society.”

Speaking afterwards, the victim added she also wanted to thank the jury for believing her and delivering a guilty verdict in this case.

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Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been sentenced to prison for a series of sex offences in Banbury.

Robert Coleman, aged 42, of Swan Road, Gloucester, was sentenced to a total of 15 years in prison following a hearing at Oxford Crown Court on Friday 28 March.

Coleman has also been placed on the sex offenders register for life, the sexual harm prevention order for life and given restraining order for life on each of the victims.

Coleman pleaded guilty to one count each of assault of a female aged 13 and over by penetration with part of body/thing, take an indecent photograph/pseudo photograph of a child and distribute an indecent photograph/pseudo photograph of a child. Coleman also pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual assault in the same hearing.

In May 2021, Coleman used a social media account to upload indecent images of a child. Further intelligence obtained by the Online Child Abuse Investigation Team, tracked these images to an address in Banbury, and officers executed a warrant and arrested Coleman on suspicion of voyeurism.

During police interviews, Coleman denied taking indecent images of a child, but admitted to uploading these images and videos to the social media platform.

After seizing Coleman’s mobile phone, officers discovered 279 indecent images and videos of children and women on his device. During police interviews, Coleman answered with ‘no comment’ to all questions.

Coleman was arrested on 8 July 2021 and charged on 8 November 2024.

Description

Andrew Shore (05/09/1987) of Croome Gardens, Bourton On The Water, Gloucestershire, was sentenced to seven years and three months at Manchester Crown Square Court today (Wednesday 26 March 2025).

On Thursday 27 February 2025, Shore was found guilty by a unanimous verdict of raping a female aged under 13 and indecent assault at the same court.

The offences took place in Rochdale in the early 2000s when the victim was only 11 years old and Shore was in a position of trust. Shore was 16 years old at the time of his offending.

He was also given a restraining order against the victim and lifelong sex offender requirements.

Description

An "opportunistic sexual predator" has been jailed for four years after sexually assaulting and attempting to rape a woman.

Mohammed Sanana denied approaching two women in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, before sexually assaulting and attempting to rape one of them on the steps near the library on Clarence Street.

The victim repeatedly told Sanana "no", told him to go away and pushed him, when the incident occurred on a night out in March at about 20:30 GMT.

Sanana, formerly of Ambrose Street in Cheltenham, was convicted by a jury following a week-long trial at Gloucester Crown Court.

During the trial, the 22-year-old claimed he knew the victim and said his actions were consensual.

However, the jury unanimously found him guilty on 11 November.

As well as the prison sentence, Sanana will be placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life.

He was sentenced on 6 December.

'Unforgivable attack'

In a statement provided by the woman, she said the court process was "very daunting", despite having support from a Sexual Violence Advisor.

"This entire court process did not need to happen and could have all been avoided if he had just admitted to what he had done instead of fabricating a whole story about meeting me before.

"I hope that he is able to learn from this process and will think twice about his actions in the future.

"I hope that him being convicted of this offence will help to prevent something like this from ever happening again to someone else in order to protect other people in the future," she said.

Det Ch Insp Dave Shore-Nye, of Gloucestershire Police, said:

"Sanana is an opportunistic sexual predator who is now rightly behind bars.

"He subjected a woman to a terrifying and unforgivable attack which has impacted her life significantly, and I hope his prosecution and conviction will bring her some sense of justice."

Description

A “lonely” young man working in the North East, well away from home, sought companionship via a social media dating and friends site for adults, a court heard.

But when Jarrod Hofmann’s post on Wink was responded to by someone claiming to be a 14-year-old girl, he made the misguided error of continuing the conversation, soon moving on to sexual matters.

Durham Crown Court was told Hofmann was unaware, however, that the person purporting to be 14-year-old “Mollie” was, in fact, a decoy profile put up by the paedophile-hunting Child Online Safety Team (COST).

Elisha Marsay, prosecuting, told the court that Hoffman, aged 21 at the time, soon suggested switching the conversation onto WhatsApp.

Over the course of the following 18 days, in March last year, he repeatedly tried to persuade ‘Mollie’ to send him intimate images of herself and told her he would instruct her how to perform a sex act upon herself.

Miss Marsay said the defendant also discussed meeting ‘Mollie’, making travel arrangements so she could spend a night with him.

Members of COST confronted Hoffman at his home, at the time, in Annfield Plain, near Stanley, on March 26, 2023, and police were summoned to the address to arrest the defendant, who was found sitting on the stairs while the paedophile hunters waited at the door.

Following his arrest, Hofmann made no comment in police interviews in March and August last year.

But, by the time the case came before magistrates in Newton Aycliffe, on September 3 this year, the 23-year-old defendant, now living back with his family in Brockworth, Gloucestershire, pleaded guilty to all four charges put to him.

He admitted attempting to incite a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity, attempting to possess an indecent image of a child, attempted sexual communication with a child and attempting to meet a girl under 16 following grooming.

The offences were all classed as “attempts” as no actual child was involved, unknown to Hofmann.

Stephen Ferns, in mitigation, said the defendant, who has no previous convictions, was, at the time of the offences, working for National Express based in the North East and felt, “lonely and isolated”.

Mr Ferns said Hofmann was not “actively seeking” a relationship with an underage girl, and accessed an adult site, "seeking a relationship with an adult".

He said the opportunity of it being a child then, “presented itself”.

“He fully accepts knowing the age and continuing the conversation on WhatsApp.

“He was isolated and lonely and had recently moved to a new area and had not had a relationship for four years.

“He had not set out looking for a relationship with a child, but he fully accepts he pursued it when it was presented to him.

“He told the Probation Service he has no sexual interest in children, but it was the case that he became interested in this female when the situation presented itself and he did then have a sexual interest in this child.

“What he told the probation report author was said out of fear, shame and confusion.”

Mr Ferns said the defendant now accepts he needs to address his unhealthy interest.

The lawyer said, following his arrest, Hofmann lost his employment with National Express and moved back to his family home in Gloucestershire.

He has since found new employment, working initially in the haulage industry as a driver.

Mr Ferns said if the defendant was given the opportunity of a non-custodial sentence, he could work with the Probation Service to continue his rehabilitation.

Judge Nathan Adams said, having, “carefully considered” the sentence he should pass, that he was just persuaded to step back from passing an immediate prison sentence.

The judge said, however, that imposing restrictions on the defendant to prevent a repeat of his behaviour were, “entirely necessary” in this case.

Imposing a three-year community order, as a direct alternative to prison, Judge Adams said the defendant must complete 150-hours’ unpaid work, and attend 40 rehabilitation activity days, plus 40 sessions of an accredited programme, both overseen by the Probation Service.

He was also made subject of both a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, including a prohibition on any unsupervised contact with children aged under 18, and the requirement to register as a sex offender, each to run for the next ten years.

Judge Adams told Hoffman he was “making it plain” he must comply with the orders in full and commit no further offences, or risk receiving a first term of imprisonment.

Description

A man from Stroud has been jailed after pleading guilty to four charges relating to online sexual offences against children.

Taran Jay Woodward, aged 24, appeared at Gloucester Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday 3 December) and was sentenced to five years and four months in prison.

He had previously pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, intentionally causing a female under 13 to engage in sexual activity and two counts of breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

The charges relate to offences committed against two girls on the social media app Snapchat and online game Roblox in May 2022.

Woodward had been arrested and charged as part of an investigation by Gloucestershire Constabulary's Child Exploitation Team.

His offending was identified after the parents of the children he targeted discovered the offences and reported what happened to their local police forces. 

Intelligence checks were made and Woodward was identified and arrested. He answered no comment in interview.