Search results for Lancashire

Description

A convicted rapist, described by a judge as one of "the most dangerous sex offenders in the country" has been given a life sentence.

Anthony Croft attacked his teenage victim after latching on to her in bars in Blackpool town centre in June last year; buying her drinks and following her around even after she tried to get away from him.

As she then walked home in the early hours, he approached her again in the Claremont area of North Shore, having followed her all the way from town.

When they approached an alleyway, he pounced on her and dragged her into an alcove in the alleyway where he sexually assaulted her.

She bravely managed to fight him off and ran to a nearby house for help and Croft scurried away.

The incident was captured on C.C.T.V. which the sentencing judge described as some of the "most chilling" he had ever seen.

Detectives launched an investigation and worked tirelessly to identify the offender, finding footage of him and identifying him through facial recognition. Croft was located and arrested in Liverpool.

He had only been released from prison a month before the assault after serving a 21-year sentence for child rape.

Anthony Croft, now aged 52 and of no fixed address, was jailed for life at Preston Crown Court this week for kidnap and sexual assault. He must serve at least eight years before he can be considered for parole.

Det Insp Liam Davy, of Blackpool Police’s Domestic Abuse, Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team, said:

“My view remains that, but for the tenacity and bravery of this victim, I have little doubt Anthony Croft would have harmed her even further. The footage that captured this horrendous ordeal is something that will stay with detectives who worked on this case. It is unforgettable and haunting. 

“At the sentencing hearing, the Judge described this predator as someone who "must be amongst a handful of the most dangerous sex offenders in the Country". I couldn't agree more. It is our job to hunt and capture these individuals and Blackpool Police will continue to strive to keep women and girls safe on our streets, in our venues and in their homes.” 

Description

A man from Accrington has been jailed for sexually assaulting a woman while she slept. 

Jason Brown (pictured) took advantage of his victim after she had a couple of drinks and fell asleep.

They were known to one another when the offences happened in June 2024.

The victim had two drinks, either side of eating, before falling asleep on the sofa at a house in Accrington.

She later woke up to find the lower part of clothing had been removed and Brown was assaulting her.

A few days later, the victim reported what had happened and Lancashire Police launched an investigation.

Brown was arrested and during interview admitted that the victim had not been able to consent to sexual activity.

Brown, 31, formerly of Broadfield Road, Accrington, pleaded guilty last month to two offences of assaulting a female by penetration.

Returning to Preston Crown Court Sessions House for sentence yesterday (17th March), he was jailed for six years and 10 months.

Detective Constable Robert Williams of the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit, said:

“Jason Brown took advantage of a woman in a vulnerable state and sexually assaulted her.

“This was abhorrent behaviour by Brown, and I welcome the prison sentence imposed on him.

“Lancashire Police take all reports of sexual offences seriously and will thoroughly investigate them in order to bring offenders to justice.”

Description

A man has been jailed for more than 15 years for sexually assaulting a young girl.

Ian Wagstaff committed the offences against the girl when she was aged 10.

She made comments at school about what had happened and concerned staff contacted Lancashire Police who launched an investigation.

Wagstaff, 35, who is from Burnley, was arrested and later stood trial in December last year.

He was found guilty by a jury at Burnley Crown Court of assaulting a girl under 13 by penetration and two offences of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching.

Returning to the dock to be sentenced on Friday 27th February, Wagstaff, of no fixed address, was jailed for 15 years and six months, with an extended one-year licence period.

He was made subject of a 25-year restraining order.

In her Victim Personal Statement, the girl said:

"Don't be afraid to tell someone even though it may be hard."

The girl’s mum said in a Victim Personal Statement: “My daughter has really struggled, with her emotions, with her mental health, and her relationships with others has suffered.

“It was very difficult for her talking to police about what had happened. Saying out loud about what had happened was a difficult thing to do.”

Her mum continued:

“I think this is something she will always be scared of. What happened to her will affect her all her life and she will always live with the pain of what this man did to her.”

Det Con Cathryn Whitworth, said:

“Wagstaff’s offending against a young girl was disgusting and the lengthy prison sentence he now has to serve shows the seriousness of what he did.

“Lancashire Police take all complaints of sexual offences extremely seriously and we will thoroughly investigate them to bring offenders to justice.”

Description

The man pictured below is Kurt Devoy-Foster, his is 34 years old and he is a sex offender.

Over a two-year period, Devoy-Foster attempted to engage in sexual communication with girls he believed were between 12 and 15 years old.

Unfortunately for Devoy-Foster, but fortunately for the public, the individuals on the other end of the electronic devices weren’t children, they were either members of Online Child Action Groups (OCAGs) or undercover police officers.

On 14th and 15th May 2023, Devoy-Foster engaged in sexual communication with a user he believed was a 13-year-old girl on RandoChat. During the course of the communication, Devoy-Foster sent inappropriate videos and incited the child to engage in sexual activity. Thankfully, there was no child, Devoy-Foster was communicating with an officer from the North-West Regional Crime Unit (NWRCU).

Devoy-Foster was arrested by officers from the East Management of Sexual or Violent Offenders (MOSOVO) Team.

Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Devoy-Foster was charged with attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child , attempting to cause/incite a child to engage in sexual activity and failing to comply with his notification requirements.

On 2nd November 2024 – and whilst on court bail for the above offences - Devoy-Foster messaged a profile on RandoChat which he believed was being used by a 13-year-old girl.

Claiming to be called Adam, Devoy-Foster sent a message reading “what u done with a guy?”

He then went on to send her highly sexualised messages, before encouraging what he believed was a child to perform lewd acts.

Despite receiving numerous messages back from the person he was messaging stating she was 13 years old, Devoy-Foster continued to ask her to perform lewd acts.

The communication ended the following day when the operative from an OCAG group reported Devoy-Foster to our colleagues at West Yorkshire Police. The investigation was then transferred to Lancashire Police to progress.

On 16th December 2024, Devoy-Foster engaged in sexualised communication with a girl he believed was 14 years old on RandoChat and then on WhatsApp. Unfortunately for him, Devoy-Foster was communicating with a member of a second OCAG.

Devoy-Foster was arrested on 22nd December outside a Blackburn supermarket, having been confronted by members of the OCAG.

A search was carried out of Devoy-Foster’s home and a number of electronic devices were seized, including eight mobile phones.

Devoy-Foster was charged and released on court bail, with strict conditions not to use RandoChat, not to communicate directly or indirectly with a child and limitations were imposed around his internet use.

On 8th April 2025, Devoy-Foster contacted a profile he believed was being operated by a 12-year-old girl on RandoChat asking how old she was.

On 10th April 2025, Devoy-Foster began sending sexually inappropriate messages to what he believed was a child. He then asked her to perform lewd acts and send him picture evidence of her doing so.

He then sent her an image of a penis and stated he wanted to go on a secret date with her to the park. Devoy-Foster then sent over more inappropriate images.

Unfortunately for Devoy-Foster, the account he was messaging was being operated by an officer from the (NWROCU).

Enquiries found the inappropriate messages were being sent from Devoy-Foster’s home in Terry Street, Nelson.

Officers from NWRCU attended Devoy-Foster’s home and arrested him on suspicion of sexual communication with a child, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and breach of court bail conditions.

Devoy-Foster appeared at Preston Crown Court earlier this year where he pleaded guilty to Sexual Communication with Children under 16, causing/inciting a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity, causing/inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and multiple failures to comply with notification requirements.

Devoy-Foster returned to the same court on Monday (23rd February) where he was jailed for seven years and six months. He was also made subject of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

DC Beth Turner, of the East Internet Child Exploitation Team, said:

“Devoy-Foster is a dangerous individual who presents a serious risk to children via his determined efforts to engage them in sexual activity. His offending shows a desire to meet and abuse a child in person.

“I welcome the sentence handed down to Devoy-Foster which reflects the seriousness of his offending.”

Description

Police are appealing for help to trace a wanted man from Darwen.

Lewis Ainsworth is wanted for breaching sex offender notification requirements and is also wanted on a Crown Court warrant, according to police.

According to police, he is around 5ft 5, slim, with blue eyes.

He has links to Blackburn, Darwen and Blackpool, and to Stoke-on-Trent.

A police spokesperson said:

"We are asking for your help to find Lewis Ainsworth who is wanted.

"Ainsworth, 22, who is from Darwen, is wanted for breaching sex offender notification requirements and on a Crown Court warrant.

"He is around 5ft 5, slim, with blue eyes.

"Ainsworth has links to Blackburn, Darwen and Blackpool, and to Stoke-on-Trent.

"Any sightings of Ainsworth or information as to where he might be, please email [email protected] or contact 101 – quoting log LC-20220422-0189."

Description

A convicted sex offender from Nelson has been jailed for breaching his registration requirements by traveling to Ukraine to fight against Russia without notifying police.

Aaron McGinty, 39, of Marsden Hall Road, failed to inform authorities when he obtained a passport and traveled abroad, and neglected to register upon returning to the UK.

He pleaded guilty to three charges of failing to comply with requirements and breaching a restraining order at Blackburn Magistrates' Court in December, then appeared at Burnley Crown Court for sentencing on Tuesday (February 17).

The magistrates' hearing revealed the restraining order protected McGinty's ex-partner, who received messages and friend requests from him while he was in Ukraine.

In one message, he said: "It's made my blood thirsty being over here in Ukraine.

"I will come for you and all the members of your family."

Defending McGinty at the lower court, John Rusius said the defendant "didn't want to live" upon his 2024 prison release and "decided to take himself out to Ukraine and fight in the war."

Mr. Rusius added that McGinty spent his last five days in Ukraine sitting in a trench with his friend's body, awaiting escape.

Recorder Alex Leach sentenced McGinty to 18 months in prison at the Crown Court.

Description

A convicted sex offender from Great Harwood has been jailed again for breaching a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).

Jake Macro, 25, of Clayton Street, appeared at Preston Crown Court on Friday (January 30) over three offences of breaching the order.

Macro sent to a young offenders' institute for four months in 2019, and slapped with a 10-year SHPO, after he made a young girl strip naked, filmed it, and published a screenshot online.

He breached that order on two occasions in October 2025 when he deleted software from his computer, which he was prohibited from doing by the order.

In July of last year, Macro appeared at Blackburn Magistrates' Court after police found a picture of his penis on a Lenovo tablet, which he claimed belonged to his sister.

Officers also found links to social media accounts, going against the terms of the SHPO.

His case was committed to the Crown Court, and he was sentenced to three years and 10 months in prison.

Description

A man who sexually assaulted two young girls has been given a 20-year sentence. 

Robert Crompton, 67, committed the offences in East Lancashire several years ago before going to live in Australia.

Being on the other side of the world didn’t prevent justice catching up with Crompton (pictured).

Lancashire Police officers investigating Crompton’s crimes, applied to the Australian authorities for his extradition.

Crompton was extradited to the UK in May last year and stood trial at Preston Crown Court in November.

One the girls was sexually assaulted by Crompton over a number years, the first time when she was only five.

In her victim impact statement read to the court, she wrote:

“Being sexually abused at such a young age had a huge impact on me developmentally as a child.

“As an example, I struggled to form friendships with others my own age, and typically I would seek friendship and solace from older people.”

She continued:

“What happened to me will remain with me for the rest of my life. He took away some of my childhood and I believe he stole my innocence.”

The second victim was 12 when Crompton sexually assaulted her.

She wrote in her victim impact statement:

“The image of virtue that he shared throughout the trial that he was, is not the man who thankfully has been found guilty of such heinous and sickening crimes.

“He continues to manipulate others into believing he is innocent which in my opinion demonstrates a deep and pathological ability to deceive and continue to abuse others without regard to them.”

After an eight-day trial in November, Crompton was found guilty by a jury of 12 charges – including five offences of assaulting a girl under the age of 13 by penetration, assault by touching, inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, causing a girl under 13 to watch sexual activity, and sexual assault of a female.

Returning to the dock at Preston Crown Court last Friday (16th January) for sentence, the judge sentenced Crompton to 20 years – consisting of a 19-year prison sentence and an extended one-year licence period.

Det Con Cathryn Whitworth of Lancashire Police, said:

“These were abhorrent offences committed by Crompton against two young victims.

“They showed great bravery by coming forward to report what Crompton had done, and then by reliving their experiences by giving evidence in court during the trial.

“Although Crompton lived in Australia by the time these offences came to light, we were determined that he should face justice.

“We presented a case for him to be extradited back to this country and after a lot of hard work, that happened in May last year.

“I welcome the lengthy custodial sentence imposed on Crompton, with it underlining the seriousness of his offending.”

Description

The man pictured is Antony Farren and he is a dangerous paedophile.

Yesterday (12th January) he was sentenced to a total of 23 years following an investigation by our East RASSO (Rape and Serious Sexual Offences) Team.

The investigation found that 39-year-old Farren had given his 15-year-old victim drugs before inflicting a series of sexual offences on her.

All the offences happened in Rawtenstall.

While engaging in sexual activity with the child, Farren told her: “It feels like I’m raping you, I need to stop.”

Farren, formerly of Rawtenstall but now of no fixed address, was arrested in December 2024.

While he was on bail with conditions not to contact the victim, Farren sent her TikTok in an attempt to intimidate her.

Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Farren was charged with a number of sexual offences, as well as witness intimidation.

Following a trial at Preston Crown Court, Farren was found guilty of two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child under 16, four counts of other sexual offences and one count  witness intimidation.

Farren was sentenced to 15 years immediate custody, with a further eight-year extended licence period after the judge deemed him to be a dangerous offender. He was also made subject of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and told to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

DC Sarah Andrews, from the East RASSO Team, said:

“Antony Farren is a dangerous and manipulative individual who targeted and groomed his vulnerable victim for his sordid sexual interests. He knew what he was doing was wrong but continued anyway. I welcome the sentence handed down to Farren which reflects the seriousness of his offending and the very real danger he poses to female children.

“While the headlines will be about Farren and his abhorrent crimes, I want to make sure the victim in this case is not overlooked. She has shown incredible bravery in firstly coming forward and then reliving her ordeal while giving evidence, and I want to place of record my admiration for her.

“Finally, I want to praise the investigation team in this case, and in particularly DC Daniel Healey. As a result of their sensitive and professional approach, they were able to build a rapport with the victim, so she felt believed, supported and able to trust the police to deliver justice.”

Description

A man has been jailed after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a child.

Adam Hardman, 39, from Norley Road in Leigh appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on 16 December to be sentenced.

Hardman was found guilty at an earlier hearing of two counts of assault by touching which had occurred in Warrington.

He was sentenced to four years in prison, ordered to sign the sex offenders register and handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

DC Caroline Wharmby said:

“Hardman took advantage of his situation to sexually assault a child betraying the trust of the child and the family.

“I’d like to commend the victim for showing such bravery in coming forward to report the two incidents and bringing this man to justice for his despicable actions.”

Description

Aqib Mahmood, a 28-year-old shop worker from Accrington, was jailed for two years and eight months after attempting to incite underage girls to perform sexual acts in exchange for vapes and cannabis.

On October 31, 2023, Mahmood was working at his father's Warrington shop when a 14-year-old girl and her friend entered. He asked their ages and suggested they return if interested. Weeks later, they tried buying a vape, which he refused. When one girl asked what she could do to get it, Mahmood replied she could "suck him off."

Two days later, she returned alone; he again offered the vape if she "sucked his penis." She refused but agreed to a hug, during which he squeezed her buttocks.

The girls told their parents, leading to Mahmood's arrest and bail. While on bail, he approached a 15-year-old girl, saying if she wanted cannabis, she would "have to do something for it." He touched his crotch and added: "I want you to make me hard." She refused.

At Burnley Crown Court, Mahmood pleaded guilty—shortly before victims' evidence—to two counts of inciting a 13-15-year-old girl to penetrative sexual activity, one count of inciting non-penetrative activity, and one count of sexual assault. He had initially pleaded not guilty in May.

Mitigator Emma Kehoe said Mahmood had struggled physically and mentally, turning to cannabis and alcohol: He "fell into a spiral and behaved in the way he did." She added: "He regrets and is entirely remorseful for what he did. He still cannot understand why he did what he did."

Judge Daniel Prowse found Mahmood attracted to teenage girls and a risk to children, but noted his remorse was "not unusual" for such offenders. He imposed a 20-year sexual harm prevention order and lifetime sex offender registration.

Description

A registered sex offender branded a "dangerous predator" has been jailed for 11 years after sexually assaulting a woman and attempting to rape her 12-year-old daughter.

Steven Murphy, 45, contacted the mother on Facebook and visited her Preston home in April, where she was celebrating her daughter's talent show appearance. He offered to drive other guests home before returning alone, assaulting the woman. When she fell asleep due to medication changes, he entered the girl's bedroom, climbed into her bed, and assaulted her while trying to rape her. She repeatedly told him to leave before he fled.

Of Tiller Road, Cottam, Murphy denied one count of sexual assault on the mother and two counts plus attempted rape on the daughter but was convicted at Preston Crown Court. The judge imposed an 11-year custodial term plus an eight-year extended licence, classifying him as a dangerous offenderreserved for cases posing serious public harm risk. Offenders serve two-thirds of custody before possible parole; if released early or at term's end, they remain supervised until the licence expires.

Det Sgt Sue Wilson, of Preston CID, said:

"First and foremost I would like to commend the two victims for their courage in coming forward and reporting what happened to them and for their bravery throughout the judicial process. I hope this sentence will mean that they can try to move forward with their lives knowing this dangerous predator is behind bars.

"I also hope that it may give other victims of sexual abuse the confidence to come forward and speak to police in the knowledge we will investigate professionally and with sensitivity and will look to prosecute offenders where we can."

Description

A paedophile has been jailed after sexually assaulting young girls in Burnley.

Sick Vincent Walker abused his young victims over a year long period leaving them traumatised and fearful.

The sexual predator was arrested after two of his victims told their parents what he had been doing to them.

After his arrest and charge in March this year further victims came forward to report similar abuse.

Walker, 72, of Rawson Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to a total of 23 sexual offences, including engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15, assault by touching, cause a child under 13 to watch / look at an image of sexual activity, engaging in sexual activity in presence of a child under 13 and breach of a sexual harm prevention order.

The five female victims were aged from just eight to 13 years old when Walker abused them.

At Preston Crown Court he was today (Friday, November 28th) jailed for 11 and a half years with a two-and-a half years extended licence.

Walker was classed as a dangerous offender and will also be on the sex offenders register indefinitely and has an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Det Con Amber Forshaw, of our child protection team, said:

First and foremost I want to praise these girls for having the courage to some forward and talk about what Walker did to them, it cannot have been easy, and I am full of admiration for them. I hope that this sentence gives them and their families some sense that justice has been done and that they can now try and move on and rebuild their lives.

Walker is clearly a dangerous sexual predator with a depraved sexual interest in young girls, and I am pleased that his conviction and sentence mean he will now be behind bars for a significant time and that people will be protected from him.

If others have suffered similar abuse, I would urge them to come forward and talk to us, safe in the knowledge that we will investigate professionally and sensitively and will look to put offenders before the courts and to provide justice for victims.

Description

A man has been given a prison sentence of more than 20 years for raping and sexually assaulting a girl.

Mark Williams, 45, (pictured) committed the offences in Preston when the girl was in her early teens.

The victim disclosed to work colleagues what had been happening to her, and a colleague reported it to the police.

Lancashire Police’s Child Protection team launched an investigation and Williams was arrested.

He claimed that he had consensual sex with the girl when she was 16.

When Williams was arrested, thousands of indecent images - at least 2,500 of which were of the highest category of seriousness - were found on his phone.

Williams was not in the dock at Preston Crown Court to hear the sentence imposed on him today (28th November), with him refusing to appear on a live link from prison where he was on remand.

In his absence, he was given a 20-year sentence for the rape offences, comprising 18 years in prison and an extended two-year licence period.

For the indecent images’ charges, a consecutive one-year sentence was imposed, taking the overall sentence and extended licence period to 21 years.

The judge deemed him a dangerous offender and Williams will have to serve two thirds of the sentence before being eligible to apply for parole.

A sexual harm prevention order was imposed on Williams and a restraining order put in place to protect the victim.

Williams, of no fixed address, had pleaded guilty earlier this year to charges of rape, causing a female to engage in sexual activity, assault by touching, assault by penetration, and possession of indecent images.

However, he had initially denied the charges and a trial commenced, Williams only changing his plea to guilty after the victim had given her evidence to the court.

Det Sgt Aria Mahoney of the Child Protection team, said:

“Williams committed disgusting sexual offences against a young girl, and I welcome the lengthy prison sentence imposed on him.

“His offending was abhorrent, and Williams’ manipulative behaviour continued during the court process when he ran a trial before changing his plea – but only once the victim and another witness had given evidence.

“I urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual crime to report it to police. We will thoroughly investigate the offences, support you and strive to bring offenders to justice.”

Description

A pervert who downloaded indecent images of children onto his work computer claimed he did it because he was "bored."

Police visited James Raidy's home in May 2024, seizing his laptop, which contained a category B indecent image and a prohibited image of a child.

The 54-year-old, with a prior history of such offenses, was under a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) requiring him to notify authorities of any new device within three days, per Lancs Live.

He failed to report the work computer for nearly a year. Raidy pleaded guilty to breaching the SHPO, possessing an indecent image, and possessing a prohibited image at Preston Crown Court.

In his defense, he said he viewed "legitimate" porn when bored, which escalated to indecent images.

Judge Michael Maher said: "You had access to this computer for just shy of a year and you quite deliberately failed to disclose to your offender manager that you had access to the device, capable of accessing the internet.

"That computer had been given to you by your former employer. You say boredom was the catalyst for you accessing these appalling images.

"You say you have no sexual interest in children. That is a familiar refrain in these cases.

"You have anaesthetised yourself to the reality of the fact that these are real children, real flesh and blood children, who have had their childhoods stolen for the sexual gratification of sexual deviants such as yourself."

A pre-sentence report deemed Raidy a high risk of serious harm to children. The judge added: "The reality is that none of the sex offender treatment work has had any impact on curbing your unsavoury appetite for this material.

"You have demonstrated by the fact that you have had paid work that you are capable of channeling your energy in a productive way."

Raidy, of Graine Road, Haslingden, received eight months for the class B image and four months concurrent for the prohibited image, plus a new 15-year SHPO.