Search results for Sheffield

Description

A 66-year-old man has been jailed after being found guilty of non-recent child sex offences.

Peter Eason, of Owlthorpe Drive in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday, 29 October, where he was sentenced to six years and six months’ imprisonment.

Eason had denied the charges against him but was found guilty by a jury of the following five offences after a nine-day trial:

• Three counts of sexual activity with a child
• Two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity

The court heard the offences began in the Woodbridge area more than a decade ago and involved one victim, a child.

The offending continued for several years and was reported to police in February 2024.

A Victim Personal Statement was read out in court on behalf of the victim. It said: “I was a child, still growing up and developing my understanding of the world, relationships and trust. These should have been years of safety, discovery and ordinary childhood experiences. Instead, they became years in which my boundaries were violated, and my childhood was taken from me… I cannot simply leave these experiences in the past because the abuse itself has ended. I continue to live with the consequences every day, and I expect that they will affect me for the rest of my life.”

The victim’s father notes the impact Eason’s actions had on his daughter: “As parents, now knowing how you were abusing our daughter, we reflect on her younger teenage years, when she was still a child. We painfully remember our concerns about her wellbeing during those years, how she became distant from us, and we worried about her apparent low self-esteem… Somehow our daughter found the incredible inner strength and integrity to admit to us, to the Police and to this Court what you had done to her, in order to hold you accountable for your despicable behaviour... Our priority now as parents will be to support our daughter, as we move forward to help her put this terrible experience behind her, and to rebuild her life.”

In addition to his sentence, Eason was ordered to sign the sex offender’s register and was handed a 10-year restraining order in respect of the victim.

Detective Constable Shelly Drake, who was the officer in charge of the case, said:

“Eason knew the victim from an early age and exploited her innocence for his own gratification. He was an opportunistic sexual predator who took advantage of situations to sexually abuse his victim, which has had a lasting impact on both her and her family.

“I would like to praise the victim for her bravery and strength in disclosing what happened to her and reporting it to police.

“It is never too late to report sexual abuse and I urge anyone who has been abused to report it to police. We will support you and do all we have to bring those responsible to justice.”

Description

Kern Lenehan, 23, of Watch Street, Woodhouse, Sheffield, has been jailed for four years and one month after raping a 12-year-old girl on three occasions.

Sheffield Crown Court heard that Lenehan, then 19, met the girl on an adults’ dating site. She claimed to be 19 throughout. Under cross-examination he admitted he did not believe she was 19 and realistically thought she was around 15, but did not challenge her.

Judge Peter Hampton told him: “The reality is there were red warning lights flashing across the board, which you simply ignored. Your suggestion that you genuinely, and reasonably, believed her to be 19 was clearly a nonsense… I’ve seen pictures of her at the time.”

He continued: “You conceded you were in denial about her true age… you conceded in cross-examination that the victim looked 15, not 16… you willingly closed your eyes to the victim’s true age. I’m sure your motivation to do so was for there to be a sexual relationship whatever her age.”

The rapes took place in a tent near the girl’s Doncaster home. Children under 13 cannot legally consent to sexual activity. The offences came to light after her brother checked her Snapchat and messaged Lenehan asking why he was contacting a 12-year-old. Lenehan then ended contact. The girl has lifelong anonymity.

Lenehan admitted two counts of rape of a child under 13 and one count of making indecent images of a child, relating to a video of one of the incidents. He was also given a one-year extended licence, making the total sentence five years and one month, and must remain on the sex offenders’ register for life.

In a statement, the girl’s mother said her daughter “struggles significantly” and added: “I feel she has been robbed of her childhood.”

Defending, Ishaq Usama said Lenehan was, and remains, “emotionally immature.”

Judge Hampton told him: “You knew she was incapable of consenting. You did not care.”

Sentencing took place on 1 and 2 October 2026.

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The strength and bravery of a woman who fought off a man trying to rape her has ensured he will spend the next decade behind bars.

On 25 March, we received reports of a man assaulting and trying to rape a woman as she walked through Concord Park, in Sheffield. The man fled the scene after the woman bravely fought him off.

Officers quickly responded and the victim, a woman in her 70s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Meticulous detective work, utilising the detailed account the victim provided and from a nearby witness, resulted in Ali Askre being identified as a suspect and arrested within four hours of the horrific incident taking place.

During the attack the victim not only displayed unwavering courage by fighting Askre off but she also managed to recall key details about the 25-year-old which contributed to detectives later identifying him on CCTV trawls of the surrounding area.

Footage recovered included a CCTV clip which showed a man wearing a balaclava and gloves making his way to the park after leaving a property Askre would later be arrested at.

Once in police custody, Askre provided a full admission detailing his pre-meditated plan to attack and a rape a woman. This included telling officers where he had ditched items of clothing as he fled the scene.

Askre, of Torksey Road West, Sheffield, was subsequently charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and attempt rape. He pleaded guilty to both counts and yesterday (Monday 5 October) was handed a 20-year sentence - made up of a 12 year custodial sentence, with an extended licence period of eight years.

Detective Constable Daniel Lilley, who was the officer in charge of this case, said:

"I would like to recognise the immense strength of the victim in this case. She provided us with crucial information in the immediate aftermath of this horrendous ordeal and has shown immeasurable courage throughout the justice process.

"Although no sentence will ever undo the trauma she has experienced, I hope this result provides some reassurance that her bravery has ensured a dangerous man has been taken off of the streets of South Yorkshire.

"This was planned attack by a vile man who showed no care for anyone else as long it furthered his selfish and perverted aims. I am pleased that he will now be put behind bars and unable to cause even more pain to our communities.”

Description

A woman who was subjected to sexual and mental abuse courageously reported the crimes to police, and saw her attacker and his accomplices jailed.

The victim saw the case through court, despite attempts by her abuser to intimidate her into dropping charges.

Farman Ali, 28, from Sheffield, raped the victim six times and sexually assaulted her twice in a six-month period between 2024 and 2025.

Ali also physically assaulted the woman and mentally abused her during the period.

Ali was assisted in his abuse of the victim by two women, Zarina Zarina, 60, and Saadia Mohammad, 43.

The victim reported the abuse to police in January 2025, and officers immediately acted. Ali, Zarina, and Mohammad were arrested the following day.

After Ali’s offences were reported to us, he continued to target the victim, threatening to kill her family if she did not retract her allegations, but she bravely pursued legal action against him.

During the course of the investigation, officers gathered a wealth of evidence, including forensics, photos of the victim’s injuries, witness statements, and CCTV footage.

Despite the strength of evidence, Ali pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

However, a jury saw through his denials, and he was found guilty of 11 charges, including six counts of rape, following a trial at Sheffield Crown Court on 14 May 2026.

He was sentenced on Thursday 1 October to 20 years imprisonment.

Mohammad and Zarina both pleaded guilty to the charges against them at the same court on 5 May.

They were both sentenced on 1 October to three years and two months’ imprisonment.

Detective Constable Peter Bazley, the officer in charge of the case, said:

“First and foremost, I would like to recognise the immeasurable strength the victim in this case had in coming forward and reporting this abhorrent abuse.

“I am thankful for the faith she put in the police to secure justice and would also like to thank the entire team involved in this investigation for their immense dedication.

“Two decades in prison is the least this sick and abusive man deserves, and I am glad that the women who aided him in his crimes will also spend time behind bars.

“I would like to reassure others who may have experienced sexual violence that we take all reports seriously and will do everything we can to secure justice for victims.”

Zarina and Mohammad were both found not guilty of assault.

Victims of sexual offences are automatically granted lifelong anonymity under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act. Please remember that it is a criminal offence to identify them in any way.

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A 74-year-old man who went to Sheffield station with a pack of Viagra to meet a 14-year-old girl has been jailed following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.   

Stephen Greaves, of Park Grange Croft, Sheffield, pleaded guilty to a total of five charges, including Attempting to Meet a Child Under 16 Following Grooming.

At Sheffield Crown Court on 31 July, he was jailed for two years and eight months and received a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for the rest of his life.

Greaves turned up to Sheffield railway station on 26 July 2021 thinking he was meeting a 14-year-old girl he had been grooming for weeks.

Instead, a paedophile hunter group intercepted him and quickly reported his intentions to BTP.

He was arrested at the station, and officers found a blister pack of Viagra on his person.

Forensic analysis of Greaves’ phone revealed hundreds of messages between him and who he thought was a teenage girl.  

Detectives also uncovered other conversations with girls he believed were underage, as well as child sex abuse materials he had saved, including two videos in the most severe category.

Before arranging the meet at Sheffield station Greaves sent a photo of his genitals on WhatsApp to who he thought was a teenage girl, plus a series of sexually explicit messages.

Following an extensive investigation led by BTP detectives, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised eight charges against Greaves.

He then pleaded guilty to five charges in total. These were: Attempting to Meet a Child Under 16 Following Grooming, Attempting to Cause or Incite a Child Under 16 to Engage in Sexual Activity, Attempting to Engage in Sexual Communication with a Child, and two counts of Making Indecent Images of Children.

BTP Detective Constable Lee Walker said:

“Stephen Greaves poses a serious danger to children and has demonstrated a clear sexual interest in them.

“He spent weeks grooming who he believed was a teenage girl, sending vile and explicit messages before travelling to the station with Viagra for what he thought would be a sexual encounter.

“Our investigation uncovered the full extent of his offending. Through the forensic examination of thousands of gigabytes of data from his phone, we unearthed abhorrent child sexual abuse material.

“Thankfully Greaves is now behind bars and no longer able to prey on children.”

Description

A Sheffield man has been jailed this month for rape after members of the public bravely secured evidence against him.

Ansar Younis, 41, of Hatherley Road, Sheffield, raped an unconscious woman in Sheffield city centre at 1.14am on 20 September 2025.

Witnesses called the ambulance service who then called South Yorkshire Police to the scene of the attack. The ambulance service took the woman to hospital to be treated for injuries, and complete an early evidence kit to provide forensic evidence.

Four girls who witnessed the assault challenged Younis and when he ignored them they filmed the attack in order to provide evidence against Younis.

Upon arrival of officers, one of the witnesses was able to identify Younis, leading to his arrest.

Younis was interviewed on the day of his arrest, but provided no comment to all questions.

He was charged with rape and remanded into custody. Younis pleaded not guilty to the offence but was found guilty following a trial at Sheffield Crown Court on 31 March 2026.

Earlier this month (2 July) Younis was sentenced to nine years imprisonment.

Detective Constable Sophie Windle, the officer in charge of the case, said:

“This was a horrific attack against a woman who did not and could not consent.

“Rather than talk about the man who carried out this sick act, I would like to recognise the bravery of the four girls who intervened to record the offence, providing evidence that was absolutely instrumental at trial.

“Sheffield District Commander Jamie Henderson thanked the girls following the incident, and I would like to add my thanks now that justice has been served. These girls were upstanders, not bystanders. As soon as they realised what was happening they stepped in and they have helped put a rapist behind bars.”

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Sheffield Man Jailed for 15 Years After Raping Girl Under 13

Shaun Ali, 41, formerly of Barnsley Road in Fir Vale, Sheffield, has been jailed for 15 years for raping a young girl under 13.

He was convicted of two counts of rape of a child after a trial at Sheffield Crown Court. The girl’s mother said Ali made threats and “underestimated” her daughter, who showed courage in coming forward. The abuse “took her childhood,” leading to police involvement, social workers and hospital visits.

Judge Anthony Dunne sentenced him on 10 July.

Description

An agency worker who attempted to rape a vulnerable elderly care home resident in North Lincolnshire, has been jailed for nine years, and will be required to spend a further three years on extended licence upon release as a dangerous offender. He has also been handed a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Appearing at Grimsby Crown Court today (Thursday, 18 June 2026), Malek Alshabi, 53-years-old, of Sheffield, who identifies himself as Yemeni, pleaded guilty to attempted rape following an earlier Crown Court hearing in April 2026.

We received a call in March 2026 reporting an alleged attempted rape of a woman residing in a care home.

A third-party company alerted the care home to the alleged attempted rape, after motion was detected which would normally alert them to any residents who may have fallen, or concerns for safety, within the individual rooms.

Alshabi, an outsourced carer, was swiftly identified by the care home as the one responsible.

Officers from our Protecting Vulnerable People Unit were instantly deployed to the care home, arresting Alshabi on suspicion of attempted rape.

He was subsequently charged with the offence, and during interview denied all allegations put to him.

Leading the investigation was Detective Constable Jasmine Morley from our Protecting Vulnerable People Unit (PVP) who said:

“First and foremost, our thoughts remain with the woman and her family who have been affected by this appalling breach of trust.

“Those in care are among the most vulnerable members of our community, and have the right to feel safe, respected and protected. Alshabi broke this duty of care in the most unimaginable way.

“We would also like to commend the care home staff for the professionalism shown all the way from their initial report and throughout the entirety of the investigation. 

“This has been a deeply distressing case, and whilst the result today will not take away the suffering Alshabi has caused, I am pleased he will be behind bars for a very long time.

“Rape, and sexual offences of any nature, will never be tolerated, and this case demonstrates that those who choose to exploit vulnerable individuals will be pursued and held accountable for their inexcusable actions.

“I would urge anyone who has been a victim of any sexual crime to report it to us, regardless of whether it happened last week or 10 years ago. All reports are thoroughly investigated, and we have specially trained officers and independent support agencies who will support you every step of the way.”

Description

A man nicknamed “Killer” and his two younger brothers have been convicted 18 years after they sexually abused four children and a woman in Sheffield, following a National Crime Agency investigation.

The men were found guilty of a series of sexual offences – including rapes – many of which were committed by eldest brother Amar Ilyas, 41, of Sheffield. Known as “Killer” to the victims, Amar Ilyas bit one victim and used a gun and threats of gang rape to coerce others he abused. He was convicted in September 2025, but this can only be reported now, after the trial of his brothers concluded today, Monday 9 March.

Kamran Ilyas, 38, and Kamar Ilyas, 39, both of Sheffield were found guilty of a total of five sexual offences against one of the girls that their brother had raped.

The men’s convictions are the result of enquiries by Operation Stovewood - a team of specially-trained officers dedicated to investigating non-familial child sexual abuse in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013.

In 2018, Operation Stovewood officers contacted a woman from Rotherham who they identified was possibly a victim of child sexual abuse. The woman – now in her 30s – subsequently related how she been groomed and raped by Kamar, and then sexually abused by Amar and Kamran Ilyas, between 2004 and 2008, at locations across Sheffield.

Kamar Ilyas began phoning the woman in 2004, when she was 12 and he was between 17 and 18 years old. Kamar Ilyas then encouraged the child to meet him at locations around Sheffield, where he sexually abused and raped her.

Kamar Ilyas introduced the girl to his brother, Amar Ilyas, who subsequently raped the girl on a weekly basis for three years, in parks, houses and his car. Amar Ilyas gave the girl perfume and jewellery but the woman recalled being frightened of him and that he might harm her family. She said that on one occasion Amar Ilyas gave her a cigarette laced with crack cocaine before raping her. Another time Amar Ilyas showed the girl a handgun he kept in his car, before taking her into a wooded area and raping her.

During the period she was being repeatedly raped by Amar Ilyas, the girl was also sexually abused by Kamran Ilyas – who was around 17 years old at the time – at a flat and a playground in Sheffield.

While investigating the three men’s offences against this woman, Operation Stovewood officers identified a further four women who had been sexually abused by Amar Ilyas.

A woman who officers approached as a possible witness told them that Amar Ilyas had tried to rape her when she was around 13 years old. The woman, now in her 30s, said she was staying over at a friend’s house one night when she woke up to find “Killer” raping. When the girl tried to push Amar Ilyas off her, he told her to be quiet and continued his assault, only stopping only when another man entered the room.

A third woman who officers also approached as a possible witness told them that she met Amar Ilyas when she was around 13 years old and he was around 18 years old. Amar Ilyas visited the girl when she was alone at her home in Sheffield. Initially the meetings were friendly, passing without incident, but Amar Ilyas encouraged the girl to drink and take drugs.

Then during one visit, Amar Ilyas raped the girl. On a subsequent visit, he raped her a second time in her bedroom, after which he then further indecently assaulted her.

The fourth woman was around 18 or 19 years old when Amar Ilyas raped her after seeing her out alone in Sheffield.

Amar Ilyas was with a group of men when he stopped the woman as she walked near a park one evening in 2004. The woman, not wanting to speak with Amar Ilyas, told him that she needed to catch a bus but he told her he would drive her instead. Amar Ilyas then took the woman down an alleyway, out of sight of the other men. He asked the woman to perform a sex act and when she refused he threatened her that she would be forced to carry out sex acts on his friends. The woman felt she had no choice, as Amar Ilyas then raped her.

A fifth victim identified by Operation Stovewood was raped by Amar Ilyas after being introduced to him by Kamran Ilyas. She was 16 at the time and Amar Ilyas was around 20 years old.

Kamran Ilyas met the girl at a shopping centre and drove her to a park where Amar Ilyas was waiting in a car. Kamar Ilyas told the girl to get into the car, to be driven home by his brother. When the girl got into Amar Ilyas’s car, he bit her face then raped her. At one point during the horrific attack, Amar Ilyas grabbed a spanner from the car floor and threatened to hit the girl with it if she did not stop crying.

All three men were arrested in June 2020 by Operation Stovewood officers, and subsequently charged in March 2023.

Amar Ilyas was released on unconditional court bail during which time he travelled abroad to Pakistan. He failed to appear for his trial and was instead tried in his absence.

On 24 September, following two-week trial, Amar Ilyas was convicted of all 20 sexual offences against him and a charge of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear.

National Crime Agency Senior Investigating Officer Alan Hastings said:

“Amar, Kamar and Kamran Ilyas remorselessly terrorised vulnerable girls from Rotherham and Sheffield.

“Amar Ilyas’ victims were terrified of him and he mercilessly played on their fear to get them alone, sexually abuse them and ensure their silence afterwards.

“Our investigation found Amar Ilyas targeted his victims opportunistically or groomed them extensively. In one case Amar Ilyas subjected a child to three years of relentless torment and rape. Her suffering was compounded by the sexual abuse his brothers also committed against her.

“Despite the horrendous abuse all five women have suffered, they have shown great courage and absolute determination to see the perpetrators face justice, which our investigation has ensured for them all.”Kamran and Kamar Ilyas have been remanded in custody to appear at Sheffield Crown Court on 22 June, when they will be sentenced.

Sheffield Crown Court has issued a warrant for Amar Ilyas’s arrest. Officers from Operation Stovewood and the NCA’s Joint International Crime Centre are carrying out proactive enquiries to locate and arrest Amar Ilyas.

Martin McRobb, Specialist Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, said:

“The brothers Kamar Ilyas and Kamran Ilyas groomed a young and vulnerable girl with alcohol and drugs. They took her to a variety of locations in the Sheffield area in order to feed their vile sexual appetite by raping and sexually abusing her. As a result, they caused the victim serious and lifelong harm.

"These defendants have now been held accountable for their horrific and appalling crimes. I want to once again recognise this woman for her immense courage in coming forward and for remaining supportive of a complex investigation and lengthy legal process. Her determination and strength in seeing this case through has been crucial in bringing these offenders to justice.

“The CPS will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to pursue perpetrators of child sexual abuse and secure justice for victims, no matter how many years have passed."

The NCA's Operation Stovewood remains the single biggest investigation of its kind, looking at allegations of abuse in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013. To date 52 people – including the Ilyas brothers – have been convicted and received custodial sentences totalling more than 1,500 years.

Description

A man who raped a woman after pretending to be a taxi driver has been jailed.

The woman had been out with a friend in Sheffield in spring 2025 but decided to go home, leaving her friend out.

As she walked out of the club, she got into what she thought was a taxi, with the driver Shabir Sultani telling her he was a taxi driver and would take her home.

During the journey Sultani offered her vodka which she refused before taking her back to her home address.

When they arrived at her home in Chesterfield, he then followed her to her front door, forcing his way into the property.

Despite her telling him repeatedly she wanted him to leave Sultani continued to kiss the woman before raping her.

The woman managed to get him off her by kicking him.

Sultani was identified using CCTV footage and automatic number plate recognition of his car.

He was arrested and subsequently charged with rape and sexual assault.

The 27-year-old of Sturton Road, Sheffield, denied the charges but was found guilty after a trial at Derby Crown Court in November.

He appeared at the same court for sentence on 3 February where he was jailed for 13 years with an extension of seven years for dangerousness.

He has also been handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, given a restraining order preventing him from having any contact with the woman, and was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register.

Detective Staff Investigator Beth Waite, who led the investigation, said:

“Sultani clearly preyed on this woman on this occasion, pretending to be a taxi driver and offering to take her home.

“Despite her repeatedly saying she wasn’t interested and asking him to leave her alone, he continued to force himself upon her, ultimately raping her.

“I’d like to commend her bravery in coming forward and reporting this incident, and her support for the police investigation and subsequent prosecution.

“This incident will undoubtedly have a long-lasting impact on her but her courage has ensured that we were able to bring the perpetrator to justice.

“I hope that knowing he is now behind bars will allow her some form of peace.

“I’d encourage anyone who has been a victim of rape or a sexual assault of any kind to please come forward and report it to us. We will listen without judgement and support you throughout.”

Description

The bravery of a victim asking a member of the public for help, has resulted in a man being sentenced for rape of a child.

The court heard how the victim was subjected to this abhorrent act by a stranger, Ammar Moqbal, after being given alcohol while at a party. The victim left the party and bravely approached a member of the public asking for help.

A report was made to the police and Moqbal was promptly arrested and later charged with rape of a child aged 13/14/15.

He attended Sheffield Crown Court where he denied the offences, pleading not guilty, however he was later found guilty by a jury in October 2025.

Yesterday (3 March) Moqbal, 32, of Exter Driver, Sheffield, was handed a nine-year sentence at the same court.

During court, the victims brave account was shared:

"What happened to me that night has affected each and every part of my life.

"That night I was with my friends and could have never known what was about to happen. I found myself in a situation I could not control and as a child could not see a way out of.

"Whilst trying to work through what had happened, I lost the normality of just being in school. I couldn’t concentrate on my work or studies, as there was not enough head space for me to deal with the trauma I suffered, as well as what others were saying to me. 

"The confidence and naivety I had at the time of the incident, has been taken from me, and now I will always struggle to do what most people would not think twice about.  This can be as simple as leaving my home and going somewhere new. 

"I think the best way to describe my state of mind now, is similar to suffering a bereavement. It's like I am grieving for the life I feel I have lost. I feel like it’s a constant struggle to move my life forward due to the barriers I face now.

"I worry that one day these all of these things will overcome me, what happened will overcome me. I can't and will not allow this to happen.

"I will not let those who harmed me win, that time is done.

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A man and woman have been jailed for a combined total of 14 years after a rape near Lincoln.

Jonathan Stocks and Kimberly Jowle, both of Lydgate Lane in Sheffield, were convicted and sentenced at the conclusion of a five-day trial at Lincoln Crown Court on Friday, 19 December.

Stocks, 48, was convicted of rape and sentenced to nine years in jail.

Jowle, 38, was found guilty of rape - via joint enterprise* - and two counts of sexual assault relating to the same incident, which took place back in 2023 at Fiskerton, Lincoln, and was sentenced to five years in prison.

The result will see the pair face a total combined jail time of 14 years.

Detective Constable Warwick Taylor praised the victim for their strength throughout the investigation and says without them, Stocks and Jowle would not have been brought to justice.

He said:

“Ultimately, this was a harrowing ordeal for the victim who has supported the investigation every step of the way and has been the embodiment of strength and determination throughout.

“They will have to live with the impact of this crime for the rest of their lives, but I hope these sentences give them some sense of closure.

“Stocks and Jowle committed a horrendous crime and have been quite rightly punished their behaviour.

“This result shows that those who commit this type of crime will be brought to justice and these sentences should serve as a deterrent to those who think that this is acceptable.”

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The man pictured is 41-year-old Bo Yang and he is a violent rapist.

At just after 11pm on 15th April of this year he attended the victim’s address in Burnley and engaged her in conversation.

Following a disagreement about money, Yang took a knife from his right pocket, forced the victim next to a bed and used the knife to tear her clothes. Yang then took out a metal bar from the bag he was carrying and used it to savagely beat the victim. It was then that he raped and sexually assaulted her.

Not content with having committed the violent, sexual attack, Yang then removed rope and tape from his bag and tied the victim up – placing tape around her head. He then used the knife to slash her.

Yang then took items from the victim’s purse, including her bank cards and money. He used her facial recognition on the victim’s phone in an attempt to transfer money into his bank account.

The victim managed to run from the property when Yang had his back turned and sought help from neighbours who rang the police at 3.46am – bringing to an end her five-hour ordeal.

Yang was identified as a result of CCTV and forensic enquiries, including from fingerprints recovered from the tape he had placed around the victim’s face.

In what is thought to be a first is Lancashire, our officers also managed to recover data from 'We Chat' which is the Chinese version of WhatsApp. This evidence proved vital in this case.

Yang, of Winn Grove, Sheffield, was arrested and later charged with two counts of rape, sexual assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, robbery and possession of a bladed article.

Following a trial at Preston Crown Court, Yang was today (12th December) found guilty on all counts. He was remanded into custody and will be sentenced at the same court on 6th February.

DC Jodie Nolan, from our Burnley Rape And Serious Sexual Offence Team, said:

“Yang is an extremely violent sexual predator who exposed his victim to a sustained and horrific ordeal.

“I would like to thank the jury for their considered verdicts and the investigation team, including DC Asad Mirdad, for obtaining the vital evidence which helped secure this conviction.”

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A registered sex offender has been jailed for 20 years for the "sickening" attempted rape of a teenage girl, according to South Yorkshire Police.

Ben Johnson, 38, of no fixed address, wore a balaclava as he exposed himself to the girl, sexually assaulted her, and attempted to rape her in Tongue Gutter Woods in Sheffield on 27 June 2024.

The girl punched Johnson, escaped, and reported the attack to police the same day.

She provided a description of her attacker and later identified Johnson in a controlled ID process.

After his arrest, Johnson gave a prepared statement denying the offenses and did not comment during two interviews.

Following a trial at Sheffield Crown Court in July, he was found guilty of attempted rape of a girl under 16, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of exposure. He was sentenced at the same court on Monday and given an indefinite restraining order barring contact with the victim.

Det Con Kevin Sibley, who led the investigation, praised the victim's

"incredible courage throughout her ordeal."

"She was able to provide a strong positive ID of her attacker, which helped prove Johnson was responsible for this sickening crime," he said. "I commend her for her remarkable bravery."

Sibley added he was "pleased with the lengthy sentence," noting, "A dangerous man is now behind bars where he belongs."

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A man who groomed and raped two young girls in Rotherham in the early 2000s has been jailed for 19 years today, 4 September.

A trial at Sheffield Crown Court heard how Obaidullah Omari, 46, from Sheffield, targeted the two, who were aged between 13 and 14 at the time of their abuse.

The offences, which occurred between 2003 and 2004, were investigated by officers from the National Crime Agency’s Operation Stovewood, which is looking into child sexual abuse in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013.

Omari, in his 20s at the time, gave the girls alcohol and drugs before abusing them.

Omari raped the first girl multiple times at two different locations – his house in Eastwood and in his car – and raped the second girl on one occasion.

Both victims came forward to Operation Stovewood more than 20 years after the abuse took place, providing their accounts to officers who then went on to arrest Omari in 2019.

Following a two-week trial at Sheffield Crown Court, Omari was found guilty of three counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault.

Following the sentencing today, NCA senior investigating officer Alan Hastings said:

“Today Omari begins an appropriately substantial prison sentence for the sexual offences he committed against two girls more than 20 years ago.

“The victims demonstrated immense courage both in reporting Omari’s crimes and in giving evidence against him. I’m pleased that Operation Stovewood has been able to secure justice for the women and I hope Omari’s conviction helps them move forward with their lives.

“I encourage victims of child sexual abuse to report it to police, no matter how long ago the offending took place.”