Latest Offenders York

Description

The incredible bravery of a vulnerable girl disclosing a horrific incident has resulted in a man being handed a custodial sentence for rape of a child.

Following a missing from home episode, the girl, who was aged 12 at the time, was found in the company of then 28-year-old Adam Batley.

Batley was promptly arrested and an investigation launched.

The victim made some initial disclosers to her social workers of the abuse Batley subjected her to, and this was promptly reported to the BSAFE, a dedicated child sexual exploitation team in Barnsley. The victim later courageously disclosed to officers how Batley had plied her with drugs and raped her while she was semi-conscious under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Batley was re-arrested and interviewed, but failed to admit the horrific actions, answering 'no comment' in his police interview. Batley further showed no remorse and pled not guilty in one of his first court appearances, meaning the girl had to go through an upsetting court trial.

Detective Constable Alessio Godhard, who was the officer in charge of the case said:

"No words can explain just how brave the girl was during this whole process, from her initial disclosure, through to the sentencing at court.

"Batley preyed on her vulnerabilities and used this to gain personal satisfaction.

"The girl in this case will continue to be supported by the BSAFE team and colleagues from social care.

"We take any report of sexual abuse seriously - you will be believed and listened to. Please report it to us so we can investigate and get these dangerous offenders behind bars."

Batley, 30, from Barnsley, was found guilty of one count of rape of a girl under the age of 13 on 31 July, following a seven day trial at Sheffield Crown Court.

He appeared at the same court today (19 August) and was handed a nine year custodial sentence and an indefinite Restraining Order.

Description

Ian Moffat, 63, from York has been sentenced at York Crown Court to 22 years and eight months on 20 August 2026 for raping and sexually assaulting a girl during the last decade, and possessing 149 indecent images of children.

Moffat has been placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely and issued with a sexual harm prevention order until further order. The court also ordered the destruction of a computer tower.

The abuse was disclosed to North Yorkshire Police in December 2023 and an investigation commenced.

After his initial arrest in December 2023, his digital devices were seized as part of the investigation and examined by our Digital Forensics Unit. It was discovered that his desktop computer contained 149 indecent images of children. Moffat was then further arrested for possession of indecent images of children.

Moffat has been remanded in custody until his sentencing.

The offences he was charged with which Moffat pleaded not guilty to on 1 September 2025, but was found guilty of on 9 July 2026 at York Crown Court after a one-day trial:

• Two counts of sexually assaulting a girl
• Six counts of raping a girl

The offences Moffat pleaded guilty to on 1 September 2025:

• Making 21 Category A indecent photographs of children
• Making 18 Category B indecent photographs of children
• Making 110 Category C indecent photographs of children

Detective Constable James Stewart, from North Yorkshire Police's Safeguarding Investigation Team said:

"During each interview, Moffat only replied with no comment and by pleading not guilty shows his lack of acceptance of any responsibility for the horrendous sexual abuse he subjected his victim to for a number of years.

"I praise the victim for having the courage to report the abuse she endured, and commend her bravery for seeing through the investigation. I hope justice being served to Moffat helps the victim with some form of closure, to help her to proceed with her life the best she can.

"I also hope this helps other victims find the bravery to report to police, please know that it doesn't matter when the abuse took place, you will be listened to."

Description

A teenager from the Redcar and Cleveland area, has been sentenced for raping two girls in 2023 and 2024.

The crimes were first reported to police in April 2024 and investigated by detectives before Sam Brewster, who was a juvenile when the offences took place, was charged and later convicted of numerous offences during a trial in August 2025.

However, Brewster launched an appeal against these convictions, which was heard before Teesside Crown Court in March 2026.

During the appeal, the girls had to go through the trauma of providing evidence to the court all over again, with two rapes upheld by the court.

Today, Wednesday 19 August, a year after he was first convicted, Brewster, now 18, was finally sentenced to three years in prison for his crimes.

Detective Constable Jack McPhillips said:

“Both of the victims in this case were extremely brave in coming forward and giving evidence. They had the trauma of having to go through this difficult process twice over in court, in addition to multiple last-minute adjournments and having to relive their nightmare again and again.

“This has caused great distress in the girls’ lives and massively disrupted their education. I hope today’s sentence will bring some closure for the girls, so that they can now begin to rebuild their lives.

“I would like to thank the support workers from Arch Teesside who were incredibly helpful and supportive throughout the investigation and subsequent trials.”

Description

Burhan Din jailed for 14 years after grooming and raping teenage girl

Burhan Din, 30, of no fixed abode, has been jailed for 14 years after being convicted at Bradford Crown Court of two counts of rape, four offences of sexual activity with a child and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Din contacted the girl via social media and began a campaign of abuse during which he recorded himself having sex with her on his mobile phone. He was 12 years older than the victim and knew from an early stage that she was a child. The rapes occurred at his Bradford flat after he got her drunk.

Sentencing him, Recorder Jason Pitter KC said: “In very simple terms you deliberately and cynically groomed her.” The judge noted the case highlighted the dangers posed to young people by online predators.

In a statement read to the court, the victim said her life had been “nothing but hell” since Din first contacted her. She described feeling scared and powerless, but said coming forward took great courage and she was glad to finally have her voice heard. She called herself “a survivor, not a victim” and said she was no longer the broken girl she once felt she had become.

Recorder Pitter praised her:

“She has very bravely read her impact statement to speak her truth and take back her power. She is a credit to herself.”

Din continues to deny the sexual offences despite the jury’s guilty verdicts. He also admitted possessing a machete and a small quantity of cannabis.

He will remain on the sex offenders register for life and be subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Description

James Finlay incited the girl to engage in sexual activity in July 2022.

The 38-year-old simulated sexual intercourse against her over clothing.

On Thursday 30 July Finlay appeared at Durham Crown Court to be sentenced to four years and subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for sexual assault and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. He was found guilty of the offences by a jury following a trial.

During the trial the court heard how police responded to a report that was made in at 4.45am in July 2022.

Following the report, officers spoke to the child to obtain details of what had happened.

Finlay was arrested by police shortly after 6am the same day and taken to police custody to be questioned by Cleveland Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People unit.

He was subsequently charged.

Detective Constable Bonnie Dowson, from Cleveland Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People unit, said:

“Finlay abused his position and took advantage of a child that understandably left her distressed.

“I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge how swiftly the girl informed an adult on what had taken place and the ongoing courage and bravery she has shown to report it to police and see it through the criminal justice system.

“While no sentence will ever undo the harm Finlay caused, I hope it can provide a sense of justice and an opportunity to begin moving forward with the help and support available.”

Description

A mother and her boyfriend who murdered two-year-old Isabelle Rose Welsh following a campaign of violence have today been sentenced to life imprisonment.

Harrison Simpson will serve a life sentence with a minimum 27 years and 231 days, whilst Alexandra Walker will serve a minimum 21 years and 48 days.

Emergency services were called to an address on Hartington Close in Thornaby on 13 September 2025 following concerns for the welfare of a young child.

Isabelle was taken to hospital shortly afterwards where she very sadly passed away from a catastrophic head injury. In the weeks before her death, Isabelle sustained multiple fractures to 21 bones and her body was covered in bruises.

Isabelle’s mother, Alexandra Walker, 26, and Alexandra’s boyfriend Harrison Simpson, 22, were both arrested in connection with her death due to the severity of her injuries.

They were subsequently charged with a number of offences which the pair denied when they appeared in court.

Following a trial lasting five weeks, the jury found Simpson guilty of murder, sexual assault by penetration and child cruelty while Walker was found guilty of murder and child cruelty on Tuesday 28 July at Teesside Crown Court.

As they were sentenced at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday 30 July, the Judge commended Detective Chief Inspector Steve Chatterton and his team, along with Family Liaison Officers.

In a statement, Isabelle’s family previously said:

“Isabelle should have had her whole life ahead of her, but she was taken from us in the most heartbreaking way. She was so loved and our lives will never be the same without her.

“Whilst today’s result cannot undo the pain caused or bring Isabelle back, it does mean justice has been served. We will remember Isabelle forever and ask for privacy as we continue to grieve as a family.”

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Chatterton, said:

“Isabelle was an innocent child who should have been safe and happy at home. The pain and suffering she experienced at the hands of Walker and Simpson was sickening.

“This has been, without a doubt, one of the worst cases my team and I have dealt with. The severity and scale of Isabelle’s injuries were shocking and the fact that Walker repeatedly lied to try and cover their tracks further added to the pain of Isabelle’s family. Our thoughts remain firmly with Isabelle’s loved ones.

“Despite the extremely distressing nature of this case, my team showed unwavering determination to secure justice for Isabelle. They remained professional and compassionate throughout the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings and I’d like to thank them for their outstanding commitment in ensuring Walker and Simpson were held accountable for their despicable actions. I’m also grateful for the expertise and support from the Crown Prosecution Service in helping to secure this result.”

Description

Wanted: Convicted sex offender George Casson after prison recall

North Yorkshire Police are appealing for help to locate convicted sex offender George Casson, 30, from Harrogate, after a prison recall was issued on 3 July.

Casson breached his licence conditions by failing to attend Probation Service appointments. Officers said: “Extensive enquiries have been ongoing to locate Casson and we’re now appealing for your help to help find him.”

He is believed to be in the Harrogate area and has links to Lancashire and Weston-Super-Mare in Avon and Somerset.

Casson is white, 5ft 4in, of small build, with cropped brown hair and blue eyes. He has previously had a short brown beard or stubble but may now be clean-shaven.

Last December he was jailed for 19 months after pleading guilty to one charge of sexual communication with a child, committed over several weeks some years earlier.

Anyone who sees Casson should call 999. Information about his whereabouts can be given to police on 101 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via its website, quoting reference 12260124861.

Description

A man who exposed himself and masturbated next to a woman with a pram at a railway station in West Yorkshire has been jailed, following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Michael Wainwright, 74, and of Ashenhurst Road in Calderdale, was sentenced at Bradford Crown Court on Thursday 25 June to eight months' imprisonment and handed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

He had previously pleaded guilty on Thursday 30 April at Bradford Magistrates' Court to Exposure.

The court heard how on Sunday 22 February at around midday, a woman approached a member of staff at Hebden Bridge railway station to report that a man, Wainwright, was masturbating on the platform next to a woman with a pram.

The member of staff looked at the live CCTV feed and couldn't see anything, so went out onto the platform to look into the incident.

He then went onto the platform and saw Wainwright had exposed himself and was masturbating, so he immediately contacted police.

BTP officers attended the station and Wainwright was arrested and taken into custody.

In his police interview, Wainwright admitted the crime and stated that he knew what he was doing was wrong, but couldn't explain why he had done it.

BTP Detective Constable David Bentley said:

"Wainwright's actions were nothing short of horrific. He later admitted to police in interview that he could have stopped himself from acting in the vile manner that he did, but he chose to do so anyway.

"There is absolutely no place on the railway for sexual offending, and we’re committed to securing justice for victims and ensuring offenders like Wainwright have their day in court.

“Anyone who witnesses a sexual offence on the railway is urged to report it to us immediately by texting 61016. No report is too small or too trivial, and we’ll always take action.”

Description

We are appealing for your help to find Caeser Taylor, who is wanted for breaching the Sex Offenders Notification Register (SONR).
 
Taylor, age 62, is a convicted sex offender, having been convicted of exposure, four counts of sexual assault, and two counts of sexual assault on a girl under 13. The convictions were recorded between 2014 and 2024.
 
He was most recently sentenced to 18 months in prison in December 2024 after being convicted of sexual assault. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life in 2014 and is subject to sex offenders’ notification requirements.
 
He is wanted for breach of SONR by failing to register a new address with officers within seven days.
 
Since failing to inform officers of his change of address, officers have carried out extensive enquiries to find him. Officers have spoken to Taylor’s associates, examined his phone records, and trawled CCTV.
 
Officers are now asking anyone with information as to where Taylor might be living to get in touch.
 
Taylor is described as a white man, around 5ft 7ins tall, of a slim build, with thinning light brown/grey hair, and is clean shaven.
 
Emma Cleghorn, from the Doncaster ViSOR team, said:

“It is important that we find Taylor. If anyone is knowingly assisting him they may be committing a criminal offence and could face prosecution.
 
“Taylor has links across South Yorkshire, and we believe he may be in the Rotherham area.
 
“If you see Taylor, please do not approach him but instead call 999. If you have other information that could help us find him, please report online or by calling 101 quoting investigation number 14/84243/26.”

Description

A predator has today been jailed for sexually abusing a young girl when she was just nine years old.

Christopher Burns, now 72, was in his mid to late 40s when he targeted the child. In 2021, the victim felt she was ready to disclose what that had happened to her as a child and a police investigation was launched.

Following enquiries by specially trained detectives from the force’s CAVA Unit (Child Abuse and Vulnerable Adults), he was arrested and charged in connection with the incidents.

Burns, from Guisborough, denied his crimes however putting the victim through the trauma of a trial. On 26th March 2026, he was found guilty of two counts of indecent assault of a girl under the age of 14 offences at Teesside Crown Court.

He was immediately remanded into custody and appeared at the same court on Monday 15th June where he was sentenced to seven years in prison with one year on extended licence.

Burns is now on the Sex Offender’s Register for life and has been made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order to protect other vulnerable children and the victim.

Speaking after sentencing, officer in the case Detective Constable Wini Hind said:

“Burns was a respected member of the community who took advantage of a vulnerable child for his own deprived sexual gratification.

“I am pleased with the sentence given to Burns today. This, along with being placed on the Sex Offender’s Register and being made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), will protect his victim and the most vulnerable members of our society from his predatory behaviour.

“My thoughts remain with the victim and her family as they continue to rebuild their lives, and I hope they will find solace in this sentence. They have shown incredible courage and strength to report these crimes. This sentence reassures them they were believed, their voice has been heard, and justice has now been served.”

Description

Sharam Muhamadi, aged 21, was today (Tuesday 9 June) found guilty today of two counts of arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view of exploitation.

He was convicted in his absence after failing to appear at Sheffield Crown Court from Monday 18 May.

Muhamadi had been remanded in custody between charge and the beginning of the trial, when his defence team’s application for bail was granted by the court.

Upon his failure to appear, South Yorkshire Police immediately began a manhunt but, due to the court’s reporting restriction, we have been unable to publicly appeal for help until today.

Officers are actively conducting extensive enquiries to find Muhamadi and have trawled through hours of CCTV, and phone records. These are just a couple of examples of the extensive work our officers have been completing.

These enquiries have established that Muhamadi has links to the West Midlands area, and we know he travelled to Birmingham via train between Saturday 16 and Monday 18 May. Our officers rushed to the Birmingham area where, working alongside West Midlands Police, they have conducted extensive enquiries over multiple days – patrolling the streets, officers have shown his photo to members of the public.

The last confirmed sighting of Muhamadi was at around 9pm on Monday 18 May in Birmingham city centre. He then travelled in a taxi from the centre towards Coventry Road and the Small Heath Park area, southeast of the city. We do not know where Muhamadi travelled from there, but we are determined to find him and are now appealing for the public’s help.

Assistant Chief Constable Hayley Barnett said:

“Our priority has been and will continue to be securing full justice for the victims tragically involved. They have shown commendable bravery throughout our full investigation and the complex trial which followed.

“We are wholly focussed on finding Muhamadi and ensuring his faces the consequences of his actions.

“Officers have been relentlessly pursing all lines of enquiries. We are keeping an open mind of his whereabouts. We believe he is still in the country, but if he is found abroad, we will seek the Government’s help in doing everything we can to extradite him.

“We will not stop until we find him, and we will ensure these young girls get the justice they deserve.”

Description

A former assistant at a Halifax children’s home has been sentenced following her conviction for sexual offences against children in her care, after an extensive investigation by officers into abuse at Skircoat Lodge Children’s Home.  

Linda Brunning, aged 67, of Sowerby Bridge, Calderdale, appeared at Bradford Crown Court today (Monday 8 June) for sentencing after being found guilty in February of one count of indecent assault on a boy and four further offences of aiding and abetting serious sexual abuse carried out by the former manager of the home. 

Brunning was sentenced to 25 years for her role in the abuse, which took place between the 1970s and 1990s.  

She was also made subject to the Sex Offenders Register requirements indefinitely.  

The Judge also made final orders in respect of Malcolm Phillips, aged 93, formerly of Tyseley, Birmingham, who managed Skircoat Lodge Children’s Home during the period of offending.  

Phillips was deemed unfit to stand trial and therefore faced a trial of facts, a legal process which does not result in a criminal conviction or custodial sentence.  

However, a jury concluded that he committed the sexual offences against children in his care.  

At today’s hearing, the Judge submitted an order of Absolute Discharge in relation to Phillips. He was made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years, and also the Sex Offender Register requirements for the remainder of his life.

It was reiterated that, while a sentence could not be passed, the findings formally recognised the seriousness and scale of his offending and the harm caused to children.  

Speaking after sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Claire Smith of Calderdale District Police said:  

“Today’s outcome cannot undo the harm suffered by those children at Skircoat Lodge, but it does represent long overdue accountability. The bravery shown by the survivors in coming forward after so many years has been extraordinary, and we hope this brings some measure of acknowledgement and closure.”  

“We would encourage anyone who has suffered child abuse and exploitation to come forward and report it to us. No matter the length of time passed, you will be listened to and believed. There are also support services out there, that are on hand to support you when you are ready, if you don’t wish to contact police straight away.” 

Description

Andrew Pennington, 62-years-old of High Street in Rawcliffe pleaded guilty at an earlier court date to attempted rape, indecent assault, burglary and burglary with intent to steal, the majority of which relate to an incident 1998.

He has now been sentenced to 14 years behind bars following an appearance at Hull Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday, 20 May 2026).

The offence took place in Beverley in the early hours of 23 July 1998. Pennington entered into the victim’s home sometime after she had returned from work, jumped out and attacked her, trying to remove her clothing and threatening her with rape and violence.

A lodger at the address returned home, and disturbed Pennington who fled the scene, initially pursued by the lodger who eventually lost sight of him.

At the time, an investigation was opened but due to forensic limitations, no suspect was identified.

Officers from our Major Crime Review Team re-examined the case in September 2025, to establish if there were any new evidential leads as result of developments in forensics techniques.

The team looked into Pennington’s previous convictions and found in 2018, he had been convicted and sentenced for a rape which had occurred in 1988 in North Yorkshire.

Pennington’s DNA had also been identified at the scene of three domestic burglaries in Humberside from 1997. He had been interviewed and admitted the burglaries and was later convicted.

Detectives identified similarities in his pattern of offending which appeared to be sexually motivated.

Following a forensic review, DNA was identified from samples recovered from clothing worn by the victim, which was a match to Pennington.

Pennington was interviewed in March 2026 and admitted to the attempted rape and burglary in 1998. Along with a second burglary which occurred in 1997, in which he forced entry to a property and stole underwear, cash and photographs from inside.

Officer in the case Detective Constable Eleanor Henrickson said:

“Pennington is a sexual predator who broke into a woman’s home and attacked her, thinking only of his own sick sexual desires.

“Whilst prosecution was originally not an option due to a lack of evidence, I am pleased that justice has now been served, and he is back behind bars.

“I hope this case sends a stark message to anyone who has committed an offence and thinks they have got away with it. We will keep searching and we will do everything in our power to hold you accountable for your crimes.

“Nobody should be made to feel unsafe in their own home and I want to praise the victim for her courage in coming forward and her patience over the years, I hope that today’s result gives her some sense of justice.

“I also want to encourage any victims of sexual offences, no matter how long ago they happened, to please come forward. We will listen and we will support you.”

Speaking during the sentencing, the victim said:

“I cannot change what happened to me, and I am fortunate to have been able to build a full and meaningful life.

“I have learned to live with the impact and effects, but they have never fully gone away.

“My hope is that you will be appropriately held responsible and that you use the years and time ahead to reflect on the harm that was caused to me and any other people, and that you understand the lasting impact of your actions." 

Description

Sex offenders whose crimes robbed two Kirklees women of their childhoods have been jailed. 

• Javaid Hussain
• Sarfraz Hussain Riaz
• Mohammed  Farook

Kirklees safeguarding detectives have praised the bravery of the women whose courage in coming forwards resulted in the jailing of three men for multiple sexual offences, including rape.   
 
Javaid Hussain, aged 51,  Sarfraz Hussain Riaz, aged 42,  and Mohammed  Farook, aged 55, were all sentenced at Leeds Crown Court today ( Wednesday 20 May) for offences committed between 2002 and 2005.  

Riaz, from Dewsbury, was sentenced to six years in prison after admitting an offence of rape against the same 16-year-old teenager.

The offence, which he admitted while on trial in February this year, took place in the Kirklees area in 2005.

Riaz, willl face the new sentence following a 15 year jail term which he is currently serving from a separate case.

The victim of Sarfraz Riaz and Javaid Hussain said her abuse had left her suffering with lifelong PTSD. 
 
She said:

“On a daily basis, I am overwhelmed on a cycle of intense emotions: anger, shame and a deep sense of degradation. I often feel a profound sense of worthlessness and humiliation that makes it difficult to face the world. There is a constant underlying fear and a feeling of disbelief that this is my reality.  
 
Accountability in court is necessary, but for me, the loss of my “true self” is a life sentence that I must continue to navigate every day for the sake of my family.  
  
I have lived my whole life with self-blame for what you have done to me. You took the innocent part of my childhood.”  

In a statement read to the court, Farook’s victim said the 55-year-old’s actions had taken something from her which she could never get back.  
 
She said: 

“Emotionally this has affected me throughout my life, I struggle to sleep and have re occurring nightmares. I have relived incidents in my sleep and woken up thinking it was real and was happening at the time. This still happens to this day and have certainly become more frequent and vivid since the court trial.   
   
“My father has struggled with his own emotions after I finally spoke about what happened. It broke me to see my own father cry and see his own self guilt saying that he failed to protect his “little girl”.   
   

DCI Rob Stevens of Kirklees Police, said: 

“Much progress has been made in recent years in bringing criminals like Farooq, Hussain and Riaz to justice for their predatory offending against young girls in Kirklees.  

“The victims in this case showed real courage in coming forwards to make these men answer for the huge and lasting damage they inflicted on them through these appalling crimes.  

“As we can see from their court statements, the trauma they suffered stole their childhoods from them, and lasted through the course of their adult lives.  
“We and colleagues at the CPS are determined to ensure time is no barrier to justice and the bravery of victims in reporting these offences ensures we are able to make these men answer for what they did.”   
 
He added: 

“We continue to urge all victims of sexual offending who may not have reported offences to come forwards, no matter when crimes took place.  Specialist officers will always, listen, investigate and do whatever they can to secure justice for you."

Description

A man has been jailed for serious sexual assaults on two former partners.

James Nolan, formerly of Belper, preyed on the women while they slept.

He raped and sexually assaulted the first woman at an address in Derby.

The woman was in and out of sleep, in the early hours of the morning, when she realised Nolan was raping her.

Their relationship had ended a week before the rape occurred.

The second woman, a subsequent partner of Nolan’s, woke one morning to find him sexually assaulting her at another address in Derby. The woman ended their relationship immediately after the incident.

The incidents happened two years apart and both women made independent reports to police a short while after they occurred.

In respect of the first victim Nolan, 30, was summonsed to appear at court to answer charges of rape and sexual assault.

He offended against the second victim while waiting to appear at court on those charges.

Nolan was arrested in relation to the second assault and was subsequently charged with sexual assault by penetration and remanded into police custody.

The following day Nolan attended a court hearing and denied the offence; he was then bailed by the court ahead of a trial being set.

Nolan appeared at court again in November 2025 and admitted the rape against the first woman and the sexual assault counts against both women.

A judge sentenced Nolan to serve 10.5 years in prison during a hearing at Derby Crown Court on 20 April this year.

Nolan, of Gateway Plaza, Barnsley, was also handed indefinite restraining orders in respect of both women and is required to register with police indefinitely.

Detective Constable Michelle Arnold, officer in the case for the first incident said:

“The two women in this case showed real bravery by coming forward and reporting Nolan’s crimes to us.

“I know there was a lot of worry and uncertainty for both victims throughout. From making an initial report and concerns about being believed, to Nolan initially refusing to admit his crimes which made the ordeal of a trial a very real prospect.

“I’d like to thank both women for having the courage to speak with us and trusting us to seek justice on their behalf.”

Detective Constable Jeannette Gardner, who led the investigation into the second incident, added:

“Despite it taking several years for the case to conclude in court the women remained steadfast with their support for the police investigation and wider legal proceedings.

“Their persistence has led to this outcome at court, with Nolan being taken off the streets and unable to cause any further harm.

“James Nolan is predatory individual who exploited women who trusted him, and who he claimed to care about offending against them when they were at their most vulnerable.”