Latest Offenders

Description

A man has been jailed after he admitted raping and sexually abusing a child in Northwich.

Steven Hargreaves appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday 12 September where he was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison.

The 36-year-old from Northwich, had earlier pleaded guilty to two counts of rape and two counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

During the hearing, the court was told that the case began in June 2025 when the victims’ mother discovered a number of concerning messages from Hargreaves on the victims’ mobile phone.

After speaking to the victim, she revealed that Hargreaves had been sexually abusing and repeatedly raping her over a number of years.

The allegations were reported to detectives from the Public Protection Unit at Northwich and an investigation was launched.

Hargreaves was quickly arrested in relation to the incidents and during questioning he denied sexually abusing or raping the victim.

Despite his denial, he was later charged in relation to the offences, and as a result of the strength of the evidence against him, he pleaded guilty to the charges.

In addition to his prison sentence, Hargreaves was also handed a 20-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, a restraining order and ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Felicity Gregory, who led the investigation said:

“Firstly, I want to praise the victim for the bravery and courage that she has shown throughout this investigation.

“Nobody should have to experience what she has been through, and I hope that the sentence handed to Hargreaves today will provide her with some closure.

“I also hope that the sentence encourages other victims of sexual offences to come forward and report them to us.

“We treat all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously, and any allegation we receive will be thoroughly investigated, with the wishes and needs of the victim as our main priority.

“Victims should never feel ashamed to talk about what they have been subjected to. They will receive the help and support they need from our specialist officers, as well as from other support agencies we work alongside, and all victims of sexual offences have the right to anonymity.”

Description

A violent Ayrshire rapist, William Byrne, 45, is awaiting sentence for abusing two former partners, leaving them "too afraid to say no."

At the High Court in Glasgow on September 11, Byrne, an inmate at HMP Kilmarnock, pleaded guilty to six charges—three rapes and three assaults. Prosecutors accepted not guilty pleas to 21 further allegations.

The first victim, known to Byrne for years, initially described him as "charming" with the pair having "a great time." His behavior "changed" weeks later.

In July 2018, he "made her have sex" in a car, with such incidents said to have "happened a lot." Another time, he awoke her by lunging with a pillow, pressing it into her face "using his body weight" while shouting "go on, scream, scream." She escaped to the bathroom and fled.

During an argument over her phone that month, Byrne returned with an 18-inch metal pole, threatening to "break her shins" before saying "f**k it" and aiming two blows at her legs.

"She would regularly have sex with him to avoid arguments," the advocate depute said. "She knew if she didn’t he could become violent. She felt coerced to have sex during the relationship."

She felt "manipulated" into sexual acts, often staying awake for his early-morning returns by setting alarms, believing "this would help make things better." At one point, she "felt she had lost all feeling of self-worth."

The final rape occurred in October 2019, post-breakup, when she felt "too afraid to say no." Offenses happened in Irvine and Kilmarnock.

The second victim endured similar violence in Kilmarnock. Byrne hit her with a can, pulled her onto a bed, repeatedly slammed her head against the headboard, punched her face, then held a pillow over it, shouting "just shut up" until she stopped screaming.

He also lit a candle and poured wax into her hair. In another incident, he threatened her with a bread knife, cutting her back, then leaned over her on the bed telling her to be quiet. He made a "large cut" on her leg, leaving a permanent scar, before "tuning out" and apologizing.

Byrne's defense noted prior custody time, including for domestic offenses against one victim in 2021.

Lord Renucci deferred sentencing until later this year, remanding Byrne in custody and adding him to the sex offenders register.

Description

A Paedophile has been jailed after he was extradited from the United States to face justice for crimes he committed almost 50 years ago.

Robert Flynn, an American citizen, was working in the UK in the 1970s when he sexually abused his teenage victim over a number of years.

Flynn returned to the US in 1976 but after the victim reported what had happened to him to police in 2021 an extradition process was launched.

And in May 2025 the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) and the U.S. Marshals Office of International Operations (OIO) arrested Flynn at an address in Ohio.

He was flown back to the UK and was arrested at Heathrow Airport in June this year.

Flynn, 77, of Dunham Road, Maple Heights, Ohio, earlier admitted four counts of indecent assault on a boy under 16. The crimes were committed in the Rossendale area.

He appeared at Preston Crown Court today (Thursday, September 11th) where he was jailed for nine years and eight months. He was also given a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO)

In a statement the victim, now in his 60s, said Flynn’s actions had affected his whole adult life but that with the help and support of friends he had survived and after coming forward and reporting the abuse to police he was rebuilding his life and was ready to be happy.

The investigating officer Mick Cross, of the Major Crime Review Team, said:

“First and foremost I would like to thank the victim in this case for having the courage to come forward and speak about what happened to him. Flynn’s abuse has had such a significant impact on the course of his adult life, and I hope the fact that Flynn has admitted his guilt and now been jailed for his crimes gives the victim some sense that justice has been done and that he can continue to move forward with his life.
“I also hope that the fact that we have secured justice after so long and after securing Flynn’s return to the UK might give others who have suffered similar abuse the confidence to come forward and report it safe in the knowledge we will investigate professionally and with sensitivity.”

Description

A man has been sentenced to 13 years in jail after being found guilty of two counts of rape against a 14 year old girl in Bradford.  

Rajae Paul aged 26 of Barmouth Terrace was convicted by a jury on 14 August of two rapes. 

The defendant built up a relationship with the victim over Snapchat and Instagram using a fake name and saying that he was 16 years old.  

After a few weeks chatting, Paul arranged to meet with the victim in Bradford.

On June 5 2021 the victim travelled to Bradford to meet with Paul, he took her to Peel Park and it’s there where he violently raped her.  

Today (11 September) Paul was sentenced at Bradford Crown Court to 13 years in jail. He was also given a sexual harm prevention order for 25 years and was told to sign the sex offenders register for life.  

Detective Constable Louise Clayton of Bradford District Safeguarding Unit said:

“I would first like to recognise the sheer bravery of our victim in this case and for her courage to come forward and report this to police at such a young age. She has also been able to navigate the long and complex judicial process to get to this point.  

“I hope today she can find comfort in the sentence, knowing that he cannot hurt her or any other woman again.  

“Paul is a violent sex offender who lied from the very start and continued to lie throughout police interviews and in court.  He has never shown any remorse for his actions.  

“If you have been a victim of a sexual offence and haven’t yet reported it, we have specialist teams who will listen to you and support you throughout the process, it will be treated with the utmost sensitivity and professionalism.”

Description

Pervert sex attacker targeted girl on train and said 'you're game'

Nathan Russell, a 28-year-old man with no fixed abode, sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl on a train in March 2020. While intoxicated, he boarded the train at Leasowe station, engaged the girl in conversation after his friend left, mentioned his prison history, and proceeded to stroke her thigh for about 10 minutes, attempt to kiss her (which she dodged), and touch her sexually over her clothes. He asked if she was "game," implying sexual interest, despite her refusals. The girl moved his hand away, and he did not persist further.

Russell has a extensive criminal record with 40 previous convictions for 59 offenses, including battery, prior sexual assault (touching a 17-year-old girl at a train station in 2018, leading to a seven-year sex offender registration), and drunk and disorderly conduct. At the time of the train assault, he was on bail for an earlier January 2020 incident where he punched and kicked a man in Birkenhead after being denied alcohol or money. He also breached sex offender register rules by failing to report weekly as required after declaring homelessness.

In a victim impact statement, the girl described severe effects: PTSD, sleep issues, fear of further attacks, avoidance of going out alone, and ongoing therapy, noting a shift from being sociable to withdrawn.

At Liverpool Crown Court on July 20, 2020, Russell pleaded guilty to sexual assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and breaching the register. His defense highlighted his alcohol dependency, remorse (calling his actions "disgusting"), vulnerability after his mother's 2017 death, and unstable living situation ("sofa to sofa"). Judge David Swinnerton sentenced him to 28 months in prison (half on license), a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and 10 years on the sex offenders register.

Update 2025-09-11

A convicted sex offender is back behind bars after stealing food from a Wirral branch of B&M.

Nathan Russell, 33, pleaded guilty at Liverpool Magistrates Court to charges of theft from a shop and failing to comply with the notification requirements of his sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).

The court heard that Russell, of no fixed abode, stole food worth £34.22 from B&M in Wirral on Friday, September 5, 2025.

At the time of the offence, Russell was subject to both a community order (CO) and a suspended sentence order (SSO).

He also admitted failing without reasonable excuse to comply with the notification requirements of his SHPO by not notifying police at Birkenhead Police Station within three days of his release from custody.

The magistrates sentenced him to eight weeks in prison for his latest offences.

Russell was made subject to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order after sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl on a train in Wirral five years ago.

The court heard how, on Sunday, March 1, 2020, at around 8pm, his 16-year-old victim spotted Russell carrying a case of beer, swigging from a can, and arguing with a member of station staff at Leasowe station as she waited to board her train.

Russell and another man, whom the victim assumed to be his friend, boarded the train and sat in the same carriage as the girl.

When Russell’s friend left the train, Russell switched seats to move closer to the victim and began engaging her in conversation.

During the conversation, the girl began to feel increasingly uncomfortable as Russell touched her inappropriately—an ordeal that lasted over 10 minutes.

His terrified victim was afraid to challenge Russell, as he had told her he had served time in prison.

In a previous incident, Russell had touched a 17-year-old girl at a train station, which resulted in a conviction and him signing the sex offenders register for seven years.

He was sentenced to 28 months in prison for the 2020 offence.

Description

He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

The 34-year-old of Rigby Avenue was previously convicted of one count of attempt rape of a girl under 13 following a 6-day trial at Chester Crown Court.

He was also found not guilty of two counts of rape.

Cheshire Police launched an investigation into the abuse in 2021, following a disclosure made by the victim.

The jury heard how McPhee had attempted to rape the victim on a number of occasions, when she was between the age of 9 and 11 years old.

McPhee was investigated and subsequently charged.

Detective Constable Lindsay Wooffitt said:

"Firstly, I would like to commend the victim for the strength and courage she has shown throughout this case, and I hope the sentence handed to McPhee will provide her closure and a chance to move on with her life.

"McPhee is a dangerous individual, who sexually abused a little girl. He showed no remorse throughout the entire investigation, and even made his victim relive the experiences in court.

“Thankfully, as a result of the evidence gathered and the bravery of the victim, the jury were able to see through his lies, and he is now being held accountable for his actions."

DC Wooffitt added:

“As this case shows, Cheshire Constabulary takes any allegation of sexual offences extremely seriously, no matter how long ago they relate to.

“Any allegation will be thoroughly investigated, with the wishes and needs of the victim as our main priority. Victims should never feel ashamed to talk about what they have been subjected to.

“They will receive the help and support they need from our specialist officers, as well as from other support agencies we work alongside, and all victims of sexual offences have the right to anonymity for life.”

Description

A Southampton man has been jailed for repeatedly downloading indecent images of children and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Jason Ullett, 55, and of Rownhams Road, was investigated by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Internet Child Abuse Investigation Team (ICAT).

Over the course of the investigation, officers unearthed more than 6,600 pictures and videos of children being abused. 976 of these were category A – the most severe category.

In addition to this, Ullett was also found in possession of extreme imagery showing animal porn, and people and animals being tortured.

Ullett was arrested three times between August 2024 and January 2025, with police seizing 40 digital devices containing the indecent images.

Police began investigating Ullett on 22 March 2024, before conducting a warrant at his address on 18 August that year. A number of devices were seized that police were not aware he had. He was required, under the conditions of a SHPO previously imposed by the courts, to make police aware of any new devices.

Some of the devices were locked or password protected – a further breach of his SHPO.

In January this year police were notified that Ullett was driving whilst uninsured. Police seized Ullett’s vehicle, but he refused to hand over the car key, telling officers he was going to make their lives ‘as difficult as possible’.

Access was gained to the vehicle nonetheless and a laptop was found inside and seized by officers.

The same month, Ullett purchased another vehicle but didn’t tax it. When he was stopped behind the wheel, officers found a further laptop and mobile phone which were not declared to police. These were subsequently seized, along with the car.

Following a thorough investigation into all of Ullett’s devices, he was charged with three counts of possessing indecent images of children, possessing extreme images, and four counts of breaching his SHPO.

He denied all of the offences, and the case went to trial at Southampton Crown Court on 29 July this year where he was convicted on all counts.

Appearing at the same court today (Wednesday 10 September), he was jailed for four and a half years.

DC Darren Hemingway-Guy, from ICAT, said:

“Investigations into online child sex offences can be incredibly lengthy and complex, as well as some of the most harrowing that police can investigate.

“Ullett deliberately tried to make police efforts more difficult by refusing to provide information or physical items to officers, and even himself said he would make our lives difficult.

“This did not dissuade ICAT officers of course, who relentlessly made efforts to visit his address, conduct warrants, seize his vehicles and take all of his digital devices, before conducting the painstaking task of downloading, reviewing and grading all of the material contained on those devices.

“Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, Ullett still denied having broken the law. The jury were fortunately able to see through his denials, and he has now been convicted and brought to justice.”

Description

Robert Pomroy has been sentenced to 13 years and four months in jail at Cardiff Crown Court.

The 76-year-old from Newport, previously pleaded guilty to twelve offences including the rape of a girl under 13, six counts of sexual touching of a girl under 13 and five counts of taking/making/possessing indecent images of children. 

Pomroy was arrested in August 2023 after allegations that he had sexually assaulted three girls, all aged 10 and under at the time, were reported to police. As part of the investigation, electronic devices, including phones and laptops, from his home were seized and indecent images, across all three categories of severity, were found by officers.

He appeared at Cardiff Crown Court today (Wednesday 10 September) where he was sentenced to 13 years and four months in prison and issued with a 15-year restraining order.

DC Lauren Price, the officer in charge said:

“Pomroy inflicted abuse on three young girls for his own depraved and selfish sexual gratification, but not only this, his actions have had a ripple effect causing distress and upset to the families of those involved. I would like to commend the courage of the victims and witnesses in this case, not only in coming forward to report but throughout the entire investigation.

“While the effects of being a victim of this crime can be longstanding, and nothing can erase the impact his man’s actions has on these girls, I hope today’s sentence can offer a step toward healing for them.

“I also hope that this outcome shows we take all reports of sexual assault seriously and encourage any victim of a sexual offence to contact us with the confidence that they will be listened to, and that we will do everything we can to bring those responsible to justice.”

Description

A man from Blackburn has been convicted of sharing incident images of children on social media.

Earlier this year, police were tipped off about 23-year-old Jake McMahon-Bates, and an incident which involved uploading two indecent videos of children to Snapchat.

Officers attended McMahon-Bates’ address in Witton Parade, Blackburn, on 1st May of this year and arrested him on suspicion of possessing and distributing indecent images of children.

Amongst the items seized from inside the property were McMahon-Bates’ electronic devices.

On two of the devices seized were a total of 59 indecent images of children, with the youngest being four years old. Some of these indecent images had been sent on to other Snapchat users.

There was also evidence that McMahon-Bates had been communicating with a 15-year-old girl and asking her if she wanted to have sex with him.

McMahon-Bates had also deleted his internet history, which he was banned from doing so by a Sexual harm Prevention Order that was imposed in 2020 and lasted for five years.

McMahon-Bates was later charged with making and distributing indecent images of children sexual communication with a child under 15, breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and improper importation of indecent/obscene articles.

He admitted all the offences when he appeared in the dock at Preston Crown Court last month where he pleaded guilty to all the offences. He returned to the same court on Monday where he was jailed for two years and given a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

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

“McMahon-Bates is a dangerous individual who has a worrying sexual interest in children and seeks out similar individuals. I welcome the fact he is now in prison.”

Description

A man from Carlisle has today (September 10) been jailed at Carlisle Crown Court for indecent image offences.

Richard Lawrie, 50, of Tribune Drive, Houghton, Carlisle. was jailed to two years for ten offences which include making indecent photographs of a child, possessing extreme pornographic images and failing to comply with notification requirements of the sex offenders register.

Lawrie was arrested in June 2025.

PC Andrew Minnion from Cumbria’s Management of Sexual & Violent Offenders (MOSOVO) team said:

“Lawrie is a dangerous offender who had 350 Category A images on his devices and had shared images to others.

"Every indecent image of child means that somewhere a child has been a victim of abuse.

"There is no excuse for accessing or sharing these types of images and we will continue to work hard to bring those that do so to justice in order to protect children."

“Cumbria’s MOSOVO team are committed to managing sexual offenders and will take a zero-tolerance approach against anyone found to breaching the terms of their requirements.”

Description

A convicted paedophile has been jailed for the sixth time after grooming and sexually assaulting an eight-year-old boy.

Stephen Lott, 47, of Kingsbridge Road in Harold Hill, has abused young boys and girls since the mid-1990s, when he repeatedly orally raped a girl aged five to seven.

He has since accumulated 22 child sexual abuse convictions, including groping girls aged five and eight at South Kensington station in 2016.

Out of prison, Lott reoffended in late 2023, grooming the boy over nine months with gifts before kissing him and inviting him home for further abuse.

Lott claimed the kiss was accidental during a hug, but a jury convicted him of sexual assault on a child and meeting a child following grooming.

At his August 8 sentencing at Snaresbrook Crown Court, Lott attributed his behavior to childhood struggles making friends.

Supported by his sister, her husband, and a church official, he begged Judge Ross Cohen for "one more chance," citing plans for a YouTube career making sci-fi videos.

But Judge Cohen said: “You delude yourself and others that your behaviour towards children is innocent and based on an affinity you have for them as a result of your own low confidence.

“The sad truth, Stephen Lott, is that your behaviour towards children is both sexualised and predatory.”

The judge noted Lott’s prior convictions, including gross indecency with a child aged five to seven—which would be charged as oral rape today.

The victim’s mother’s statement read: “Steve never made me aware he had previous convictions. It’s made me feel really anxious for my son, that he’s had to go through this. It’s been a really horrible time.

“It’s disheartening and sinister, I feel like a failure for not protecting him.”

Deeming Lott “dangerous,” Judge Cohen imposed an extended sentence: four years in prison plus three years on licence.

A parole board may release him after two years and ten months if deemed safe; otherwise, he serves the full term, remaining on licence until 2032.

The Met Police released Lott's latest custody image today (September 10).

Description

A convicted sex offender from Chatham who admitted to multiple breaches of a court order and failing to comply with notification requirements has been jailed.

Michael Millson, 39, was issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) in February 2024 following a conviction for offences that included possession of indecent images of children.

Investigation

The restrictions stipulated that he should not be in possession of an internet-enabled device without written approval from police.

He was further forbidden from installing software on such a device that would allow browsing history to be deleted, or any apps that could anonymise the web user’s identity.

On 26 June 2024, Millson, who had been released from prison on licence, was recalled due to poor behaviour and he was arrested. Whilst in custody, he was found to have a mobile phone - which had not been disclosed to police, and on which banned apps and file-sharing software were installed - in direct breach of the SHPO.

In addition, a review by officers of Millson’s phone’s camera roll confirmed that several indecent images had been downloaded to the device.

Charged

The following day, 18 charges were brought against Millson including eight breaches of a SHPO, six counts of making indecent images, three breaches of sex offender notification requirements and possession of an indecent image.

Jailed

Millson, formerly of Palmerston Road, pleaded guilty and, on Thursday 4 September 2025 at Maidstone Crown Court, was sentenced to three years in prison.

Detective Constable Zoe Wornham said:

‘We apply for court orders such as these so that convicted sex offenders can be closely monitored once they have served time in prison. This helps us to safeguard potential future victims and prevent further crimes from being committed. Millson clearly breached the conditions imposed by the court and was rightly put back in prison as a result.

‘Offenders who are released and are subject to restrictions should remember that they will be made to face the consequences if they fail to adhere to them.’

Description

John Ahern, 73, of St Anne Street, Birkenhead, has been jailed for 19 years at Manchester Crown Court for sexually abusing two young boys decades ago.

He was found guilty by a jury of eight counts of indecent assault and one further sex crime charge.

Ahern manipulated the boys by building trust through discussions about music and outings, before indecently assaulting them at various locations, including houses and public areas in Manchester, Bolton, and Tameside.

The investigation by Greater Manchester Police began in March 2019 after the victims reported the abuse. Ahern denied all accusations during interviews and showed no remorse throughout the proceedings. Following a thorough investigation, charges were secured and prosecuted.

Description

Man Jailed Indefinitely for Sexually Abusing Two Boys and Vulnerable Adult

Glasgow, Scotland – A 59-year-old man has been sentenced to an indefinite jail term after being convicted of sexually abusing two adolescent boys in the 1990s and assaulting a vulnerable adult male more than two decades later.

James Grieve Donaldson, also known by the surname Murray, was found guilty of four charges following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow. The offenses included the sexual abuse of two children between 1991 and 1995 at various locations in the Dundee area, such as inside his vehicle and home.

Donaldson was also convicted of sexually assaulting an adult male who was asleep and unable to consent on an occasion in 2018.

On September 9, 2025, at the High Court in Glasgow, Donaldson was made subject to an Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR). Under the order, he must serve a minimum of two years and six months in custody before he can be considered for release into the community by the Parole Board.

His name has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely, and an indefinite non-harassment order has also been granted.

Police Scotland Detective Constable Rachael Clark praised the victims' courage in coming forward. "It is very difficult to speak about these types of crimes, and I would like to thank the victims in the case for the strength shown during our investigations,"

She said:

"Donaldson subjected his victims to sexual abuse over the years, and his sentencing sends a clear message that anyone found to be involved in this type of behaviour will be brought to justice.

"We are committed to supporting victims of sexual crimes, no matter how much time has passed. I urge people to come forward to police and report it. They can be assured of being fully supported by officers and partner agencies."

Fiona Kirkby, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, described Donaldson as a "dangerous individual who inflicted unimaginable trauma through his depraved offending."

"He will now face the consequences of his actions following this prosecution, which would not have been possible without those who reported him," she added.

"We recognise the impact that crime and involvement in the justice system have on victims and work hard to support them through the process.

"I would urge any victim of sexual offending to report it, regardless of how long ago it took place. Our prosecutors will use every tool available as we seek to ensure that justice is served."

Description

A registered sex offender from Medway who breached multiple court conditions has been sent to prison.

In 2018, Haydon Sheard was convicted of possessing and distributing indecent images of children.

His sentence placed him on the sex offenders register and required him to comply with the restrictions of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Phone monitored

One of the conditions required Sheard to notify Kent Police of any internet enabled devices in his possession so that monitoring software could be placed on them.

On 25 April 2025, two officers made an unannounced visit to his home address and located him in a bedroom with a mobile phone. He was acting suspiciously, and when the phone was checked, it was found to have an indecent video of a child.

Sheard was arrested and officers searched his room for any other devices he had not declared.

Restrictions breached

Whilst he denied having any, the investigators found an e-reader and a memory card which were in breach of his SHPO, along with two bank cards that he had not notified the police he possessed.

When his phone was later examined it was found to contain 355 illegal images of children of which five were of the most serious category.

Sheard, of Sundridge Drive, Chatham was charged and pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court to three counts of possessing indecent images of children, five counts of breaching his SHPO and one count of breaching his sex offender notification requirements.

Jailed

On Friday 29 August, Sheard, 27, was jailed for two years and four months. His SHPO was extended for the next 10 years.

Investigating officer, PC Leona Valsler, said:

‘Some sex offenders when sentenced are given the opportunity to show they regret their behaviour and want to reform. They are then given strict conditions on their conduct which we regularly monitor.

‘Sheard has shown that he cannot be trusted to behave lawfully whilst living in the community and he is now serving a prison sentence. It can only be hoped that he reflects on his actions as, when he is released, the restrictions on his behaviour will be more onerous and our inspections more frequent.’