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Description

A convicted paedophile is back behind bars after beaching the conditions of a court order.

John Ashcroft, 32, was given a sexual harm prevention order until 2032, following a previous conviction for making indecent images of children.

As part of the conditions of his order police installed monitoring software on his devices to alert them if he tried to access illegal material.

On 15 March 2025, the software on Ashcroft’s device alerted officers to suspicious activity on his account.

Police seized Ashcroft’s computer and mobile phone for forensic examination and discovered indecent images of children on both.

Ashcroft, of Judson Court, Huntingdon, was arrested and pleaded guilty to breaching his sex offender requirements and three counts of making indecent images of children.

He was sentenced to one year and one month in prison at Peterborough Crown Court on Thursday (1 October).

Detective Constable Kerry Howard, from the force’s management of sexual offenders and violent offenders team (MOSOVO), said:

“Officers from MOSOVO will always check on convicted sex offenders in the county to make sure they are adhering to their conditions and court orders.

“In this case, pre-installed software helped us uncover further offences and bring Ashcroft to justice.”

Description

46-year-old Eisen Vir Raganit, of Westwood Road, Stockport, has been jailed for 5 years after being found guilty of raping a sex worker.

He was also placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely when he appeared at York Crown Court on 6 October 2026.

In October 2024, the defendant arrived at the victim's home address in North Yorkshire after he booked an experience advertised on her website.

The website made it very clear that all customers must wear condoms during the experience.

Before any sexual activity took place, the victim also made it clear that she would only consent to sexual intercourse if a condom was used.

During the encounter, however, the defendant deliberately removed the condom without the victim's knowledge or consent and continued sexual activity. The victim immediately challenged his actions and asked him to leave. She reported the this to the police and Vir Raganit was arrested.

As part of the investigation, officers seized the defendant's mobile phone for forensic examination. Investigators identified material relevant to the case, including videos depicting the non-consensual removal of condoms during sexual activity, a practice commonly referred to as "stealthing". Some of the videos had been viewed shortly before the offence took place.

Vir Raganit was charged with rape but denied the offence throughout police interviews and pleaded not guilty when he appeared in court. However, following a trial in August 2026, the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.

In her victim personal statement, the victim said:

"It is two years since I was raped at my house. After it happened, I was extremely upset and nervous at first to meet new clients.

"Throughout the four years I had been working from home, I had never had anything like this happen to me before. I normally felt safe in my house, but this incident made me more aware of my safety. I wasn’t sure whether to report it to the police at first, and I wasn’t even sure if it was a sexual assault, but I am glad I reported it now."

She continued: "Even though I knew these investigations take time; I wanted to support the Police all the way to trial. One of the main reasons was that I think it is important to show other people who work in the sex industry that you can report things that happen to you, you will be believed and you can get justice."

Description

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 man who travelled to Bedfordshire to sexually exploit a child has been jailed for more than 13 years.

Joshua Gray, 23, groomed the victim on TikTok before moving their conversations to online platform Discord, where he sent numerous sexually explicit messages over four days.

He then travelled from London to a village near Bedford and persuaded the girl to meet him in a local park late at night, before raping and sexually assaulting her.

Officers found the victim at the park after she was reported missing, and swiftly located and arrested Gray.

On Friday (2 October) at Luton Crown Court, Gray, of Ellanby Crescent, London, was sentenced to 13 years and six months after pleading guilty to several offences, including rape, sexual assault, sexual communication with a child and intentional strangulation.

He was also handed a 20-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order until further notice.

Detective Constable Lauren Byrne from Bedfordshire Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People team, who investigated, said:

“Gray deliberately targeted a vulnerable young girl online and manipulated her into meeting him before abusing her in the worst possible way.

“I would like to commend the bravery of the victim in supporting this investigation. I hope this sentence demonstrates that we will do everything possible to bring offenders who exploit and abuse children to justice.

“Please remember it’s never too late to report. By doing so you could help us put these dangerous perpetrators in prison, while potentially protecting further victims.” 

Description

A man who groomed and lured an underage girl to a hotel in Doncaster to have sex with her has been jailed.

Martin Norton, 32, of no fixed address has been sentenced for the abhorrent crimes he committed during 2025.

In November 2025, Norton was arrested in a hotel room after officers responded to reports and concerns he had enticed a young girl and was taking her to hotels to engage in sex.

As an investigation progressed, through interviews and evidence, officers found how Norton had begun talking to the girl on social media, and took their conversations further, asking her for provocative images, and eventually grooming her into believing he was her boyfriend.

After progressing their online relationship, Norton arranged to meet the girl, who explained to officers he had made her have sex on their first meeting.

As the weeks progressed, Norton continued to travel from Newcastle to Doncaster and manipulate the girl, buying her gifts, and food while out. He continued to book hotel rooms and forced her to commit sexual acts in public.

The victim, who has showed incredible courage and bravery throughout the investigation and court process explained in her victim impact statement how Norton has impacted all aspects of her life, leaving her afraid to go out alone, and not trusting anyone; her bravery is commendable.

The officer in charge of the case, Detective Constable Lauren Harris said:

“I hope Norton's sentencing brings closure to the young girl who has been at the heart of our investigation.

“No one should have their childhood stripped and taken from them because of someone’s pervert actions.

“I want to commend the bravery that the young girl has showed throughout this investigation, her immense courage has ensured Norton will spend a significant amount of time behind bars.

“I also hope it sends a strong message to anyone who is a victim of any sexual offence, abusive, coercive behaviour; we will listen to you, we will support you and we will carry out a thorough investigation.”

Norton appeared at Sheffield Crown Court last week (29 September) and was jailed to nine years in prison, a 25-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, placed on the sex offenders register for life and given a 25-year retraining order against the victim.

Victims of sexual offences are granted lifelong anonymity.

Description

A 26-year-old man has been sentenced to 23 years for violently attacking and raping a woman.

Jordan Jones of South View, Chirk told the victim, "I will show you what a rapist can do", as he caused her devastating internal injuries.

The doctor treating the victim noted her injuries were the worst they had ever seen.

Jones, who admitted nine offences including four counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, threats to kill, intentional strangulation and assault, was sentenced at Mold Crown Court today, Monday 5 October.

He was jailed for 18 years, with an extended license period of five years.

Jones will also be on the sex offenders register indefinitely and a restraining order was put in place to protect the victim for life.

In February this year, officers received a report of a woman in distress in the Chirk area.

The victim had been attacked and strangled by Jones. When she had tried to get away, he dragged her to the floor, threatened to kill her, and violently raped her.

He had also threatened to kill victim the earlier the same evening.

Jones was found in the car nearby shortly after police arrived and arrested.

He was remanded into custody until sentencing today.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable James Grimwood said:

“This was a sustained attack by a truly despicable offender who inflicted brutal violence on the victim, leaving her with devastating physical injuries and emotional distress – for which he has shown no remorse.

“She has undergone trauma that no one should ever face and it is testament to her extraordinary courage that Jones will rightly serve a considerable amount of time in prison, where he can cause no further harm.

“I hope this outcome provides some measure of reassurance and closure, as she continues her recovery.

“I would also like to thank the heroic response by uniformed colleagues on the night, who were quick to attend and safeguard the victim, whilst other colleagues were able to apprehend the defendant without delay.

"Tackling violence against women and girls remains a foremost priority for North Wales Police. We are committed to identifying perpetrators, pursuing justice, and ensuring that victims receive the protection and support they need.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to keep our communities safe."

Description

A 39-year-old man who repeatedly breached his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) has been jailed.

Anthony McAndrew, who previously lived in Stroud, admitted to 11 breaches of his SHPO, one count of possessing extreme pornography and one count of burglary.

He was sentenced to 38 months in prison. 

McAndrew had been given a five-year SHPO by the court in May last year (2025). It has various prohibitions relating to contact with children and internet enabled devices and their usage.

Due to being a registered sex offender, he was allocated an Offender Manager from the Constabulary's Management of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offenders (MOSOVO) team.

Following visits to his home address by both his probation officer and Offender Manager in July, August and December last year, three separate mobile phones were seized from him.

As part of his SHPO, McAndrew must inform police within three days of having a new mobile phone. He also cannot use a device with internet access unless it has the capacity to retain and display the history of internet use, and he cannot use a false alias. He breached all of these.

An extreme pornographic video was also found on one of the phones seized, and he admitted to a burglary in May 2024 in which he stole a coin collection.

McAndrew was sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court on 8 September.

PC Claire Morris, from the Constabulary's Management of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offenders team said:

"McAndrew has demonstrated that he cannot abide by the control measures which have been put in place to manage his behaviour within the community.

"A lot of work goes on in our team behind the scenes to try and safeguard those most vulnerable in our communities.

"When those stringent conditions are breached, it’s right that offenders are put back before the court, and I hope this sentence shows breaches like this will not be tolerated."

Description

A Basingstoke man has been jailed for distributing child sex abuse material.

Bradley Fox, aged 28, came to the attention of police after he uploaded indecent images of children online.

Officers attended his address on 21 January 2025 where he was arrested, and searches uncovered digital devices including mobile phones which held evidence of Fox sending videos and pictures to other individuals.

Three category C images were sent, along with four Category A videos – the most serious kind.

He was subsequently charged with two counts of distributing indecent images of children, and three counts of making indecent images of children, which he admitted on 25 August this year.

Appearing at Winchester Crown Court on Friday 2 October, he was jailed for two years and four months.

Fox, of Brahms Road in Basingstoke, was also handed a 10 year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and will be subject to sex offender notification requirements for 10 years.

PC Ollie Green, of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Internet Child Abuse Investigation Team, said:

“At the centre of every child abuse image is a real child being abused. Some of the images that Fox had in his possession were category A and showed some of the most horrific sexual violence perpetrated against children.

“When these images are downloaded, uploaded, or shared amongst users, that creates further demand for this type of material and ultimately will lead to more children being abused.

“These investigations can be lengthy and complex, and can be some of the most harrowing that any police officer will deal with, but as an investigation team ICAT are dedicated to finding those responsible and bringing them to justice.”

Description

Barry Langford, 61, a film studies professor at Royal Holloway, University of London, continued in post after his arrest and charge over child sex offences.

The university said it was not told of the proceedings until shortly before he was sentenced.

In May and June 2023, Langford and a woman who cannot be named for legal reasons plotted to sexually assault an eight-year-old girl. On a fetish website, where he used the name “London Pervert,” he messaged someone he believed was offering a child for sex. The contact was an undercover police officer; no child was involved. He later abandoned the plan over fears of imprisonment, after suggesting the child attend a swingers’ party in France.

He was arrested in October 2023 but did not disclose the investigation to Royal Holloway. Charged in November 2024, he admitted one count each of arranging the commission of a child sex offence, making an indecent image of a child, and possessing extreme pornography. He tendered his resignation on 29 June, the day he pleaded guilty, according to reports of the hearing.

At the Old Bailey he received two years’ imprisonment, suspended for three years. His co-defendant received a community order. Defending, Peter Clark said Langford had serious heart problems, that the case had damaged his relationship with his son, and that he had been working with Sex Addicts Anonymous.

A Royal Holloway spokesman said: “The University was not informed of the criminal proceedings by either the relevant authorities or the individual concerned. The conduct in question is utterly abhorrent and has no place whatsoever within this University. We can confirm that this individual is no longer employed by the University.

“We recognise this news may be distressing to many of our students and colleagues and have support in place. Our focus remains on supporting our community and we will not be commenting further at this time.”

Det Cons Nikki Jones, of the Metropolitan Police’s Child Abuse and Sex Exploitation Unit, said such offenders “walk among us.” She added: “It’s like a double life, that dark secret obsession of the extremes that they can’t disclose to anyone because it doesn’t fit in with the life they present to others.” Examination of his devices, she said, showed the life he presented was the opposite of the extreme taboos he expressed and acted on online.

Description

A man who strangled a woman before raping her has been jailed as his victim-survivor has described how her life ‘changed forever’ following the assault.

Forty-year-old Shaun Graham subjected the woman to a prolonged assault, where he held her down, strangled her, sexually assaulted her and then went on to rape her – whilst she repeatedly told him ‘no’.

The abuse occurred at an address in South Tyneside which the victim-survivor was able to escape from before swiftly telling a friend what had happened.

Soon after, police were informed and Graham was arrested and questioned.

In interview, Graham claimed everything that happened was consensual and denied any wrongdoing.

However, following a complex investigation by the Force’s Safeguarding Department, in January 2025, Graham was charged in connection with the abuse.

On Wednesday, September 30, Graham, of Stafford Close, South Tyneside, was found guilty of rape, sexual assault, and non-fatal strangulation at Newcastle Crown Court.

He returned to the same court on Friday (October 2), where he was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

As part of his sentence, he will spend the rest of his life on the Sex Offenders’ Register.

The victim-survivor in the case provided a Victim Personal Statement (VPS) to describe the lasting effects of Graham’s offending.

She said:

“During what happened to me that night, there were moments when I genuinely believed I might not make it out alive. I cannot properly put into words what it feels like to believe that you might die. In those moments, all I could think about were my family and the possibility that I might never see them again.

“I was violated in the most inhumane way, and that carries a shame that I struggle to put into words. My body did not feel like my own that night, and even now, during flashbacks and nightmares, I feel disconnected from my own body.

“There are still moments when I feel that same shame, even though I know that what happened was not something I chose.

“Before this happened, I generally saw the good in people and felt confident in my own judgement. Since then, I have become far more guarded and suspicious of others.

“I question situations and people in a way I never used to, and I no longer have the same confidence in my ability to judge who is safe.”

Directly addressing Graham, she continued:

“You did not hurt me for just one night. I have lived with the consequences every day since. The consequences of your actions have lasted for years already.

“You have taken my sparkle away from me. I am still here, and I am trying to find those parts of myself again. I hope that one day I will feel safe, trusting and completely myself again, but I do not know how long that will take, if at all.

“What I do know is that what you did to me has changed the course of my life without my consent, just as my choice was taken from me that night.

“I should never have had to rebuild myself. I survived what you have done to me. Now I must live with what you have left behind.”

Leading the investigation was Detective Constable Kerry Kane, of Northumbria Police.

On Friday, she said:

“Shaun Graham subjected this woman to a vile assault which, in her own words, has completely changed her life.

“My first thoughts always are with her – she has shown such courage from that initial report to police all the way through to the sentencing hearing today.

“Hopefully the knowledge that Graham is going to spend a substantial stint behind bars can allow her to move forward with her life.”

Det Con Kane added: “This case is a stark reminder to those who do not understand that no means no – lack of consent means you are a rapist.

“Day-in-day out we put these people before the courts and bring them to justice – all on our mission to protecting the vulnerable people in our communities.”

Description

A man has been jailed for six years for grooming and sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl.

Jonathan Simpson, 32, from the St Austell area, appeared at Truro Crown Court for sentencing on 2 October after being found guilty by a jury of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl 13 to 15.

The court heard how the offence took place in early 2023 when the victim was 14 and vulnerable.

She described to officers how Simpson asked her if she wanted to go for a drink and she agreed.

They met at a bus stop in the St Austell area and then drank and stayed for several days at Simpson’s caravan.

During this time Simpson proceeded to sexually assault the victim despite being 28 and knowing she was 14.

DNA analysis found Simpson’s semen on the victim’s clothes.

Officer in the case, Detective Constable David Squire said:

“Jonathan Simpson took advantage of the victim’s vulnerability and proceeded to groom and exploit her for his own sexual gratification.

“Simpson was fully aware of the victim’s age yet carried on regardless.

“I would like to thank the victim for having the courage to disclose what happened to her, and for remaining engaged in the legal process, resulting in Simpson being convicted for the sexual offence.”

Description

A 69-year-old man has been jailed for sexually abusing a child in the 1970s.

Stuart McDowell, from Stuart Place in Chester appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on 30 September to be sentenced after being found guilty of nine counts of indecent assault, four counts of gross indecency, attempting to have sexual intercourse, rape of a female and unlawful sexual intercourse.

He was sentenced to 20 years in prison extended for one year. He is also subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and has to sign the Sex Offenders Register.

DS Craig Walker said:

“The length of sentence reflects how devastating his depraved behaviour has been on this survivor.

“This was a prolonged series of abuse which has had such a profound effect on her that she has struggled through life with challenges no one should have to go through.

“Despite the difficulties, she carried on even when she sometimes felt she couldn’t anymore. She is a true hero, and her sheer strength should not be underestimated.

“When she felt able to, she bravely came to us and told her story.  She got vital support, as well as the vindication she needed that his behaviour was wrong and should never happen to any vulnerable child.

“McDowell is now finally paying for his heinous actions against an innocent child.

“I hope others who have suffered, no matter how long ago, feel some hope in this conviction, and when the time is right, feel that they too can come forward to police and get the support that they need and the justice they deserve.”

Description

A Newton Aycliffe man has been jailed for 12 years after raping and sexually assaulting a woman while she slept, then begging her not to tell police.

Teesside Crown Court heard that officers attended a property following an anonymous report but received no immediate response. The woman later told them that Aaron Waldron, 29, of Honister Place, had raped her as she slept, sexually assaulted her, and hidden her phone so she could not call for help. The court was told he begged her not to disclose what he had done.

Waldron denied rape, sexual assault and assault causing actual bodily harm, claiming any sexual activity was consensual and that the woman was not asleep. He stood trial from 29 June to 3 July and was convicted of all three counts.

He appeared by video link from Holme House Prison for sentencing on 2 October, after probation reports were prepared. A victim statement described the “devastating impact” of the offences on her physical and mental health.

Waldron has no previous sexual convictions but has a past conviction for violence. Recorder Andrew Sutcliffe KC said aggravating factors included that Waldron was under the influence of alcohol, that he tried to persuade the victim not to report the offences, and the added degradation and humiliation she suffered. The Recorder said Waldron poses a danger to women, but decided an extended sentence was not required.

He imposed a 12-year prison term. Waldron must serve two-thirds before release on licence. He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

An indefinite restraining order bans him from contacting or approaching the victim, or going to any address where he knows she may be.

Description

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been sentenced for rape in Oxford.

Rajeev Harikrishnan, aged 33, of Percy Street, Oxford, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court yesterday (2/10) to a total of 17 years in prison.

Harikrishnan was found guilty by unanimous jury of the following:

• Five counts of rape
• One count of coercive and controlling behaviour
• One count of intentional strangulation
• One count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm
• One count of perverting the course of justice

He pleaded guilty to a further two counts of breaching a restraining order.

The victim in this case was subjected to a long period of sustained abuse both physical, sexual and emotional.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Marisa Chamberlain said:

“Harikrishnan has been convicted of a number of serious and violent offences.

“He held a sustained campaign and subjected the victim to a long period of physical, sexual and emotional abuse over a number of years. He will now have to face the consequences of his actions.

“I would like to thank the victim in this case who has shown considerable courage and strength in reporting this to police and going through an investigation. This conviction is in no small part down to her incredible bravery and resilience.

“The sentence imposed by the court reflects the severity of the offences, and demonstrates that Thames Valley Police will always take reports of sexual offences seriously and will work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice.

“Domestic abuse will never be tolerated. We remain committed to supporting victims, pursing offenders and preventing further harm.”

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.