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Description

A sex attacker who pretended to be a taxi driver so he could kidnap and rape a young woman in Brighton has been jailed for 20 years.

In the early hours of Sunday, 3 July, 2022, Ruckling Ramsay was driving around Brighton city centre in his silver Mercedes.

He picked up a vulnerable, 19-year-old woman and pressured her into sniffing white powder.

The woman was then subjected to a horrific ordeal of multiple rapes and sexual assaults, as Ramsay drove her around various areas including Shoreham Power Station and remote locations on the South Downs.

One of the attacks was at knifepoint.

At around 9.30am the victim was able to text a friend, who tracked her location and followed Ramsay’s car, before picking up the victim when she was able to escape.

The incident was reported to Sussex Police and the victim was given specialist support, while Ramsay was traced through his registration number and arrested.

In his car officers found condoms and lubricant, as well as items proving the victim had been in the vehicle.

His phone location data showed he had been prowling Brighton city centre for some time that evening and had searched for solicitors following the incident.

Ramsay, 61, of Osprey Close in Wanstead, London, was released on conditional bail while evidence was gathered to secure a charge.

On 21 January, 2024, Met officers began an investigation following a report from another victim in Brixton, South London, which was overwhelmingly similar to the Brighton attack.

Ramsay had abducted her and subjected her to a series of non-consensual sexual acts while in his vehicle, causing significant fear and distress.

The Met Police obtained key evidence through DNA from the victim’s clothing matching the suspects. They also secured vehicle tracking evidence showing the suspect’s car in the vicinity of the offence at the relevant time, further corroborating the victim's statement. 

Ramsay was subsequently charged with three counts of rape, kidnap and sexual assault by penetration in relation to the Sussex Police investigation. He was charged with kidnap, kidnap with the intention to commit a sexual offence and sexual assault in relation to the Metropolitan Police investigation.

During the trial, the victim of a similar incident in 2009, in which Ramsay was the prime suspect, provided live bad character evidence. The 2009 investigation was never formally brought to charge.

Ramsay was found guilty of all counts at Inner London Crown Court on 21 May 2026 and was sentenced on Monday, September 7 at the same court.

Ramsay was sentenced to 20 years in prison and was given an additional three years and six months extended licence.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Cobbett said: “Women and girls should be safe to live their lives without falling victim to predatory offenders.

“They should not have to fear for their safety when they are simply trying to get home at night, and we are doing all we can to make sure they are protected.  

“We believe there may be more women who have been targeted by Ramsay. We would encourage them to come forward so we can get them the justice they deserve.

“Ruckling Ramsay is now safely behind bars where he will remain for many years to come.

“In Brighton we work closely with partners including Night Safety Marshals and licensed venues, with officers and marshals carrying out high visibility patrols linked to the wider safety network in our towns and cities.

“If you are a victim of crime or feel someone is vulnerable or in danger, please report to officers, security staff or call 999 in an emergency.”

Metropolitan Police Detective Constable Kieran Mulvaney who worked on the investigation said:

“Our thoughts remain firmly with the victim, whose courage in coming forward after such a deeply traumatic experience has been remarkable. Her report has been central to securing this conviction and ensuring a dangerous offender is held accountable.

“This outcome reflects the determination of our officers to pursue justice, using every piece of evidence available to support the victim and bring the perpetrator before the courts. We encourage anyone who has experienced sexual violence to report it – you will be listened to, taken seriously, and supported throughout.

“Tackling violence against women and girls remains a top priority for the Met, and we are relentlessly focused on bringing offenders to justice and protecting those most vulnerable in our communities.”

Description

Following an investigation by Thames Valley Police, a man has been jailed after raping and sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl in South Oxfordshire.

Glen Stone, aged 37, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court after being found guilty by a jury of rape, sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by touching following a five-day trial.

Stone was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment for rape. He received a concurrent nine-year sentence for sexual assault by penetration and a concurrent six-month sentence for sexual assault by touching.

The court also imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 15 years, placed Stone on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely and granted an indefinite restraining order protecting the victim.

The offences took place on 13 December 2025 in South Oxfordshire.

The victim was dragged by Stone into a room where he raped and sexually assaulted her.

Investigating officer Specialist Investigator Pippa Sharman, of Abingdon CID, said:

"I am pleased that Glen Stone is now facing the consequences of his actions and that he has been held accountable for the horrific offences he committed.

"This conviction is in no small part due to the remarkable bravery, resilience and courage shown by the victim. From the moment she reported what happened, she has supported this investigation and criminal justice process with immense strength.

"I hope today's sentence demonstrates that Thames Valley Police will always take reports of sexual offences seriously and will work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice.

"Nobody should have to experience what this young woman endured. We will not tolerate sexual offending of any kind, and we remain committed to supporting victims and pursuing those responsible.”

Description

A Minster-on-Sea man has been jailed for raping two children.

Martyn Hall, 48, was arrested in May 2021 the same day his offences against one of the victims were reported to the police.

During the course of enquiries, a second victim was identified and Hall was subsequently charged with several offences, including rape and sexual assault of a child.

While awaiting trial, Hall was made subject to an interim Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). Officers regularly checked his compliance with the conditions and, in August 2025, uncovered indecent images of children on his phone.

Court

Hall was further charged with this offence and pleaded not guilty to all the indictments at Maidstone Crown Court. He was convicted following a trial and sentenced on Friday 25 September 2026 to 15 years and 6 months’ imprisonment.

When he becomes eligible for parole, Hall will serve a further one year on licence. He was also given a 15-year SHPO and placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Detective Constable Jessica Grigson said:

‘Hall put two young victims through an appalling ordeal and at no time has shown any signs of remorse.

‘I would like to commend his victims who bravely supported us throughout our investigation and the court proceedings. The strength of the evidence they provided allowed our officers to build a case that led jurors to rightly convict him.

‘I hope his victims can now find some closure now this criminal is behind bars for some time’

Description

A man has been jailed for more than three years today (Friday 25 September) for possessing more than 5,000 child abuse images.

Christopher Luck, aged 62, pleaded guilty to six counts of making indecent images and two counts of distributing indecent images of children, as well as one count of possession of extreme pornography, prohibited images of children and cocaine.

The long-running and complex investigation began in 2024 when Luck was subjected to a warrant at his then-home address in St Albans, having been linked to uploading child abuse images to the internet.

When detectives analysed his devices, they found 1,416 Category A images, depicting the most serious abuse that can be committed by adults against children. He also had 1,315 Category B images and 2,493 Category C images.

Luck, formerly of Albion Street in Dunstable, also had 144 images of extreme pornography and 21 prohibited images of children.

Detectives linked him to online discussions with like-minded individuals about the sexual abuse of children, during which he boasted about his lack of morals.

Luck was arrested in June of this year and remanded into custody.

He was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court for a total of three years and two months in prison, and was also handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Luck will be required to serve half his sentence before completing the rest on licence, and he will remain on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Detective Constable Natasha Martin, from the Child Online Safeguarding Team, said:

“Christopher Luck is a dangerous and predatory offender.

“He had more than 5,000 indecent images of children on his devices and would openly message others online about his abuse.

“The possession of indecent images of children is not a victimless crime. Each image represents the abuse of a child and has a real-world impact.

“Luck possessed more than 1,400 images of the worst type of child abuse imaginable, and he will now be held accountable for his actions and forced to spend time behind bars.

“I’d like to thank my colleagues for their diligent and tireless work in bringing this offender to justice.”

Description

Convicted rapist sentenced in absence to 5½ years.

Navjot Singh, 25, last known at The Oval, Whitehaven, is a fugitive after failing to attend both his trial and sentencing at Carlisle Crown Court. A jury convicted him in July of raping an 18-year-old woman in a Workington churchyard on 20 August 2023. In his absence he was jailed for five and a half years, placed on the Sex Offender Register for life, and made subject to a sexual harm prevention order. A warrant for his arrest remains outstanding.

Singh had denied the offence. He also cut contact with his legal team. Police later checked his workplace without success. Court was told he had been working in the Carlisle area but his employer said he had been absent since November last year. “His brother hasn’t seen him for six months,” prosecutor Tim Evans told the court.

The victim had been at Padua’s nightclub on Washington Street, Workington — now closed — on the same night Singh had been drinking after work. He met her there, kissed her, and took her outside. Judge David Pugh said: “She did not wish to go with the defendant and told him so.” Despite her protests he dragged her into a nearby churchyard. “Once there, notwithstanding her protests and notwithstanding that by this time she was crying, he began to assault her.” He then raped her.

CCTV showed Singh running from the scene and hiding behind cars. He was “plainly aware of precisely what he had done,” Mr Evans said. Singh had no previous convictions.

The victim and her mother sat in the public gallery for the sentencing. Mr Evans summarised her impact statement: “She talks about suffering emotionally since the attack.” The court heard she has post-traumatic stress and nightmares, struggles to sleep and sometimes wakes in tears, and is now afraid to go out, preferring to stay at home. “When she does go out, she’s constantly looking around to check if anybody is there,” Mr Evans said. The judge also recorded her loss of independence, sleep problems and self-harming.

Singh remains at large. Anyone with information should contact Cumbria Police.

Description

A Sheerness child abuser who bragged of raping his victims online has been jailed for 22 years.

Earlier this year, David Hooper had been convicted of 17 offences including rape, sexual assault and causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

Crimes

Hooper molested and raped two victims between 2004 and 2013, later bragging about his crimes on private chats.

During this same period, he strangled another girl and subjected her to physical torture, including making her do gruelling exercises until she would throw up.

When Hooper, who lived in the Marine Town area, was arrested on 6 September 2025, four extendable batons, a knife and a zombie knife were also located in his home.

Court

The 57 year old denied having committed any crimes but a Maidstone Crown Court jury unanimously convicted him on Monday 15 June 2026 of all 17 counts.

At the same court on Friday 25 September, he was sentenced to 22 years in jail with a further 6 years on licence. Hooper was also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be put on the sex offenders’ register.

Investigating officer DC Lucas Melella said:

‘These victims went through sustained horrific abuse and Hooper’s depravity will have lifelong consequences for them.

‘Boasting online of his crimes demonstrates not only his remorselessness but also his pride in having committed these sickening crimes.

‘The length of his sentence reflects the seriousness of his offending, and we are satisfied he will now spend a significant number of years behind bars where he can’t harm anyone else.‘We commend his victims for their bravery and strength throughout this process and we hope this prison sentence will give them some sense of justice.’

Description

A man from Swansea has been jailed after he was found guilty of historic sexual offences carried out against a child.

49-year-old James Miller, from Sandfields, carried out multiple offences against the same victim between 1993 and 2001.

Miller raped the victim when she was 12 years old, having enacted indecent and sexual assaults against the victim on no fewer than ten occasions.

The victim came forward to report Miller’s abuse to police in 2023.

On September 10, Miller was found guilty of rape of a female under 16, five counts of indecent assault on a girl under 14, and two counts of gross indecency with a girl under 14.

He has today been sentenced to a special custodial sentence of 16 years in custody plus one year on licence. He must serve two-thirds of this sentence before he becomes eligible to appear before a parole board. 

He has also been made subject of an indefinite restraining order against the victim, and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and to indefinite sex offender notification requirements.

Detective Constable Jacquetta Jones said:

“James Miller’s crimes were horrendous and made his defenceless child victim’s life a living hell.

“Not only did his sexual abuse rob her of her childhood, it has also taken years of her adult life, and no doubt will be a trauma that the victim will carry with her for the rest of her life.

“We are immensely proud of the victim for showing the bravery to come forward, and now that James Miller is going to prison, we hope that in the future the burden caused to her by his actions can begin to alleviate.”

Description

A woman, who was subjected to a pattern of abuse at the hands of a 43-year-old man from Bolton, has seen justice after a jury found him guilty of four counts of rape. He previously pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour and S47 assault.

Dean Holmes (19/01/1983) of The Highgrove, Bolton, has today been sentenced to 14 years and 3 months in prison after a brave woman came forward to report to us the abuse she suffered.

Holmes repeatedly forced the survivor to engage in sexual activity with him, despite her repeated refusals and requests to stop, and he raped her on numerous occasions. He also assaulted her and verbally berated her over a period of two years.

His abuse wasn’t limited to physical, and Holmes displayed significant signs of controlling and coercive behaviour against the survivor. He forced her to cut ties with her friends and family members, and constantly checked up on her and tracked her movements when she was out.

After the survivor courageously came forward and his arrest in October 2025, Holmes consistently denied all of the offences and continued to blame the survivor. But a jury held him accountable for his behaviour and found him guilty at a trial for rape.

Detective Constable Paul Milligan from our Bolton Criminal Investigation Department, and OIC for this case, said:

"I'd firstly like to thank the victim for her incredible courage in bringing this case to the courts.

"Her strength in coming forward and supporting this whole investigation has helped us keep Holmes behind bars for the damage, hurt, and trauma he caused.

"The survivor's life had been dictated by Holmes for too long, and I hope, whilst this sentence does not take back the pain she endured, it helps her feel a sense of closure and security.

"If you see the signs of controlling and coercive behaviour, or physical abuse, coming forward is always the right thing to do, and we urge you to do so in your own time.

"Nobody deserves to go through this, or any type of abuse, and your care is always our priority.

"No matter when these offences take place, and no matter how small you think it may be, we urge people to contact us and report it. We will always respond and treat you with the utmost care, respect and sincerity."

Description

A man who raped two children and committed a string of other offences has been jailed for 11 years.

William Clay, formerly of Grantham, appeared at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 25 September for sentencing after he was convicted following an earlier nine-day trial.

The 20-year-old denied the rape of one victim but was found guilty by a jury and pleaded guilty to three counts of rape, one of intentional strangulation and two of ABH on his second victim.

The offences took place in Lincolnshire between 2024 and 2026, with both victims being under the age of 16 when the abuse began.

Clay also pleaded guilty to possession of indecent images and extreme pornography.

He was sentenced to 16 years – 11 in jail, five on licence – handed a sexual harm prevention order for 16 years, added to the sex register and given a restraining order for life.

Detective Constable Karolina Pelka praised the victims at the heart of the investigation and thanked those who helped bring Clay to justice.

She said:

“Both victims showed real resilience and bravery throughout a long trial.

“We commend both victims for their courage and strength in coming forward and supporting this investigation.

“Their bravery through what has undoubtedly been a difficult process is recognised and greatly appreciated.  Without them, Clay would still be on the streets.

She added: “This was a joint investigation between PVP and CID which brought the results of getting suspect remanded and charged all the way to the trial process.

“I would like to thank the officers involved for their professionalism, dedication and commitment.

“Their through and diligent work has played an important role in bringing this case to the conclusion.”

Description

James Gillesphey, 65, Blyth attempted child sex offences

A married grandfather from Blyth has been given a suspended sentence after being caught in a police sting trying to communicate sexually with a child.

James Gillesphey, 65, contacted an undercover officer on FabGuys in August 2025. The officer, known in court as Z, had a profile suggesting he was in his 20s. The pair moved the conversation to Snapchat, where Z said he was actually 14 and would understand if Gillesphey no longer wanted to talk. Gillesphey said he did, and the chat continued.

Z sent a picture purporting to show himself as a 14-year-old boy. Gillesphey sent an image of himself, asked whether Zs parents monitored his phone, and was told Z was careful. They discussed sexual experiences and exchanged further pictures. Gillesphey said he would like Z as a mate and more and went on to discuss sexual activity.

On another occasion, Z said he would be visiting his father and would have to be careful. Topless images were exchanged. When Z asked whether the things they had discussed would happen in real life, Gillesphey said he was unsure about meeting. He then asked for a naked image and was sent an indecent image.

They discussed meeting while Gillespheys wife was due to be away. He later cancelled the proposed meetup.

Gillesphey, who has a previous conviction for drink-driving from 2025, pleaded guilty to attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity and attempted sexual communication with a child. He was sentenced to 22 months imprisonment, suspended for two years. He must sign the sex offenders register and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years.

Recorder Jonathan Sandiford KC said: You have a sexual interest in young people, despite your denials, and that came out when you had too much to drink.

Nicoletta Alistari, defending, said Gillesphey had significant alcohol and mental health problems and felt shame about his behaviour. She said he had a difficult childhood and that his brothers death had caused his mental health to spiral. Miss Alistari said: This was a temporary aberration at a point where his mental health was at breakdown point. It was a first but he stopped himself going any further.

The court heard he has suffered two aneurysms linked to the stress of the case and has mobility issues.

Description

A victim-survivor of sexual assault has described how she ‘has been taking life one day at a time’ as her abuser is jailed.

The secondary-school-aged girl was sexually assaulted in the South Tyneside area by Harry Gray, now 24.

Gray sexually assaulted the teenager initially as she slept before physically overpowering her once she awoke and made attempts to get him to stop.

Now, speaking out, the victim-survivor has shared how the effects of Gray’s crimes have had a lasting impact on her life.

She said:

“I have had entire days where I don’t even feel real and had past depressive episodes so severe that I’ve had suicidal thoughts and even made plans on so many occasions.

“I have had an intense fear of intimacy since my brain now sees it as a violent act and not a loving one.

“I’ve held such high standards for who can be in my life that it is just easier to be alone. I have been so scared to be taken advantage of again or being reduced to an object for someone else’s use, rather than being seen as a person.”

She continued:

“Taking it one day at a time has been my way of dealing and having to live with this but this way of coping doesn’t work in any other factors of life.

“I am a real person with a soul and dreams, but both of these have been permanently altered because of what happened.

“I had so many plans for my life and so many dreams I could have achieved had I not been so depressed.

I’ve lost all enjoyment in most things I used to do or those I’m expected to enjoy because I’m too afraid.”

She concluded:

“The anxiety I face every day is overwhelming. I’m too scared to grow as a person and leave my comfort zone, questioning whether this will this happen to me again, runs through my mind time after time. I’ve held myself back from opportunities and cost myself so many new experiences, friends and relationships.

“I hold back from going to new places and speaking to new people, as not knowing the people around me and what they are capable of, is always on my mind. The energy I am using worrying about what someone could do to me, takes so much life out of me. The excitement I had to learn and experience new things has gone.

“The constant feeling of sadness and shame is something that has not gotten any easier and I have just found better ways to mask it. I have good days every now and then where I go hours or even the whole day without thinking about it.

“I start to think maybe I’m getting better and it’s over, but then there is always an end to that day, and I am back in my bedroom, alone, wishing that he had just killed me, instead of making this a lifelong ordeal I must deal with.”

After being arrested, Gray was interviewed by officers but denied anything untoward had happened.

However, following a complex investigation by Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding Department, in January last year, Gray was charged in connection with the abuse.

He stood trial at Newcastle Crown Court in August where he was found unanimously guilty of one count of sexual assault.

And today (Thursday), Gray, of Dawes Street, Gillingham, Rochester, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment by a judge at the same court.

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

The officer leading the case was Detective Constable Kerry Kane, of Northumbria Police.

She said:

“It’s clear from the words shared by the victim-survivor that Harry Gray’s crimes have impacted her enormously.

“I am so proud of the bravery she’s shown through a difficult court process, but I really hope that today’s sentencing hearing can signal the end of this process and the start of her onward journey.”

She added: “As a Force, we remain committed to putting offenders such as Gray before the courts.

“If you’ve experienced any form of sexual abuse, please get in touch with us so we can put your abuser before the courts too.”

Description

A man who took thousands of photos of women and children without their knowledge before using AI to turn them into explicit images has been sentenced following a Met investigation.

Zafer Dogan, 32 (10.08.1994) of Enfield, was sentenced to 2 years and 4 months today (Thursday, 24 September) at Wood Green Crown Court. He will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention order, and appear on the sex offender register for 10 years.

Shockingly, after Dogan pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children, he was bailed by the courts back to his home address while he waited to be sentenced – the very location where much of his offending had taken place. Prosecutors opposed bail three times with the support of officers who provided a detailed risk assessment to the courts, but their appeals were unsuccessful and Dogan was able to return to the community.

Detectives established Dogan had taken photos of women and children in ordinary circumstances before using AI to turn them into sexually explicit images, including by removing their clothing.

Many of the photos were taken from his bedroom window, which overlooked a children’s playground. Other photos appear to suggest he also followed women and schoolchildren in the surrounding area.

A limited number of those photographed have been identified and are receiving specialist support, but officers still need to identify many more. They are appealing for potential victim-survivors to come forward.

Police Constable Natalie Scagliarini, who led the investigation, said:

“This is a deeply distressing case. Dogan’s actions were predatory and dangerous. He targeted the most innocent of scenes – children playing or out walking with their parents – and manipulated the photos he took in the most sickening way.

“The nature of his offending has understandably left those who have learned of it feeling unsettled and violated, not knowing when they might be being watched or photographed and for what purpose.

“We remain committed to protecting women and children and bringing those who seek to exploit them before the courts, and I thank those affected by Dogan’s offending whose bravery and support has helped us to achieve today's result.”

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said:

“It is not often you will see me outside court following a sentencing, but this case is yet another example of victims being let down by a criminal justice system that too often fails to put their safety first – in this case children.

“Ever increasing volumes of cases are raised with me by angry and sometimes upset officers who are doing all they can to protect victims and communities but feel hamstrung by a justice system that makes seemingly unfathomable decisions. That is why I am here today, pushing for victims to be put before the criminals, as well as supporting Brian and his officers so their concerns are heard.

“Zafer Dogan who admitted his guilt for these offences was allowed to return to the very address from which he targeted his victims who lived very close by. Prosecutors rightly opposed bail on multiple occasions building on officers’ clear assessments of the risk posed. Yet bail decisions were ultimately made that prioritised the offender’s interests over the safety and peace of mind of the victims.

“The result was that a victim and their family found themselves living in close proximity to a man who had admitted targeting them. They were so fearful, ultimately felt forced to move to distant temporary accommodation, disrupting the children’s lives, to escape being neighbours of the offender. That is simply not acceptable, the children should have been put first, not the paedophile.

“The pressure to reduce the remand population has contributed to more dangerous and prolific offenders being granted bail, despite strong submissions from the police and CPS. Frontline officers see the consequences of these decisions every day. Victims are left fearful, communities are left feeling less safe, and confidence in the criminal justice system is undermined. It is little surprise that increasing numbers of victims choose not to continue with their case before it reaches court.

“This case also highlights a growing challenge for law enforcement. Dogan voyeuristically photographed children known to him before using an AI photo editing technology to manipulate those images for his own sexual gratification. This is another example of how some grossly irresponsible technology and AI companies must do more to prevent their platforms and tools from being used to facilitate sexual offending and harm. Innovation cannot come at the expense of public safety, and industry has a clear responsibility to help prevent these technologies being exploited by predators.

“Victims, in this case extremely young children and their families deserve better from both the tech companies and the criminal justice system.”

On 16 July 2026, officers arrested Dogan on suspicion of offences involving indecent images of children after receiving information about his online activity. During the arrest, Dogan ran from officers and attempted to discard his mobile phone, which contained vital evidence, in the front garden of a nearby property. He was swiftly detained by officers, and the phone was recovered with the assistance of a specialist police dog.

It was subjected to a detailed forensic examination using specialist technology, leading to the discovery of approximately 1,800 indecent imaged of children and extreme pornographic material, including bestiality.

Further examination by the investigation team revealed that Dogan had also taken more than 5,000 images of women and girls in public places. These individuals had been carrying out everyday activities, including playing in public play areas and travelling to and from school. Some of these images had been digitally manipulated to create sexualised content by altering clothing and appearance.

Officers are now working hard to identify these victims and are keen to hear from women and parents in the Enfield area who may have noticed anyone either filming or photographing them or their children.

Details of charges:

Following his initial arrest on 16 July 2026, evidence was recovered from Dogan’s phone that made it clear that he posed a significant risk. Officers moved quickly to further arrest him on Tuesday, 4 August.

He was charged the following day and remanded by the police to be taken to court the next morning.

On Thursday, 6 August he pleaded guilty to the following offences but was bailed by the court to await sentencing:

• Taking an indecent image of a child aged under 8 years old
• Take an indecent image of a child aged under 14 years old
• Making indecent images of children (Category A)
• Making indecent images of children (Category B)
• Making indecent images of children (Category C)
• Possession of extreme pornography
• Possession of prohibited images of children
• Create purported intimate image of adults
• Obstructing a constable in the execution of their duty

The decision to grant bail was appealed by the prosecutor but was unsuccessful.

Description

Barrie Hartley, 45, of Rimswell Holt, Greengates, Bradford, has been jailed for 12-and-a-half years after sexually assaulting two women, including the rape of one of them.

Bradford Crown Court heard that Hartley sexually assaulted and later raped his first victim when she was particularly vulnerable. She was left hysterical after the rape. Arrested, he denied any sexual contact. His DNA was found on her clothing.

In a statement read by barrister Michael Morley, the first victim said the rape had affected every part of her life and that she was living with it every day. She said: “The person I was before no longer exists.” She described living in a constant state of fear that was “persistent, overwhelming, and inescapable.”

While still under investigation for those offences, Hartley sexually assaulted a second woman. He again denied the offending when arrested.

His second victim said the offences had left a “devastating and lasting impact” and that she was trying to rebuild her life. She said she carried a deep sense of shame, felt humiliated, and that her self-worth had been affected.

In mitigation, the court heard Hartley was anxious to address his drinking, described as “his real problem”, and that until he did so “he knows that he will cause risks going forward.”

His Honour Judge Christopher Smith sentenced Hartley to six years for rape and a further six-and-a-half years for the later sexual assaults on the second woman. He considered, but did not impose, an extended sentence for dangerousness.

Speaking to Hartley, who appeared by video link from HMP Leeds, the judge said: “Whilst I have very real concerns about you, stepping back and looking at the sentence I have imposed I have come to the conclusion that by the time you are eligible for release in respect of these sentences, the risk can be – I certainly hope – adequately managed by licence conditions.

“An extended sentence is not necessary, in my view, in your case.”

Hartley must register as a sex offender for life. A restraining order will run for the same period.

Description

“One day, you will walk free and continue with your life. But for my daughter and me, there is no end date to our sentence. We cannot simply leave this behind when a prison sentence ends. We must live with these memories, this pain, and the lasting impact of what happened every single day.”

These powerful words, spoken by the victim’s mother, were directed at sex offender Duane Platt, who today received a prison sentence for two sexual offences against a child.

Platt, 37, of Halifax Road, Bradford, was jailed for six years at Leeds Crown Court today (Thursday 24 September) after being convicted of serious sexual offences in Kirklees.

The 37-year-old was found guilty following a trial in July of two sexual assaults against a teenage girl, including one offence involving penetration.

The offences occurred in June 2023, and were reported to police the day after they took place.

An investigation was subsequently launched by detectives from the Kirklees District Child Safeguarding Unit, and Platt was arrested shortly afterwards.

In addition to his custodial sentence, Platt was made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

The order places strict conditions upon him and means he can be immediately arrested and prosecuted should he breach any of its terms upon his release from prison.

He will also remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Detective Constable Amy Green, of the Kirklees District Child Safeguarding Unit, said:

“Platt committed extremely serious sexual offences against a vulnerable young victim, and we welcome the sentence handed down by the court today.

"Throughout the investigation and court proceedings, he showed no remorse for his actions and, at times, sought to place blame on the victim rather than accept responsibility for his offending.

"I would like to commend the courage and resilience shown by the victim and her family throughout this process.  They have remained patient, determined and committed to seeing justice done."

She added:

"Reporting offences of this nature is never easy, and their bravery in coming forward and supporting the prosecution has helped ensure that a dangerous offender has been held accountable for his actions.

"We hope that today's outcome provides them with some measure of closure and allows them to begin moving forward with their lives.

"All reports of child sexual abuse and sexual offending are treated with the utmost seriousness and are investigated by specialist officers. We are committed to supporting victims throughout the criminal justice process and ensuring they are signposted to the help and support services they may need."

Description

Convicted child sex offender jailed after masturbating in Mile End church foyer during toddler playgroup

A convicted child sex offender has been jailed after masturbating in the foyer of a church while a children’s playgroup was running nearby.

Mohamed Ali, 44, was sentenced to 15 months in prison at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to recklessly causing a public nuisance and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

The court heard Ali has 136 convictions dating back to 2000, including causing a child to engage in a sexual act.

On 26 February, a mother arriving for the first time with her one-year-old at Guardian Angels Church in Mile End entered through the main doors instead of the rear playgroup entrance. Prosecutor Sam Lyon said she saw a man and asked if it was the right way in. “The male replied, ‘I am a sex offender’, and the mother left straight away.”

She reported it to the church. CCTV later showed Ali in the foyer at 10.30am. “He was initially reading a newspaper before taking his penis out of his trousers and masturbating in the foyer of the church,” Mr Lyon said.

Ali was arrested months later after a police officer identified him. He pleaded guilty on the basis that he had not intended to be seen.

Appearing by videolink from prison, Ali told the court: “I never went to church to have a wank in front of children.”

Judge Leslie Cuthbert replied: “That is accepted, but there were children where you did chose to masturbate.”

Defence barrister Bethany Baggaley said Ali was remorseful, accepted the acts were unlawful, and had a traumatic childhood linked to long-term mental health problems.

Ali interrupted: “The state is responsible for my failure. I don’t know how to have a relationship. I don’t have kids. So I just sit in prison masturbating and then I get out and get nicked for masturbating. I’ve got no where to masturbate, I’m homeless.”

He also claimed, without evidence, that the mother who found him belonged to a vigilante paedophile-hunter group that followed him “24/7”.

Sentencing him, Judge Cuthbert said:

“This activity created the risk of very serious distress to members of the public, as shown by the reaction of the 1-year-old who on encountering you was so scared she left.”

The judge rejected Ali’s claimed remorse, saying it was contradicted by his attempts to shift blame. “You attempt to blame others include the system and the state, suggesting that you are being set up for your own criminal actions.”

He added: “The only thing that appears to stop you from committing further offences is prison, so I cannot suspend this sentence.”