Latest Offenders

Description

A therapist has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl.

Anthony Agius, 53, was convicted of four charges of sexual assault at Southampton Crown Court on Monday, following a trial the previous week.

The court heard that Agius touched the victim inappropriately over her clothing, including smacking her bum several times and licking and sucking her neck.

While giving evidence, she told the court he “smacked my bum a few times as well as licking and sucking my neck.”

Prosecutor Tom Wilkins asked her: “Did you ask him, or want him, to touch you in the way you describe?" She replied: "No."

On another occasion, she “begged” him to release her from a headlock that restricted her breathing.

Mr. Wilkins said Agius offered to take the girl to London to buy her whatever she wanted, but her mother refused. He also invited her to dinner at The Ivy in Winchester.

Testifying from behind a screen, the girl said Agius asked her to perform cleaning tasks and spoke to her in a sexual manner.

Defense barrister Giles Bedloe told her during cross-examination: “I'm going to suggest they [the allegations] are not true and that you made them up. They were an afterthought."

He added: "I'm going to suggest that you flirted with Tony. This is all about the messaging. There never was any physical contact. I don't accept there was any headlock, you made that up."

Agius denied all physical sexual contact, claiming the roleplay was her idea in exchange for French lessons. He said he thought “she was old enough” and he was “desperate.”

“It is not something I am proud of,” he added.

Agius, of Allington Lane, Fair Oak, will be sentenced at the same court on November 13.

Description

A Kuwaiti asylum seeker who messaged what he believed to be a 14-year-old girl has avoided prison after claiming, "I didn't know I was doing anything wrong."

Fahad Al Enaze, 31, sent sexual texts to paedophile hunters posing as an underage girl, according to The Sun. Living in a Liverpool migrant hotel, he was caught by the Widnes Parents Against Predators group in September 2024.

He pleaded guilty to attempting sexual communication with a child at Warrington magistrates' court on Friday.

Prosecutor Chelsea Kearns said Al Enaze sent explicit messages to the decoy child and, upon arrest, told officers, "I didn't know I was doing anything wrong."

Kuwait raised its age of consent to 18 in March 2024, allowing sex only within marriage. Previously, men could marry (and have sex) at 17 and women at 15 with parental or judicial consent.

The court heard Al Enaze persisted in asking for photos after learning her supposed age, quizzed her on sex, and suggested he could "teach her everything" in a relationship.

He received an eight-month suspended jail sentence for 24 months, plus a sexual harm prevention order and 10 years on the sex offenders register.

Al Enaze must complete 25 rehabilitation days, 300 hours of unpaid work, and pay £272 in costs and surcharge.

Magistrate JP Paul Chadwick called him "very lucky" to avoid custody, adding: "In this country we take these offences seriously. You should be truly ashamed of yourself."

Description

A man has been jailed for 16 years after committing serious sexual offences against a woman in Flintshire.

Dumitru-Robert Lactus, 27, of Welsh Road, Garden City, appeared at Mold Crown Court today, Monday 29 September, after being found guilty of multiple offences including rape, assault causing physical harm, intentional suffocation and threats to kill.

He was jailed for 16 years.

He was also handed a restraining order to protect the victim lasting indefinitely and he must register as a sex offender with police indefinitely.

Detective Constable Gareth Bostock said:

“Lactus subjected his victim to shocking and violent behaviour that will stay with her forever.

“I commend her courage in coming forward and reporting these horrific offences as well as her bravery throughout the judicial process.

“We will do everything in our power to bring those who inflict sexual harm to justice.

“We take every report of violence against women incredibly seriously and urge anyone who has experienced such behaviour to get in touch with us. You will be listened to and supported.”

Description

A woman secured a job at a youth club while under investigation for raping a 17-year-old girl. Sarah Vigus, aka Sarah Parkinson, continued working at YMCA Porthcawl's after-school club until she was remanded in custody after being convicted of rape and assault by penetration, WalesOnline can reveal.

When asked how this occurred, a YMCA spokesman said: "We have not been contacted by the police at any point, either before or following Sarah’s arrest, and were shocked to learn of the events that had taken place." However, South Wales Police contradicted this.

A police spokesman stated the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checked Vigus in May 2023 when she applied to the YMCA, and the certificate "contained comprehensive details about her arrest and the nature and extent of the alleged offences" from 2022.

In April 2024, a jury convicted Vigus, 38, and her partner Robert Ellis-Evans, 39, of rape. Vigus was also guilty of assault by penetration. This month, both from Heol Degwm in North Cornelly, Bridgend county, received eight years and three months in prison.

WalesOnline sought YMCA's response to the police statement. Meanwhile, parents of children at the John Street club were horrified.

One mum said:

"This woman worked with YMCA Porthcawl after-school club while she was under investigation – picking my child up and other young children from primary school right up until the court date. I feel absolutely sickened this was allowed to happen. I would have never ever let my daughter near her if I knew this."

Another mother posted on social media: "Sarah looked after my son from the age of three upwards. It sends a shiver down my spine."

What did the YMCA know?

The spokesman claimed the charity had "no knowledge of the investigation or the charges" until Vigus missed work and a family member informed them of her conviction and remand.

"Like any employee of YMCA Porthcawl Sarah had undergone complete DBS and safeguarding checks," he said, adding she was "immediately dismissed." "Had we been aware of the investigation she would have been suspended from the outset. Prior to [her remand] we were completely unaware of any case against Sarah or even the fact that she would be attending court."

Police clarified:

"We understand that Sarah Vigus submitted a DBS application, via an umbrella organisation, to work for the YMCA which was processed and returned by DBS in May 2023. The certificate issued contained comprehensive details about her arrest and the nature and extent of the alleged offences. We are unable to comment as to the YMCA’s actions in recruiting Sarah into the role after this DBS check."

A disturbing crime

At Cardiff Crown Court, the victim described passing out after vodka shots bought by the defendants at a pub. Invited to their home, she awoke on a sofa to Vigus holding her down by the waist while Ellis-Evans penetrated her vagina with his penis.

Realizing the rape, she screamed and cried. Ellis-Evans withdrew; Vigus claimed consent, which the victim denied. She reported it to her parents, leading to arrests. Both denied rape; Vigus admitted digital penetration but claimed consent.

Vigus, with no prior convictions, had messaged Ellis-Evans about her sexual interest in the victim.

In her statement, the victim said:

"I tried my hardest to move on with my life but it will always stick with me... Some days I can't leave my bed or eat, I can't look after myself. I feel dirty and no matter how many times I bath or shower or scrub myself I just don't feel clean.

"I feel uncomfortable in my clothes. I've fallen out of love with my body and who I am. I thought of self-harm and suicide. I felt powerless and out of control.

"I blame myself for what happened and think of what I could have done differently... When I had to go into court and tell the jury I had been the victim of a sexual offence I felt anxious, nervous, and angry after realising I had been the victim of a sexual offence and had to tell strangers what happened to me and had difficulty reliving that incident."

Vigus' barrister, Martha Smith-Higgins, noted her client has two children, stopped drinking in custody, lost five stone, and poses a "low risk of re-offending."

Judge Lucy Crowther said:

"You both violated her in an intimate way, both emotionally and physically... She was a particularly vulnerable woman."

They must serve two-thirds before licence release, with lifelong sex offender registration and indefinite restraining orders.

The YMCA spokesman added:

"We are deeply disturbed by the serious crime for which Sarah Vigus has now been convicted. First and foremost our thoughts are with the victim and her family who have shown immense courage through an unimaginably distressing experience.

"We want to reassure parents and the wider community that the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our care is always our highest priority."

The DBS helps employers with safe recruitment using police data. WalesOnline contacted YMCA and DBS for more details.

Description

A convicted sex offender who worked as a carer in North Ayrshire has been struck off by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).

Alessandro Citti, believed to be from Kilwinning, was based in Irvine with the North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership during the offences.

He was convicted at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court in February for sending sexually explicit messages to someone he believed was a 14-year-old child, who was actually an adult posing as underage. The incidents occurred between May and August 2023.

According to the SSSC report, removing him from the social care worker register was "both necessary and justified in the public interest and to maintain the continuing trust and confidence in the social service profession and the SSSC as the regulator of the profession."

The watchdog added: "Social service workers must not put themselves or other people at unnecessary risk. Your behaviour placed the victim or deemed victim at significant risk of sexual and emotional harm. This displays a disregard for the wellbeing of vulnerable people.

"Behaviour of this nature is fundamentally incompatible with professional registration in the social services sector and represents a serious departure from the Codes of Practice and the standards of conduct expected of you.

"Your behaviour occurred over a period of time and should be regarded as serious."

The SSSC noted Citti's lack of engagement in the investigation, stating:

"Your behaviour raises serious values concerns and you have not demonstrated any meaningful insight, reflection or remorse in relation to the behaviour.

"If the behaviour were to be repeated there would be a significant risk of harm to children and young people.

"A finding of impairment is also necessary to uphold public confidence and trust in the social services profession, and in the SSSC as an effective regulator.

"We wrote to you on August 12, 2025 to tell you we wanted to place a removal order on your registration.

"After explaining the consequences and recommending you take legal advice, you have not asked for the case to be referred to a fitness to practice panel. We are therefore permitted by the rules to impose this removal order."

The ruling took effect on September 28, 2025.

Description

A convicted rapist buried his head in his hands upon learning he would spend many years in prison.

Dumitru-Robert Lacatus, 27, of Welsh Road in Garden City, appeared via video link from HMP Berwyn at Mold Crown Court for sentencing on Monday.

He was found guilty after trial on 12 counts: rape (x2), assault (x3), assault occasioning actual bodily harm (x2), making a threat to kill (x1), suffocation (x1), making a threat with a large blade (machete) (x1), and assault by beating (x2).

Defense counsel Simeon Evans told the court:

"Mr Lacatus continues to deny the offences.

"There is little I can say regarding his response which can assist him in shortening the sentence.

"It is the length of the sentence which will be his major concern.

"He is still a relatively young man and he has some English but it's very limited.

"That makes his time in custody much more challenging."

Judge Rhys Rowlands addressed Lacatus:

"You were convicted by the jury of 12 counts charging serious sexual, violent offending.

"What is clear is that you have no remorse whatsoever for what you did and no insight into the undoubtedly serious harm you caused."

The judge described the offending as "at times, very depraved," adding: "I am keenly aware that you are now going to spend a long time in prison, a long way from your family in Romania.

"It won't be easy for you but a sentence of immediate imprisonment, as has been conceded, is quite inevitable."

Lacatus received a 16-year prison sentence, after which he placed his face in his hands and sighed audibly.

He is subject to a restraining order protecting the victim and must register as a sex offender indefinitely.

Description

A man who boasted about having sex with a woman 'when she was asleep' and had said 'no' has been jailed for 19 years.

In 2022, police launched an investigation into Martin Crossley, 41, following information he had raped a woman on multiple occasions in East Lancashire and Preston.

He told one witness he ‘saw women as a piece of meat’ and referring to the victim, he said: “I’ve had sex with her when she’s been asleep and after she’s said no.”

In 2023, officers received further information that Crossley had raped a teenage girl.

Crossley, of no fixed address, was charged with five counts of rape. He pleaded guilty to all five counts when he appeared at Preston Crown Court earlier this year.

Crossley returned to the same court where he was jailed for 19 and a half years and given a further five-year extended licence period after a Judge deemed him to be a dangerous offender.

In an impact statement to the court, Crossley’s first victim spoke about how the defendant had destroyed her life.

She continued:

“I could never describe enough how much I hate Martin for what he has done, he does not deserve to use up the oxygen of another human being. I want to be able to move forward with my life finally.”

She added:

“Martin Crossley is a dangerous sexual predator, and I do not want anyone else to be at risk from suffering at the hands of him.”

DC Alyson Richards, from Lancashire Police, said:

“No words I can say will ever truly reflect the impact Crossley’s perverted and deviant behaviour has had and continues to have on his victims.

“I hope the sentence Crossley has received will allow them to begin to rebuild their lives knowing their attacker is behind bars for a long, long time.

“I want to take this opportunity to place on record my thanks to both victims for the bravery they have shown throughout this process and for the trust they placed in us to bring Crossley to justice.”

Description

A 'deeply disturbed' man who raped three women has been jailed for his 'heinous' crimes.

Christopher Bell, also known as Christopher Ward, 33, of Maple Grove, Sedgefield, admitted the offences on the second day of his trial last month. However, a judge called it "deeply disturbing" that he later told Probation workers he did not think anything he did was wrong.

Bell appeared at Durham Crown Court for sentencing on six counts of rape, one of strangulation, and one of assault by penetration. He pleaded guilty after two victims had testified, with the third waiting to do so. Other charges were left on file.

All three victims attended court on Friday (September 26) to deliver impact statements. One, a teenager at the time of the offences, said she is now “an empty shell” compared to her former bubbly self, feeling "heartbroken" daily and suffering insomnia, nightmares, depression, and PTSD.

Another described being consumed by paranoia, unable to sleep due to flashbacks. The third, strangled during rape, said she felt like she was going to die at his hands.

Prosecutor Jane Waugh noted the “heinous sexual offences,” with those against the third victim occurring while Bell was under investigation for the first two.

Defence counsel David Callan said Bell left school with qualifications, attended agricultural college, worked as a landscape gardener and with horses, and has “a strong work ethic” and previous good character. Remanded for over seven months, he has taken religious instructions from a Roman Catholic priest and plans to enter a religious order post-sentence.

Judge Nathan Adams said Bell's guilty pleas came “about as late as they could be,” after maintaining innocence until trial began. He found it “deeply disturbing” that Bell told the Probation pre-sentence report author he “didn’t consider anything he did was wrong,” adding: “It clearly shows you are a deeply disturbed individual.”

The judge imposed eight-year consecutive sentences for offences against each victim, totalling 24 years, followed by three years' licence supervision. Bell must serve at least 16 years before parole eligibility, possibly the full 24. He must sign the sex offender register for life and is subject to a 30-year restraining order barring contact with victims.

Description

We’ve been heard and have got justice thanks to the incredible work of Essex Police

A mum has thanked detectives for their “amazing support, understanding and dedication”.

I’ve always taught my children that when you do something wrong, you should face the consequences of your actions.

The police were so understanding and easy to talk to. They supported us throughout the whole investigation and worked so hard to secure the evidence.

He pleaded guilty to the horrendous abuse and now we can start rebuilding our lives.

We are working through the trauma we have experienced. They are starting to enjoy the simple things in life again and getting to know what they enjoy.

Things you take for granted like finding your favourite colours or your favourite tv shows, they are working these choices out for themselves and it’s beautiful to see.

The work by the police and the support of our counsellor is giving us back our future. It’s been really difficult at times and we have a long road ahead of us, but now he has been jailed we can look forward.

I would say to anyone who finds themselves in this awful position to speak up, tell someone you trust and report it to Essex Police. They will support you.

On Wednesday 24 September Duran Guscott, of Wakering Road, Shoeburyness, was sentenced to 17 years after previously admitting a number of child sexual offences.

Officers had initially responded to reports of an assault at an address in Southend in March 2023, but disclosures from those present indicated that child sexual offences had been committed, and Guscott was arrested.

An investigation was launched, and the 38-year-old was questioned about reports of sexual assault involving two children and indecent images on his phone.

He refused to answer questions and was bailed with conditions while our enquiries continued.

Following a complex investigation the following 13 charges were authorised:

• attempted rape of a child
• two counts of sexual assault of a child
• three counts of sexual assault by penetration
• four counts of taking indecent images of children
• Making an indecent image of a child
• Possession of extreme pornography
• Engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour

He later admitted 12 charges and the charge of engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour was left to lie on file.

At Basildon Crown Court the judge sentenced him to 13 years and 11 months in prison, with a further three years and one month on extended licence.

He was also given a lifetime restraining order against his victims, a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and will be on sex offenders’ register for life.

"dedicated to protecting children"

Detective Constable Kayla Perrie, who led our investigation, commended the survivors:

I want to thank the survivors in this case for their bravery, patience and fortitude throughout this investigation.

They have worked closely with us, sharing distressing information, to ensure this dangerous man is now behind bars.

Guscott is a very dangerous and manipulative offender. This sentence represents the gravity of his crimes.

I hope those impacted feel justice has been served and they can start to move forward with their lives.

Everyone at Essex Police is dedicated to protecting children and keeping them safe.
We will not tolerate those who seek to cause them harm and will take robust action.

Description

A horse-riding instructor has been jailed and made the subject of a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order for offences against children.

Mitchell Hickey sexually abused two young victims, hitting one with a whip, and coerced a third into sending explicit photos.

Hickey, who carried out a string of targeted assaults between 2017 and 2019, also bombarded the girls with indecent videos via Snapchat, a platform known for automatically deleting messages once read.

Officers were alerted to the offending in January 2022 when an ex-member of the riding school, based in the Tunbridge Wells area, became concerned for other vulnerable girls under Hickey’s care.  

The riding instructor was arrested and, following a thorough investigation which included a review of his devices, he was charged with nine sex offences including sexual assault, sexual activity with a child, and sexual communication with a child.

The 25 year old initially denied the charges, but later pleaded guilty to seven offences at Maidstone Crown Court.

Sentenced

Hickey was sentenced to three years and four months’ imprisonment at the same court on Monday 22 September.

Investigating officer, DC Amy Mulrey, said:

‘Hickey abused his position of power to take advantage of young and vulnerable girls for his own gratification.

‘It is a rare instance in which an offender is made the subject of a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which shows the seriousness of Hickey’s offending.

‘He acted with little thought to the impact of his actions on the mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing of his victims.

‘We are grateful for the support of the victims and their families, and hope that the custodial sentence offers some comfort.’

Description

A violent sex offender who carried out a life-endangering assault on a woman after sexually assaulting her has been jailed for nine years.

Paul Gilbert, 44, subjected his victim to repeated verbal, physical, and sexual abuse, including rapes.

A judge told Gilbert that his offending culminated in “a horrific attack” which occurred after he sexually assaulted the woman.

On February 18, 2023, at a house in Moray, Gilbert shouted at the woman, pushed and sexually assaulted her, repeatedly punched her head, grabbed and squeezed her face causing unconsciousness, and poured alcohol on her to her injury and the danger of her life.

Gilbert, formerly of Nairn, denied the charges at trial but was convicted of seven offences committed between 2013 and 2023 in Moray and Inverness, including rape, assault, assault to danger of life, and abusive behaviour.

At the High Court in Edinburgh, Lord Cubie noted Gilbert had engaged in minimising his offending and victim blaming post-conviction.

The judge said:

“There is no remorse, no understanding, only self pity at the consequences for you.”

He added that Gilbert's culpability and the harm caused were high, describing it as a campaign of control and dominance.

Lord Cubie ordered Gilbert to be supervised in the community for two years after his sentence, on licence that could return him to prison if breached.

Defence counsel Alistair Sloan said Gilbert had

“a substantial work record” but also health issues, adding: “He is aware these are very serious matters and the court will have no option but to impose a lengthy custodial sentence.”

Gilbert was placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely and subjected to a non-harassment order banning contact with the victim.

Description

A man from Royal Wootton Bassett has been sentenced to four years imprisonment after pleading guilty to several child sex offences.

Scott Terry, 34, of Springfield Crescent, was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on September 26. He will also be subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order. 

In February 2024, Terry was arrested after being found to be in possession of indecent images of a child. Some of these images were identified as a child known to Terry.

Following the examination of his devices, he was further arrested and then charged with making indecent images of children, including categories A, B and C, two counts of sexual assault of a child and two counts of taking indecent images of children.

He was remanded into custody and subsequently pleaded guilty to the offences. 

Detective Constable Jason Walsh of the Child Internet Exploitation Team said:

"This is an abhorrent crime that will have a long-lasting effect on the victim. No one should have to go through what they have been through.

"Protecting the most vulnerable in our communities will always remain our highest priority and safeguarding those from people like Scott Terry.

"When you report these crimes, you will be listened to, you will be believed, and we will do all we can to hold these dangerous individuals accountable for their actions.”

Description

A Loughborough man has been jailed after he was found guilty of sexually abusing five children in the 1980s.

Detectives from the force's Child Abuse Investigation Unit (CAIU) have praised Jayesh Khunti's victims for their bravery in providing evidence that led to him being sentenced at Leicester Crown Court today (Friday 26 September).

Two victims - a man and woman - first contacted the force in 2022 to report what had happened and as the investigation progressed, two men and a woman were spoken to and disclosed that they too had been sexually abused by Khunti.

On 30 May, following a trial at Leicester Crown Court, 56-year-old Khunti was found guilty of:

• Seven counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 14 years
• Five counts of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14 years
• Three counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 years of age
• One count of committing buggery with a boy under 16 years of age

Khunti, of Beck Crescent, Loughborough, was sentenced to a total of 13 years' imprisonment and placed on the sex offender register for life.

Detective Constable Katie Harris, from the CAIU’s non-recent team, was the investigating officer. She said:

"First and foremost, I hope today's outcome provides those involved in this case with a degree of closure.

"They've continued to live their lives as victims of sexual abuse for several decades and - because Khunti continued to protest his innocence - had to re-live their ordeals in front of a jury. However, the detail of their accounts was key in securing a conviction and ensuring that Khunti is now in prison.

"I hope this case serves as a reminder to any other victims of non-recent sexual abuse that it's never too late to tell us what happened and that offenders can be brought to justice."

Description

A registered sex offender has been convicted after breaching his court order and assaulting two young children in Norfolk.

Timothy Harris, aged 46, of Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, was today (Friday 26 September 2025) found guilty by a unanimous jury verdict following a four day trial at Norwich Crown Court of the following offences:

• Engaging in sexual activity in front of a child aged under 13
• Four counts of intentionally touching a child aged under 13
• Failing to comply with notification requirements

He was handed a 14 year custodial sentence plus a further four years on licence.

It comes after police received a report of sexual assault against children in December 2024.

Harris had been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life in 2016 after being convicted of rape at Swindon Crown Court.

But he failed to tell police in London who were monitoring him that he was spending time in Norfolk.

He was arrested in Leyton on 18 December 2024 and taken to King’s Lynn Police Investigation Centre  for questioning.

He denied the offences.

The officer in charge of the case PC Gary Ranger said:

“These were abhorrent offences committed in breach of a court order put in place to manage those on the Sex Offenders Register carefully.

“He tried hard to cover his tracks by failing to notify police he had moved but was found out due to the courage and bravery of his victims.

“Norfolk police will always pursue such offenders both historic and recent to keep people safe and ensure dangerous and predatory offenders like Harris are brought to justice.”

Description

A 42 year old man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison following his conviction for the rape of two teenage girls in Deal.

Steven Biggs, of Owen Square, Deal, was found guilty of multiple offences following a three day trial at Canterbury Crown Court.

The incident took place in the early hours of 4 August 2020 when Biggs encountered two girls, aged 13 and 14 outside of a residential property on Freemans Way, Deal. The victims had approached him in the front garden and asked him for a cigarette.

Upon inviting them into the house, Biggs coerced one of the girls into a bedroom and raped her. When the victim attempted to leave with her friend, who had been waiting outside the property, Biggs forcibly brought both girls back inside, where he carried out further rapes.

It was reported to Kent Police on 3 September 2020 that two teenage girls had been subject to a violent rape, after one of the victims disclosed the assault to a family member.

Following the report, detectives launched an immediate investigation into the allegations, which led to Biggs being arrested on 29 November 2020. He was later charged with 10 sexual offences, including three counts of rape.

During his three day trial at Canterbury Crown Court, Biggs refused to take the stand and declined to give evidence. The jury returned a unanimous verdict on 24 September 2025, and he was found guilty.

He was sentenced to 18 years in prison and will also be subject to sex offender notification requirements indefinitely and restrictions imposed by a 25-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Constable Linda Gavin said:

‘This was a deeply disturbing crime involving the violent abuse of two young girls. Steven Biggs showed a complete disregard for their wellbeing and inflicted life changing trauma through his actions. I want to commend the bravery and courage that both victims have shown throughout this investigation, their contributions have played a vital part in delivering justice.

’Biggs is a violent criminal, and I am pleased that he has received a lengthy prison sentence that will prevent him from causing harm to any other potential young victims.’