Latest Offenders

Description

A man who was found guilty of a series of non-recent sexual offences against three children has today (Wednesday, 10 December 2025) been sentenced to 22 years in prison following his appearance at Grimsby Crown Court.

Edward Sherriff, 77-years-old, of Wainfleet Road, Grimsby was found guilty of rape of a child under 13, four counts of sexual assault of a child under the age of 13, two counts of sexual assault of a child under the age of 16, eight counts of indecent assault, three counts of gross indecency assault, and exposure.

An investigation was launched in 2022 when Sherriff came to the attention of officers after we received a report that three individuals had come forward and disclosed that they had been subjected to sexual abuse over a prolonged period of time.

Arrested in June 2022, Sheriff was interviewed by detectives and swiftly denied having any sexual interests in children.

Following a seven-day trial at Grimsby Crown Court, a jury returned a verdict finding Sherriff guilty of 19 sexual offences.

Detective Sergeant Chris Clarke from our Domestic Abuse Investigation Team, who led the case, said:

“While no sentence can truly reflect the trauma and lasting impact of this man’s actions, I hope today’s outcome may provide some closure from an extremely painful journey for the victims and their family.

“Sherrif’s actions are utterly deplorable, a calculated and prolonged abuse of trust against innocent and vulnerable children, spanning more than four decades from 1980 to 2022.

“He deliberately manipulated, threatened, and emotionally abused his victims to silence them, committing sustained abuse that has caused unimaginable harm.

“I’d like to commend the victims for their extraordinary bravery and strength in coming forward and throughout the entirety of the investigation and complex court proceedings.

“Sherriff subjected the victims and their families to a trial, forcing them to relive the horrendous ordeal all over again. Whilst the verdict will not detract from the pain and suffering endured, I do hope it offers some reassurance knowing such a sickening man can no longer cause harm to them or any other child.

“It is never the victim’s fault, and I would strongly appeal for any child who is being manipulated into doing something they don’t want to do, or anyone who suspects crimes of this nature are taking place, to please speak to a trusted adult or friend and report it to us, when you are ready.

“I also want to take a moment to commend Blue Door for their vital work in supporting victims, their ongoing efforts are crucial in helping victims find a voice and access the care they deserve. For anyone seeking further support or information, I encourage you to visit the Blue Door website: www.thebluedoor.org.

“It doesn’t matter if the offences happened five hours or 50 years ago, we take all reports of this nature extremely seriously and will do everything we can to bring predatory offenders like Sherriff to justice.”

Description

A father and son who raped and abused a child have been jailed for a total of 32 years.

The "horrendous" abuse was discovered after the child told a teacher that a man used his phone to photograph their private parts. The man was identified as Victor Blowers, 69.

Upon arrest, Blowers readily admitted the abuse, saying he was “besotted” with the child, thought they were “pretty,” and had “just got carried away.”

Further evidence revealed his son, Alexander Blowers, also sexually abused the child. The victim described being driven to remote locations and abused in the back of a car, with Victor on one side and Alexander on the other. The child was also raped by Alexander.

Alexander Blowers, 41, of Morello Place, Cambridge, admitted two counts of sexual assault, one count of rape, and making indecent photographs of a child. He was jailed for 20 years, plus five years on licence.

Victor Blowers, formerly of Stafford Road, Great Yarmouth, admitted nine offences, including rape, sexual assault, assaulting a child under 13, and taking and making indecent photos of a child. He was jailed for 12 years, plus four years on licence.

Description

A man has been jailed for rape following a detailed and extensive investigation by detectives.

Martin Hancill, 40 and of Corfe Mullen, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Tuesday 9 December 2025 to ten years in prison for charges of rape and sexual assault.

He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for an indefinite period.

On the evening of Monday 24 October 2022, Hancill attended the victims address and raped her.

The victim, a teenage female, was known to the defendant and they had been communicating via text in the days leading up to the rape.

The incident was promptly reported to police and Hancill, a white British man, was arrested within a few hours of it occurring.  

He denied the offences in interview, but forensic examination of the scene and examination of phone messages between the victim and Hancill provided further evidence to prove that the sexual assaults took place.

Hancill was subsequently charged and faced trial at Bournemouth Crown Court beginning Monday 8 September 2025.

The jury found him guilty of rape and sexual assault.

Detective Inspector Rich Barnett, of Dorset Police, said:

“I want to thank the victim in this case for the incredible bravery she has shown in coming forward to report this incident and for the support she has provided throughout our investigation.

“As a result of her courage and resilience, and support from her family, we were able to compile evidence and hold Martin Hancill accountable for his appalling and contemptible actions on the evening of Monday 24 October 2022.

"I would also like to thank the witnesses who supported the investigation and attended court to give evidence, as this was not easy to do. 

“I hope that the result of this case helps and inspires other victims of rape and sexual offences to find the strength to come forward and report matters to us. Victims can be assured that they will be fully supported by specially trained officers and that we will thoroughly investigate the offences.”

Description

Victims of an abuser who committed sex acts on children while under 18 were left feeling suicidal, with one saying the ordeal ruined her life.

Kai Lewis, now 29, sexually assaulted his first victim starting when she was of primary school age and he was in his mid-teens. At Cardiff Crown Court on Friday, the hearing revealed he abused his second victim, also of primary school age, when he was in his late teens. Lewis, of Tweedsmuir Road in Tremorfa, Cardiff, was convicted.

One victim realized the abuse was wrong during school sex education, while the other understood it during a sleepover.

In her victim personal statement, the first victim said: "I am not going to sit here and say this hasn't defined my life, it has. It has ruined my life and changed me as a person. I have been abused by this man since I was a child and it has shaped the person I am today.

"I was not able to have a normal childhood or teenage years like my friends and it has had an impact on all adult aspects of my life. I have not been able to form healthy relationships or trust another man in my life."

She described severe mental health impacts, including flashbacks and multiple suicide attempts, adding: "The image of him still haunts me to this day. I see his face in all men around me and ask myself if it will ever get better. I will never be able to get over the abuse."

The second victim stated: "I am making this statement to express my feelings of how the abuse has impacted my life. He made me feel disgusting and that I need to scrub my skin at all times. I can feel his hands on me and have vivid dreams about it happening all over again.

"He made me feel vulnerable and scared of all men, I fear any man can assault me, not only him.

"I can't remember my childhood, I think I was trying to block out all the memories... I am on anti depressants, struggling with my mental health and felt like I wanted to end my life. I am getting flashbacks triggered by random things. I feel disgusting in my own body and will never feel clean or good enough.

"I feel like I am finally getting the justice I deserve after such a long period of time and I'm looking forward to starting the process of healing."

Lewis denied the charges but was convicted after trial of assault by penetration, causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of sexual activity with a child.

Prosecutor Kathryn Lane said: "(The victims) thought the defendant's behaviour was normal as they were so young when it occurred. They were unaware this ought not to be happening." The victims later reported separately to police.

In mitigation, Heath Edwards noted Lewis committed the offenses as a youth, is registered blind, unemployed, and lives an unstructured life. Lewis has one prior robbery conviction.

Judge Richard Kember sentenced Lewis as if he were under 18 at the time, imposing four years and six months' imprisonment, plus an indefinite restraining order, sex offender notification requirements, and an eight-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Description

A sexual predator who assaulted two nine-year-old boys in a Nottingham park has left one victim making "excuses not to go out," according to his mother's victim impact statement read at Nottingham Crown Court.

The boys' mothers described the devastating effects on their sons. One said her "once bubbly and outgoing child" who "loved socialising with his friends, going out on his bike and having fun in Melbourne Park" now "makes excuses not to go out and has put a barrier up." She added: "This man had no right to do what he did to my son, the impact this has had has been devastating."

The other mother stated her son has "become withdrawn, asking why a grown man shows him dirty videos like this," and is "petrified the man will come after him and take him despite all of us reassuring him he will not do it."

After a week-long trial, a jury unanimously convicted Afghan national Dawajan Ahmadzai, 27, of no fixed address, of two counts of sexual assault of a child and one count of causing a child to watch a sexual act, per Nottinghamshire Live. This included showing one boy a pornographic video on his phone.

Jailing him for three years, Judge Julie Warburton said: "The boys had gone to Melbourne Park to play with friends, where they should have been safe. You clearly sought out and pursued contact with these young boys with a view to touching them for your own sexual gratification. I have no doubt on the evidence I saw and heard this was your intention throughout. It was done with a predatory sexual motive for your own deviant sexual pleasure."

In evidence, one victim described being "grabbed and massaged" by Ahmadzai while playing on June 15 this year. The boy said: "He came up behind me and started grabbing my belly so I pinched him to get him off me. He moved his hands up and started to massage my shoulders, digging his fingers in my collar bone, so I elbowed him and launched myself off the go-kart (I was sitting on) and headed towards the basketball court, and I called the police."

The second boy was hugged and shown "a dirty video" of adults having sex. The first boy added that Ahmadzai showed his friend "a proper dirty video saying ‘get your two friends to come and see this’. I said ‘no, I am not watching dirty stuff’."

Prosecutor Stuart Lody noted Ahmadzai's phone revealed membership in a social media app broadcasting pornographic videos. Forensic examination found his DNA on one boy's shirt, contradicting his denial of contact.

Defense lawyer Fergus Malone said Ahmadzai has no prior convictions, is in the country legally, approached a group rather than isolating a child, and the video was "very short-lived, perhaps four seconds."

Ahmadzai was placed on the sex offender register for life, given a lifetime sexual harm prevention order, and a 10-year restraining order. The boys have lifetime anonymity.

Description

A psychotherapist who sexually assaulted two of his patients during treatment sessions at his North London practice has been jailed for 3 years and 9 months.

After receiving new reports of the psychotherapist’s predatory behaviour, Met Police detectives reopened an investigation that had been previously closed for nine years due to a lack of evidence. This renewed focus reflects the Met’s ongoing commitment to protecting victims, reducing reoffending, and securing charges – which have more than doubled since 2022.

Tarkan Mustafa, 55 (26/09/70), of Woodlands Way, Southgate, was sentenced to 3 years and 9 months at Wood Green Crown Court today. He has also been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and has received a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Mustafa was previously found guilty of seven counts of sexual assault, including sexual touching, following a two-week trial at the same court.

The offences were committed at Mustafa’s practice, Peace of Mind – Private Therapy, Ponders End, EN3.

Detective Sergeant Myles Bossman, who led the Met’s investigation, said:

“Mustafa is a calculated individual. He took advantage of women who were seeking his support for his own sexual gratification, under the guise of medical treatment.

“I want to thank each of the victims for their support and commend their immense courage and bravery in supporting the investigation and providing evidence in court. I hope that today’s sentencing will help to provide closure and strength, knowing that by making a report against Mustafa they have helped to protect other potential patients from becoming victims.

“If you recognise Mustafa’s offending and believe you, or someone you know, may have been a victim, please contact 101 or make a report online, referencing 01/YE/10292/24.

“Today’s sentencing shows that regardless of the amount of time passed, reports will be taken seriously, victims will be supported, and those responsible for committing violence against women will be brought to justice.”

In August 2016, police received a report of sexual assault from a patient of Mustafa, who had attended his North London practice.

An investigation commenced and Mustafa was arrested and interviewed by officers the same month. Officers found that Mustafa had repeatedly sexually assaulted the victim on more than 10 occasions over 10 months; however, no further action was taken by the CPS at the time.

Four years later, on 31 August 2020, a second victim made a report to police that she had been sexually assaulted by Mustafa on two separate occasions in 2014 when she attended his practice for counselling.

The methods of offending included using highly sexualised language, massaging the victims’ breasts under the pretext of ‘complementary therapy’ – which traditionally includes acupressure and massage – and pressing his erect penis into the victim.

A new investigation commenced, and Mustafa was arrested and interviewed on 26 February 2021. Officers investigating the report noticed the similarities between this and the offending described in the original report.

Officers oversaw the reopening of the original investigation, and the victim was contacted by specially trained officers who provided support.

Officers reviewed witness statements and digital evidence relating to both victims, while seeking advice from experts within the fields of psychotherapy, physiotherapy, and acupressure respectively.

Mustafa was voluntarily interviewed on 20 January 2023 and subsequently charged on 23 January 2024.

Following Mustafa’s sentencing, detectives are appealing for any further potential victim-survivors to come forward.

Description

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been jailed for rape and numerous sexual offences in Reading.

Abdullah Shahnamy, aged 44, of Elizabeth Walk, Reading, was sentenced to nine-and-a-half years’ imprisonment at Reading Crown Court on Thursday (4/12).

Following a six-day trial at the same court, Shahnamy was found guilty by a majority verdict for one count of rape, one count of sexual assault and three counts of sexual activity without consent on 2 September.

Shahnamy has also been given a 20-year sexual harm prevention order and will be on the sex offenders register for life.

Shahnamy made a fake profile on male dating application Grindr, posing as a 26-year-old.

Shahnamy matched with a man in his twenties and sent him a location meet up in the east of Reading on 31 October 2024. There, Shahnamy raped and sexually assaulted the victim in Shahnamy’s car.

Shahnamy was arrested on 25 February this year and charged on 1 March.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Hailey Goodwin said:

“The victim in this case has shown immense bravery throughout this investigation and we thank him for his continued support.

“Abdullah Shahnamy’s conviction is a testament to our commitment to bring sexual offenders to justice and to make our streets a safe place for everyone.

“We will continue to listen and support complaints of such offences and work relentlessly against those who think it is acceptable to perpetuate any form of violence against women and girls.”

Description

A man who raped a girl under 13 and sexually assaulted an older teenager has been jailed for 15 years. Kevin Neil Jones, 41, of Bryneglwys Road, Wrexham, was convicted by a jury at Mold Crown Court of six offences last month.

The court heard Jones committed five offences against the younger victim, including two rapes, and one against the teenager under 18.

In her statement, the first victim said she used to be happy and giggly but now feels numb and cries. After her ordeal: "I got thoughts of ending my life, thinking 'Why should I be here?' It's a battle fighting these thoughts." At school, she felt "disgusted and ashamed"; at night, she has nightmares of the perpetrator "chasing me with a knife" and fears falling asleep.

The second victim said she felt ashamed and turned to alcohol and drugs "to help her forget about everything and make it all numb." She is rebuilding her life with her partner's support.

Defence barrister Duncan Bould said Jones comes from a "close knit and, in part, supportive family" and had helped relatives gain employment.

Judge His Honour Rhys Rowlands called Jones's offending "shameful," saying he took advantage of his victims "to satisfy your own sexual needs" in a "depraved course of conduct." His behaviour was "sordid" and "without a thought as to their welfare, feelings or harm." Jones showed no remorse and had "little insight into the harm you have caused," with his denials concerning the court.

Jones received 14 years for each rape (one concurrent), 10 years each for two assaults by penetration (both concurrent), and a consecutive 12-month term for sexually assaulting the older girl, totaling 15 years' immediate imprisonment.

Description

Greater Manchester Police detectives have praised a woman's bravery after her rapist was jailed for seven years.

Andre Reid, 26, of Woodside Street, Tameside, was sentenced for rape at Manchester Crown Court on Friday, December 5, 2025. A restraining order was issued, prohibiting contact with the victim.

The anonymous woman, aiming to encourage others to report abuse, bravely read her impact statement in court.

She said: “I’ve chosen to stand here and read this to you myself. Because for the last seven years, my voice has been taken from me. For seven years, I have carried the weight of what you did in silence.

“You need to hear the impact of your choices in my own words, in my own voice. Because I am the person you hurt, and I need you to hear it from me to face the pain you caused, the fear you left behind, and the way my life changed because of you.

“You need to understand that no matter what you took from me that night, you cannot take my ability to stand here and speak my truth to you.”

She concluded: “I can finally say this – I survived you, Andre. I am free from your control, free from your lies, free from the shame that never belonged to me. I can finally start to live again, and that’s something you will never be able to take away from me ever again.”

The non-consensual rape occurred in June 2018 while she was asleep.

Detective Sergeant John Dineen of GMP’s Rochdale district said:

“This was a devastating assault on a victim which occurred when she was at her most vulnerable – asleep in a bed. She showed immense bravery to report Reid’s offending, and to continue through the trial process.

“To stand up in court and face him despite everything she has been through should be commended and I hope the sentence he has received will be of some comfort to her to give her some closure to this devastating ordeal.

“Detectives conducted a full and thorough investigation to establish the facts of the case with several witnesses spoken to, as well as the woman continuing to be supported throughout the case.

“We want this to be a message to everyone that if you are a victim please come forward and report offenders to us. We will support you with care and consideration to ensure it is thoroughly investigated and perpetrators can be brought to justice.”

Description

A 37-year-old man has been sentenced to 12 years in custody for sexual offences against women and children. 

Yuen Lawson committed the offences between 2013 and 2022, with some of his victims aged as young as 14 and 15 years old.

He was found guilty of nine charges against four different female victims at the High Court in Edinburgh on Friday, 11 November, and was sentenced today, Tuesday, 9 December 2025. 

The offences included repeated rapes, sexual abuse, and violent assaults on women. He was also found guilty of raping a 14-year-old girl and a 15-year-old girl at two addresses in Aberdeen. 

Detective Constable Leanne Campbell said:

"Lawson is a violent sexual offender and his horrific actions have deeply affected the lives of these women and girls. 

"I want to acknowledge the women who provided their information to police and wish to highlight that Lawson’s conviction is down to their strength of character. I hope this sentence provides some sense of justice for them. 

"Police Scotland will fully investigate abuse wherever it occurs and whatever the age of the victims - do not feel embarrassed or ashamed about reporting abuse, whoever the perpetrator is, no matter how long ago it happened. 

"I'd encourage anyone with concerns about sexual abuse to contact officers or one of our support services who will listen and investigate." 

Description

Two 17-year-old boys have been jailed after admitting raping a teenager in a Leamington park.

A 15-year-old girl and a group of friends were in the town on 10 May when they met and started chatting with two boys.

The two boys - Jan Jahanzeb and Israr Niazal – later asked the girl to join them on a walk and went on to rape her at Newbold Comyn.  

Afterwards, the girl managed to flag down a member of the public who called the police.  

Thanks to a combination of CCTV footage work and using photos the girl had taken on her phone during the day, we were able to identify and arrest Jahanzeb and Niazal quickly. 

We charged the two boys with rape and they went before youth court in Coventry where they admitted the offence. 

Appearing at Warwick Crown Court for sentencing today (Monday), the judge lifted reporting restrictions that had previously prevented Jahanzeb and Niazal from being identified owing to their age. It was also confirmed at court that they were Afghan asylum seekers. 

Jahanzeb was sentenced to ten years and eight months while the judge gave Niazal nine years and ten months.

Both will start their sentences in a Young Offenders’ Institution and move to prison at a later date. The pair were also made to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and given an indefinite restraining order.  

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Hobbs said:

“This was a hugely traumatic incident, and I can’t speak highly enough of the victim for the bravery she has shown. 

“Our specially trained officers have supported her since the start of the investigation, but understandably, it has been, and continues to be, an incredibly challenging time for both her and her family. 

“Jahanzeb and Niazal went out of their way to befriend the victim with the intention of raping her. The length of their sentence reflects the severity of their crime and the need to protect the public from them. 

"I hope this outcome will provide reassurance to other victims of sexual offences and give them the confidence to report, knowing police will listen and support them.  

“We encourage anyone who has been the victim of rape or sexual offence to report it. We will always investigate thoroughly and sensitively, and do everything in our power to bring offenders to justice, getting the right result with a victim’s wishes in mind.” 

Description

Samuel Gebru, 22, who resided in Toxteth, pleaded guilty to one count of Sexual assault and one count of Common assault, against two women in Aigburth across the same night in July. 

He was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court today, Monday 8 December.

At around 10.35pm on Monday 28 July, a women in her 20s was walking along Aigburth Road when she noticed Gebru following her. Gebru followed her up Lark Lane towards the junction with Sefton Grove and the victim turned to challenge him. Gebru then grabbed the victim by her arm and, following a brief altercation with the victim and the emergence of two people from the Albert public house, Gebru walked away. The incident was reported online on Wednesday 30 July.

At around 12.20am on Tuesday 29 July, a report was received of a second woman in her 20s being sexually assaulted off Aigburth Road by Gebru, who had followed her from Aigburth Road and attacked her in the street. Gebru made off on foot after residents were alerted. He was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday 30 July.

Gebru was in police custody for the second offence by the time the first offence was reported. Following an extensive investigation, including CCTV, doorbell footage and forensic work, Gebru was subsequently charged with both offences and remanded into custody.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Inspector Natalie Charlesworth said:

“We understand the huge concern that such serious offences cause in our communities, and it is pleasing to see that such a dangerous, predatory offender is now behind bars.

“Gebru subjected both of his victims to traumatic ordeals, and we are continuing to support both victims through this difficult process. I would like to thank them for their patience and strength in assisting our investigations, and share our hope that today's outcome at least provides some form of comfort moving forward.

“I hope this sentencing shows and reassures the public how seriously the courts take these offences and how Merseyside Police is completely committed to protecting anyone from violence and sexual abuse.

“Anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence, is concerned for the safety of someone they know or suspects someone to be engaging in this criminal activity, should come forward and speak to us. Merseyside Police has a team of dedicated staff who will expertly and compassionately deal with your reports, and we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.

“We take all such reports extremely seriously, and in addition, work with partner organisations such as Victim care Support Service and RASA who are there to support victims.”

Description

A 60-year-old sex offender from Gillingham has been jailed for eight years for grooming a child over several years.

Andrew Stevens, of near Barnsole Road, was convicted at the Central Criminal Court of four counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity between 2008 and 2012.

He was arrested on 1 June 2023 after the victim came forward, denied the charges, but was found guilty after a trial and sentenced on Monday, 8 December 2025.

Sergeant Murray Tester said:

“Stevens targeted a vulnerable child for his own sexual gratification and has now been made to answer for his appalling actions.

“I would like to commend the victim for their bravery in coming to us and disclosing their abuse. Their courageous actions should serve as a reminder to anyone who has suffered this type of crime that it is never too late to contact us. You will be supported and steps taken to bring the person responsible for your ordeal to justice.”

Description

A “sexual predator” has been jailed after targeting a young woman on-board a train between Horley and Redhill, following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Hawre Mohamed, 27, and of Bonehurst Road, Horley, was found guilty of one count of Sexual Assault last month and appeared at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Monday 8 December where he was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment. He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.

The court heard how at around 8.30pm on Monday 22 September, Mohamed was at Horley railway station when he approached a young woman asking how to get through the ticket barrier.

A short while later he boarded the same train as the woman and followed her through the carriage. Despite there being other empty seats, he opted to sit with the woman against her wishes.

He then engaged the woman in unwanted conversation before touching her inappropriately and attempting to kiss her, ignoring repeated requests to leave her alone.

He also suggested she should go back with him and asked her how old she was, stating he "doesn't go for below 18”. The young woman moved away from him and disembarked at Redhill station where she reported Mohamed’s actions to station staff and BTP.

Officers were on patrol in East Croydon just days later when they spotted Mohamed, who was wearing the same jacket as the day he sexually assaulted the 20-year-old woman. He was swiftly arrested and taken into custody.

BTP Detective Constable Geraldine Devaney said:

"Mohamed is a sexual predator who preyed on a woman travelling alone and wouldn’t take no for an answer. His behaviour that day was simply vile.

"Thanks to the courage and support of the victim, we have been able to put him before the courts and behind bars.

“If you experience or witness a sexual offence on-board a train or at a station, I urge you to report it to us by texting 61016. We take all reports seriously and can respond immediately to trace sexual offenders like Mohamed and bring them to justice." 

Description

A sex offender has been banned from staying in any hotel, guesthouse, or other paid accommodation for 10 years unless he gives police 48 hours’ notice.

Brett Whittaker’s sexual crimes in a North Yorkshire hotel left a staff member needing counselling, York Crown Court heard.

The employee was addressing Whittaker’s complaint about his room being too hot when the 44-year-old trapped him inside and sexually assaulted him in four ways.

In a personal statement, the employee said the attacks deeply affected him, requiring counselling and medical help, and forced him to leave his job. “I wish Brett Whittaker hadn’t trapped me in a room, assaulted me and caused me anxiety,” he stated. “It is a horrible memory to live with.”

Whittaker also behaved sexually toward a woman vaping at the hotel.

To protect hotel staff and the public, Judge Simon Hickey imposed a 10-year sexual harm prevention order prohibiting unnotified stays in such accommodations.

Jailing Whittaker for 18 months, the judge said: “You have a propensity to assault not just young females but also young males.” Regarding the employee assault, he added: “He was trapped in a room by you (who was) much bigger, much stronger and in drink.”

Defence barrister Giles Grant noted Whittaker’s labourer work often takes him across the country.

Whittaker was placed on the sex offenders’ register for 10 years, requiring him to notify police of his address and other conditions.

The employee testified after Whittaker, of no fixed address, denied four sexual assault charges. A York jury convicted him unanimously in under two hours on “overwhelming evidence,” including his DNA from kissing the victim.

The jury knew of Whittaker’s two prior sexual assault convictions but not his conviction for trying to cause a child to watch a sexual act.

Post-verdict, Mr. Grant said the four assaults were part of one continuous event involving alcohol. Whittaker has an ongoing alcohol issue but has abstained since his release; he was remanded for two months after arrest earlier this year.