Latest Offenders

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Worthing man Mark Holden has been jailed for 12 years for multiple rapes and abusive offences against a woman spanning several years.

In August 2021, Sussex Police received a report from a woman in her 20s that Holden had raped her repeatedly over a five-year period, whilst using financial control and intimidation to control her behaviour.

She said Holden forced her to complete sex acts in return for money or food. 

The 28-year-old of New Road, Durrington, also forced the victim into having sex with one of his male friends.

After Holden’s offending was reported to Sussex Police, the victim was safeguarded and given support by specialist officers.

When Holden was arrested officers found digital devices in his property which contained 55 prohibited images of children.

On May 22 at Hove Crown Court, he was convicted of five charges of rape, and further charges of controlling or coercive behaviour, sexual assault and assault by penetration. Holden admitted possession of 55 prohibited images of children. Two further rape charges remain on file.

At the same court on Friday, 11 September, Holden was sentenced to 12 years in prison. He was also given an indefinite length restraining order and Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Constable Owen Watkins said:

“Mark Holden subjected the victim in this investigation to years of abuse.

“I know how much resolve it takes for victims to support investigations such as these through to conclusion.

“Thanks to her strength, a man who once tried to control so much of her life has been brought to justice and is now safely behind bars where he cannot harm any more women.

“If you are a victim of sexual offending or abuse, please report it to Sussex Police online or via 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency. We will support you and do all we can to get you the justice you deserve.”

Description

A Chesterfield man has been jailed for sexual offences against a child and rape and coercive control against a woman.

Danny Hailes was found guilty of sexual activity with a child, sexual communication with a child, threatening to disclose private sexual photographs with intent to cause distress, and stalking involving fear of violence, against a girl in her early teens.

The 22-year-old was also found guilty of controlling and coercive behaviour, and rape against a woman in her twenties.

Hailes offences first came to light when the school of the teenage girl raised concerns about him.

He was then arrested and was still under investigation for the offences against the first victim, when he went on to offend against the second victim.

Hailes was arrested again when the woman reported that he had been controlling her and had gone on to rape her.

Hailes was subsequently charged with the offences against both victims but denied all of them.

He was sent for trial in June this year and a jury found him guilty of the above charges against the two victims after a 13-day-trial.

Hailes, of Heather Vale Road, Hasland, had additionally been charged with controlling and coercive behaviour, rape, and stalking against a third woman but was found not guilty of these during the trial.

On 14 September, a judge sentenced him to 10 years’ imprisonment.

Hailes was also handed a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and lifetime restraining orders in respect of his victims.

He will be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register and the Child’s Barred List, which means he can be prevented from working with children.

Officer in the case for Victim 1, Detective Constable Matt Charlesworth said:

“I would like to commend the victims in this case for their bravery in coming forwards and giving evidence in court regarding the horrific crimes they have been subjected to at the hands of such a dangerous, manipulative and controlling individual.

“I also wish to publicly extend my thanks to other witnesses who put their own anxieties and fears to one side, by providing evidence and making an invaluable contribution to securing his conviction.

“Whilst I am sure no sentence can offer suitable redress for the level of trauma Hailes has caused, I do hope that this outcome goes at least some way towards allowing all those affected by his actions the opportunity for some form of closure”.

Officer in the case for Victim 2, Detective Staff Investigator David Wright said:

“Danny Hailes said in open court that he was a player. The jury decided on the evidence that he was in fact a predator.

“At no point has he took responsibility for his actions, nor shown any remorse.

“He has made both victims relive their ordeals in court as an attempt to maintain control over them till the last.

“During the investigation, he refused to provide the PIN for his phones and was asked again in front of the jury by the prosecuting barrister for his PIN, but he refused.

“He clearly had something to hide, and the CPS applied for a deprivation order for his phones due to the nature of the offending.

“Above everything else, I must thank the victims for the courage they have shown in reporting Hailes’ crimes and seeing the case through till trial.”

Description

A registered sex offender who used photographs of people known to him and superimposed their faces onto pornographic images has been returned to prison.

Peter Smith, 75, was convicted in 2013 for possessing and making an indecent image of a child, as well as possessing an extreme pornographic image.

As part of his sentence, he was made subject of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), which prohibited him from using image or video editing software and from possessing any device capable of storing digital images unless it was made available for examination by police officers.

On several occasions Smith was recalled to prison due to breaching the orders imposed on him.

Following his latest release from prison in July 2026, officers from Kent Police carried out an unannounced visit to his home address in Station Road, Rainham.

During a search of the property, officers found a USB stick concealed beneath a pillow. When a mobile phone and tablet were examined, officers identified several applications capable of editing images. Further analysis uncovered a number of indecent images of children and extreme pornographic images.

Officers also established that Smith had been digitally altering photographs by taking the faces of people known to him and superimposing them onto pornographic images.

Arrested

He was arrested and subsequently charged with making indecent images of children, possessing extreme pornography, creating non consensual intimate images, breaching the SOPO and failing to comply with notification requirements under the sex offenders register.

Smith pleaded guilty to the offences at an early hearing, and at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday 11 September 2026, he was jailed for 3 years.

Investigating officer Police Constable Ben Tanner said:

‘Smith's actions showed a blatant disregard for the restrictions imposed on him to protect the public and prevent further offending.

‘The discovery of indecent images of children, extreme pornography and non consensual altered images demonstrates the importance of the proactive work carried out by officers who monitor registered sex offenders in Kent.

‘We will continue to take action against anybody who breaches the conditions placed upon them and poses a risk to others.’

Description

A 62-year-old man from the Pickering area has been jailed for 11 years and six months for repeatedly sexually assaulting a woman.

Malcolm Peirson Dale from Rosedale was sentenced at York Crown Court on 16 September where he was also placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Dale pleaded not guilty to seven sexual offences including three counts of sexual assault, three of assault by penetration and one of causing a female to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity.

However following a trial by jury, he was found guilty of all seven offences on 24 July this year.

The offences took place in 2022.

Following sentencing, investigating officer, DC Liberty Ashton, of Scarborough CID said:

“Dale showed no remorse for his offending, denying it throughout and subjecting the victim to a trial. However the jury saw through his lies and he is now facing the consequences.

“I hope the outcome of this case provides the victim with some semblance of closure and that she can now start to move on with her life.

“If you are a victim of sexual abuse, please do not hesitate to come forward and get the support you need. If you do not feel able to report it to the police you can contact our Sexual Assault Referral Centre who provide free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support to anyone in York and North Yorkshire that has experienced sexual assault or rape no matter when it happened.”

Description

A man has been found guilty of multiple child sexual offences against three victims following a trial at Norwich Crown Court.

Robert Wilson, 42, c/o HMP Norwich, appeared before the court today (16 September 2026) where he was convicted of 28 offences, including multiple rapes, sexual assaults by penetration, sexual assaults, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and child cruelty and battery.

Wilson denied the offences, but following a trial lasting 11 days, a jury convicted him after hearing evidence from the victims and witnesses.

The offences were committed over a prolonged period spanning more than two decades and involved three victims who were all children when the abuse began.

The court heard how Wilson subjected one victim to years of sexual abuse, beginning when she was a young child. He repeatedly sought opportunities to isolate her before carrying out sexual assaults and exposing himself to her. As she grew older, the abuse escalated and continued into her teenage years.

The victim also described repeated physical assaults and increasingly controlling and intimidating behaviour.

A second victim told the court she was abused by Wilson from childhood. His offending included sexual assaults and rape over a number of years, often taking advantage of situations where she was alone with him.

The court heard that Wilson used manipulation, coercion and violence to maintain control, despite the victim's attempts to resist and tell him to stop.

A third victim described years of abuse beginning in childhood. Wilson repeatedly sexually assaulted and attempted to rape her over a significant period of time, using threats and intimidation to prevent her from disclosing what was happening.

All three victims described fearing for their safety. The court heard how Wilson abused his position as an adult to gain access to the children, exploit their trust and exert control over them while they were vulnerable and unable to challenge his behaviour.

Detective Constable Ellie Brown said:

"This outcome is a testament to the courage and resilience shown by the victims, who came forward to report years of abuse and gave evidence throughout the investigation and court proceedings.

"Wilson abused his position as an adult to manipulate, control and exploit children for his own gratification, leaving the victims fearful and causing lasting harm.

"Throughout our investigation, officers worked closely with the victims to support them through what has been an extremely difficult process. We assisted them throughout the criminal justice process and helped them give their evidence in court using special measures.

"Their bravery has ensured a dangerous offender has been held accountable for his actions.

"We know that sexual abuse can have a profound and lifelong impact. I hope this conviction sends a clear message that no matter how much time has passed, we will listen, we will investigate and we will do everything we can to bring offenders before the courts.

"If you have been a victim of abuse, or have concerns about someone you know, please come forward and speak to us."

Description

Man has been jailed for serious sexual offences against a woman in Southport.

Klintis Duarta, 28, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today (Wednesday 16 September) after admitting attempted rape and sexual assault. He was jailed for six years and eight months and will serve a further four years on licence. 

Duarta, who is originally from Mozambique and visiting the country from Portugal, followed a woman into a block of flats on Sunday 21 June 2025 and committed the offences in the communal hallway.

He was arrested at Liverpool John Lennon Airport the following day after attempting to leave the country.

In a Victim Personal Statement, the woman said:

“I have previously suffered with nightmares anyway however since the incident I often have nightmares about the incident whereby I find I wake up feeling panicked with a sense of anxiety that last for hours. Since the incident I now take extra caution and care when entering any building.

"I ensure that I have checked the area first before opening the door and making sure that this has closed behind me and no one else has come through. I am aware that these things happen however you don't usually believe that it would be on your doorstep let alone happen to yourself.”

Detective Superintendent Siobhan Russell said:

“This was a relentless and sustained assault on a woman who was simply going about her day and visiting a friend. To be targeted in this manner by a complete stranger is utterly appalling.

“I want the public to be reassured that these incidents are rare. I also hope this sentencing shows how seriously the courts take these offences and how Merseyside Police is completely committed to protecting anyone who has been subjected to such violence and sexual abuse.

“The victim has showed immense courage throughout. She managed to fight off Duarta during the incident and then went on to support the prosecution. As she detailed in her VPS, this has clearly had a huge impact on her life and I sincerely hope she can recover from what happened.

“Following the incident, we were absolutely determined to find the person responsible and carried out a thorough investigation that thankfully led to him being detained at the airport the following day.

“We take these reports extremely seriously and if you have experienced any form of sexual abuse, I urge you to please come forward and report this to police.”

Description

A Gravesend rapist has been jailed after admitting to multiple child sex offences.

An investigation was launched into Wayne Hodges after a young victim reported he had targeted them.

Upon his arrest in May 2025, officers reviewed his mobile phone and recovered indecent images of children.

Court

Appearing at Maidstone Crown Court in March 2026, Hodges, of Wilberforce Way, Gravesend pleaded guilty to numerous offences against the child including rape, sexual assault and making indecent images.

On Friday 11 September, he was jailed for 17 years 3 months. When he becomes eligible for parole, Hodges will be subject to a further 8 years on licence.

The 55 year old was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and has been placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Nick Pebody said:

‘Hodges appalling crimes have rightly resulted in a long sentence that we hope will give some sense of closure to the victim in this case.

‘I would like to commend his victim on their courage in disclosing their ordeal and supporting our investigation. We are pleased that the evidence presented to the court left him no other choice than to plead guilty.

‘The additional restrictions placed on him by the judge will ensure that when he is eventually released, we can monitor his conduct very closely indeed.’

Description

A man and woman from Neath Port Talbot have been jailed after the woman was found guilty of facilitating the sexual exploitation of a child by the man.

40-year-old Victoria Lewis, from Neath, arranged for an indecent photograph to be taken of the child in mid-2023. During the same period, she also arranged the travel of the child with a view to her being exploited, as well as intentionally arranging an act which would involve the commission of an offence under any of sections 9 to 13 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

40-year-old Shaun Lewis, from Sandfields, made numerous sexual requests and demands of the victim, both directly and through Victoria Lewis.

Victoria Lewis pleaded not guilty to charges of arranging the sexual exploitation of a child aged 13-17, arranging the commission of an offence of sexual activity with a child, and arranging the travel of another person with a view to exploitation in December 2024. However, she was found guilty of all three charges following trial in April this year.

Victoria Lewis has been sentenced to four years in prison.

Shaun Lewis pleaded guilty to two counts of arranging or facilitating the sexual exploitation of a child, one count of arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence, and one count of arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation.

He has been sentenced to 12 years in prison, comprising seven years plus a five-year extended licence.

Both have notification requirements for life.

Detective Constable Amanda Jenkins said:

“This has been a particularly depraved case which has involved Victoria Lewis arranging for a child to meet with a man that she knew would sexually exploit her.

“What Victoria Lewis has done is sickening, and to think about what the child has gone through because of Victoria Lewis is horrifying.

“We cannot praise the victim enough for the bravery she has shown to tell police what happened to her and secure justice against a despicable woman – and that is before even mentioning Shaun Lewis’s part in the offending.”

Description

A man who previously served a prison sentence for child sexual offences has been jailed again after failing to comply with his register requirements in Stoke-on-Trent.

Mark Sproston, aged 51, of Smallthorne, Stoke-on-Trent, was sentenced to two-years-and-eight-months in prison at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Monday (14 September) after he admitted two counts of sex offenders register – failing to comply with notification requirements.

We arrested Sproston in May last year after responding to intelligence that he was staying at an address with children inside, which he was banned from doing as part of his Sex Offenders Register requirements.

Officers acted quickly and brought Sproston in for questioning, leading to the charges and his further jail term this week.

Detective Sergeant Paul Edwards, from our Management of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offenders team (MOSOVO) said:

“This case demonstrates the robust action that officers are taking against any registered sex offenders in Staffordshire who are breaching their requirements.

“We are working proactively to ensure that registry requirements are closely followed and the risk of potential harm involving registered sex offenders in Staffordshire is addressed quickly and effectively.”

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John Houston appeared on Tuesday, 15 September, 2026, at the High Court in Edinburgh after being convicted at the same court last month.

The 39-year-old committed his crimes over a three-year period between July, 2020 and September, 2023.

Detective Sergeant Jim Crook said:

“Houston subjected several women to horrific sexual and violent attacks, causing lasting trauma that has had a profound impact on their lives.

“I would like to acknowledge the support provided by all victims throughout the investigation and court process, and I hope this sentence brings them some closure.

“Police Scotland remains committed to tackling sexual and violent crimes and bringing those responsible to justice. I’d encourage anyone who has been a victim of such crimes to come forward and report it to us. 

“We’ll thoroughly investigate and have specially trained officers and partner agencies to support you throughout.”

Description

A violent abuser has been jailed for subjecting his victim to years of physical and sexual abuse.

Martin Lloyd was jailed after carrying out what the Judge described as a 'campaign of violence.'

The woman bravely got in touch with us in October 2025 after she managed to escape Lloyd and disclosed years of abuse to officers.

An investigation was launched which found that the 39-year-old had attacked his victim with an array of weapons such as a machete, chains and a baseball bat resulting in a broken nose and leg injuries.

On one occasion, 48 hours after the woman had undergone life-changing surgery, he attacked and raped her. In another violent attack, she was left with a footprint on her face, before being raped.

Detectives arrested Lloyd and he was charged with multiple offences.

In July, Lloyd, of no fixed address, was convicted of three counts of rape, two counts of ABH (actual bodily harm), and using controlling and coercive behaviour.

On Monday (14 Sep) at Birmingham Crown Court, he was handed a total sentence of 25 years - 19 years in custody and six years on extended licence.

DC Stephen Dunford, from our Adult Abuse Investigation Team, said:

"Domestic abuse doesn’t go unnoticed and sometimes the victim is the last person to see that they are a victim. In this case, professional agencies had a history of records that, once the victim felt strong enough to approach police, could be used alongside her evidence to prove Lloyd’s conduct beyond any doubt.

"Lloyd is a dangerous individual, with a long history of domestic abuse convictions against multiple women, and he has never shown any remorse for his actions.

"We have provided the woman with support since she reported the abuse, and we commend her bravery in coming forward to share about her horrifying experiences."

Description

A brave victim who was repeatedly abused by a man over an 11-year period has helped put the perpetrator behind bars.

Adam Edward Eric Curtis, aged 39 and of Poole, was jailed for seven-and-a-half years after he was found guilty at trial of offences of controlling and coercive behaviour, sexual assault by penetration and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Curtis was arrested by police after his victim disclosed to police his series of abusive behaviour over a number of years, with the defendant threatening to damage personal items to upset her, controlling her movements and taking her mobile phone so she could not call the police. He would also lock her inside her address, threaten her with weapons including knives and lighters as well as phoning her repeatedly when she went out without him and threatening to kill her dogs.

He was also physically violent towards her, on one occasion stomping, kicking and punching her repeatedly, while he also sexually assaulted her.

Following the disclosure to police, detectives worked to compile evidence of Curtis’ offending and, with the support of the victim giving evidence at trial, he was found guilty of all three charges.

Curtis was jailed following a sentencing hearing at Winchester Crown Court on Tuesday 1 September 2026 and was also placed on the sex offenders register for life.

Detective Constable Jack Gibson, of BCP CID, said:

“I do not for a moment underestimate the strength it would have taken for this victim to come forward and report the campaign of controlling behaviour, violence and sexual abuse she was subjected to at the hands of this defendant.

“She has shown immense courage to come forward and disclose these offences, as well as to support our subsequent investigation and the court process.

“I hope that her bravery will inspire other victims of abuse to find the strength to come forward and report offending to us, with this case demonstrating that we will do everything we can to support victims and bring offenders to justice, even when the offending behaviour goes back a number of years.”

Description

A woman has been jailed after luring a teenage schoolgirl into her home, locking her in and subjecting her to a serious sexual assault. 

The girl had been walking nearby, on 10 March 2026, when she was approached by 34-year-old Karen Murerwa who was unknown to her.

Murerwa convinced the victim to come back to her house in Seaton Crescent, Nottingham. 

She then took her into the property and locked the door behind them. 

The victim tried to look where the keys went and take in details as she was scared and wanted to go home. 

Murerwa tightened her control over the girl. Her manipulative behaviour included giving her alcohol, taking her phone and making her send a message to her mum saying she was with a friend.

She was then taken upstairs and subjected to a sustained sexual assault by Murerwa before she was eventually let out of the house. 

Inquiries were carried out after the victim disclosed what had happened to her and Murerwa was subsequently arrested and charged. 

Murerwa, who pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault by penetration and a further count of false imprisonment, was jailed for six years and four months when she appeared at Nottingham Crown Court for sentencing on Thursday 10 September. 

She was also made subject of a lifetime sexual harm prevention order and must sign the Sex Offenders' Register indefinitely. 

After passing sentence, Judge James Sampson commended the girl for her bravery in reporting the matter, adding that by doing she 'may have saved another child from a similar experience.' 

Detective Sergeant Nicola Roddis-Ferrari, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“Murerwa deliberately targeted this vulnerable young girl, coerced her into entering her home and restricted her movements before sexually assaulting her. 

"Murerwa's actions have had a huge impact on this girl's life. She had been kind to Murerwa and wanted to help her, only for her to repay that kindness by sexually assaulting her. 

"I hope this court result brings some closure to the victim and allows her to move on from what must have been a very traumatic ordeal. 

"I’d like to commend her bravery for coming forward, as I know it would have taken great courage to speak to our specially-trained officers about what happened and relive her horrendous experience. 

"I also hope this court result gives encouragement to any other victims that they can come forward in the confidence that we will listen carefully to them, we will investigate, and we will do everything we can to seek justice for them."

Description

A former Greater Manchester Police officer today received a suspended sentence after being found guilty of a string of online child sex offences.

Michael Aspinall, 35, of Salford, Manchester, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court today (Monday 14 September) after being found guilty of three counts of attempting sexual communication with a child following a trial in July.

Aspinall, who was employed by Greater Manchester Police at the time of the offences, was arrested in October 2024 by detectives from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU). He was immediately suspended from duty following his arrest.

Prior to sentencing, Aspinall had already submitted his resignation from Greater Manchester Police.

The investigation began after evidence was obtained that Aspinall had been communicating online with individuals he believed to be children. He was in fact communicating with a police officer. Following an investigation, he was charged with various offences.

In addition to his eight-month sentence, which has been suspended for two years, Aspinall will be on the sex offender’s register for 10 years, subject to a five-year serious crime prevention order, and undertake 20 days of rehabilitation.

An Accelerated Misconduct hearing held by GMP last week found that had he still been serving, he would have been dismissed without notice. He was additionally added to the College of Policing’s barred list.

An application to request forfeiture of Aspinall’s police pension has been made to the Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester.

Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Humphreys, from our Professional Standards Directorate, said: 

“Aspinall’s offending was clearly unacceptable for any right-minded member of society and particularly inappropriate for a serving police officer.

“His actions put the whole police service under scrutiny, but thanks to the hard work and diligence of undercover officers, he was arrested, found guilty, and has now received his punishment.

“A misconduct panel by GMP found that he would have been dismissed had he still been serving – his actions take away from the hard work of the men and women who work so hard for their communities every day, and it is only right that anyone committing these sort of offences are rooted out.”

Description

A registered sex offender has pleaded guilty to breaching a court order put in place to keep the public safe.

Steven Lach, 66, of Bath Road, Swindon, was issued with a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order in 2017 following convictions of more than 30 sexual offences against children.

On Saturday (12/09) Lach was arrested for breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order after being found to be using a dating application and Telegram.

He appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court earlier today (14/09) and has been remanded in custody until October 16 when he will be sentenced at Swindon Crown Court.

PC Katie Owers, from the Management of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offenders (MOSOVO) said:

"Lach is a high risk sex offender who continues to show a blatant disregard for the restrictions imposed on him by the courts.

"These measures are in place to protect the public. His persistent offending demonstrates an ongoing risk to others, and we will continue to take action whenever he fails to comply with these conditions.

" I am pleased that the courts have remanded Lach until his sentencing, reflecting the serious nature of the offending."