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Daniel Mowle, 42, of Apprentice Drive, Colchester, Essex, has been jailed for 10 years after being convicted of 11 child sexual offences.

Mowle sexually abused a young girl over a two-year period, treating her as a “sexual object.” The offences involved an abuse of trust and included no fewer than 24 incidents of sexual touching. The prosecution stated the assaults were sustained rather than fleeting.

He was convicted by a jury at Chelmsford Crown Court of:

• two counts of sexual assault of a child
• seven counts of sexual activity with a child
• two counts of inciting sexual activity with a child

The investigation by Essex Police began in 2021 after a report of child sexual abuse. Mowle denied the charges and stood trial in September 2025; he was convicted on 18 September. He was sentenced on 23 October 2026 by Judge Mary Loram KC. He showed no reaction when the sentence was passed. He had no previous convictions.

In addition to the 10-year prison term, Mowle was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely and will be subject to strict restrictions and rigorous supervision upon release.

Description

A man who committed violent sexual offences against a woman, making her fear for her life, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison.

Toby Snow, 29-years-old, of Scunthorpe, was found guilty of three counts of rape, as well as assault by penetration, following a four-day trial at Hull Crown Court which ended last month (Friday, 4 September 2026).

He appeared at Grimsby Crown Court for sentencing on Friday, 16 October 2026 and whilst passing his sentence, the Judge also ordered Snow to remain on the Sex Offenders Register for the rest of his life.

An investigation was launched in March 2026 after we received a third-party report that a woman had been repeatedly raped by a man she knew during the early hours of the morning prior, naming Snow as the one responsible.

Officers were immediately deployed, arresting Snow on the same day of receiving the report.

The woman was met by investigating officers where she bravely disclosed how Snow had returned from a night out and pinned her down against her will, before removing her phone to prevent her from calling anyone and subjected her to a violent sexual assault. The woman also explained how Snow told her he was going to harm himself afterwards so he wouldn’t have to go to prison.

During interview and when questioned, Snow denied all allegations put to him and following further evidential enquiries, he was subsequently charged and remanded into custody to await trial.

Leading the investigation, Detective Constable Douglass from our Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, said:

“I would like to start by commending the sheer bravery of the woman in coming forward and for her patience throughout all the court proceedings whilst Snow refused to admit his actions and forced her to relive what happened to her during the trial.

“These offences were appalling and deeply violating; the level of abuse and violence Snow subjected a woman to showed complete disregard for her wellbeing, dignity and safety.

“We take all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously and will continue to seek justice for those who have suffered at the hands of individuals like Snow who have committed such despicable crimes."

Description

A Boston man has been found guilty of 27 sexual offences, including 10 counts of rape, two of which were of children aged 13 years and younger, dating back to June 2019.

Jake Hardstaff, 35, of Maple Road, Boston, pleaded not guilty to all allegations brought by four separate victims, including one adult and three (female) children, one of which was only nine years old when the abuse started.

Following a 14-day trial at Lincoln Crown Court, which concluded on Thursday 22 October, Hardstaff was found guilty of multiple sexual offences which took place between June 2019 and June 2024: 

• Cause / incite a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity - no penetration x 3 counts
• Rape a child under 13 x 2 counts
• Assault a child under 13 by penetration x 3 counts
• Rape a woman 16 years of age or over x 8 counts
• Assault by penetration x 2 counts
• Sexual assault on a female x 7 counts
• Cause person to engage in sexual activity without consent x 1 count
• Engage in controlling / coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship x 1 count

He was found not guilty of three counts of rape and one count of controlling / coercive behaviour.

The court heard how Hardstaff’s courageous victims had come forward, each describing years of vile physical and emotional abuse at the hands of the predator. There were disclosures of long-term sexual abuse, of how he had incited his young victims to engage in sexual contact with him.

“He has done such a sadistic, sickening thing” one witness said.

The officer who led this case, Detective Constable Helen Wood, said:

“This has been a harrowing case for all concerned. This verdict is testament to the extraordinary courage of the victims, who have endured unimaginable trauma and have shown remarkable strength in coming forward and resilience to endure the – at times - gruelling judicial process. Their evidence, which was given with dignity and bravery, has been central to securing justice.

“I would like to recognise the dedication of every officer and professional team involved in this case. Their tireless work, sensitivity, and commitment to safeguarding have ensured that the truth was brought before the court.

“This case highlights the importance of coming forward. Time should never stop you from speaking out. If you choose to come forward, you will be heard, believed, and supported every step of the way. We’re committed to securing strong, reliable evidence that meets judicial standards, so that we can pursue the justice you deserve.”

Hardstaff was remanded into custody to await sentencing which is currently scheduled for 25 November 2026. We will continue to provide support and protect the privacy of those affected.

Description

A complex investigation has seen a 38-year-old man sentenced to 15 years with an extended three years on licence for offences against four underage girls.

David Hulse (23.10.1988) of no fixed abode was sentenced to 15 years at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Tuesday 20 October 2026, and given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order after pleading guilty to 16 charges:

• Two counts of engage in sexual communication with a child
• Two counts of cause / incite a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity - no penetration
• Six counts of make indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child
• Two counts of possess extreme pornographic image / images portraying an act of intercourse
• Four counts of distribute an indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child

Hulse was arrested earlier this year in March following a warrant into the investigation of indecent images. During this warrant Hulse threw mobile phones out of the window however these were recovered and both phones were found to have a number of indecent images of children on them.

Hulse initially denied the allegations and during interview provided 'no comment' to questions before later pleading guilty.

Prior to sentencing, a mother of one of the survivors spoke out:

“What has been particularly difficult is that she has struggled to understand why this happened to her and has, at times, felt that she is somehow to blame. We have had to continually reassure her that she was not responsible for another person’s actions or for the choices they made.

“When guilty pleas were eventually entered, there was some relief that she would not have to go through that [the court] process, but the uncertainty and stress leading up to that point had already taken its toll.”

“We hope that, in time, she and our family will be able to move forward from what happened. However, the impact has been significant, and the emotional consequences of what happened will remain with us for a long time.”

Another mother noted the impact Hulse’s actions had on her daughter: “When you have a daughter, your primary duty is to protect her childhood, her innocence, and her belief that the world is safe. David Hulse deliberately took advantage of her innocence for his own sexual gratification.

“While this legal process is concluding, the harm caused to her and the memories of this ordeal will stay with us for the rest of our lives.”

Detective Constable Daryl Gray of GMP’s City of Manchester Criminal Investigation Department said:

“Hulse used messaging platforms to strike up a friendship with these young girls to gain their trust before using their vulnerability to coerce them into sharing sexual images.

“No parent should have to go through what Hulse has subjected these survivors too and I commend the entire families’ bravery throughout this investigation – the support they have given these young girls but also the way they have maintained courage in the face of the evil that is David Hulse.

“I hope that this sentence gives the families an element of hope that Hulse is now behind bars, and they can start to put this chapter behind them. Hulse belongs in the past and the families can now look towards a future together without this person in their lives.

“Our officers are here to support anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse, no matter when it happened. Please come forward. We will listen. We will support you and we will do all that we can to bring these offenders to justice.”

Description

Kenny Cox (24.06.80) of Salford has been sentenced to 14 years with four years on licence at Manchester Crown Court today (23 October 2026).

He was also given an indefinite restraining order against the victims and is subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

This sentence relates to the rape of two women – one in November 2021 and one in September 2024.

On 7 November 2021, the victim met up with the suspect after connecting through a dating app. They went to a property in Salford and after drinking alcohol together, the victim began to feel hazy and described herself as ‘feeling paralysed’ and ‘unable to move’. It was during this time she was raped by the suspect.

After she was able to move, she left the property via a taxi and subsequently reported the incident to the police. Cox was arrested on 14 November 2021 and bailed with stringent bail conditions not to contact the victim.

On 4 September 2024, a second victim met up with the suspect after again connecting through a dating app. They went to a property in Salford and he has raped her before she was able to leave the property and disclose this to a relative who subsequently called the police.

Cox was arrested on 8 September 2024, charged and remanded. He stood trial for both rapes in March 2025, however the trial resulted in a hung jury. Following this a new trial commenced in August 2026 and Cox was found guilty of two counts of rape and one of attempted rape after a jury took less than two hours to deliberate.

Following Cox’s guilty verdict, the two victims provided statements on how this had affected them.

The first victim noted:

“The last five years have been extremely difficult. The impact of the offence did not end when it happened. I have had to live with the consequences every day since, while also having to go through a long and stressful court process.

“When the guilty verdict was finally reached, I felt relief that I had been believed and that there had finally been accountability. However, the verdict did not simply make everything go away. The emotional and physical effects are still there, and I still have to deal with them.

“The last five years have changed me in ways I never wanted or expected. I hope that now the court process has finally reached its conclusion, I can begin to heal, rebuild my confidence and trust, and move forward with my life.”

The second victim noted:

“I have tried very hard not to let what happened destroy my life. However, the truth is that it changed me.”

“I do not know what the future holds for me, but I hope that with proper counselling and support, I can continue to rebuild my confidence and independence. I want to be able to go outside alone again. I want to feel safe again. I want to be able to trust people again. Most of all, I want my life to be mine again.”

Detective Sergeant James Walsh of GMP’s Salford Criminal Investigation Department said:

“I would firstly like to commend the strength of the victims in this case. They have gone through this trial process twice now and each time have has shown incredible courage to ensure Cox was put behind bars. He preyed on these women and is an violent, sexual offender.

 “I hope this sentence and the subsequent sexual harm prevention order imposed gives the victims a sense of justice to help them try to move forward from this and put Kenny Cox firmly in their past where he belongs.

"I would also like to note that our officers are here to listen to you and support you. If you have been a victim of sexual assault, no matter when it happened - please come forward. We will do all that we can to bring offenders to justice.”

Description

Mathew Hargreaves, 48, from Halewood, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court today, Friday 23 October.

Hargreaves was previously arrested and charged with:

• Make Indecent Images of Children Cat A
• Make Indecent Images of Children Cat B
• Make Indecent Images of Children Cat C

He remained in custody on remand and in September pleaded guilty to a further offence of Taking an Indecent Category C Image of a Child.

Hargreaves was also issued with a 10-Year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must register on the Sex Offender Register for 10 years.

In excerpts from a Victim Personal Statement, one of the victims said:

“I saw the photo and it was a lot worse than I thought… it’s made me feel sick to think about. I feel like I am on edge now, like I always need to be alert.

“The actual image is disgusting and it makes me feel sick it was taken on his birthday, why has he taken that on his birthday? It had never crossed my mind it was taken on his birthday.

“How many people have seen it, why did he take it? My biggest fear out of them all is where he shared it, how many people - if he has - did he share it with? What was his intention with that image?”

Detective Sergeant Viktorija Clarehugh from our Online Child Abuse Investigations Team said:

“Despite his initial denials, we were able to prove that Hargreaves downloaded and was in possession of indecent images, including those in the most serious category. Concerningly, Hargreaves held a position of responsibility at a Liverpool school, but robust safeguarding measures ensured that he was immediately suspended from his duties following his arrest. 

“Hargreaves’ insistence that these images somehow came into his possession by accident have been shown to be the desperate lies of a man who realised too late the consequences of his abhorrent crimes. His personal and professional disgrace is complete and I hope that today’s outcome provides some comfort for all of those affected by Hargreaves’ crimes.

“Behind all indecent images is a victim of abuse. Possessing, taking or distributing such images perpetrates the exploitation of children, and we are determined to keep identifying and putting before the courts those responsible.”

Description

A 45-year-old man has been jailed for sexually exploiting a teenage girl.

Trevor Scanlon of Briarwood Road, Ewloe, appeared for sentencing at Mold Crown Court on Thursday, 22 October.

He previously admitted a charge of causing or inciting the sexual exploitation of a child over several months.

Scanlon was jailed for two years and eight months and must register with the police as a sex offender for life.

He was also made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order until further order.

Scanlon was reported to police when the victim’s parents found multiple payments totalling over £400 had been made by him to their daughter through an app.

He had been engaging in sexual conversations with the victim who was 16 at the time, requesting images in exchange for payment and sending disturbing messages of his wishes to sexually abuse her.

Speaking following sentencing, Detective Inspector Daniel George said:

“I commend the victim for her patience and her bravery throughout the investigation. It is hoped that the sentencing allows for some closure and supports her in moving forward with her life.

“Our message to those who target children for sexual exploitation is clear: we will investigate, we will pursue the evidence, and we will hold offenders to account.

"Tackling violence against women and girls remains a foremost priority for North Wales Police and we will continue to work tirelessly to keep our communities safe."

Description

Convicted Sex Offender Furqan Khalil Absconds from Court After Assaulting 14-Year-Old

A 28-year-old convicted sex offender has absconded from court after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl while trying to illegally sell her a vape.

Furqan Khalil, of Rishton Lane, Bolton, failed to appear at Chester Crown Court on Friday, October 9, where he was due to be sentenced. A jury had convicted him of one count of engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a child at the end of a four-day trial on Thursday, August 27. He was acquitted of a similar offence alleged to have taken place moments earlier against the same girl.

Police have issued a mugshot and a warrant for his arrest. Jurors heard that Khalil touched the girl intimately without consent at Cheshire Mobile and E-Cigarettes on Market Way after offering to sell her a vape despite her age. She reported the incident immediately, leading to a Cheshire Police investigation and his charge.

Khalil had been on bail. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or via the force website, quoting reference 26000837298.

Description

A rapist who subjected a highly vulnerable woman to almost four years of sexual abuse has been jailed.

The victim was attacked by Darren Wingrove on a number of occasions between January 2013 and December 2016 in Nottinghamshire.

Police began an investigation when the victim reported being raped by Wingrove to a paramedic.

Following an investigation by detectives, Wingrove, aged 53, now of Charles Street, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, Wales, pleaded guilty to two counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault.

At Nottingham Crown Court on Friday (16 October) he was jailed for a total of 14 years.

Wingrove was also made the subject of an indefinite restraining order to further protect the victim.

Detective Sergeant Alan Braisby, from Nottinghamshire Police's rape and serious sexual offences team, said:

"This was predatory and degrading sexual abuse targeting an extremely vulnerable woman.

"Wingrove is a bully who believed he could conceal his offending because of the victim's vulnerabilities. 

“She, by contrast, has been both brave and resilient during interviews with police and during court proceedings.

"This case has faced a number of unforeseen delays, but I hope after these years of turmoil in her life, this outcome in court will help her to rebuild her life.

“I also hope the sentencing of Wingrove will further encourage other victims of rape and sexual abuse to come forward and report offenders.

“Our experienced officers are here to support the victims of appalling crimes like this.

"I'd like to thank the officer in the case for her hard work, which has ultimately resulted in this outcome in court."

Description

A man has today been found guilty of murdering his stepdaughter, who he was sexually obsessed with.

Carla Georgescu (pictured below) was found dead in her student accommodation on her 20th birthday, after the defendant Nathan Owens had travelled from Hartlepool the night before to kill her.

Carla had her whole life ahead of her. She was described by a professional as ‘intelligent, gentle and articulate’. She was a student in Preston, studying Clinical Psychology at undergraduate, with plans for the future to take post-graduate studies in Romania. Carla had friends, in fact, she was meant to travel to Romania the day after she was found, with her friend to meet her boyfriend the first time.

Owens took all of that away from her.

The weekend before she was killed, Carla’s mum came to Preston to stay with her – they shopped together, went out for dinner and stayed in Carla’s halls. On the Sunday, Owens travelled from their home in Hartlepool to meet them and they went out for dinner to celebrate Carla’s upcoming birthday.

Unbeknownst to Carla or her mum, Owens had harboured a sexual obsession with her. He had doctored childhood photographs of her to make them indecent images, he had photographed her without her knowledge in their house, and he had filmed himself carrying out sexual acts, on occasion in Carla’s bedroom, and with an effigy.

At around 9pm on 1st February, Carla and her mum said goodbye. Neither of them knew that this would be the last time they saw each other.

In the early hours of 4th February, Owens travelled again to Preston. He didn’t tell Carla’s mum that he was leaving, or where he was going. She had gone to sleep thinking her daughter was safe.

Owens messaged Carla, pretending that he and her mum were coming to pick up a purse her mum had left behind – that was a lie.

Two and a half hours later, he parked in a side street, rather than his usual parking space at the halls of residence. He then covered his head with a blanket, and was let in to the halls by Carla, who still thought he was coming to pick up her mum’s purse.

The CCTV of Carla letting Owens in was the last time she was seen alive.

Owens followed Carla to her room where he subjected her to a violent and sexual assault and killed her. He then staged the scene to look like Carla had taken her own life.

When our officers attended the scene, this was the initial thought, but they quickly became concerned about something untoward at the scene, and further enquiries were conducted.

After killing Carla, Owens left her halls taking a different route, covering his face with a facemask, carrying bags filled with evidence and using Carla’s umbrella and wearing her shoes.

He returned home as though nothing had happened, disposing of the evidence on his route.

Officers attended Owens’ home to inform him and Carla’s mum of her death, and again on our behalf to ask Owens why he had been caught on CCTV at 4am in Carla’s halls. He lied to those officers saying he was there to pick his wife up after she had been visiting. She couldn’t catch him out in his lies as she was asleep upstairs at the time.

Owens was clearly worried he was going to be found out, as he began to make internet searches after the officers left, including ‘i think the police think im guilty’.

Our detectives soon returned to Owens’ address and arrested him on suspicion of Carla’s murder.

Owens (pictured below) was brought to custody, where he was interviewed. During those interviews all he said was a fleeting 

denial that he had anything to do with her death and had caused her no injury.

Following a consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Owens, 34, of no fixed abode, formerly of Hartlepool, was charged with Murder, assault causing grievous bodily harm and intentional strangulation. He was later charged with two counts of making an indecent photograph of a child and taking an indecent photograph of a child. Carla is the victim of all of these charges.

Owens pleaded not guilty to the murder, meaning that the evidence of his crimes, and of Carla’s final moments were played out in court. He chose not to give evidence in the trial, offering no explanation for his actions. Today, after hearing all of the evidence, and deliberating for for just over three hours, a jury convicted him of Carla’s murder. He previously admitted to the counts of making an indecent photograph of a child.

He will appear back in the dock tomorrow (23rd October) to be sentenced.

DI Pete Macdonald, of our Force Major Investigation Team said:

“Carla was a young woman with her whole life ahead of her, a life that was taken away by someone she should have been able to trust.

“Owens had a despicable, perverted sexual obsession with his stepdaughter, an obsession that ended with him killing her. He has now been brought to justice for his crimes.

“I thank the jury for returning a guilty verdict, as well as the prosecution counsel, Nicholas Lumley K.C, Adam Birkby, Barrister, my investigation team and the Crown Prosecution Service for all of their efforts to obtain justice for Carla.

“No verdict brings Carla back, but I hope that her mum and the rest of her loved ones can feel some sense of justice that the man responsible for taking her future away has been brought to justice.”

Description

We are reappealing for your help to find wanted man Kieran Harrison.

Harrison, 27, from Barnsley, is wanted under the Sexual Offences Act.

We first appealed for information about Harrison’s whereabouts in 2024 and we remain eager to trace him as we also have concerns for his safety.

Since our initial appeal we have continued to carry out multiple enquiries and checks to find him, but we need your help.

We want to hear from anyone who has seen or spoken to Harrison recently, or knows where he might be staying.

Harrison has links to Northampton and Lincolnshire.

If you see Harrison, please do not approach him, but instead call 999. If you have any other information about where he might be, you can contact us via our online live chat, our online portal or by calling 101. Please quote investigation number 14/150399/22 when you get in touch.

You can access our online portal here:  https://www.southyorkshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/

Alternatively, if you prefer not to give your personal details, you can stay anonymous and pass on what you know by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers.

Call their UK Contact Centre on freephone 0800 555 111 or complete a simple and secure anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.

Description

Sami Aharroud, 74, has been jailed for 10 years for a rape committed more than 20 years ago.

His offence came to light when the victim bravely come forward in 2022.

Aharroud, from Splott, Cardiff, denied rape but was found guilty following a trial at Newport Crown Court  in July 2026.

He was sentenced at Merthyr Crown Court on October 12, 2026, to 10 years in prison with an additional three years extended license.

He continues to be subject a Restraining Order and Sexual Harm Prevention Order to further protect the victim.

Officer in the case, Detective Sergeant Stacey Bolton from South Wales Police, said:

“The victim has shown tremendous strength throughout the process, having lived with the impact of Aharroud’s actions for over twenty years before feeling ready to contact police.

“She then supported a protracted investigation and bravely, with the support of family, attended court where she read out a Victim Impact Statement.

“We hope the outcome gives some peace of mind that justice has finally been done, and she has our very best wishes as she continues to heal from this whole ordeal.

“This case is yet another example of why it is never too late for victims of sexual offences to come forward.”

Description

A man has been jailed for 12 years for a series of non-recent sexual and violent offences in Edinburgh.

Ian Whyte, 62, was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 21 October, 2026.

He has also been placed on the sex offenders register.

He had previously been found guilty of the offences, including rape, attempted rape, sexual assault and assault, at the same court on Wednesday, 2 September.

The offences were committed between December 1978 and May 1998, against victims aged from an infant to 15-years-old.

Following an extensive investigation, he was arrested and charged by officers.

Detective Inspector Steph Garnett said:

“This was a complex investigation and our thoughts are with the victims. I hope the sentence helps them to come to terms with the abuse they suffered.

“Whyte will now face the consequences of his despicable actions.

“Police Scotland takes all reports of sexual abuse seriously. Regardless of the passage of time, we will investigate and bring those responsible to justice.

“We remain committed to supporting victims of sexual crime and protecting children from harm and abuse.

“I would urge anyone who is a victim of abuse to speak to police in the knowledge you will be listened to, taken seriously and fully supported.”

Description

A man from Neath Port Talbot has been jailed after he was found guilty of rape.

44-year-old Damien Samuel, from Port Talbot, carried out the attack against a female victim in December 2022.

Samuel pleaded not guilty to one count of rape in March 2025, but was found guilty in September following a trial at Swansea Crown Court.

He has now been sentenced to eight years in prison. He has been handed a 20-year restraining order against the victim and will be on the sex offenders register for life. 

Detective Constable Ryan Blackburn said:

“Damien Samuel took advantage of his victim before asking her to keep quiet about what he had done – clear proof that he knew that his actions were illegal.

“The victim has shown tremendous bravery in quickly coming forward and reporting what Damien Samuel did to police. A thorough investigation has then taken place, which has resulted in a guilty verdict.

“To anyone else who has been a victim of a sexual offence – this case should be an encouraging example that reporting what happened to police will result in any perpetrator being brought to justice.”

Description

A child sex offender has been sentenced to 18 years in prison plus a further six years on extended licence after pleading guilty to 17 charges including rape.

Edward Howard, 34, of Warren Road, Torquay, appeared at Exeter Crown Court for sentence on Thursday 22 October, after pleading guilty at a hearing on Thursday 20 August.

Of the 17 charges, four were against the same victim - rape of a girl under 13, two counts of attempted assault by penetration of girl under 13, making an indecent photograph of a child.

He also pleaded guilty to:

Two counts of making an indecent photograph of a child – Category A

Two counts of making an indecent photograph of a child – Category B

Two counts of making an indecent photograph of a child – Category C

Three counts of distributing an indecent image of a child, one for Category A, one for Category B and one for Category C.

Possession of extreme pornography.

Three counts of sexual communication with a child.

Howard was first arrested in December 2025 when information was received that he had uploaded indecent images of children to the internet.

Further examination of his mobile phone revealed a large quantity of indecent images of children of each category.

Evidence was located on the device of sexual communications with three children.

It also contained images that he had taken himself of one victim.

The victim later disclosed that he had sexually assaulted her on more than one occasion.

Following the sentencing, officer in the case Detective Constable Ryan McGregor said:

“This was a complex and disturbing investigation led by the Devon and Cornwall Paedophile Online Investigation Team.

“It showcases the importance of building a strong case through tenacious work and providing as much evidence as possible to leave the offender little alternative other than to plead guilty.

“We would like to commend the incredible courage and strength of the victim in speaking out. She has been supported by her family and specially trained officers throughout and I do not underestimate the impact this has had on her. We hope this outcome will offer some comfort to the victim and her family.

“We welcome today’s sentence. We will never stop investigating such offences to safeguard children and protect the public from those who seek to hurt children. For those tempted to engage in this type of behaviour, our message is simple: we are watching you, you will be caught, and you can expect a knock at the door from us very soon.

“We also hope this sentence will provide reassurance to other victims of sexual offending to help give them the confidence to report to us. No matter who is involved or when it happened, we will do whatever is in our power to bring offenders to justice, protect and support survivors, and enable the truth to be uncovered about these terrible crimes.”