Latest Offenders

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A member of security staff who targeted a 14-year-old girl while on duty at a Worcestershire rail station has been jailed, following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Aamar Mohammed, 35, and of Shireland Road in Sandwell, was found guilty of two counts of Sexual Assault following a week-long trial.

At Worcester Crown Court on 12 January, a judge sentenced him to three years and eight months in prison.

He was also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and will be on the sex offenders register for life.

On 14 November 2021, Mohammed approached the teenager at Worcester Shrub Hill railway station wearing a high-vis vest and asked where she was travelling to.

He walked her to the platform her train was due to arrive at before heading into an office at the station.

A short while later he asked her into that office as a warm place to go while she waited for her train. And as she approached, he turned the room’s lights off. 

Inside the office Mohammed forced himself upon the teenager and sexually assaulted her.

She managed to get away from him and return to the platform to board her train, and he then emerged from the office and waved at her as the service left the station.

The victim, who suffered bruising from the attack, reported Mohammed’s actions to her family who called the police.

He was arrested the same evening and an extensive investigation led by BTP detectives resulted in multiple charges being brought against him.

Specialist support was provided to the victim throughout the investigation and as the case progressed through courts. 

Mohammed failed to appear for a subsequent court hearing and had to be rearrested at his home address in March 2023.

BTP Detective Constable Tim Friend said:

“Aamar Mohammed used his trusted position as a station security guard to groom a teenage girl and subject her to a deplorable sexual assault. 

“His attack was so forceful that it left the victim with physical injuries, and will no doubt have a lasting impact on her psychologically. It is down to her bravery in reporting him to police, and determination to stick with the process as it progressed through the courts, that we have been able to bring a truly vile man to justice.

“We will stop at nothing to ensure sexual predators like Mohammed are removed from our communities and put behind bars where they belong.”

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A man convicted of multiple sexual assaults on London's transport network and beyond exhibited a disturbing pattern of behavior that traumatized victims.

Craig Anderson, 38, targeted women at Bank, Liverpool Street, and Westminster Underground stations, plus Redhill in Surrey, from June to October last year. CCTV showed him pushing through barriers at Bank on June 14, grinning while seeking a lone victim. In one assault, he laughed as his victim screamed and cried.

Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard he groped a woman on a staircase and, on a Gatwick train, asked another what she'd do if he tried to kiss her—then attempted it despite her warning she'd report him.

Anderson also stalked a woman met on a train, contacting her from eight numbers. In August, he sent her an unsolicited explicit image, later calling it “playful.”

He was convicted of four sexual assault counts and stalking causing serious alarm or distress from June 26 to October 3. From the dock, he shouted: “I can do what I want about girls.”

Prosecutor Ellen Alexander said: “He was deliberately targeting vulnerable women alone on public transport for sexual pleasure. He did not take no for an answer. He walks away smiling and sticking his tongue out. He does not understand the seriousness of what he has done.”

British Transport Police called Anderson a serious danger to women, noting his smirking during questioning and lack of remorse.

The BTP investigating officer said:

“Anderson is a dangerous predator who preyed on women for his own sexual gratification. During his initial questioning he smirked his way through providing no comment responses, highlighting his lack of remorse for his actions. It is thanks to the brave victims who supported this investigation that we have seen him convicted for these heinous crimes. 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 do everything possible to bring them to justice.”

Description

A sleeping young woman "freaked out" in horror when she awoke to find a drunken man sexually assaulting her. In panic, she asked what he was doing and told him to leave.

She later felt "devastated" upon discovering a video of him joking about the incident, leaving her life "turned upside down," Hull Crown Court heard.

Joshua McBride, 21, admitted causing a person to engage in sexual activity during the Hull incident on September 15, 2024. The case was set for trial in November after he initially denied it and elected jury trial.

Prosecutor Hannah Turner said McBride tried kissing the woman at a property in the early hours, but she pushed him away. She fell asleep, then woke to pain in her mouth, finding his fingers prying her jaw open while he controlled her hand on his body.

"As soon as she realised what was happening, she freaked out," said Miss Turner. The woman asked: "What the f*** are you doing?" and leapt up, demanding he leave. Another person helped remove him, and she reported the assault.

The victim said her life was "turned upside down," fearing his return, suffering panic attacks, massive mental health deterioration, fatigue, and needing medication. It affected her family. She saw the video and felt McBride was "very dismissive," adding: "I feel I have been violated."

In a later statement, she noted improvement, reduced panic attacks, completed therapy, but still became tearful recalling it.

Defense lawyer Rachel Scott said McBride had no prior convictions: "This is the first time that he has ever been in trouble with the police and I can confidently say that it will be the last." He was immature then but now showed maturity and reflection. He had little memory, pleaded guilty late, and apologized.

McBride said: "I would never want to seek to make an excuse for what I did. I feel deep shame and regret for the mistake I made." Miss Scott clarified: "This wasn't a mistake. This was criminal behaviour." It gave him "the shock of his life," and he never wanted to repeat it.

McBride was involved in two football teams (on the board for one, handling finances), a cricket team, volunteered at events, and worked in a council's transport department.

Recorder Andrew Dallas noted McBride's "belated remorse," claiming until trial morning: "That's not the sort of thing I would do." He was "eight out of 10 drunk" during the "very serious sexual assault." "You knew that she was drunk and was not in any position to consent," said Recorder Dallas. He fought the case until the victim was "poised to give evidence and suffering anxiety and stress. She was devastated... and it has had profound consequences for her. You should be utterly ashamed of yourself."

McBride, of Manor Rise, Reepham, near Lincoln, received an eight-month suspended prison sentence, 180 hours' unpaid work, 15 days' rehabilitation, £1,630 costs, a 10-year restraining order, and must register as a sex offender for 10 years.

Description

A sex offender who groomed children over Snapchat and encouraged them to share indecent images has been jailed for ten years.

Jordan Longhurst, 27-years-old from Osborn Road, Fareham, was arrested on Monday 10 October 2022 after reports that linked him to uploading indecent images of children to the internet.

Following his arrest, investigators examined Longhurst’s mobile phone and discovered indecent images of children on his device. Officers also found evidence that Longhurst was communicating sexually with children online, inciting them to carry out sexual acts and screen recording them. He was then arrested again on Saturday 9 November 2024 after accessing indecent images of children online.

He was subsequently charged with the following offences, which he pled not guilty to at Portsmouth Crown Court Monday 24 March 2025. Longhurst failed to appear at Portsmouth Crown Court on Monday 17 November 2025 and was subsequently arrested. He then changed his pleas to guilty in relation to the following offences and was remanded into custody prior to sentencing:

• 10 counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity on Thursday 7 July 2022, Saturday 6 August 2022 (two counts), Sunday 7 August 2022, Sunday 4 September 2022, Sunday 2 October 2022, Monday 3 October 2022 (three counts), and between Monday 3 October and Thursday 6 October 2022
• Attempting to cause a child to engage in sexual activity on Sunday 7 August 2022
• Making 138 Category A still and moving indecent photographs of children between Sunday 27 April 2014 and Monday 10 October 2022
• Making 5 Category A indecent photographs of children between Saturday 26 October 2024 and Saturday 9 November 2024
• Making 93 Category B still and moving indecent photographs of children between Sunday 27 April 2014 and Monday 10 October 2022
• Making 13 Category B still and moving indecent photographs of children between Saturday 26 October 2024 and Friday 8 November 2024
• Making 117 Category C still and moving indecent photographs of children between Sunday 27 April 2014 and Monday 10 October 2022
• Making 22 Category C indecent photographs of children between Saturday 26 October 2024 and Tuesday 29 October 2024
• Failing without reasonable cause to surrender at Portsmouth Crown Court on Monday 17 November 2025

Appearing at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday 23 January 2026 Longhurst was jailed for ten years. He was also ordered to sign on to the Sex Offenders Register for an indefinite period and handed a fifteen year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

PC Sarah Tickner, from the Internet Child Abuse Team (ICAT), said:

“The extent of Longhurst’s offending is deeply shocking. He persistently targeted young children online and encouraged them share sexual videos and imagery with him.

“Longhurst groomed and exploited these children for his own perverse gratification, and it is clear he poses a serious risk to children.

“I hope his sentence today encourages victims to come forward and feel confident that they will be listened to, supported, and that offenders who perpetrate crimes of this nature will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice.” 

Description

A man who sexually assaulted a woman after trapping her in a train toilet before going on to assault a teenager just minutes later has been jailed for six years.

Following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation, Daniel Odubanjo, 27 of King Avenue, Clapham, was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday 12 January for one count of False Imprisonment and two counts of Sexual Assault after being found guilty following an earlier trial.

Odubanjo received six years in prison, ordered to pay a victim surcharge, and given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) which prohibits him from being under the influence of any substance while on public transport, at stations or on Network Rail property.

The court heard how on Friday 29 November 2024, on-board a service from Shenfield to Chelmsford, Odubanjo repeatedly banged on the toilet door while it was engaged.

The woman inside quickly washed her hands and unlocked the door expecting to find another passenger needing to use the facilities.

But instead she came face to face with Odubanjo who pushed her back inside the cubicle and locked the door, forcefully grabbing her wrists and sexually assaulting her.

In the struggle that ensued, the woman, who was 21 at the time, managed to open the door and attempt to get the attention of a fellow passenger but he grabbed her and pulled her back into the toilet where he continued the sexual assault as she screamed for help.

It was only when she lied about her age, claiming to be 14, that Odubanjo let her go.

In an extremely distressed state, she approached a member of staff and left the train at Chelmsford where she reported what had happened to BTP.

Just moments later, Odubanjo approached a 17-year-old girl boarding the service and sat opposite her, asking her a barrage of inappropriate questions before exposing himself.

When he left to go to the toilet, the teenager moved seats to sit closer to other passengers, telling them what had happened, but Odubanjo returned and sat next to her and sexually assaulted her.

A passenger sat nearby grabbed Odubanjo off the girl.

The train was met by BTP officers at Hatfield Peverel station, just outside Chelmsford, and Odubanjo was arrested at the scene.

BTP Detective Sergeant Hayley Whyte said:

"Odubanjo preyed on a young woman and a teenage girl in terrifying attacks just minutes apart.

“Both were left distressed and traumatised by the vile assaults he subjected them to. Despite this, their courage and determination to see him brought to justice has resulted in a suitably lengthy prison sentence.

“I commend their bravery, and that of the bystanders who intervened in the second attack.”

Description

A man who sexually manipulated two young girls across the country has today (Friday, 23 January 2026), been sentenced to a total of eight years behind bars, and will be required to be on licence for an additional three years.

He is also to be placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely, and handed a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Luke Williamson, 34-years-old, of Bunyan Road in Kempston, Bedfordshire, appeared at Hull Crown Court for sentencing after pleading guilty to 20 child sex offences at a previous court hearing

Williamson sent thousands of messages, including videos and voice calls, through multiple social media channels to two teenage girls all under 16-years-old, living in West Midlands and Hertfordshire, leading them to believe he was in love with them and manipulating them into doing what he wanted for his own perverse sexual gain.

Williamson was charged in July 2025 and pleaded guilty in October 2025 to 12 counts of arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sexual offence, three counts of sexual communications with a child, three counts of making indecent photographs of a child, causing a child to watch a sexual act and taking indecent photographs of a child.

Leading the extensive investigation into the scale of Williamson’s offending was Detective Inspector Cat Slaughter from our Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit, who said:

“Williamson is a very calculated and manipulative man who preyed on vulnerable girls and in essence, groomed them with his methods being the same each time.

“He would first ask the girls how old they were and once he knew they were underage he continued with messaging them inappropriately.  Once they were overwhelmed by his interest, he progressed on to asking them for favours which included sending photographs of their legs and feet.

“He went on to initiate a phone or video call with the girls.  If they were reluctant or refused, he offered them money, alcohol, or vapes in a devious scheme to coerce them into doing what he wanted.  He then took the next step, persuading them to meet him in person which enabled him to continue his sexual offending against them.”

The investigation commenced when Williamson’s phone was seized in May this year as part of another investigation and examined by our Digital Forensics Unit who uncovered the messages, images and videos he had been sending.

It was established during the investigation that Williamson drove significant distances across the country to meet the girls, and location tracking data analysed from his phone showed that he would wait for hours in his car to execute his plan.

On one occasion, he went to such lengths that he meticulously planned and implemented entering one of the girl’s houses whilst her family members slept to engage in sexual activity with her.

Williamson was arrested in July this year and whilst he first refused to admit involvement in any of the allegations put to him, due to the amount of significant evidence and strong case built by the detectives, he entered a guilty plea at a Pre Trial Plea Hearing in October 2025.

DI Slaughter continued:

“Even whilst on remand for a previous investigation Williamson continued to write letters to one of the girls, making false promises, and further led her to believe that he was in love with her.

“When someone has been sexually manipulated, groomed or abused, people sometimes do not want to fully engage with an investigation, as was the situation with this case, and I want to acknowledge how incredibly difficult it is and that we completely understand and respect the girls’ decision.

“We believed that Williamson was a danger to young girls, and we continued to gather as much evidence as we could to build a strong case against him.  

“Before the Judge passed her sentence today, she said that Williamson is a high risk offender and a serious risk to teenage girls, I hope the result at court today demonstrates our commitment to prosecuting offenders like Williamson and I hope it provides some reassurance to anyone who has been or is a victim of any type of sexual offence. It is never your fault, you will be believed, and we will do all we can to hold those responsible to account.

“I would urge anyone who reads this court result about Williamson’s offending and is affected by it, or if it causes you concern, please come forward and report via our dedicated Major Incident Public Portal quoting log 72 of 17 November 2025.”

Jessica Randell, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS Yorkshire and Humberside, added:

"Luke Williamson repeatedly targeted and groomed young girls, before subjecting them to appalling degradation. He treated his victims as sexual objects to be used and discarded, showing a complete disregard for their dignity and wellbeing in doing so.

“To build this case, we dissected thousands of text messages between Williamson and his victims. This allowed us to build a comprehensive picture of the extent of his offending and ultimately secure guilty pleas to 20 counts of child sexual abuse.  

“Working closely with Humberside Police, we have been able to ensure that Williamson is rightfully imprisoned for his crimes and cannot subject any more victims to his disturbing patterns of behaviour. The CPS is determined to tackle child sexual abuse in all its forms and to help stop the devastating impact of these crimes on victims.”

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A man who failed to attend court has been sentenced in his absence after he was found guilty of rape, neglect and controlling and coercive behaviour in Crewe.

Foisal Ahmed, of West Street, Buckingham, was sentenced in his absence to eight years in prison at Chester Crown Court on Monday 19 January.

The 34-year-old was earlier found guilty of two counts of rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and child neglect, following a 9-day trial in September 2025.

In November 2023, Cheshire Police were called to an address in Crewe and spoke with the victim who disclosed Ahmed had assaulted her and raped her multiple times over several months. He also assaulted the victim’s young child during this time.

He was subsequently arrested and interviewed in relation to the offences and later charged.

Ahmed failed to appear at court on the final day of the trial, and a warrant has since been issued for his arrest. Detectives are now urging anyone with information as to his whereabouts to contact us.

Detective Constable Simon Knowles, who led the investigation, said:

“After all he put his victim through, Ahmed continues to torment her by failing to take any accountability for his actions and serve the sentence handed to him by the courts.

“Despite his cowardice, I am grateful for the sentence which reflects the severity of his despicable crimes, and I hope the conclusion of this case will bring the victim some closure.

“I would like to thank the victim for her bravery in talking to police about what happened to her, and I would encourage anyone who has experienced or been victim of an offence of this nature to please get in touch with us by calling 101 or visit our website.”

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A man who travelled to Swindon with the intention of sexually abusing a child has today been jailed (23/1).

Mark Bellas, 54, from Harebell Gardens, Houghton Regis, Dunstable, Bedfordshire was arrested in Swindon in October last year having travelled from his home address. He thought he was meeting a girl under the age of 13 who he was intending to sexually abuse. Instead, he was met by officers from the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU).  

At the time of his arrest, Bellas was on bail for distributing indecent images of children following an investigation by Bedfordshire Police. 

Today, at Swindon Crown Court, he was sentenced to 12 years with a five-year extended licence, given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be required to be on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely. 

Bellas pleaded guilty to two counts of arranging orfacilitatingthe commission of a child sex offence,attemptingto cause or incite the sexual exploitation of a child and five counts of distributing indecent images of children. He has been remanded in custody since his arrest by SWROCU last year. 

DI Dave Wells from SWROCU said:

“Due to the strength of the evidence gathered by the police, Bellas had no option but to plead guilty. He is a dangerous individual who preys upon children to fulfil his sexual desires, and I welcome the sentence handed down to him today. 

“Specially trained officers are all across the internet rooting out and prosecuting individuals’ intent upon sexually abusing and exploiting children. We worked in collaboration with our colleagues at the Metropolitan Police and the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) to bring Bellas to justice.”

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A man has pleaded guilty to 48 sexual offences against his former wife.

Philip Young, 49, formally of Swindon but now living in Enfield, appeared at Winchester Crown Court today (23/01) charged with dozens of serious sexual offences against his ex-wife, Joanne.

He pleaded guilty to the following offences:

• 11 counts of rape
• 11 counts of administering a substance with intent to stupefy / overpower to allow sexual activity
• 14 counts of voyeurism
• 7 counts of assault by penetration
• 4 counts of sexual assault
• One count of publishing an obscene article

He pleaded not guilty to making indecent images of children, possessing prohibited images of children and possessing extreme pornographic images.

He will proceed to trial for these offences, scheduled for October 5 this year at Winchester Crown Court.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Geoff Smith said:

“I welcome today’s guilty plea from Philip Young, who has admitted dozens of serious sexual offences against Jo.

“I want to pay tribute to her for her incredible bravery throughout this process and she continues to be supported by specially trained officers.

“I’d also like to commend the investigation team for their relentless hard work in getting the case to this stage and thank the Crown Prosecution Service for their support in ensuring Young faces justice for his abhorrent actions.

“As the wider case is now continuing through the courts, it would be inappropriate to comment further."

James Foster, Specialist Prosecutor, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said:

“Philip Young has today pleaded guilty to 48 serious sexual offences committed against his former wife, Joanne Young.

“We worked closely with Wiltshire Police to build a thorough and compelling case that resulted in him pleading guilty to dozens of offences today.”

Description

A high-risk sex offender breached his court order by installing three apps, then deleted them in panic when police arrived.

Jonathan Frost, 43, of Corscombe Close, Ferryhill, received a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) after his September 2021 conviction for attempted sexual communication with a child and attempting to meet a child following grooming, resulting in a suspended sentence.

Due to his "high risk" of re-offending, monitoring software was installed on his phone.

Prosecutor Kathryn Wetherley told Durham Crown Court that police visited his home on December 15 last year, suspecting unauthorized apps. The apps—Zangi, Plamfly, and Buzzcast—enabled contact with women and were sexual in nature.

Frost let officers in but went to the bathroom. His phone then showed no apps, and he admitted deleting them.

He was arrested and, in interview, acknowledged understanding the SHPO terms, citing a prior breach involving Snapchat.

Frost admitted four breaches: three for installing the apps, one for deleting an image of his private parts.

Miss Wetherley called them "very serious, persistent and deliberate breaches."

Defense counsel Albany Kidd noted Frost's vulnerability, diagnosed learning disabilities, and supportive family living with his parents.

She conceded the deliberate breach but said: "When he saw the police arriving, in a moment of panic, it was a deliberate decision to delete, but it wasn’t calculated or pre-planned." The apps were for conversations with adult women.

Judge Nathan Adams noted these were not Frost's first breaches, as he was given "chances" in 2024.

The judge said: "You were given a further chance and, nevertheless, you are back here again in breach of the SHPO and sex offender notification requirements and the only outcome is immediate custody. You were fully aware deletion would be a direct breach of the order."

He imposed 12 months for the latest breaches, plus eight months activated from a June 2024 suspended sentence, totaling 20 months in prison.

Judge Adams warned further breaches would lead to more custody.

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Nathan Trewern has been sentenced at Truro Crown Court for making indecent images of children, distributing indecent images of children, and possessing extreme pornographic images of people having sex with animals.

A depraved offender caught with indecent images of children and extreme pornographic material depicting bestiality has avoided prison.

Nathan Trewern, 30, appeared at Truro Crown Court this month and was sentenced on January 9 for offenses spanning April 2015 to May 2024. He created 190 category A indecent images of children (the most serious), 159 category B images, and 51 category C images. He also distributed 231 indecent images and possessed seven extreme pornographic images "which portrayed, in an explicit and realistic way, a person performing an act of intercourse with a live animal, namely a dog and a horse," per court documents, as reported by Cornwall Live.

Trewern, of Treloweth Road in Pool (between Redruth and Camborne), admitted three counts of making indecent images, one count of distribution, and one count of possessing extreme porn. He received a two-year suspended prison sentence, 200 hours of unpaid work, and 40 days of rehabilitation including a sex offenders' program.

He faces a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, registration on the sex offenders' list for 10 years, and £120 in court costs.

Description

A man has been jailed for seven years and two months after he pleaded guilty to non-recent sex offences against a teenage girl.

Tom Heckley, 25, of Muirfield Way in Woodhall Spa was convicted of 15 offences when he appeared at Lincoln Crown Court earlier today (22 January).

These include seven counts of sexual activity with a child involving penetration, one count of engaging in sexual communication with a child and one count of attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act.

Heckley committed the crimes in 2021 in the Lincolnshire area when he was 20 years old. The offences came to light following a report to the police in October 2023.

The 25-year-old was also convicted of six counts of possessing indecent images of children. The images and chat logs were discovered on Heckley’s phone after they were seized and examined and were of other teenage girls under 16 at the time.

Detective Constable Kye Sykes, who led the investigation, said:

“We’d like to pay tribute to the bravery of the victim in this case. Having the courage to report a traumatic event and placing her trust in us meant that we were able to identify other victims and safeguard them to the best of our ability.

“Despite the case being reported three years after it took place, we hope that this case reiterates that it is never too late to report if you are a survivor of sexual abuse. We will do everything we can to thoroughly investigate historic offences and hold offenders accountable for their actions.

“We’d also like to give thanks to the Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) Service at Spring Lodge for their support that they provide to survivors of sexual violence.”

Heckley has also been given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and a restraining order. Heckley has also been placed on the Sex Offenders Register.

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The bravery of a woman who was raped and sexually assaulted in her Bournemouth home has seen her attacker brought to justice.

Her courage in coming forward and support for the subsequent investigation by detectives saw 28-year-old Chret Courtney Callender convicted following a trial at Bournemouth Crown Court.

On the night of Friday 13 June 2025 the victim, aged in her 20s, had seen Callender – who was known to her – on a night out in the town. She had then got a taxi home while the defendant stayed in town.

Later on, during the early hours of Saturday 14 June 2025, Callender turned up at her address and she let him in, hoping he would not stay too long.

Callender started to make sexual advances towards her, but she made it clear she did not want anything to happen.

He subsequently sexually assaulted her and raped her, despite the victim making it clear she did not consent.

The victim reported the matter to police the same day and was supported through The Shores Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) and by an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) throughout the investigation and court process.

Following a detailed investigation by detectives from BCP CID, Callender – a Trinidadian and Tobagonian national who gave his self-defined ethnicity as black Caribbean including black British – was charged and appeared at court.

He denied the offences and the matter went to trial, where the victim’s evidence helped secure a conviction.

Callender returned to court on Thursday 22 January 2026 and was sentenced to seven years in prison.

Detective Constable Samantha James, of Dorset Police, said:

“Chret Callender forced himself upon his victim despite her clear indications that she did not consent.

“Despite the horrific ordeal she faced at the hands of this defendant, she has shown the strength to come forward and report the matter as well as support the subsequent investigation, ensuring Callender faced justice for his offending and now finds himself behind bars.

“We are committed to doing all we can to tackle violence against women and girls and want to ensure victims have the confidence to come forward and report offences in the knowledge they will be fully supported and perpetrators such as Callender will face the consequences of their actions.”

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A Wirral man has been jailed for ten years after being found guilty of non-recent sex offences.

Craig Middleton, 53, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday 21 January) after being convicted of two counts of rape.

The offences occurred in 2009 at two properties in Leeds against a woman aged in her 20s, but it formed part of a Merseyside Police investigation.

Detective Inspector Peter Rexwinkel said:

“I hope this sentencing reassures our communities that we take all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously, no matter how long ago they occurred.

“We will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of those who commit serious sexual offences and time is no barrier to an investigation.

“I want to praise the victim in this case who had to undergo the added trauma of a trial after Middleton denied the offences.

“Thankfully a jury saw through his lies and he is now starting a lengthy prison sentence for his appalling offences.

“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.

“We have 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 urge anyone who is a victim of any form sexual abuse to please report this to police, as we have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and compassion.

“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 of this crime.”

Description

Sex offender Michael Hampson, 35, failed to inform police about a Samsung Galaxy tablet. He initially lied, claiming an empty Samsung Galaxy box by his settee belonged to a former resident.

Officers found the tablet under the sofa and arrested him. It marked his 10th breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Hampson has now been jailed for 16 months at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.

The SHPO prohibits him from using internet-capable devices without notifying police within three days. Devices must retain internet history and be available for inspection. On October 17, police visited his home and spotted the box.

Prosecutor Josh Daley said: "He allowed them in. They spoke in the lounge. Police noted an empty box for a Samsung Galaxy tablet. He said it was not his and it belonged to a previous resident. Police suspected he may have a further device. They conducted a search. They asked him to stand up. He admitted he had a tablet under the sofa. Police located it and seized it. He had only obtained the tablet the day before. He is not in breach for failing to register it but in breach for failing to make it available for inspection."

The court heard Hampson was convicted of two charges of encouraging a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity. He has nine prior SHPO breach convictions.

Hampson, of Maryfield Walk, Penkhull, pleaded guilty to the breach.

Mitigating, Paul Cliff said: "He does exhibit some remorse for his offending. His words are, 'I need to stop telling lies'. It was foolish to push the tablet under the sofa. He initially denied he was in possession of that item. It was driven by panic. He was in possession of the tablet for less than 24 hours at the time."

Recorder Robert Smith said: "You are a loner. You are quite isolated. The way you deal with that situation is to constantly lie to professionals who are charged with protecting the public. The purpose of the SHPO is to stop you having sexualised conversations with children. Your previous convictions seriously aggravate the position.

"There is some truth to what you said to the pre-sentence report writer, in that you lead an isolated and lonely life. But if you keep dealing with matters in the way you are I will keep sending you to prison for longer and longer. You have two choices, comply with the order or keep getting prison sentences. You need to stop flagrantly breaching the orders of this court. The court's patience with you has run out. Your offending is so serious and persistent, immediate imprisonment is inevitable and unavoidable."