Latest Offenders

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A woman who sexually assaulted and raped a child with two other men has been given a life sentence for sexual offences against children today (Friday 13th May) following an extensive joint investigation by Merseyside Police and St Helens Social Care. During a previous court case in June 2021 a phone of a convicted paedophile showed indecent images and videos of children sent by a mobile number that was linked to Vicki Bevan. Further messages and images alleged that Vicki was sexually abusing children with two other men. The evidence led to a search being conducted of Vickis home address where numerous devices including laptops and a mobile phone were found with several indecent images of children that were shared with two men Tony Hutton and Paul Rafferty. Bevan was arrested on Monday 25th October 2021 and was charged with 11 offences the following day. Further charges were then added to Bevans indictment at court and she was charged with a total of 34 offences. After all pleading guilty at Liverpool Crown Court in January 2022 Vicki Bevan of Napier Street, St Helens was today given a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years for rape, five counts of assault of a child under 13 by penetration, two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, making indecent images, three counts of distributing indecent photographs of a child and two counts of possessing extreme pornography. Paul Rafferty, 62, of Fry Street, St Helens was jailed for 10 years with an extended four year license for the rape of a child under 13, assaulting a child under the age of 13 by penetration, sexual assault of a child under 13, three counts of making indecent photographs of a child, one count of making an indecent photograph and two counts of making indecent photographs. Tony Hutton, 42, of Liverpool Street, St Helens was jailed for four years for sexual assault of a child under 13 and two counts of taking indecent photographs. Detective Chief Inspector Allison Woods said: These extremely disturbing crimes committed by Bevan, Rafferty and Hutton have caused great psychological and physical harm to their victims and destroyed lives. They repeatedly subjected them to deplorable offences, and we welcome the lengthy sentences given out by the court today. "Thanks to our extensive investigations with St Helens Social Services these three despicable offenders are all behind bars where they pose no further risk to other children. I would like to thank the detectives and social workers on the investigation team who have worked tirelessly to support the victims of Bevan, Rafferty and Hutton and gather evidence to bring them to justice. It proves that Merseyside Police are completely committed to protecting children from sexual abuse and those who seek to do them harm. If you have experienced any form of sexual abuse, or know of a child being abused, please come forward and report this to police. We have a specialist team committed to dealing with all forms of child abuse, who will treat any information from you extremely seriously, and will follow up every report and any information that comes in, so please report this to us. I can assure anyone who reports such offences that you will be treated with the utmost sensitivity and fully supported through the entire process.

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A remorseless rapist who attacked an 83-year-old woman in her own home has been jailed.

Kyle McKenzie, 23, was sentenced to 11 years after admitting his crime but showing no contrition.

McKenzie attacked the woman after breaking into a property in Glenrothes, Fife, on June 25, 2020 and carried out what police described as a 'particularly brutal attack on a vulnerable woman' in her own home.

He pleaded guilty on November 16 and was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh today.

Senior investigating officer DI Darren Stewart said: 'Kyle McKenzie is clearly a very dangerous, opportunistic individual.

'He carried out particularly brutal attack on a vulnerable woman, submitting her to a harrowing ordeal in the one place in the world she should have been safest, her own home.

'He showed no contrition for his reprehensible behaviour when he was charged.

'However, he will now face the consequences of his actions having admitted his guilt.

'A large scale police investigation was carried out following this incident which ultimately identified McKenzie as being the individual responsible.

'I want to take the opportunity to thank the public and partner agencies for their assistance and information provided, particularly in providing support to the woman involved.

'Police Scotland treats all reports of sexual crime with the utmost professionalism and sensitivity in order to bring perpetrators of such crimes such as Kyle McKenzie to justice.'

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Louise Smith, 42, formally of Cheshire, was jailed for 11 years after pleading guilty to 12 counts of sexual activity in the presence of a child and causing a child to commit a sexual act.

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A paedophile from Runcorn who took pictures of himself raping a baby received a life sentence at Chester Crown Court yesterday for his "despicable" crimes. Gareth Andrew Davis, 43, of Ashridge Street, Runcorn, was caught after 512 child abuse images were discovered in a Google account in his name by the National Crime Agency (NCA).

The judge handed down the sentence described it as the most serious case he had dealt with in 40 years. Cheryl Mottram, prosecuting, told the court that NCA investigators suspected that Davis himself featured among the images, which lead to a warrant being executed at Davis' home. Following his arrest, it was established that some of the images showed Davis abusing a baby.

A photograph Davis had covertly taken of a naked child on a beach in North Wales was also found amongst the images. Some images had been shared with a male in the North East, and Davis had also discussed abuse in an online chat room.

Davis had also taken over 600 images of himself simulating sexual abuse with a child's baby doll, including some images of Davis with his hand round the neck simulating strangulation. These pictures were referred to as evidence of an additional "violent" risk posed by Davis.

In December, Davis pled guilty to to rape of a child under 13, sexual assault by penetration of a child under 13, and three counts of making indecent images: 36 of the most heinous type, Category A, 382 Category B and 94 Category C images. A further five counts were ordered to lie on file.

Judge Steven Everett, Recorder of Chester, compared the case with that of former Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins, who was convicted of abuse in 2014. Watkins was handed a 35-year sentence, 29 years in prison plus six on extended licence.

Davis had no previous convictions, but Judge Everett said this could not be used as mitigation as he had used his supposed good character as means to have access to commit abuse. He said that Daviss troubling images of himself simulating strangulation meant alarm bells are truly ringing.

He told the court: They cause me real concern, not just of a sexual nature, a sexual nature is bad enough, but real concern that hes a double danger in that regard.

He opted not to impose a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) because of the long time Davis would inevitably serve in prison and on life licence. The judge told the court that psychiatric and probation reports found Davis had no mental illness as medically defined.

Instead, Davis had sought to minimise his vile acts and claimed Covid-19 lockdown isolation left feeling lonely and keen to comply with requests from other sick individuals. Judge Everett dismissed that as arrant nonsense", reminding the court that the crimes began prior to the pandemic.

Paul Becker, appearing on behalf of the defence, said he did not want the public gallery to think Im in any way condoning what occurred which are disgraceful and wicked offences to a very young baby, and said it would be ludicrous to argue Davis should not be classed as dangerous following his horrendous crimes.

He argued mitigation for Davis's early guilty pleas, lack of previous convictions, work history and feelings of humiliation, worthlessness and some remorse.

Mr Becker said the risk posed to the public by David would reduce while he was in custody.

He said: The defendant in custody has gained some education, maths and English.

He holds a trusted position as a mentor, hes working as a wing cleaner, hes gone on a mental health course to address emotions and anxiety.

The judge said a life sentence was wholly inevitable.

Judge Everett passed a life sentence, comprising a 27-year prison term with life licence - which enables Davis' recall to prison if he breaches his release conditions.

Sentencing Davis, he said: What youve pleaded guilty to is the most serious case Ive had to deal with concerning serious sexual offences.

Its the most serious case Ive dealt with in 40 years or more as a solicitor, barrister and then judge.

Ive not come across a case as serious as this. Its of the extremist seriousness. Its depraved, disgusting, despicable. I could go on.

Its difficult in fact to describe just how bad this case is and what a terrible effect its had on so many people.

He added: You got caught fortunately because Ive no doubt had you not been caught you would have continued to be an extreme danger to children, (a victim) and others.

You should understand that some of the matters you put forward to the psychiatrist and probation officer, I utterly reject.

Commenting on Daviss potential for violence, Judge Everett said: You harboured those terrible views towards young children and Im satisfied you harbour not just views of a sexual nature but of an extremely violent nature including murder.

Im quite satisfied you harbour those views.

These views came out in an awful way.

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Former World Darts Champion Ted Hankey has been jailed for two years after he was caught on camera sexually assaulting a young woman. Hankey, who acted with an "air of entitlement" was filmed carrying out the attack in Cheshire, and was immediately arrested after the victim reported the assault to police. The 54-year-old pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault, in September 2021, at Warrington Magistrates Court in April. Jailing him, Judge Steven Everett, Recorder of Chester, said Hankey, of Berry Hill, Stoke-on-Trent, would have "denied it to the bitter end" if the attack had not been caught on film. He was given an immediate two-year jail term and has been placed on the Sexual Offenders Register for the next 10 years. After being arrested Hankey denied committing the offence, and - after being shown the video footage - answered 'no comment'. His victim said she has been left scared and depressed since the assault last September. Footage of the attack was played to the judge after the court had been cleared of the press and members of the public. Passing sentence, Judge Everett told him: You genuinely believed nobody would believe her, until you were shown the damning evidence." He added: "You treated her as an object for your own disgusting and deviant sexual desires. "Your self-pity about the loss of status and ability to earn money Im sure you will never play darts again on television. In a victim impact statement read to the court, the woman said she now suffers continuing distress, panic attacks and heart palpitations. She added: As a result of this crime I believe I have developed PTSD. This crime has had a major impact on my mental health. Im very distrusting of males. I find it very difficult to have any physical contact with others. Following the sentencing Detective Constable Laura Bradshaw, of the Cheshire Police Public Protection Directorate, who led the investigation said: "Firstly I would like to commend the victim for the courage and bravery that see has shown throughout the investigation. "The evidence she provided proved vital in Hankeys prosecution and left him with no option but to plead guilty to the charge against him. "While the victim will never be able to forget what Hankey subjected her to, I do hope that the conclusion of this case provides some closure and enables her to move forward with her life. "I also hope that this case encourages other victims of sexual offences to come forward and report them to us." District Crown Prosecutor Brian Forshaw, a specialist lawyer with CPS Mersey Cheshires Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) unit, said: "The Crown Prosecution Service and Cheshire Police had damning evidence of this assault and Mr Hankey thankfully pleaded guilty at an early stage. He has now been sentenced. "The evidence she secured of the assault was crucial to this case and no doubt led to Mr Hankeys guilty plea. "Mr Hankey is now a convicted sex offender and this case may have prevented further offending. "It can be hard to tell the authorities about abuse, but we would like to say to victims that we will help and support you to give your best evidence and bring your abuser to justice." Edward 'Ted' Hankey is a British former professional darts player and two-time World Champion. He recently withdrew from the 2022 World Seniors Darts Championships which took place in February. If you have been a victim of sexual abuse, or know of someone who has, call police on 101 or visit the website. Information can also be reported anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.

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A sex offender who called himself 'Cheery Pete' has been hauled back in front of a judge for breaching his notification requirements.

Peter Adams advertised his services as a "freelance gardener and masseuse" over WhatsApp without declaring his alias to the police. The 65-year-old also failed to notify the force about two credit cards.

The Saltburn man, who has committed a "catalogue of offences of a sexual nature", was rumbled by officers after checks were completed on his mobile phone. However, he denied failing to register the name 'Cheery Pete' with Cleveland Police on January 22, but was later found guilty after trial.

Adams appeared at Teesside Magistrates' Court on Wednesday to learn his fate following the preparation of a pre-sentence report. Adams, of Grosvenor Terrace, Carlin How, Saltburn, previously admitted breaching the terms of his sex offender notification requirements after failing to register a Tesco credit card on February 7 in Saltburn.

He also admitted failing to register a Post Office credit card in April 2016 in Leeds. Prosecutor Lynne Dalton outlined that Adams is a "registered sex offender" and has committed a "catalogue of offences of a sexual nature".

The Middlesbrough court heard how Adams was due for a review on January 22 and officers checked his mobile phone. Officers found Adams was "claiming work as a freelance gardener and masseuse" on WhatsApp. They found a profile under the name of 'Cheery Pete' which was not registered with the force.

Adams' financial status was also checked and officers found a Tesco credit card which also had not been declared. Ms Dalton added that it was an "active card at the time".

The court also heard how Adams had also not registered a Post Office credit card, which was also part of his notification requirements. However, this charge dates back to April 2016 which was a "long period of non-compliance" with the sex offenders register notification requirements.

Adams pleaded guilty to both of the credit card charges, however denied the WhatsApp alias. He was convicted in April.

Nick Ayres, mitigating, said there was "no evidence" that the card had been used "for a number of years". Addressing the WhatsApp crimes, he stated that Adams' name, telephone number and picture were displayed "for all to see".

He also added that Adams has been "offence free for 10 years" and became a "fully qualified landscape gardener" - earning up to 10,000 per year - "since his last custodial sentence".

The court heard how Adams is a "fully qualified masseuse". Mr Ayres outlined that Adams lives on a houseboat but also had a "renovation project" ongoing.

District Judge Stephen Hood stated that Adams breached the terms of his notification requirements on three separate occasions and there was a "risk of harm" from his WhatsApp alias.

Judge Hood also added that Adams has a "very bad record" and imposed custodial sentences for all breaches. Adams was sentenced to 32 weeks in custody, suspended for 18 months.

He must also complete 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days, an accredited project with the probation service for 35 days and a "trail monitoring" requirement for four months. Judge Hood said: "This is so probation can keep tabs on your and know where you are."

Adams must also pay 620 in costs and 128 victim surcharge. Judge Hood warned Adams that if he breaches his suspended sentence he can "expect to serve" his jail term.

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Richard Young was 'actively involved in supervising children' when he shouldn't have been A chef with a dark secret befriended families and supervised their children despite being a convicted sex offender. Richard Young even failed to tell his new partner about his perverted past and moved to Wrexham without informing the police. The 42-year-old of Stoneley Road in Crewe appeared before Judge Rhys Rowlands at Mold Crown Court after being handed a suspended sentence in July 2018 for committing an act of voyeurism against a young girl. Prosecutor, Anna Price said he had filmed the youngster showering with the use of a small camera hidden in a toothpaste packet. A 10-year sexual harm prevention order was also imposed with conditions to inform police if he changed his address. It was only last October when concerns about his safefy were reported to officers that it came to light he was no longer living in Cheshire as they believed. Instead, he had set up a new home in Wrexham. The court heard how he had signed a tenancy agreement on a property back in March 2020 and had been living with a new partner and her young son. Ms Price said that his partner wasn't aware of his past, believing he was on a court order for domestic violence. The judge said he was a man "who has people believe what he wants them to". His new home was on an estate which was described as being a "very close-knit community." People would socialise together at birthdays and barbeques and the local children would play. The court heard young girls would play at Young's house despite him being banned from having unsupervised contact with any girl under the age of 16. Young even had a pool set up in the garden during the summer months and was "actively involved in supervising the children", Ms Price said. None of the parents on the estate knew about Young's past and said they wouldn't have let their children "anywhere near him" if they had. One of the mums she was "furious" he felt able to integrate himself into their lives and felt "physically sick" having allowed him to have contact with her young daughter. When Young was arrested at his workplace on November 2 last year, the police found that he had two mobile phones and a laptop that he hadn't declared to them. Defending Young, Henry Hills, said his client was "under no illusion" that his offences will land him in custody. He said that, in his desire to "live a different life", Young got "too deep" and felt unable to tell anyone the truth the longer his lies went on. However, Mr Hills wanted the court to acknowledge that no direct harm was caused to any young child. He said that his client has "learned a valuable lesson" and "will not repeat this behaviour". Jailing Young for 14 months, judge Rowlands said prison was the only option as Young showed he was "quite prepared" to ignore court orders. He added: "Neither your partner at the time, nor the parents knew anything of your past. "Your behaviour overall was a calculated and deliberate attempt to evade the terms of the court orders that imposed restrictions you weren't prepared to accept."

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A MAN who sexually abused a young girl for almost a decade has been jailed for a total of 23 years. Ian McGinty was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court on Friday, 6 May. He was also served with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and made to sign the Sex Offenders Register. The conviction followed an investigation by Wakefield District's Child Safeguarding Unit which began in September 2021, when the victim came forward to police and disclosed McGintys offences. McGinty, 53 and from Pontefract, was promptly arrested the same day and questioned in connection with the offences, which dated back to 2012. In the early stages of the investigation, it was established that McGinty had previously been convicted of sexual offences at Durham Crown Court in 2008 under the surname Hume. Ian Hume, as he was known, was sentenced to 18 months, and placed on the Sex Offender Register until October 2018. Following the investigation, McGinty was subsequently charged with several offences and appeared before magistrates on Tuesday, 14 September 2021. He faced trial in March this year and was found guilty of rape of a child under 13, causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and sexual activity with a child. Speaking after sentencing, Detective Constable Kerry Wiles said: I would like to thank the victim who, throughout this investigation, showed absolute strength and courage in bringing this offender to justice, and helped to prevent him from continuing to commit these types of offences. McGinty put his victim through a horrendous ordeal for nearly 10 years and preyed upon her vulnerability. The scale of the offending was significant and sustained, and the prison sentence he has received should serve as a clear warning to others of the serious penalties they will face if they commit crimes of this nature. Across the force, we have specialist teams of officers who work tirelessly to investigate crimes against children, and I would encourage anyone who has any information about sexual offending against children to contact police via 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

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Gary Travers has a string of convictions for sexual offences dating back to 1996, including committing an indecent act outside a woman's home after cutting wires to her security lights. A notorious sex offender is back behind bars just days after leaving prison. Gary Travers, 46, was released from Barlinnie after being convicted of performing a sex act in front of a female prison guard. But he was back in the dock at Hamilton Sheriff Court after flouting strict rules around his release. The serial pervert has a string of convictions for sexual offences dating back to 1996. His crimes include committing an indecent act outside a woman's house after cutting wires on her security lights. He was jailed for two years in 2017 for breaching the terms of a sex offenders' prevention order and a clinical psychologist has described him as 'a persistent, high-risk sex offender'. His record also includes a four-year sentence for throwing a cup of urine over a sheriff. Travers was jailed for 26 months following the incident with the prison guard, and placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years. However, he was released almost immediately due to time already served in prison awaiting trial. But when he failed to adhere to a condition requiring him to notify authorities of a change of address, he found himself back in the dock this week, where he was sentenced to serve a further six months in jail. Depute fiscal Abby Seal said: "The accused was placed on the sex offenders' register on the 20th of August last year and required to note a change of address within 72 hours. "On the 1st of September the police had cause to speak to the accused and it was apparent he had moved and did not comply with notification requirements to update his address." Ian Smart, defending, said: "This is a technical breach. He was released unexpectedly. "The sentence imposed and the length of time spent in custody meant he was released immediately from the prison. "The police knew where he was but he had not updated the authorities and that is where this arises from." Sheriff Millar said: "This should not affect your release date but it will be on your record should you breach the notification requirements again."

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A judge had to stop sentencing a paedophile after he realised he knew him and did not want to prejudice the case. Christopher Jeacock, 37, of Bowdon, had earlier pleaded guilty to the making of indecent images of children, possession of a prohibited image of a child and possession of an extreme pornographic image.

Judge Mark Savill stopped the proceedings at Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday and claimed the name had rung a bell. After confirming that Jeacock worked for Hale United FC, he stated he could not continue sentencing him.

Judge Savill said: I cant do this case. Its not your fault - very unfortunate but its one of the prices we pay for local justice. Bottom line is there cannot appear to be any kind of prejudice or advantage to you by virtue of any connection you or I may have.

The case was then adjourned to be dealt with by another judge. Katherine Wright, prosecuting, said that officers from Greater Manchester Police became aware that a social media account linked to Jeacock had been used to post indecent images online.

A warrant was executed at his home, which he shared with his parents, and he was arrested and his devices were searched. Whilst the police were searching his bedroom, he told them that his parents had nothing to do with this' and he knew nothing about the images of children.

Officers seized an iPad and two iPhones. He was interviewed that same day on March 25 of last year and admitted it was likely that he had viewed the images.

He said he had used the Kik messenger site to enter chat groups where images were shared and he had clicked on Dropbox links which automatically downloaded into his personal Dropbox, Ms Wright said.

He stated he knew they were illegal material and should have done something about them. He accepted the devices were his and he was solely responsible for its contents.

A search of the iPad revealed 16 category A images, 10 category B images and 15 category C images, which were all inaccessible. On one iPhone there were seven inaccessible category C images, and on the other there were two accessible category C images and five inaccessible category C images.

The police also analysed Jeacocks Dropbox account, which revealed 113 category A images, 75 category C images and 1,044 category C images. In total, 1,900 images were recovered.

The court heard that the videos depicted children as young as three being sexually abused by adults and one of the extreme pornographic videos showed a man having sex with a dog. Folders in the Dropbox were named indicating that they contained the indecent images.

In a further police interview, he gave a prepared statement in which he accepted the devices belonged to him. He said that since his arrest in 2021 he has made a conscious effort to address his offending and ensure it does not recur.

I have received support from my GP, the Greater Manchester Mental Health team, and I have discussed my mental health with my family and friends who have both been very supportive, he said in the statement. He added that he had undertaken worked with the Safer Lives programme, which is designed to assist sex offenders.

From March 2020 my mental health deteriorated, my business shut down and created financial issues and the loss of social involvement led me to feeling alone, the statement read.

I was worried about my partner's problems and I became isolated. This led me to sit on the computer where I became involved in group chats. I am truly devastated by my behaviour and genuinely remorseful for my actions.

Jeacock was said to have one unrelated previous conviction. His barrister, James Heyworth said his client does not have face-to-face contact with children and said it was possible for the devices to be wiped.

Sentencing, Recorder Ciaran Rankin said he had read a letter from Jeacock, his mother, the Safer Lives Programme note of attendance and his presentence report. You have accepted that you are responsible, he said.

Jeacock, of Royal Gardens, Bowdon, was handed a three year community order, 200 hours unpaid work, 10 days of rehabilitation activity requirements and an Accreddited Sex Offender Programme. He was made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and the Sex Offenders Register, both for five years.

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A man convicted of asking for sex instead of rent has been jailed for 12 months. Christopher Cox, the first person to be convicted of such an offence, "targeted vulnerable young women" who needed a place to stay, Guildford Crown Court heard. One woman was described as homeless, "unwell and desperate". Cox had previously pleaded guilty to a charge of controlling prostitution for gain and two counts of inciting prostitution for gain. The 53-year-old advertised on classifieds website Craigslist for young or homeless women to stay with him at his then home in Cranleigh, Surrey. He asked for photos and said they should wear bikinis and provide sexual services in exchange for a room. The charges, connected to offences made between May and November 2018, related to three separate women. After meeting them, Cox realised they had triggered the interest of two undercover reporters who were working on a programme presented by Jeremy Kyle. Kyle confronted Cox and told him that "what he was doing in targeting young vulnerable women for sexual favours was morally wrong and criminal", prosecutor Ross Talbott said. Later, in a message to friends, Cox described his behaviour as his "dirty secret", adding: "I got myself into a bit of hot water due to my sex-for-rent tenants." Even after being confronted by the TV team, he carried on placing adverts. Following an investigation by ITV researchers, the allegations were passed to Surrey Police in 2019, and the force identified a woman who said she entered into a sex-for-rent arrangement with Cox. Judge Robert Fraser told Cox he was involved in "very deliberately targeting homeless women who were vulnerable". The judge added that such offending has now become "colloquially known as sex-for-rent" and "this is the first such prosecution that has been brought". Cox has a previous conviction for assaulting a boy when he was 18, the court heard.

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A courageous girl stood up in court to tell the depraved monster who sexually abused her about the heartbreaking impact of his actions.

She added that she wanted to see the 39-year-old, of Doncaster, ‘get what he deserves’.

During a May 10 sentencing hearing, Sheffield Crown Court heard how jurors found David Catherall guilty of a string of child sex offences including rape; attempted rape; sexual activity with a child; and making indecent photographs and videos of his two victims.

Catherall, of Urban Road, Hexthorpe, Doncaster, also pleaded guilty to additional offences of making indecent photographs prior to his trial, which took place last month.

The jury was unable to reach a verdict on seven counts involving sex offences including rape, and the Crown Prosecution Service has subsequently offered no evidence on those counts.

One of the girls Catherall sexually abused chose to read her victim impact statement to the court, forcing Catherall to hear exactly what she had to say in her own words.

She described how she has previously self-harmed, and still continues to; and told the court how her continued distress over the sickening abuse she suffered at Catherall’s hands has even led to her attempting to take her own life.

But the valiant victim added: “I have come to my senses, and have realised he does not deserve it… I want to be here to see him get what he deserves.”

The statement from Catherall’s second victim was read to the court on her behalf by prosecution barrister Matthew Allen Bean, and detailed the prolonged and destructive impact his abuse continues to have on her life.

The inspiring survivor described how she worries about how the psychological effects of Catherall’s abuse will affect her ‘future prospects’.

Judge David Dixon praised the bravery of both girls.

He told them: “The bravery to come forward and make allegations like this can never be under-estimated.”

“Coming into a room where people are wearing funny hats and there are 12 jurors judging you – and that’s what they are doing – takes a great deal of bravery.”

“No-one can take away what's happened, no matter what we would like to do – that simply isn’t possible,” added Judge Dixon.

Summarising the facts of the case, Judge Dixon described Catherall as someone with a ‘fascination for pre-pubescent girls’, who employed a range of manipulative tactics such as crying and even holding a knife to his own throat to ‘get what he wanted’ from the girls he sexually abused, neither of whom can be named for legal reasons.

“You are a horrible, horrible man who has ruined the start of life for two young women who deserved much, much better,” said Judge Dixon.

Judge Dixon said he also deemed Catherall to be ‘dangerous’ and said he believes Catherall will commit further serious sexual crimes against pre-pubescent girls, if given the opportunity.

Defending, Katy Rafter said Catherall has no previous convictions, and told her he has ‘nothing and no-one’ since his offending was uncovered.

She added that Catherall has mental health difficulties which will inevitably be exacerbated during his time in prison.
Judge Dixon jailed Catherall for 24 years, with an extended licence period of five years due to the danger he poses to the public, bringing his total sentence to 29 years.

Catherall will have to serve at least two-thirds of his custodial sentence, or 16 years, before he can be considered for release as a consequence of his extended licence.

Most offenders are usually only required to serve half.

He also made Catherall the subject of a life-long sexual harm prevention order.

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A LONGBRIDGE man has been jailed for 18 years at Birmingham Crown Court for a string of sexual offences.

Darren Hollier, aged 52, of Culmington Road, was convicted of indecency with a male person, five counts of indecent assault, one count of attempted rape and two counts of indecency with a child.

He was found not guilty on one count of attempted rape and not guilty of one count of rape.

The sentences for the offences will run concurrently meaning he will serve 18 years in total.

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A man who sexually abused two young boys at a scout group in Islington where he volunteered as a helper has been jailed.

Ian Barker, 61 (27.03.56) of Queen’s Head Street, N1, was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment at Blackfriars Crown Court today, Thursday 16 November.

He pleaded guilty at the same court on the third day of his trial on Wednesday, 15 November to one count of indecent assault with penetration on a boy aged under 14, one count of indecent assault on a boy aged under 14, and four counts of indecency with children – after Victim 1 gave evidence.

Barker volunteered to assist a scout troupe as a venture scout in Islington in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Both victims attended this troupe.

In 2015, Victim 1 reported to the police that Barker had sexually assaulted him when he was a scout at the troupe between 1979 and 1981, up to the age of 13.

While the victim was a scout, Barker had paid ‘special attention’ to him and singled him out for attention on the pretence that he was coaching him for specialist scout skills. However, this usually resulted in the victim being sexually assaulted by Barker.

Barker was arrested in May 2015 and denied the allegations when he was interviewed.

Following a lengthy investigation, involving extensive historic records checks and engagement with witnesses, a second victim who attended the same scout troupe was identified.

 

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Levi Seriki-Walters, 35, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court today (May 10).

The court heard that police were called to the commercial car park near The Anchorage at around 1.40am on August 27, 2020 after witnesses described hearing a woman crying for help.

Officers attended and spoke to the woman, aged in her 20s, who was found by members of the public in a distressed state.

She told police that she had been physically assaulted and then raped by a man known to her.

Police subsequently arrested and charged Seriki-Walters with rape.

The court heard that Seriki-Walters had been seen on CCTV chasing the woman from the scene, and forensic enquiries supported that he had raped the woman.

Despite the evidence put to him, he denied the offence and the case went to trial in April this year.

On Tuesday, April 12, the jury found Seriki-Walters guilty after deliberating for approximately two and a half hours.

Det Con Jasmin Curson, from the Operation Amberstone team, said: I want to commend the bravery of this woman for telling officers what had happened to her, and for working with police throughout the investigation and trial period.

She experienced something terrible that no person should ever have to experience.

The man responsible has now rightly been brought to justice and put behind bars where he cant harm another person in this way.

We take allegations of sexual offences incredibly seriously, and do everything in our power to support victims and bring perpetrators to justice. We also work closely with a number of support agencies who provide specialist help to those who need it.

Anyone who has been affected by this type of crime is encouraged to contact police on 101 where you can speak to a specially trained officer in confidence. We understand not everyone is comfortable talking to police, but please know that there are other independent support agencies out there that can provide you with the help you need.

Details on how to report sexual assault and where to seek support can be found at hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/support-for-victims-of-rape-and-sexual-assault.