Latest Offenders

Description

The man pictured is Stuart Williams – he is a paedophile and a sex offender and this week a jury found him guilty of his crimes.

Williams, 57, of Moore Street, Blackpool was brought to justice after messaging who he thought were young girls. They were not and instead were decoys. On three separate occasions he was caught by undercover police officers, once whilst he was on court bail for the previous two.

Through our enquiries, we uncovered three reports of historic sexual offences against children. A further adult victim reported a sexual offence against her by Williams to us. 

Williams' (pictured above) offending happened in Penwortham and Lytham.

Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, he was charged with a number of offences.

These are:

• Three counts of indecent assaults of a girl under the age of 14.
• Attempted tape of a female under the age of 16.
• Four counts of sexually assaulting a female age 13 and over.
• Two counts of sexual assault of a female.
• Three counts of engaging in sexual communication with a child.
• Possession of Category B indecent images of children
• Possession of Category C indecent images of children.

He pleaded not guilty, instead running a trial and inadvertently admitted to two offences of making indecent images of children during cross examination.

A jury took three hours to unanimously find him guilty of all 17 counts . He has been remanded to appear for sentence on 9th February.

DC Hannah Sturgess, of Preston CID said:

“Williams abused his victims, both in person and online.

“He never admitted his guilt and instead made his victims sit through a 12-day trial.

“I can only praise the victims for the strength and bravery they have shown throughout this whole investigation and hope the knowledge that a jury saw through Williams’ lies brings them some feeling of justice.”

Description

A high-risk sex offender who was given a chance by magistrates blew it immediately.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Mohammed Patel, 43, of The Larches, received a suspended prison sentence for breaching sex offender register requirements but promptly failed to register his address or homelessness with police.

He pleaded guilty to failing to comply with notification requirements and was jailed for nine months.

Deputy District Judge Laura Nash noted Patel's awareness of his duties due to prior breaches. "Very recently you were given a chance in the shape of a suspended sentence," she said. "You didn't register with the police and you haven't been co-operating with the probation service."

Prosecutor Lyndsey Vinden said Patel was instructed on December 16 to register his whereabouts but did not.

Defense lawyer Zabair Afzal said his client was confused about the requirements. "He says he provided the court with his address and did not know he had to go to the police station and do the same," Mr. Afzal added. "This was not deliberate, he simply didn't realise what he had to do."

Description

Ammanford teen sentenced for raping 12-year-old girl

A teenager has been sentenced to three years and six months in a young offender’s institution after pleading guilty to raping a 12-year-old.

Jake Richards, aged 19, of Garnswllt, admitted to raping the girl when he was 17 years old after the pair had chatted on Snapchat before meeting in real life.

The victim reported the offence to police in August 2024 after disclosing what had happened to a friend. She told officers she had met Richards, and that they walked to a secluded tunnel where she thought they were going to talk. While in the tunnel, Richards instigated sex, and continued after she had told him no several times.

Following a lengthy investigation, which included forensic and digital enquiries, Richards was charged with rape. He admitted the offence when he appeared at Swansea Crown Court.

Today, Wednesday, January 21, he was sentenced to three years and six months in a young offender’s institution

Detective Sergeant Carl Pocock, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said:

“Firstly, I would like to commend the victim, who was just 12 years old when this offence happened, for her courage in coming forward to report this offence, and for her cooperation during the subsequent investigation.

“Rape, or any form of sexual abuse, is not easy to talk about, and especially at such a young age this must have been incredibly daunting for her.

“Despite facing someone five years older than her, she took the correct steps in saying no when she was not comfortable with the situation, pleading with Richard to stop. He, however, continued regardless to satisfy his own needs.

“She continued to show her bravery when she spoke out about the offence, first with a friend and subsequently by reporting it to police to ensure action could be taken.

“Our specialist staff explored the victim’s account thoroughly, and were able to help prove the case through DNA and digital forensic evidence. The strength of this evidence undoubtedly resulted in this early guilty plea, and spared the victim the additional trauma of the case going to trial.

“I feel it is important to highlight that the victim of this case could not provide consent due to her age, and that this case highlights the vital importance of having conversations about staying safe online, the law and consent with young people. This includes how to give consent, how not to assume consent, and what to do if someone continues with sexual activity despite a lack of consent.

“I also hope this case demonstrates that our specialist officers will listen to, support and seek justice for victims of all ages who may be subject to sexual abuse.”

Description

A man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for a number of serious sexual offences committed in Orkney.

Gordon Docherty, 37, was found guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh on Tuesday, 4 November, 2025, of sexual offences committed against two teenagers in 2006 and 2008, and against a woman in 2020. He was sentenced at the High Court in Inverness on Wednesday, 21 January, 2026.

He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register and made subject to an indefinite non-harassment order.

Detective Inspector Calum Reid said:

"Docherty's actions were reprehensible and he will now face the consequences of his actions.

"I want to thank the victims who assisted our investigation. Their support was vital in bringing him to justice.

"While nothing can change what they have experienced, I hope this outcome brings them a degree of closure. We remain committed to thoroughly investigating reports of sexual offending and ensuring those responsible are held to account.

"Anyone who is experiencing or has experienced sexual abuse is encouraged to contact Police Scotland or seek support from partner agencies such as Women's Aid or Rape Crisis Scotland."

Description

A Strood sex offender has been jailed after breaching a protective court order.

Kier Middleton-Seath was convicted in 2022 for possessing indecent images of children. His sentence placed him on the sex offenders register and required him to comply with the restrictions of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). These included conditions around his use of internet enabled devices and access to children.

Investigation

In March 2025, detectives monitoring Middleton-Seath’s conduct identified he had committed multiple breaches of his court order. These included staying at a new address where a child was present, purchasing a phone without notifying the police and setting up a bank account without informing officers. He had also downloaded indecent images of children.

Arrest

Middleton-Seath was arrested whilst driving a vehicle in Anthonys Way, Strood, on 17 March. A search uncovered quantities of controlled drugs.

The 28-year-old was later charged with three counts of failing to comply with sex offender register notifications, three charges of breaching his SHPO, two counts of making indecent images of children and possession of cocaine and cannabis.

Middleton-Seath, of Cooling Road, Strood pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 28 months in prison on Tuesday 20 January 2026. His SHPO was also extended by 10 years.

‘Persistent danger’

Detective Sergeant Fleur Hardie said:

‘Some sex offenders when sentenced are given the opportunity to show they regret their previous behaviour and want to reform. They are then given strict conditions on their conduct which we regularly monitor.

‘Middleton-Seath has shown that he cannot be trusted to behave lawfully whilst residing in the community and this was swiftly identified by an officer checking his compliance. He will receive similar scrutiny when he is next released from prison.’

Description

A man has been sentenced to 13 years imprisonment for sexually abusing a young girl.

Jamie Charles Lewis, 43, of Bath Road in Southsea, was charged with three counts of sexual assault by touching of a girl under 13.

The offences took place in the Portsmouth area between 2014 and 2016.

On Friday 16 January, Lewis was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment at Portsmouth Crown Court following a trial.

He was also made subject of a restraining order and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. He will be on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Detective Constable Emily Sargent, of the Child Abuse Investigation Team, said:

“I firstly want to thank the victim in this case for her outstanding bravery in coming forward and speaking to the police about these incidents.

“The defendant will now be in prison for a long time, and I sincerely hope this sentence gives other victims of sexual offences the confidence to bring their case to us.

“No matter how long ago the incident occurred we will do everything we can to investigate and bring offenders to justice.”

Description

A man has been jailed for 15 years for five counts of serious sexual offences against a child committed between 2020-2022. 

Rhogan Kent, 28, of London Road in Portsmouth appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court on Wednesday 14 January, where he was sentenced for the following child sex offences:

• Rape of a child under 13
• Two counts of sexual assault by penetration of a child under 13
• Sexual touching of a child under 13
• Inciting a child under 13 to commit a sexual act

The abuse was first reported to police in September 2022 and a lengthy investigation was commenced by Detective Hannah Owen who was attached to the Child Abuse Investigation Team (CAIT) at the time.

Kent was found guilty of the offences by a jury on 4th November 2025, following a 7-day trial, and was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment with an extended licence for five years. He was also handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.

Detective Sergeant Hannah Owen from the Eastern Criminal Investigation Department team said:

“Whilst no sentence can ever take back what the victim and their family have gone through, I am pleased to see Kent face justice and be put behind bars for these truly barbaric crimes.

“I would like to thank the young victim and their family for their courage and resolve throughout this investigation. Their support has been key to us securing this result and I truly hope that this can help put them on the path to rebuilding their lives.

“We want to encourage anyone who has been affected by child sexual abuse to please report this too us. We take all reports of this nature extremely seriously and promise you that we will work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice.”

Description

A former headteacher has been indefinitely barred from teaching after discussing the sexual abuse of children on a fetish website.

Paul Brown, 54, was headteacher and designated safeguarding lead at Bransgore Church of England Primary School when an undercover police officer uncovered his actions.

A Teaching Regulation Agency report reveals that between July 4 and July 12, 2023, Mr. Brown used a BDSM website—including during school hours—for inappropriate conversations about child abuse.

He was arrested on July 18, 2023, and suspended. By December 8, 2023, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police ended the investigation with no further action.

In an internal probe, Mr. Brown admitted using the site in his car during work hours but off school grounds, unaware he was speaking to an undercover officer.

The woman claimed to sexually abuse her daughters, aged five and nine. Mr. Brown allegedly shared a past relationship involving similar abuse, saying he was sexually involved with the woman and children—but later clarified it was a fantasy, not true.

They discussed introducing him to the children, with him suggesting she teach the girls to French kiss beforehand. He eventually said "he was not the right person for her" and blocked the account.

He told police he believed it was all fantasy and the children didn't exist, but blocked her after hearing children during a phone call.

Mr. Brown apologized, calling it a one-off incident amid mental struggles, citing a "dark morbid and intense fascination" with such abuse due to his childhood experiences. He has since undergone counseling for his mental health issues.

The misconduct panel noted that, in his safeguarding role, he should have reported the account to police and remains "extremely concerned that Mr Brown’s actions could be repeated."

Mr. Brown had been headteacher since September 2013. He received an indefinite prohibition order with no review period.

A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police spokesperson said: “Following notification of messages of a concerning nature online, we arrested a 54-year-old from Ringwood on suspicion of attempting to arrange or facilitate the commission of a child sex offence.

“As part of the arrest, a number of electronic devices were seized and examined.

“No indecent images or evidence of criminal activity was found on those devices.

“After consulting with the CPS, no further action was taken in this matter.”

Description

A man who sexually assaulted two young girls has been given a 20-year sentence. 

Robert Crompton, 67, committed the offences in East Lancashire several years ago before going to live in Australia.

Being on the other side of the world didn’t prevent justice catching up with Crompton (pictured).

Lancashire Police officers investigating Crompton’s crimes, applied to the Australian authorities for his extradition.

Crompton was extradited to the UK in May last year and stood trial at Preston Crown Court in November.

One the girls was sexually assaulted by Crompton over a number years, the first time when she was only five.

In her victim impact statement read to the court, she wrote:

“Being sexually abused at such a young age had a huge impact on me developmentally as a child.

“As an example, I struggled to form friendships with others my own age, and typically I would seek friendship and solace from older people.”

She continued:

“What happened to me will remain with me for the rest of my life. He took away some of my childhood and I believe he stole my innocence.”

The second victim was 12 when Crompton sexually assaulted her.

She wrote in her victim impact statement:

“The image of virtue that he shared throughout the trial that he was, is not the man who thankfully has been found guilty of such heinous and sickening crimes.

“He continues to manipulate others into believing he is innocent which in my opinion demonstrates a deep and pathological ability to deceive and continue to abuse others without regard to them.”

After an eight-day trial in November, Crompton was found guilty by a jury of 12 charges – including five offences of assaulting a girl under the age of 13 by penetration, assault by touching, inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, causing a girl under 13 to watch sexual activity, and sexual assault of a female.

Returning to the dock at Preston Crown Court last Friday (16th January) for sentence, the judge sentenced Crompton to 20 years – consisting of a 19-year prison sentence and an extended one-year licence period.

Det Con Cathryn Whitworth of Lancashire Police, said:

“These were abhorrent offences committed by Crompton against two young victims.

“They showed great bravery by coming forward to report what Crompton had done, and then by reliving their experiences by giving evidence in court during the trial.

“Although Crompton lived in Australia by the time these offences came to light, we were determined that he should face justice.

“We presented a case for him to be extradited back to this country and after a lot of hard work, that happened in May last year.

“I welcome the lengthy custodial sentence imposed on Crompton, with it underlining the seriousness of his offending.”

Description

A victims brave account following a vicious assault has led to a Barnsley man being jailed for rape.

The same day the woman was assaulted, in June 2025, she bravely attended her local police station to report David Nistor. She also disclosed that Nistor had raped her on previous occasions.

Nistor was arrested and charged that same day, following quick work by our officers. At his police interview he made no comment to all questions asked.

He was remanded into custody throughout his legal proceedings.

Not willing to face responsibility, Nistor pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm when he appeared at Sheffield Crown Court on 17 July.

He then later changed his plea for assault occasioning actual bodily harm to guilty on 21 November.

On 16 January Nistor, 26, of Heelis Street, Barnsley, was found guilty of seven counts of rape by a jury following a trial at Sheffield Crown Court.

He was jailed the same day for 15 years and eight months.

Detective Constable Rosie Allott, the officer in charge of the case, said:

The victims bravery in reporting Nistors disgusting crimes helped to ensure that justice was done.

I am glad that Nistor has been jailed and will not be able to do further harm during his long years behind bars.

Our officers acted quickly to arrest Nistor on the day that his offences were reported. I hope that this case encourages other victims of sexual offences to report to us.

Description

A Bradford man is starting an extended sentence of more than 13 years behind bars for child sexual offences.

Joshua Rothery, 33, of Dawnay Road, Bradford, admitted charges of raping a child under 13, sexual assaulting a child under 13 and making indecent images.  

All of the charges relate to the same victim and happened last year.

The offences were reported to police in August with Rothery arrested later that day.

He appeared at Bradford Crown Court yesterday (19 January) where he was given an extended prison sentence of 13 years eight months.  

He was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and will be on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Leading the investigation, PC Tarah Sumner from the Bradford Safeguarding Unit said:

“This is a truly horrific case in which Rothery took advantage of a child and committed serious sexual offences against them.  

“I am pleased that he will serve a substantial amount of time behind bars and hope the sentence can go some way in enabling the victim and their family to start to move forward with their lives.

“We are determined to do all we can to investigate and bring these dangerous predators to justice, and I want to encourage others who may have suffered abuse to please come forward and report it to us.

“We have specially trained officers who can provide support throughout the justice process. You will be listened to, and you will be believed.”

Description

A sex offender caught sending indecent messages to a '13-year-old girl'—who was actually an undercover police officer—avoided jail upon returning to court.

Christopher Bradley, 55, received community service after admitting to sending sexual messages, including telling the 'child' he was a 'cuddler'.

He previously pleaded guilty to sending sexual communication to what he believed was a child aged 13-16 at his address in Montgomerie Terrace, Ayr, on August 21 last year.

Bradley admitted sending messages to a person he thought was a child, 'intentionally and for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification or of humiliating, distressing or alarming' them.

We previously reported that Bradley turned on his heels and bolted back inside the court building when pictured after pleading guilty at Ayr Sheriff Court in November.

The Procurator Fiscal depute said: “On August 21, 2024 an undercover online operative set up a profile on Snapchat.

“They came across [Bradley], [his] Snapchat was utilised with [his] mobile number to set up.

“He described himself as a 43-year-old male, thereafter the undercover officer described themself as a 13-year-old female.

“He said ‘13, you must be pretty open-minded’.”

The court heard that in conversations with the profile, Bradley called them 'princess' and himself a 'cuddler'.

He said he 'loved to touch and to be close to someone' and wanted to give her 'a cuddle'.

He also asked when her mum would be home and said 'wish you were here'.

The Crown prosecutor added: “When asked why he wished her there he replied ‘to make you feel nice’ and ‘I would love to be next to you now’.

“He said: ‘You will soon know how turned on’ he was. He stated ‘I’m turned on’ and asked ‘what are you wearing?’”

He was arrested after officers attended his property with a search warrant.

At sentencing, defence solicitor Glen Davis said: “Sentence was deferred and the accused cooperated with reports.

“Again it’s a situation that won’t require me to go through the report in detail. I would recommend the [social work report sentencing] recommendations and I have been through the requirements with him.”

Sheriff Maria Kicinski said: “I have listened to everything said and am satisfied there is an alternative to imprisonment possible in a community payback order with supervision for 18 months.”

Bradley was placed on further conduct requirements restricting his internet use and will remain a registered sex offender for 18 months.

The sheriff added that he must complete 120 hours of unpaid work, reduced from 180 hours.

Description

A disgraced former Moray councillor, convicted of child pornography offenses in 2018, was jailed last year for further crimes.

Sean Morton, Labour councillor for Fochabers Lhanbryde from 2012 to 2017, received a 16-month sentence in January 2025, per a Daily Record investigation.

Glasgow Sheriff Court noted he pleaded guilty to possessing indecent child photographs, with the sentence backdated to May 2024.

This followed his 2018 conviction at Elgin Sheriff Court for indecent images of four girls aged 10-15, plus three images of bestiality involving a dog in an iTunes backup.

Morton initially pleaded not guilty, vowing on social media to clear his name, but changed his plea after police revealed more evidence. He received community service and placement on the Sex Offenders’ Register.

Charged on June 10, 2016, after a warrant at his Lhanbryde home, he was suspended by Labour only in January 2017. He ran as an independent in May 2017 elections but finished second-last with under 300 votes.

In a post-sentencing statement, Morton said: “In November 2017, well over a year after this investigation began, I was told how I had come into possession of seven indecent images. These were sent to me anonymously. I realised I hadn’t been as careful about who I spoke to online as I would be in my everyday life. I felt revulsion at what had happened and immediately felt I must accept my guilt. I wish with all my heart the sender never sent the images.”

Morton's history prompted Labour MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy to step down as Holyrood education spokesperson in December over their longstanding friendship.

New revelations have sparked renewed calls for Duncan-Glancy to resign as MSP. After his autumn 2025 release, the offender reportedly dined with her to celebrate her birthday.

Description

An Angus predator who plied two teenage girls with amphetamine then sexually assaulted them has been placed on the sex offenders register until 2031.

Forfar Sheriff Court previously heard Karol Butkiewicz, 32, invited the two teenagers into his hotel room and gave them shots and lines of drugs during a night spent playing Nintendo Wii game Just Dance.

Description

A convicted sex offender sent a video of himself masturbating to someone he believed was a 12-year-old girl, but who was actually an undercover police officer.

He later instructed the decoy to delete the video and requested naked images of her.

Craig Evans, 47, of Llanelli, initiated contact with the decoy on the Kik messenger app in October last year. The decoy immediately stated she was 12, but Evans asked if she had a boyfriend and had done "naked stuff." At Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday, the hearing revealed he told her he was "horny and hard" and asked for a photo. After receiving a "selfie," he replied: "Stunning, how about naked?"

Evans sent photos of himself and his dog, then said he was "sitting on the bed naked and watching pornography." He asked if she had "seen a penis before," sent the masturbation video, and urged deletion.

Police arrested him at home on October 31. In his interview, Evans claimed he doubted the decoy was real due to Kik's age verifications, thought it was "role playing," and believed it was a vigilante group, asking questions to "catch them out."

Evans, of Dolau Fawr, pleaded guilty to attempting sexual communication with a child and attempting to cause a child under 13 to watch sexual activity. The court noted his prior conviction for sending a genital photo to an elderly woman to cause alarm, distress, and humiliation.

In mitigation, David Singh described the interaction as "limited" with a gap in offending, noting Evans' deteriorated mental health and lack of appointments until custody.

Judge Paul Hobson cited "warped thinking" in Evans' sexual behavior. He was sentenced to 70 weeks' imprisonment, plus 10 years of sex offender notification and a sexual harm prevention order.