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The victim of a Bedfordshire paedophile has told of his "relief" after speaking out about the Bedfordshire paedophile who sexually abused him from when he was just 10 years old.

The victim said that before he spoke to police he was "writing off" his life.

Michael Fensom, now 78, of Coronation Road in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, starting abusing the victim in 2000.

The abuse stopped about five years later in the victim's mid-teens when he was attending middle school.

Telling how Fensom had sexually abused and indecently assaulted him, using excuses to get him on his own at his home, and on trips out, the victim said: "I've had to live for years knowing about it, keeping it a secret, writing off my life.

"Since the start of this whole thing with the police, it's not easier to live with, but it feels like there's more support there than you could ever imagine."

He added: "I didn't want to have that first conversation with a police officer, but when I did, it just felt good.

"For me to be able to come out and say it after a long time, that helps a lot, and with support, I think I'll be alright."

In September this year Fensom pleaded guilty to nine counts of indecent assault on a male and four counts of sexual activity with a child.

He pleaded not guilty to a further three charges of indecent assault on a male and two counts of sexual activity with a child, and these charges will lay on file.

He has also been placed on the sex offenders register for life.

Fensom was sentenced at Luton Crown on Tuesday (January 26) to nine years and six months in prison, with an extended 12 months licence period.

Fensom was first arrested in February 2018 after the victim found the courage to speak to police after confiding with his partner about the historical abuse.

After the predator denied the allegations an investigation into the abuse was launched.

Detective Constable Charlie Sermons, from Bedfordshire Police's Public Protection Unit, who investigated the case, said: "It took a lot of courage for this man to open up and admit what had happened to him as a child.

"Fensom was someone he trusted as a boy, and in return, he subjected him to repeated sexual abuse over several years. His victim, fearing he would never be believed, felt unable to tell anyone what was happening until many years later."

He added: "I want to thank the victim for finding the courage to open up and come forward, and I would also like to thank his partner for her support.

"I know that this sentence won't bring back those lost years, but I hope seeing Fensom jailed will give him some closure.

"It is never too late to report sexual offences, no matter when they happened, and this case shows that you will be believed, and we will do all we can to see an offender brought to justice."

Detective Inspector Martin Eaton said: "We know only too well that a victim may carry this burden for many years before they are ready to open up about what has happened.

"If you are experiencing, or have ever been subjected to, sexual abuse, please report it, don't carry this by yourself.

"Our specially trained officers, together with a network of partner agencies, are ready to listen, and can support and guide you through an investigation and beyond."

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Jonathan Furber, of Salisbury Road, had previously pleaded guilty to two charges, attempting to incite a child to sexual activity and attempting to incite a child to watch a sexual act. He was arrested after paedophile hunters arranged a meeting at a pub where he was confronted.

The 31-year-old was given a 16-month sentence for the offences, suspended for two years.

Sentencing Furber on January 28, Judge Miller QC said that this was "a one and only" opportunity for him, but warned that any reoffences or breach of the sentence would see him returned to court.

Winchester Crown Court heard from prosecutor Roderick Blain, who said that in 2018, Furber began messaging with an account that he believed was used by a 14-year-old girl called Hannah. This account was actually being run by an adult female member of a "vigilante organisation".

Despite telling Furber that the supposed user of the account was underage, he proceeded to send sexually explicit pictures. Conversation then moved to WhatsApp, where "extremely graphic and sexualised" messaging continued, including video of the defendant masturbating and suggestions 'Hannah' should do the same.

A meeting was then arranged at a pub, where the court heard that Furber "wanted to take her into the forest for sex". Upon arrival, he was confronted by the paedophile hunter group "in numbers", who livestreamed their citizens arrest on the internet. Police subsequently were called and arrested Furber.

Mitigating, Ruby Selva said that Furber had lost his job and his relationship, and had not been taking medication for ADHD. She said that he had been communicating with adult females, and this "spiralled", leading to him being "humiliated" on the internet.

She said that there was "no suggestion" her client had been pursuing others, with no evidence of other messaging or sexually explicit images of children found on his phone or computer.

Furber had been "wholly co-operative" with the investigation and prosecution, she said, having pleaded guilty even after the Crown Prosecution Service informed the defence that the vigilante group was not responding to their attempts at contact, with the leader having been prosecuted.

Selva said that he had "expressed true remorse" for his actions, and had "strived to address his offending", calling for a suspended sentence to be given.

The judge agreed with Selva, with the starting point of four years for the first charge halved as the offence in question could never have taken place, as the 14-year-old child did not exist. This was then reduced by a third due to his guilty plea, and then suspended for two years.

Sentencing Furber, Judge Miller said that he had demonstrated "considerable remorse" by pleading guilty despite the absence of evidence from the paedophile hunters, and said that was "a real chance of rehabilitation."

"I am being lenient," she said. "You're not going to get another chance like this, it's a one and only."

She warned him against reoffending or breaching the terms of his sentence, adding: "This is a chance. Please don't make me regret it."

In addition to his suspended sentence, Furber was ordered to attend a sex offenders course and to attend 25 days of rehabilitation, as well as conduct 100 hours of unpaid work. He was also given a sexual harm prevention order and ordered to surrender his phone, which is to be destroyed.

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A repeat sex offender who hid from justice while under investigation for another "heinous" crime has been sent back to prison.

Alan Fitzpatrick, of Edmonton Road, Kesgrave, was jailed for almost three years at Ipswich Crown Court on Wednesday for sexually assaulting another man last February.

The 49-year-old fled to Dublin the day after his arrest - but was eventually caught up with in April and recalled to prison.

He later admitted one count of sexual touching without consent and two counts of breaching notification requirements imposed following his conviction for previous offences.

The detective in charge of bringing Fitzpatrick to justice said his victim had shown tremendous courage and astounding support for the investigation.

Fitzpatrick was jailed for 13 years in 2008 for the rape, attempted rape and sexual assault of two young girls and boys, while living in the Great Yarmouth area, between 1987 and 2005.

He had already been jailed for seven months in Croydon in 1992 for assaults on children and was locked up in Dublin for three years in 1997 for indecent assault on a female.

In February last year, Fitzpatrick sexually assaulted a sleeping man, aged in his 20s, at his Kesgrave home.

The victim, who awoke during the assault, left immediately and contacted the police, who arrested Fitzpatrick hours later.

After answering no comment to all questions put by Detective Constable Jared Fortune, he was released and swiftly broke probation conditions by driving to the Port of Holyhead and boarding a ferry to Dublin, where he stayed until arrest and prison recall on April 7.

Appearing in custody after being recalled to prison, Fitzpatrick was sentenced to 32 months in custody by Recorder Heather Rogers QC, who also imposed further sex offender notification requirements for another 10 years.

Investigating Officer Detective Constable Jared Fortune said:

“I have had the honour to bear witness to the tremendous courage exhibited by the aggrieved party through the tumultuous months that followed this heinous crime.

"He has shown an astounding level of support for the investigation while overcoming a sense of despair that arose from this evil perpetrator’s manipulative betrayal.

"It is deeply inspiring to see how this victim no longer sees themselves as such and wishes to help others similarly affected. Such positivity demonstrates that, indeed, good can come of even the darkest of incidents."

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A Derbyshire man has been jailed for 16 years after committing a string of vile sexual offences against young girls.

Ryan Chadwick, of College Street, Long Eaton, committed the crimes against three girls aged under 16 in the town over the course of several months.

The 23-year-old was arrested and brought before the court, which was told he met the first victim over social media.

He began by speaking to the young teenager on Snapchat in February 2020 and offered her money for sex. He then met up with her and had sex with her twice.

He then went onto assault another girl who was under the age of 13, and attempted to rape her twice in May 2020.

Shortly after this he had sex with a third underage girl on two occasions.

Chadwick admitted to numerous offences at a prior hearing, and was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court.

He pleaded guilty to several counts of assault by penetration and sexual activity with a child, two counts of inciting a child into sexual activity, two counts of attempted rape of a child, and paying for the sexual services of a child.

He was jailed for 16 years, and must serve a minimum of two thirds, and was given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order stopping him from having any contact with any girl under the age of 16.

He was also ordered to sign the sex offender register for life and banned from ever working with children.

Detective Constable Claire McKeown, who led the investigation into Chadwick, said he had shown no remorse.

"I cannot give praise enough to the three girls in this case, who came forward and bravely spoke about their individual ordeals at the hands of Chadwick," she said.

"This sentencing reflects the seriousness of Chadwick's crimes, for which he showed no remorse, and I am hopeful that it will give some closure to each of the girls whose lives have been turned upside down as a result.

"My message to anyone reading this who may have also suffered sexual assault or abuse, whether now or in the past, is please speak to someone. There is help available, whether you wish to involve the police or not.

"If you do feel able to contact us, we will always listen, investigate and support you through the process."

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A convicted sex offender posted indecent material on a secret Twitter account he set up, a court heard.

Lee Patterson, 23, was subject to a sexual harm prevention order which meant his internet use was monitored.

It was discovered by a sharp-eyed probation officer that he set up a secret Twitter account.

The officer then realised he was using an email account they were unaware about, Norwich Crown Court was told.

Peter Gair, prosecuting, said police were informed and it was found Patterson had posted two messages on his Twitter account containing indecent material, one of which was a live-stream video.

Mr Gair said it was also found that Patterson had access to a phone which he had not told anyone about.

Patterson claimed he had thrown the phone down a drain when he realised he had been found out and Mr Gair said that meant police were unable to find out what he had been accessing on his phone.

Mr Gair said when interviewed Patterson claimed he had not complied because he loved social media.

The court heard he had now been recalled to prison as he had been jailed 16 months in March 2020 for a previous breach.

Patterson, of no fixed address, admitted two offences of sending grossly offensive indecent matter by electronic communication and breaching his sexual harm prevention order and notification order in December 2020.

The court heard he was already on the sex offenders' register for life.

Jailing him for two years, Judge Maureen Bacon told him: "You are a persistent offender. You are unable to restrain yourself even though court orders have been put in place."

She said he had shown a deviousness and had continued to offend.

She said: "When you knew the heat was on and police were coming you threw the phone away,"

David Stewart, for Patterson, said he was a vulnerable young man who was isolated and unable to cope on his own.

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Louis Alexander Szasz never considered the fact that children were being abused, a judge was told.

The 41-year-old "just stumbled across" the photos and "didn't know why he downloaded them".

Prosecution barrister, Rose Burns told how police had found a large number of files on a MacBook and external hard drive belonging to Szasz.

These included 683 category A images - the most serious category - as well as extreme pornography involving animals.

Ms Burns told how officers had gone to his home address in Bridge Road, on May 18, 2019.

During a police interview the next day he said he did not look at images often and was not addicted to them.

Appearing before Southampton Crown Court, the water cooler engineer faced six charges with the offences taking place between August 2016 and May 2019.

These included making indecent photographs of a child and distributing indecent images.

The court heard how Szasz had used the "black" or dark web to download files.

Some of these had then been distributed via a sharing application.

Defending, Peter Asteris said that his client had never been before a court before.

He described him as extremely vulnerable and suffering from extremely low self-esteem.

Mr Asteris argued that Szasz cares for his terminally ill father and had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

During sentencing, Mr Recorder Richard Smith QC said that the offences had crossed the custody threshold.

However, he said how Szaz had sought to address his behaviour and that there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.

He was given a 30-month community order, must complete 40 days of rehabilitation and 150 hours of unpaid work.

Szasz will be the subject of a ten-year sexual harm prevention order.

Mr Smith warned if Szasz failed the order he would have no one to blame but himself.

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A SEX offender put himself at risk of a third spell behind bars in less than ten years after flying to Poland to visit a girlfriend without informing police. Frank Smith also breached a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and his notification requirements by changing his bank details and adopting aliases while using the internet, again without telling a police monitoring officer. The now 37-year-old served a three-year prison sentence, imposed at Teesside Crown Court, in May 2012, for grooming and having sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl, as well as for downloading indecent images of children. He was also made subject to lifetime registration as a sex offender and an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Within months, however, he moved from the family home in Blackhall Colliery, County Durham, to Town End Farm, Sunderland, after finding work at the nearby Nissan motor manufacturing works, but failed to tell monitoring officers. He also uploaded 17 indecent images of children to be viewed by internet chat room site users. In conversations with those users, recovered by police, Smith boasted of having had sexual relations with girls aged 13 and 15, the latter being the reason for his 2012 prison sentence. Smith was jailed for 32 months for those offences at Durham Crown Court, in November 2016. Laura Doherty, prosecuting, told Newcastle Crown Court, police became aware he had travelled to Gdansk, in Poland, in October 2020, without notifying police. It was also discovered he had used online alias names, one for an Xbox profile, and changed his bank account. When interviewed he admitted having visited his girlfriend in Poland and said he had not used any of the aliases for more than three days but conceded he had not informed police of any of them. Smith, of High Street East, Sunderland, admitted three counts of failing to comply with a SHPO. Barry Robson, for Smith, said a probation report recommended the defendant should be subject to a rehabilitative course, which would serve the public better than a short prison sentence, during which he would not receive the same assistance. Recorder Richard Wright QC agreed, saying the alternative would be a short custodial sentence. He told Smith: The effect is I couldnt order you to do the work that I can on a community sentence. Imposing the 18-month order, he said Smith should undergo a 40-day programme with the Probation Service. But he told the defendant: I make this clear. I have, effectively, given you an opportunity because I consider it in the best interests of the public to deal with you in this way. Should you fail to comply, there wont be any further chances.

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A man from the West Midlands travelled nearly 90 miles to Bedford with the intention of sexually abusing an 11-year-old child.

He was handed five years in prison at Luton Crown Court on Thursday, January 21.

Jamie Macpherson, 46, from Walsall was arrested at Bedford Train Station by police soon after arriving in Bedford, Bedfordshire, on June 18 last year.

He was found with two hard drives containing "huge" amounts of indecent images of children.

The images included category A images which means: "Images involving penetrative sexual activity, images involving sexual activity with an animal or sadism."

These were described by investigators as "some of the worst and most abhorrent child sexual abuse material" they had ever seen.

Following his arrest Macpherson pleaded guilty to facilitating and arranging the commission of a child sexual offence, possession to show or distribute indecent images of children, and possession of indecent images of children.

Additionally, he also pleaded guilty to distributing indecent images of children, in relation to offences committed in the West Midlands.

His five-year sentence was comprised of three years for the Bedfordshire offences and a further two years, to run consecutively, for the West Midlands offences.

He was also served with an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Macpherson's plans to travel to Bedford were uncovered as a result of a proactive operation by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit.

Once Macpherson was arrested, the investigation team worked with digital media investigators, who were instrumental in securing the evidence from the hard drives in his possession.

Investigation Officer Paul Baddeley, from Bedfordshire Police's Cyber Hub, said: "Macpherson is an extremely dangerous offender who has travelled a long way from his home with a clear intent to sexually abuse a child.

"Following his arrest, he was found in possession of huge amounts of indecent images of children. Some of these have been described as some of the worst and most abhorrent child sexual abuse material the investigation team have ever seen.

"Thanks to close collaboration with our colleagues at West Midlands Police and the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit, this horrific offender will be locked up away from our communities and children he could pose a risk to."

He added: "We are seeing an ever increasing amount of referrals of this nature, we would like to take this opportunity to remind parents and guardians of how important it is to ensure their children know how to keep themselves safe online.

"Any child can become the victim of grooming, no matter what their gender, ethnicity or background. If you think that this might be happening to you or someone you know then it's important you speak out and tell someone you trust."

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Tyrell Robinson and his friend Korie Berman met three 14-year-olds at his flat in Bradford in August 2018. Bradford Crown Court heard the 23-year-old knew the girls' ages and had discussed the fact with Berman, 22. Both men admitted sexual activity with a child. Robinson was jailed for three-and-a-half years and Berman for six. Gillian Batts, prosecuting, said the player had met the victims at a social event he had been told not to attend by Bradford City's management. The court was also told the club had given all players safeguarding training regarding young and vulnerable people, which included guidance about not giving under-18s their contact details.

'Violently ill'

However, Robinson later sent one of the girls a message saying: "I think you are stunning, but your age is a killer." Robinson, from South Ockendon, Essex, admitted having sex with one of the girls in his bedroom after he and Berman met up with them. He also took a photo of Berman in bed with the two other girls and shared it with him. Berman admitted to police he had sex with them, although the court heard the girls, who had been given alcohol, had "little or no recollection" of events and had been "violently ill" afterwards. The court also heard Berman, from Thurrock in Essex, had sex on two other occasions with one of the girls at Robinson's flat while the footballer was away. Robinson was suspended by Bradford City days after the attack in August 2018 and was later sacked by the club. Judge Richard Mansell QC said the teenagers had been "immature, typical 14-year-olds who were sexually inexperienced, naive and vulnerable to grooming and sexual exploitation by adult men". All three girls and their families suffered considerable harm, he added. In addition to their sentences, both men will be on the sex offenders' register for life.

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A MAN from Merseyside has been jailed after he admitted two counts of engaging in sexual communications with a child in Northwich.

Kieran Mark Thomas, of Blackhurst Road in Lydiate, has been sentenced to 15 months behind bars for the offences, which took place between November 22 2019 and January 18 last year.

The 27-year-old also admitted to making an indecent image of the girl, who was under the age of 16, on March 1 last year with the judge handing him a three month concurrent sentence for that particular offence.

Thomas first appeared before Magistrates on August 26 last year, where he entered no plea, but was given his prison sentence at Chester Crown Court on Monday, January 25.

As well as being jailed, Thomas will also have to sign the sex offenders register for the next ten years and be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for the same period.

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Michael Roberts - previously known as Brooke-Feather - was back in court for offences committed when he was a teenager A paedophile who has admitted that hell have a lifelong attraction to children has been sentenced for touching a young girl when he was a teenager. Michael Roberts, formerly known as Michael Brooke-Feather, 38, was jailed in 2017 for a sickening collection of child abuse images that included babies being raped, hung upside down and burnt with a blow torch. Roberts, of Mevagissey, has since been released from prison but was back in the dock at Truro Crown Court to be sentenced after being found guilty after a trial of the indecent assault of a girl under 14. After hearing all the evidence the jury ruled that when he was aged between 15 and 17 in the 1990s Roberts touched the girl on numerous occasions by running his hand up and down her leg. During the sentencing hearing, Judge Simon Carr commented how Roberts admits having a sexual interest in children since he was a teenager, to which his barrister Emily Cook replied: Its not going to go away, its how it's best managed. Ms Cook told the court that the best way to manage Roberts is by punishing him in the community and making him take rehabilitation courses that he hadnt previously been eligible for. The offence was said to have blighted the victims life for many years with her only finding the courage to report it many years later. Roberts, Ms Cook added, now has an address, work and the support of his parents. Sentencing Roberts, Judge Carr said: The abuse happened on at least three occasions. You put your hand on her leg and moved it up and down. She was terrified and it took her a long time to process the abuse that happened to her. No doubt this had a devastating psychological impact and that will be lifelong. You were 15 to 17 but this isnt teen curiosity getting out of hand, it was the first step in your offending against children. You are now 38 and the reality is you will never change and will pose a threat to children until your death. Its how it is managed. In 2012 you were convicted of sexual assault against a child. An aggravating feature was that you filmed yourself doing it so you could replay it again and again for sexual gratification. You were sent to prison and given a sexual harm prevention order. You twice breached it and received sentences. In 2017 you were found with indecent images of children including images of the most serious level and sent back to prison. After some serious consideration of the guidelines and how Roberts would have been sentenced at the time of the offences, Judge Carr gave Roberts a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years. He must complete the horizons programme to address his perversions and a rehabilitation activity requirement. Roberts was also made subject of a 12-month GPS tracking system allowing the authorities to know where he is, every minute of every day.

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Benjamin Middlemiss, 25, of Oxcroft, Kirkbymoorside, was released on prison licence in July last year, halfway through his sentence for indecent assault, York Crown Court heard.

As part of his licence conditions, Middlemiss was given an exemption under his bail curfew to work at a Tesco store in York, but the authorities suspected he had not been going to work and not been residing at his bail address in keeping with the provisos.

In fact, this was an “administrational error” and Middlemiss had been working at the supermarket, but when police tried to contact him to inform him that he was wanted for prison recall, he didn’t reply, said prosecutor Rob Galley.

An officer went looking for Middlemiss and stopped him in his Ford Ka in York on December 15, when it was discovered that he only had a provisional driving licence.

The officer told him he was wanted for prison recall and took him by the arm, but as he was being led to the cells in York, Middlemiss shoved her backwards and she let go of him.

He ran off and despite an exhaustive search, police couldn’t find him. The fugitive vanished for a week but finally returned to his bail hostel on December 22, where he was arrested.

Middlemiss admitted escaping from lawful custody and driving with only a provisional licence. He was recalled to Hull Prison to serve the remainder of his original sentence and appeared via video link for sentence on the new offences on Monday.

The court heard he had previous convictions for arson, theft from vehicles, criminal damage and making off without payment. He received the nine-year sentence for sexual offences in December 2013.

Defence barrister Alex Menary said Middlesmiss’s current sentence would expire in four years’ time, but there were moves to release him “sooner rather than later” because of the progress he had been making in prison.

He said Middlemiss had “shrugged off” the officer following his arrest for the driving matter and prison recall, after “panicking because he thought he had done nothing wrong and had been to work”.

Judge Andrew Stubbs QC said that following Middlemiss’s release on licence last summer, it appeared that he was getting his life back on track and “doing everything expected of you”.

But escaping from custody and evading capture “for about seven days” was so serious that it could only be met with another prison sentence.

Middlemiss was handed a new four-month jail term. His existing sentence for the sex offences is due to expire in January 2023, but it’s likely he could be released before then.

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He came to police attention after using an online account discuss child abuse.

An Isle of Wight man has been jailed for sexually abusing a child and being found in possession of thousands of indecent images.

Michael Anthony Henderson, 32, of Ventnor, was found with a number of indecent images on his devices after a police investigation.

Appearing at Isle of Wight Crown Court for sentencing on Friday (January 15), Mr Henderson was jailed for ten years.

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He came to police attention when they identified accounts he was using to discuss child abuse on online forums.

The Internet Child Abuse Team for Hampshire Constabulary then carried out an investigation which led to the seizure of laptops, phones and a kindle.

The court heard that the investigation found a large number of indecent images on Henderson's devices, many of which had been accessed on the internet. Among the images were a number that showed Henderson engaging in the sexual abuse of a child.

Hampshire Constabulary confirmed they identified the victim and provided support to them and their family.

Henderson was charged with four counts of sexual assault on a child, five of taking indecent images of a child, three of distribution of indecent images, four of possession of indecent images, one of possession of prohibited images of children and one of possession of extreme pornography.

He pleaded guilty to the three counts of distribution of indecent images, four of possession of indecent images, one of possession of prohibited images of children and one of possession of extreme pornography.

After a trial, the 32-year-old was convicted of the four counts of sexual assault on a child and five of taking indecent images of a child.

Investigating officer DS Claire Lyons said: "The images found on Henderson’s devices are unquestionably amongst the worst I have seen while working within the Internet Child Abuse Team, and this sentence takes a dangerous offender off the streets.

"The sexual abuse of children causes unfathomable damage, and I hope that this sentence provides some justice for the victim and their family, who will continue to receive support from partner services.

"We take all reports of sexual assault extremely seriously, and will do everything in our power to bring those responsible to justice.

"It is so important to us that people have the confidence to report these incidents to us, whether they have happened to you or somebody you know.

"It is also important to us that survivors and their families are provided with the support they need, and we work in partnership with other organisations to ensure this happens."

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A man convicted of raping one woman and sexually assaulting another in Bristol city centre has been jailed.

A judge concluded that Ian Ochieng, a paranoid schizophrenic, targeted two women three days apart in June 2019.

He took his first victim to a secluded spot and forced himself on her in an assault lasting some 30 minutes.

And he approached his second, equally vulnerable victim and touched her inappropriately, Bristol Crown Court heard.

Ochieng, 27, of Saltmarsh Drive in Lawrence Weston, denied wrongdoing.

But a jury convicted him of rape and sexual assault by penetration.

Judge William Hart handed him a 16-year extended sentence, comprising of 12 years' custody and four years' extended licence.

Ochieng has to serve two-thirds of the custodial term before the parole board considers his fitness for release.

The judge told him: "I regard you as a dangerous, predatory individual and a threat to women."

Ochieng was barred from working with vulnerable adults and children and ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely.

A jury heard the first victim left her friends and was in Horsefair when Ochieng took her behind Poundland and raped her.

In interview she said: "All I remember is that it really hurt and then I ended up running off and I was trying to put my clothes back on, but I couldn't because it was raining."

As she walked home in a state of partial undress she encountered four friends who came to her aid, the court heard.

They called an ambulance and she ultimately gave an account of being sexually assaulted.

An examination at the Bridge noted injuries and DNA matched the profile of Ochieng.

Three days later Ochieng approached a second woman who either passed out or fell asleep outside a Bristol nightclub.

The jury heard he put his hand in her underwear and groped her.

Sarah Regan, prosecuting, read an impact statement from the first complainant, who outlined the serious anxiety and relationship difficulties she suffered as a result of her ordeal and asked: "I'd like to know what right this person thought he had to take me off the street and rape me?"

The second complainant pondered: "I ask myself if he was attracted by drunken women; I did not lead him on at all."

Miss Regan said other woman had reported sexual assaults by Ochieng - but he was either acquitted of wrongdoing or matters were not pursued.

Jennifer Tallentire, defending, said her client is a paranoid schizophrenic, who had undergone mental health treatment, and whose sexual inhibition is less prevalent when he is well.

She told the court in June 2019 his mental health deteriorated, however.

Miss Tallentire said that during that time he was suffering from "paranoid feelings" which included fears someone was going to shoot him and a belief he had a GPS device in his stomach.

She conceded that her client was smoking cannabis when he assaulted the second complainant.

Acting Detective Inspector Mark Newbury said: "In 22 years of policing I think this is one of the most important convictions I have been involved in.

"Ian Ochieng is every woman's worst nightmare. He's an extremely dangerous individual and the public are without doubt much safer with him behind bars.

"He actively searched the streets of Bristol looking for women to target before subjecting them to quite horrific ordeals.

"Both victims demonstrated immense bravery and courage in giving evidence at court and I'd like to thank them for helping us to ensure Ochieng no longer poses a threat to others.

"I'd also like to praise the work of my team in securing this conviction. Their determination and commitment to obtain justice for both victims was truly outstanding and they are a credit to the police force and the communities they work so hard to protect."

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A Southampton man has been jailed for 13 years after he attempted to rape a woman while she slept.

Amro Badawi, age 28, of Mandela Way, Southampton denied the offences which included one count of rape, one count of attempted rape and one count of sexual assault.

After a five day trial in December, a jury at Southampton Crown Court found him guilty of attempted rape and sexual assault by penetration.

During the trial, the court heard that a woman went out with work colleagues to a Southampton bar.

At around 3.30am, she got a taxi back to her flat where she went to sleep.

Sometime between 4am and 5am, the woman awoke to a man lying behind her, sexually assaulting her. The court heard that the woman froze in fear before the man then attempted to rape her.

She managed to shout and push the man away to get him off her before he left the room. The woman then reported the incident to the police.

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On 18 December 2020, Mr Badawi was convicted of the attempted rape and sexual assault by penetration by a jury at Southampton Crown Court.

He was found not guilty of rape.

On Thursday (January 21) he appeared at Southampton Crown Court for sentencing where he was jailed for 13 years.

Detective Constable Sue Hampton from Operation Amberstone commended the victim for having the courage to come forward.

She said: "Badawi is an opportunist and a danger to women and I would like to commend the victim for her courage in disclosing what happened that night and for giving evidence in court so that he could be brought to justice.

"I welcome today's sentence and hope that it brings some closure to the victim and allows her to move on in her life.

"I also hope it encourages other victims of rape and serious sexual offences to come forward and report what happened.

"In cases such as these, we work in partnership with Independent Sexual Violence Advocate Services to ensure adequate support is available victims throughout investigations.

"We hope that the strength of this partnership working alongside convictions like this, encourage victims to come forward and report their experiences to us."