Latest Offenders

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A paedophile has been jailed after arranging to meet up with a teenage girl at a service station.

But Daniel Salisbury's victim was actually a police officer and when the 31-year-old turned up at Cobham Services on November 16 officers from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit pounced.

The 31-year, of Rotary Gardens, Gillingham, was found guilty of arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence at Guildford Crown Court on Wednesday.

He was also found to be in breach of a sexual harm prevention order and was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment to run concurrently.

That order had been imposed after he was found in possession of indecent images of children in 2014.

Salisbury was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely and was subject to a further sexual harm prevention order to run in line with his registration period.

SEROCU's detective Inspector Emily Evans said: This investigation forms part of our continued priority to protect children from sexual exploitation from those who seek to do them harm.

"The sentence reflects the seriousness of the offences Daniel Salisbury had attempted to commit.

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A KENDAL man is due be sentenced by a judge next month after he admitted making hundreds of indecent images of children.

Robert James Lewthwaite, 24, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court earlier today (FRI).

Lewthwaite pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent photographs of children between early July, 2017, and May 7 last year. The court heard the charges covered 66 images classed in category A the most serious; 146 in category B; and 639 with a category C classification.

In addition, Lewthwaite, of Low Kirkbarrow Lane, Kendal, admitted taking an indecent category A photograph of a child a video depicting a sexual act on July 5 of 2017.

David Traynor, defending, said in a brief address to Judge Peter Davies: He is 24 years of age, has no previous convictions and I would ask for you to adjourn for a pre-sentence report.

Judge Davies agreed. Lewthwaite was granted bail and is due to return to the crown court in early February for a sentencing hearing in front of Judge James Adkin.

Just because I am bailing you it doesnt mean the sort of sentence you will get thats up to James Adkin, said Judge Davies.

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A child rapist has been handed a 14-year prison sentence.

Simon Peter Turnbull, 44, received his punishment at Carlisle Crown Court today for crimes committed last year against a victim aged under 13.

At a previous hearing, Turnbull, of Fairhill Road, Penrith, had admitted one child rape and a second "multiple incident" charge.

Prosecutor Tim Evans told the court Turnbull's victim was so upset during a police interview that they could not speak at times, having to write things down in a notebook. The child did say of Turnbull: "I hate him."

When arrested, Turnbull initially reacted by saying: "What, really?" He later admitted raping the child multiple times when quizzed by police for a second time, but was said by a probation officer to have shown an "alarming lack of victim empathy".

Shaven-headed Turnbull showed little emotion while sitting, arms folded, in the court dock as facts of his offending were outlined to Judge Peter Davies.

A number of deeply moving impact statements were read to court which detailed the profound effects on the victim's family.

Jailing Turnbull, a man with no previous convictions, Judge Davies said he was guilty of a "persistent course of conduct committed for your own sexual gratification". This had, the judge observed, "left a wake of devastation".

Turnbull must sign the sex offenders' register indefinitely, and abide by the strict terms of a sexual harm prevention order.

He must serve at least half of the 14-year term in custody, and will only be considered for release when a parole board deems him suitable.

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Paedophile Allen Wilton has been jailed for 16 months for breaching his Sex Offenders Register requirements.

The 49-year-old, of St Johns Wood Road in Ryde, was required by law to register any names or profiles he created online.

Police discovered that he had been using the name 'falcon1' on an encrypted chat app called Wickr Me, but failed to notify the authorities of this, Isle of Wight Crown Court heard.

The court heard that he was arrested at his home address on 2 October this year, and refused to hand over his password for the app to police.

Today (1 November) he was sentenced to 16 months in prison at the same court.

PC Michelle Walton said: "Wilton is a repeat child sex offender with a history dating back to 2002.

"He had absolutely no regard for what he was required to do, by law, so we could ensure that he would not continue to offend and that children were protected.

"We simply do not tolerate this, and I am pleased that today's jail sentence reflects this."

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A SWEET shop worker who tried to bribe children with freebies to get them to expose themselves has been jailed.

Paul Lewis (33) was sentenced to ten years after he admitted seven offences against youngsters aged between eight and 11.

Police in Doncaster began investigating in November after five children reported being approached by a man who asked them to expose themselves for free sweets.

Investigating officer Amy Fourlis said: “Following the arrest, I worked through the night to secure further interviews with victims, statements from witnesses, searching Lewis’ home , and seizing his electronic items.

“During the course of my enquiries, an indecent video was found on Lewis’ phone and during interview Lewis made an admission which led officers to believe that another child had been a victim.

“This child was identified and spoken to, with further charges put to Lewis.”

She added: “Lewis abused a clear position of trust and the victims have shown courage in telling their parents what happened and being interviewed by police. 

“Thanks to them, we were able to build a strong case against Lewis and identify further offences.

“I’m pleased that he has been handed a significant jail term and offers the community some reassurance.”

Lewis, of Lower Dolcliffe Road in Mexborough, admitted inciting a boy under 13 to engage in sexual activity, outraging public decency, possession with intent to distribute an indecent photograph of a child, breaching a sexual harm prevention order and three counts of inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

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A "MANIPULATIVE" sex offender who targeted a 13-year-old girl has been jailed for seven years. Stuart Penny, of Pinewood Close in Salisbury, admitted a string of sex offences that took place between December 2015 and April 2016, and was jailed for seven years and two months at Salisbury Crown Court in December. The 52-year-old's victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was 13 at the time. Detective Constable Jackie Allen, from Salisbury CID, said: I would like to pay tribute to the young victim in this case who has shown immense bravery in speaking to police about the abuse she suffered. Penny is a manipulative sex offender who groomed his victim and initially denied the offences, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Here at Wiltshire Police we are committed to bringing these types of offenders to justice, and I would urge anyone who has been the victim of sexual abuse to come forward and speak to us about what has happened to you. Penny pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a child under 16, inciting a child aged between 13 and 15 to view images of sexual activity, inciting a child under the age of 16 to engage in sexual activity and possession of extreme pornographic images.

Description

A teenager who was groomed and raped in a series of 'appalling' assaults watched as her abuser was jailed and said: 'He is a monster'.

Perverted Jamie Williams looked blank-faced as he was handed a 13-year jail term for repeated sexual assaults and two rapes on the young girl.

Williams, 32 of Inverness Road, Buckland, was convicted of four charges of sexual assault, two more serious sexual assaults and two rapes.

Sentencing, judge Roger Hetherington said: 'These were appalling offences which were the result of a degree of planning on your part.'

He added: 'With any young girl it would have had a very traumatic effect and unsurprisingly that's precisely what has happened in this case.'

Probation found Williams poses a high risk of serious harm to children but the judge stopped short of ruling he was dangerous, which could have led to Williams receiving an extended sentence.

The girl, who cannot be named, told of her frustration at having to wait for a third trial for justice to be done after the first jury was dismissed and a second trial date was abandoned as medical evidence was compiled.

Bravely she watched from the public gallery at Portsmouth Crown Court as 32-year-old Williams was sentenced over video-link

In a statement read out by prosecutor Matthew Lawson, the girl said: 'I was just a little girl. I hope I can get my life back.

'I will not let what he has done to me stop me from being successful.'

She added: 'I think that he is a monster – I'm so relieved that he was found guilty.'

In a statement, her family said: 'Our lives changed forever and after nearly two hellish years we are still putting the pieces back together.

'We hope January next year will be a new beginning for all of us and we can't thank enough all those involved in bringing the case to trial and getting justice.'

'On occasions I thought he was going to get away with this,' she said.

Forensic medical evidence agreed by the prosecution and defence revealed the pain the victim suffered.

After telling police about the attacks she once saw into Williams in the street. 'I was left physically shaking and crying,' her statement said.

The defendant had applied 'subtle pressure' in trying to stop the girl from reporting the attacks to police, the court heard.

Williams was ordered to sign the sex offenders' register for life. He denied all charges.

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A pervert who abducted a teenage girl and had sex with her at a bed and breakfast has been jailed for just over five years.

A judge said Jessie Hilden had targeted a vulnerable child and groomed her for his sexual gratification.

Despite admitting his guilt, the 30-year-old “displayed a disturbing lack of insight” into the realities of his behaviour and implications.

“There is no sign of any genuine remorse,” said Judge David Griffith-Jones QC. “A sentence of some length is demanded. Nothing less will do.”

Hilden, of Caravan Site, Windmill Lane West, West Malling, admitted abducting a child, two offences of sexual activity with a child and perverting the course of justice.

Maidstone Crown Court heard on Tuesday the victim was aged 14 when Hilden preyed on her.

She had gone into foster care because there was a high risk of child sex exploitation.

Prosecutor Bridget Todd said the girl was close to her 15th birthday when she failed to return to her care home and was reported missing.

Efforts were made to find her. She was believed to be at a hotel in Maidstone with Hilden.

It was revealed that he had taken her to the bed and breakfast, bought her alcohol and had intercourse with her without using protection. It included an unnatural act which caused her pain.

When police spotted Hilden later in Knightrider Street in Maidstone, he said he claimed he had not see the girl and did not know her.

"He took advantage of me. I was young and stupid..." - victim

But CCTV footage from the B&B confirmed they were there together. When arrested in May, Hilden denied having an inappropriate relationship with the teenager.

He was released on bail with a condition not to contact her but there were telephone calls between them in which he urged her to delete everything from her phone and go to the “gavvers” (police) and lie.

Miss Todd said Hilden had 19 previous convictions for 30 offences, mainly for dishonesty.

The victim said in a statement that she “felt disgusted” about what happened. “It makes me feel dirty,” she continued.

"He took advantage of me. I was young and stupid.

“I had issues at home and that made me vulnerable. He gave me money and things, which was exciting. Now I know he was lying.

“I struggle to sleep. I get bad dreams – nightmares and flashbacks about what he did to me. It has knocked my confidence. It messed up my GCSEs, messed up everything.”

She added: “I hate him for what he has done.”

Passing sentence, Judge Griffith-Jones said: “She was a troubled young girl and vulnerable. You began to curry her friendship. You groomed her, promising her things.

“You said you would take her on holidays and eventually marry her. You sought to alienate her from her family.”

It was clear Hilden, who had a troubled upbringing and turned to drugs and alcohol, preyed on the girl’s immaturity and vulnerability from the outset.

“She had been taken in and beguiled by you,” he continued. “You lied to her. You took advantage of her in order to use her for you own sexual gratification.

“The psychological damage your actions will have inflicted on her can only be imagined. Her victim statement describes her emotional turmoil and upset.”

The judge said there was considerable aggravation in the disparity in ages.

“I hope you will address your deviant thinking and behaviour,” he added.

He was jailed for a total of five years and two months – four years and eight months for the sex offences, 15 months concurrent for child abduction and six months consecutive for perverting the course of justice.

His name will appear on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely. He will be barred from working with children and a sexual harm prevention order was made.

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He is already serving an 11-and-a-half year sentence for similar offences, however has today been given another nine years.

A former 'fitness photographer' has been sentenced to 20-and-a-half years imprisonment this morning after being found guilty of rape, sexual assault, voyeurism, and sedating a number of male models.

Nigel Wilkinson, 45, of no fixed address, was already serving an 11-and-a-half year sentence following an earlier conviction in 2016, after he pleaded guilty to sedating and raping male models who he had lured to his home in Windmill Hill by offering them free photo shoots.

Follwoing his trial, a jury convicted him of one charge of rape, three charges of voyeurism, and five charges of administering a substance with intent, against a total of six men.

Today, nine jurors returned to the courtroom to watch His Honour Judge James Patrick pass his sentence.

Wilkinson himself declined to attend the sentencing.

With regards to his absence, Edward Burgess, mitigating, said: “When he indicated to myself yesterday afternoon that he did not intend to be discourteous to the court, but rather declined as the sentence would be inevitable beyond his expected release date of February 2022.”

His Honour Judge James Patrick said: “The reality is that criminal proceedings are not an option. I take dim view of this choice.”

During Wilkinson's trial, which begain in late November, an ex-prisoner told the jury that Wilkinson had confided in him whilst they were in prison together and told him that he had "many more victims".

The witness told the court that Wilkinson had hoped that the police would stop investigating him as he had more victims than he had been convicted for.

Following the publicity of the 2016 trial, two further victims initially came forward to police.

Further extensive investigations through Wilkinson's revealed a further five victims from across the country - however it is thought that there may be more men who were targeted who may never know if they were raped or sexually assaulted by Wilkinson.

Images released by the police show Wilkinson's home photography studio and bar, where he laced drinks with sedatives before attacking his victims.

During the sentencing hearing, prosecution Sarah Regan summarised some of the impact statements that had been written by Wilkinson's victims.

One man said: “This is the easiest statement I’ve provided. Why? Because I know exactly how this has affected me throughout my life. I pray that it doesn’t continue to affect my life. I hope it will bring us all closure and we can all move on with our lives.

“When I realised what had happened to me I felt stained. I felt like I had been infected against my will. How could someone do this? I have nightmares after nightmares, flashbacks after flashbacks about that night. Reading in the press about how he had been caught in the act and hearing that others been affected I felt sick.

“I often wonder if I had come forward earlier if I could have stopped other people being attacked. I was terrified because I didn’t want to see pictures that he could have taken of me. I was scared he would have taken pictures while he was raping me.

"How would I ever have gotten that out of my head? My question still is did he take pictures while raping me, as some kind of trophy?

“I’m glad that I found the strength to come forward as it means that justice can be served.”

Another victim said: “I don’t trust anyone. I feel uncomfortable being around people I don’t know, and I am calling my parents several times a day.

"I feel isolated, degraded, and as a heterosexual male it’s hard to reach out. The whole court process has been hell at times. This is the sort of case you read about because it’s happened to someone else, but you never realise it could be you.

“I still have trouble with trusting people and holding down a relationship, because I don’t have the confidence. It’s impacted really negatively on other members of my family.”

During the sentencing, Judge Patrick also passed an order that Wilkinson's Twitter account, which is currently still active, be removed. Although his Facebook and Instagram accounts had both been deleted, American social media company Twitter had thus far declined to remove the account, despite his criminal conviction.

Ms Regan called Twitter "difficult" and stated that Wilkinson had given his consent for the account to be removed, however did not provide any of the necessary log-in details to make deletion possible.

In his mitigation Mr Burgess said: “I accept in the spirit of realism rather than defeatism that to argue against the dangerousness of the defendant is very difficult in my position, as your honour has a wealth of evidence contrary to this.”

“However I would encourage the court deals with these matters as a whole. With the greatest respect I resist the conclusion that this was a campaign of rape.”

He suggested the sentence may be reduced slightly due to the fact that each attack in itself was not "sustained", and that although the victim of the rape charge had suffered as a result of the trauma inflicted upon him, there was little evidence to suggest he had been subjected to severe psychological harm.

During his summation with reference to Mr Burgess' suggestions, Judge Patrick said: "I have to regard those submissions but I reject them. This was a prolonged incident.

"It is not possible to know how long it lasted, because of your actions. You drugged this man, in whom you were sexually interested, at sufficient strength for him to pass out or black-out for a significant period, and for him to be unable to resist.

"This was not a momentary offence. You rendered him senseless and raped him. I have no hesitation in concluding that this was a sustained incident.

"He [one of the victims] had suffered nightmares an flashbacks. He feels guilt for not coming forward sooner. He was terrified of having to face you and what you did to him.

"He associates this city with a sense of hatred. He is undergoing counselling to try to address what you did to him. He dreads the day of your release.

"Furthermore, I watched him giving evidence. The distress he showed understanding the reality of what you did to him was genuine. On the basis of what I saw and have read, I conclude that he suffers severe psychological harm."

The court also heard how Wilkinson had claimed his offending was a result of a series of events in 2015 and early 2016 which included resigning from his job due to unhappiness and discovering a lump on his chest - which he feared could lead to his death after his mother and step-father passed away from cancer.

Wilikinson had previously claimed that he committed the offences as he intended to "go out in a blaze of glory".

With regard to this, Judge Patrick said: "In fact, what is now clear is that, long before those even occurred, you had already raped another man and were embarking on a course of drugging men for your own sexual purposes. This was not a short-lived period of offending, this was long in the planning and long in the exectuion.

"I have concluded that you are dangerous within the Criminal Justice Act 2003. I do not accept that you committed these offences against a background of your life spiralling out of control as you suggested.

"The fact that you have refused to attend court for your sentence is of course not determinative, but it displays a cowardly attitude verging on contempt for your victims, and does nothing to allay the court's fears that you are not facing the reality and effect of your offending.

"I bear in mind Mr Burgess's submission that you mean no discourtesy, but have no hesitation in concluding that you are not facing up to the enormity of your criminal behaviour.

"If I were simply to total up the sentences that each offence merits and order that they be served consecutively the resulting total sentence would inevitably be too long. He asks me to pass a sentence which will not crush your hope. I bear that submission in mind, but bear in mind too my public duty to have regard to the effect that you had on the lives not only of your nine victims, but also their partners, families, and friends."

Wilkinson was given an extended sentence of 20-and-a-half years, and will not be eligible for parole until he has served two-thirds of the custodial term.

He has been disqualified from working with children and vulnerable adults for life, and will also remain on the sex offender's register for life.

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A father has hit out at online paedophile hunters for being a pain in the bottom after his son pleaded guilty to a sex offence.

Robert Beedle, son of Great Dunmow town councillor David Beedle, was snared after chatting to who he thought was a 13-year-old girl.

However, he was actually messaging a "decoy" manned by members of the online paedophile hunter group Defending the Innocent.

This morning (Wednesday, December 19), Chelmsford Magistrates' Court heard how the 39-year-old sex offender had been messaging the decoy for over a year in a forum and then exchanged WhatsApp messages with her.

They discussed having sexual activity and they also talked about booking a hotel room so they could spend time together.

Beedle, of the Broadway, Dunmow, pleaded guilty to the charge of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.

During the short hearing, it was revealed how Beedle's confrontation with the paedophile hunting group was posted online on April 26.

Having been told he will be sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on January 16, Beedle left the building in the company of his father.

Following the hearing, Cllr Beedle criticised online paedophile hunting groups.

"The only thing to comment on is the fact that these so-called paedophile hunters are a pain in the bottom, he said.

Of course its an issue [posting the video online] because everybody is not aware of the facts.

Some of the things we will probably never know about.

He added that his son had also held his hands up and he hoped people would be kind in their reactions.

Description

A convicted sex offender who admitted possessing more than 3000 indecent images of children was warned by a judge that custody was on the cards for him.

Peter Hollamby, 32, of Louise Close, Great Yarmouth, admitted breaching his sexual harm prevention order and three charges of downloading indecent images of children when he appeared before Norwich Crown Court.

The court heard that the case involved more than 3000 images which had been downloaded on various devices including a mobile phone and computer tablet.

His case was adjourned for reports and Judge Stephen Holt warned him: 'Custody must be very much on the cards but it will be up to the sentencing judge.'

Chris Youell appeared for the prosecution and Danielle O'Donovan appeared for Hollamby.

Hollamby was given conditional bail and is due to be sentenced on February 4.

Description

He was found guilty of 37 charges and handed a long prison sentence at Truro Crown Court An opportunist sex offender who subjected a young girl to a campaign of rape and sexual abuse has been told he may never be released. Scott Glover, 43, from the Camborne area, has been jailed for more than 20 years after being found guilty of a total of 37 charges relating to a single victim, a girl under 16. The indictment levelled against Glover originally consisted of 10 sexual assaults, 12 counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, six rapes and nine instances of sexual activity with a child. Glover, who worked in a garage in Helston, denied all the charges, saying they were utterly false. Glovers trial underway at Truro Crown Court last week, and a jury returned its verdicts on Tuesday (December 13) after six and a half hours of deliberation. The jury convicted him of 37 of the 38 counts. He was found not guilty of one of the rape charges. Opening the case last week, Sean Brunton, QC, said the victim on occasions considered killing herself because of the secret she was keeping. The girl eventually confided in her friend and then went to her schools student liaison officer before the allegations were passed to the police. Mr Brunton added: She was confused, dazed and described what had happened to her as surreal. During sentencing, the court heard how the abuse against the victim was long-term and systematic. Glover made the child wear "sexy underwear" and use a vibrator for his own sexual gratification, as well as showing her adult pornography. This escalated to sexual assault and rape. During the rapes Glover would sometimes, but not always, wear a condom and the victim first took the contraceptive pill aged 13. In mitigation, Glover's barrister Heather Hope said his actions will also have severe consequences on his own family. There is very little I can say," she told the judge. "Mr Glover has been a man who has worked hard and in all other respects has been a family man and provided for his family. There are many victims in this case. He was the only person in his family earning money, his wife does not work, and there is not going to be money to pay for the mortgage or a car. The financial cushion the family had is gone. His family are to be financially vulnerable. That is not to take away the effect on her (the victim) and Mr Glover is aware of the contents of the victim impact statements. There are good qualities Mr Glover has, though that doesnt minimise what has happened. Prior to sentencing Mrs Hope pleaded with Judge Simon Carr to sentence Glover in the new year so he could spend "one last Christmas" with his family. But the request was denied. "He has shown not a shred of remorse," Judge Carr said. Sentencing Glover to 22 years in prison, plus an additional year on licence, Judge Carr said: You have been found guilty by a jury of long term and systematic abuse. She (the victim) described you as an opportunist paedophile and that is precisely what you are. As she got older she felt more able to speak out. Her interview was striking not just because of the detail but the length of it, in fact she spoke for almost two hours, to unburden herself of what you had done. Her life has been devastated, she will carry the effects of what you did for the rest of her life. You have shown not one iota of remorse for what you did, which was purely for your own gratification. Glover showed no emotion throughout sentencing. He must sign the sex offenders register for life and will not be eligible for parole until he has served at least two thirds of his sentence. But I find it difficult to ever envisage a time when it will be safe for you to be released," Judge Carr added. An NSPCC spokeswoman for the South West of England said: Glover brazenly pursued and groomed a young girl over many years to fulfil his own perverted sexual desires. As a survivor of sexual abuse this girl has courageously spoken out about what was happening, which has prevented her abuser from inflicting harm on other children. She has shown extreme bravery in doing so, and its important she is provided with the necessary support going forward.

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A former Morecambe High School English teacher jailed for viewing child abuse images was released from prison ' and then caught after viewing more online pictures. Brian Rafferty was jailed in 2015 after being caught with 2,000 indecent photos and extreme pornography. He was teaching English at Morecambe High at the time but was immediately suspended when the allegations came to light. Raffertys contract was later terminated when he was jailed for 16 months at Preston Crown Court. None of the offences related to children at the school he taught at. Authorities checked the grandfathers computer equipment following his release from prison, and his online search terms related to child abuse material. Though he had deleted his viewing history, police found nine such images. Rafferty, 58, originally of Market Street in Carnforth but now of St Georges Square in Bristol, pleaded guilty to three charges of making indecent images of children. He also admitted breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order by deleting his Internet history. Judge Martin Picton jailed Rafferty for 14 months at Bristol Crown Court. Rafferty, who is barred from working with children and vulnerable adults, was ordered to sign as a sex offender for 10 years. The court heard police found two images on Raffertys laptop computer which were deemed to be in the lowest level of concern, in category C. In his tablet device there was an image deemed to be in Category A and six images in Category B. In 2015 we reported how Rafferty admitted seven offences relating to indecent images of children and animals. Police found hundreds of images during a raid. Rafferty was jailed for 16 months at Preston Crown Court. Having taught for more than 20 years he was suspended from the school and then sacked.

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A DISGUSTED judge said a paedophile possessed the worst indecent image he had heard of in 30 years of sitting in court.

Judge Nicholas Rowland told family man Kelvin Brookes the child abuse image was "abhorrent and horrifying" and sentenced him to 18 months behind bars during the 40-year-old's hearing at Southampton Crown Court.

Weeping, Brookes was told it was the actions of abusers like him that led to youngsters across the world being tortured for paedophile's pleasures.

The court was told that Brookes had been caught distributing 84 category A images to six online users.

Edward Phillips, prosecuting, said Brookes, who admitted the charges, was also found in possession of more than 150 different category A, B and C moving images.

One of the images was described by Mr Phillips as "horrifying" and Brookes had received 200 requests for the image.

In mitigation, Mark Ashley said although Brookes had downloaded the images he was unaware he had shared them.

"He has lost his family, his job and his home," Mr Ashley said.

"He was abused when he was younger and he was in a dark place when he viewed this material."

In sentencing Brookes, Judge Rowland said: "The image was abhorrent. It means that as we sit here children around the world are being abused for the gratification of people like you.

"In all my 30 years of sitting in court, I have never heard of such a horrifying image.

"It amounts to the torture of a young child.

"It's bad enough having to read about the image let alone think about the abuse this child suffered.

"It's said on your behalf you were in a dark place but no doubt this child was in an even darker one.

"A custodial sentence is exactly what a civilised society demands in this case."

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Neal Harris abused his position of trust with two of his players.

Football coach Neal Harris jailed for four years for having sexual activity with two under-age girls.

A children's football coach has been jailed for sexually abusing two young girls in his care.

Neal Harris was a trainee primary school teacher when he coached youngsters at a football club based in South Gloucestershire.

Bristol Crown Court heard he groped one 14-year old before having sex with a 15-year-old one month before she turned 16.

Harris, 25, of Rectory Close in Yate, pleaded guilty to sexual activity with a child, in a position of trust, regarding both girls.

Judge James Patrick jailed him for four years.

He told Harris: "You were their coach.

"You were training to be a primary school teacher.

"You used your position to groom these two girls, both very significantly younger than you."

Harris was barred from working with children and vulnerable adults and was told to register as a sex offender for life.

James Tucker, prosecuting, said Harris was 21 when he abused a girl aged 14 by kissing and touching her sexually above her clothes.

Mr Tucker said: "She fell in love with him."

At one stage Harris messaged the child with a picture of himself in his stained pants, telling her: "Look what you do to me."

That made her feel uncomfortable, the court heard, but she initially felt unable to tell anyone.

Harris told her they should wait to have sex when she was 18, but cuddled her on a bed and kissed her stomach, Mr Tucker said.

Eventually Harris moved on to another girl he coached and, after exchanging messages on social media, they became intimate and had sex a month before her 16th birthday.

Mr Tucker told the court: "She was worried because it was her first time.

"She told him she wanted to.

"She describes him using condoms and they spoke about her having an implant.

"He bought her a ring and Christmas gifts."

The court heard they went on to have sex at his home and in his car.

When Harris was arrested he denied any wrongdoing with the first girl and denied sex with the second girl before she was 16.

Virginia Cornwall, defending, said her client was a reserved man lacking self-worth and self-confidence.

She said: "The abuse was as a football coach.

"He was training to be a primary school teacher. He will never be as such."

Miss Cornwall said he felt "valued and wanted" with the first girl but knew what he was doing was wrong.

 
She said he was flattered by attention from the second girl and they had consensual intercourse.

Investigating officer DS Geoff Smith said: “Neal Harris abused his position of trust in the worst way possible and took advantage of two teenage girls who he was in contact with through his football coaching.

“He groomed the victims who believed they were in a relationship with them and he used social media as one method of communicating with them. He told them they had to keep the “relationship” a secret.

“He met them in parks, woods, car-parks and in public places including behind a supermarket, which is where the sexual abuse would take place.

“The victims now understand they were groomed and the offending committed against them will have an impact on them for the rest of their lives.”

The Bridge provides medical care and emotional and practical support to anyone affected by rape and sexual assault. You can call The Bridge for help and decide about talking to the police later.

You can also visit thisisnotanexcuse.org for details of charities and organisations who are experts in supporting victims.