Latest Offenders

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Ryan Clarkson, of Swain Court, Northampton, was sentenced last month (June 19) to five years in prison for committing child sex offences.

The 27-year-old had previously been found guilty of 13 counts of child sex offences, some counts including multiple occasions, totalling 28 offences, at a trial in Leicester Crown Court in December 2025.

Clarkson committed the offences when he was aged between 10 and 15, with his behaviour escalating from sexual touching to rape.

An investigation into the offences was launched in 2022 after multiple survivors of Clarkson’s abuse came forward, which led to him being charged with 20 offences, including six counts of rape of a child under 13 and three of rape.

He was also charged with two counts of assault by penetration of a child under 13, six counts of sexually assaulting a child under 13, two counts of penetrative sexual activity with a child, and one count of sexual activity with a child.

Having denied the charges, Clarkson was found guilty by a jury and was convicted of six counts of raping of a child under 13 years, two counts of assault by penetration of a child under 13 years, four counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 years and one count of sexual activity with a child.

However, the jury found him not guilty of seven further offences – two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 years, three counts of rape and two counts of penetrative sexual activity with a child.

When sentencing Clarkson at Leicester Crown Court in June 2026, His Honour Judge Ebrahim Mooncey said: “I accept he has not committed further offences. However, I have concluded that only a custodial sentence is appropriate in the circumstances to meet the justice of the case.

“The sentence cannot undo what has been done and the effects it has had on people’s lives for so many years. For the defendant, he has to be dealt with for his conduct when he was young and for the victims, some closure is needed for the damage he has caused to their lives.”

Detective Constable Evie Mugridge from the Force’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit, who led the investigation, said: “Ryan Clarkson subjected his young victims to serious sexual abuse over many years, causing them harm not only while they were children but psychological harm as adults, carrying the weight of what he did to them when they were young.

“I want to thank the survivors for the immense courage they have shown throughout and it is only because of their bravery and strength that Clarkson has been held accountable for his horrendous actions.

“We are committed to protecting children and bringing to justice those who seek to exploit or abuse them. We take these offences extremely seriously and would always encourage victims to come forward and report to us.”

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A 61-year-old man from Southampton has been jailed for 16 years and nine months for child sex offences in Totton.

Peter Bryan Rudd, of Acacia Road, was sentenced at Southampton Crown Court yesterday Thursday (16 July).

Following a five-day trial at the same court, between Tuesday 7 April and Monday 13 April, Rudd was found guilty of raping a child aged 11-years-old and two counts of sexual activity with a child.

His crimes, which took place over a four-year period, were first reported to police in May 2024.

As well as the time he will now spend behind bars, Rudd was also placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life, handed a lifetime restraining order, preventing him from having any contact with the victim, and made subject to a 20-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Upon his eventual release from prison, Rudd must also complete an additional year of supervision.

Speaking during sentencing, His Honour Judge Rowland, said:

"The victim and their family have all been extremely courageous."

Speaking after sentencing, Police Staff Investigator Rebecca Stevens, of the Child Abuse Investigation Team, said:

“I am very pleased that justice has been served for the young victim in this case, and their family.

Rudd is a sexual predator and extremely dangerous man, who has been placed behind bars for a significant period of time, where he belongs.

“He is now locked up and no longer able to harm any other young person, ensuring children and the wider community are safer as a result.

“Rudd stole the innocence of this child, but I would like to place on record my praise and admiration for the child and their family.

“They have shown incredible strength, courage and determination throughout this investigation.

“While I know this outcome won’t rid the victim and their family of the memories of what Rudd did, I truly hope it allows them to move forward, safe in the knowledge that he is safely locked away."

Directly addressing other victims of sex offences, PSI Stevens, said:

“I also hope this sentence will reassure victims and their families that they will be listened to when reporting similar incidents to us.

“We encourage other victims to come forward and speak to us, as we take allegations of this nature extremely seriously and work hard to bring offenders to justice.

“This case should also be a very clear message to other offenders out there that we will always work tirelessly to ensure you are brought to justice and held accountable of for your crimes.”

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A woman who was sexually abused as a child has helped convict a serial sex offender of further offences after seeing news of his other crimes.

Leon Bowes, 35, was already serving life imprisonment with a minimum of 17 years behind bars after being convicted on 20 November 2024 of 25 offences against three women.

Yesterday (Thursday 16 July), at Leicester Crown Court, he was found guilty of a further four sex offences against another victim – who was 12 and 13 at the time of the offending.

He has been ordered to serve another four years – taking his minimum term in prison from 17 years to 21 years.

The victim, who is now in her 30s, contacted police on 21 November 2024 after reading the news of Bowes’ conviction on Leicestershire Police’s Facebook page.

She reported knowing Bowes during 2007 and 2008 and during that time they had engaged in sexual activity on multiple occasions.

At the time Bowes was 17 and 18 and was aware the victim was under the age of consent.

Following a thorough investigation of the new offences, Bowes was charged with two counts of rape of a girl under 13, and two counts of sexual activity with a child. He has been found guilty of all four offences.

DC Josh Evans, from the force’s specialist rape and sexual assault team, is the officer in the case.

He said:

“This case highlights the significant impact that media coverage and public appeals can have in encouraging victims and survivors to come forward, even many years after abuse has taken place.

“The victim in this case told me she came forward after seeing our reporting of Bowes’ crimes against the other women.

“She had never disclosed what had happened to her as a child but seeing other women had made reports and recognising her own experiences in the coverage of the case, it gave her the courage to call police.

“By reporting what had happened to her we were able to investigate the further offences and present that evidence before the courts.

“Although Bowes is already in prison, it was vital we did everything we could to ensure this victim got the justice she deserves.

“I want to thank her for having the confidence to tell us about what happened to her nearly 20 years ago. Even though at the time she did not see that Bowes’ actions were wrong, she now realises he took advantage of her as a young vulnerable girl and groomed her for his own sexual gratification.

“I hope this conviction will help encourage any further victims of Bowes to come forward or any victims of sexual assault. No matter how much time has passed, we are here to listen to you and to help and support you.”

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A brave survivor has spoken out to help protect other women after a man was jailed for rape, serious sexual assaults and strangulation in Welwyn Garden City at St Albans Crown Court today (Friday17 July).

The woman was subjected to violent abuse between 2021 and 2022, but with the help of family and friends found the courage to report it to police.

She said:

“While nothing can undo what happened or the lasting impact this has had on my life, I hope this outcome shows other victims that they will be listened to, believed, and supported. I hope sharing my experience encourages anyone living in fear to seek help. I am incredibly grateful to Detective Constable Jon Holmes, whose communication, empathy, and commitment never wavered. He handled every interaction with sensitivity and professionalism and made me feel heard and supported. Although this has been a long and difficult process, I hope this case gives others the confidence to seek help and know that justice is possible. There is hope beyond the fear. Everyone deserves to be safe, to be heard, and to live a life free from abuse. Taking the first step can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone.”

Ben Kasperczak, aged 23, of Hertford Road in Welwyn, was sentenced to 13 years' imprisonment for three rapes, four serious sexual assaults and non-fatal strangulation.

Detective Constable Jon Holmes from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Sexual Offences Investigations Team (SOIT), said:

“The victim-survivor has shown incredible strength in reporting these horrific crimes to us and in supporting the investigation and two court trials. I commend her bravery and her family and friends who have supported her.”

Kasperczak was convicted of two rapes and non-fatal strangulation in October 2025, but the jury was hung on the remaining counts during a three-week trial. A second trial lasting seven-weeks took place from April to June this year where he was found guilty on all counts.

“She has made the incredibly brave choice to publicly share her experience in the hope that other survivors of sexual abuse might feel able to speak up and report to police,” DC Holmes added.

“Despite suffering terrible abuse at the hands of Kasperczak, her caring nature has shone through for the duration of the investigation and trials, with some of her first thoughts on conviction being focused on preventing further harm to others.

“Kasperczak never showed any remorse for his offending and following two separate trials in 2025 and 2026 spanning 10 weeks, two juries at St Albans Crown Court took a combined total of less than 15 hours to convict Kasperczak.”

His Honourable Judge Andrew Johnson said:

“You were abusing her and violating her, while her focus was on helping you.

“She is in my judgement an empathetic compassionate lady. The impact of these rapes and other offences has been enormous.”

Having heard the victim’s impact statements, HHJ Johnson added:

“I hope they have made you feel some degree of shame. They should.”

DC Holmes continued:

“I encourage victims to get in touch. We have specially trained officers who will listen, take you seriously, offer support and protection, and ensure your wishes remain central throughout the investigation to hold those who abuse or commit violence against others accountable for their actions.”

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A man who groomed a young girl before raping her in a park has been jailed.

Reggie Cannon was 19 when he began messaging the 14-year-old girl on Instagram, telling her he was aged 16 and still at school.

The messaging continued for several weeks, and Cannon came to meet the girl after she finished school on a number of occasions.

In December 2020, the pair met up in a park in Seaham where Cannon raped and sexually assaulted the girl.

He was arrested and a police investigation launched.

The 24-year-old, of Stanley, was charged with rape, sexual assault, and grooming, which he admitted at a previous court hearing.

He also admitted failing to comply with the sex offender notification requirements, after failing to disclose he had changed addresses.

Cannon appeared at Durham Crown Court today (July 17) where he was jailed for six-and-a-half years.

He was also handed a ten-year sexual harm prevention order, a ten-year restraining order preventing him from contacting the girl, and placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Investigative Officer Leanne Hogg, from Durham Constabulary’s Complex Safeguarding Team, led the investigation.

She said:

“I’d like to commend the young girl for the strength she has shown throughout this investigation and subsequent court process.

“By standing up to Cannon and having her voice heard, she has helped to take a dangerous predator off the streets, who poses a clear risk to women and girls.”

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A man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison following a series of sexual and violent offences in East Lothian and Elgin.

Christopher Malcolm was sentenced to 16 years in prison and placed on the sex offenders register at Edinburgh High Court on Friday, 17 July, 2026.

He was previously convicted of the crimes, including rape and assault to injury and endangerment of life, against four women between 2010 and 2024 on 16 June, 2026, following a trail at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Detective Sergeant Jade Wardell said:

“Malcolm subjected four women to years of horrific abuse, causing lasting trauma and having a profound impact on their lives.

"I would like to acknowledge the support provided by all victims throughout the investigation and court process, which has ultimately led to his conviction.

"Violence and abuse of any kind have no place in society and we remain committed to supporting victims and bringing those responsible to justice.

"I would encourage anyone who has experienced sexual abuse or violence to report it to police. Every report will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated." 

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A child rapist from Worcester has been sentenced to a total of 22 years and three months in prison at Worcester Crown Court today (Friday 17 July).

Philip Lakey, 63, of Ombersley Road, Worcester pleaded not guilty at his original hearing but was found guilty at trial by jury at the same court on Wednesday 15 April of multiple sexual offences against one victim.

He was further ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life, will be subject to a 25 year sexual harm prevention order and received a restraining order to protect the victim.

Today he was sentenced for the following offences which took place between 2019 and 2022:

• Four counts of rape of a child under 13 years
• Two counts of assault a child under 13 by touching
• Four counts of penetrative sexual activity with a child
• Two counts of non-penetrative sexual activity with a child

Detective Constable Philippa Stevens, who investigated the case, said:

“We are pleased to get this long sentence for Lakey whose disgusting actions have had a terrible impact upon his victim.

“We hope this will feel like some sense of some justice for the victim, and I would like to thank them for trusting the judicial process.

“We also hope this court result will encourage other victims of rape or sexual assault or those who know of such crimes to come forward and speak to us so we can attempt to bring their attackers to justice too.

“We will always listen to you and act where appropriate to bring predators like Lakey before the courts with the aim of securing justice and long custodial sentences as in this case.”

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A man has been jailed for raping a woman after approaching her in Bedford.

Robel Gebremariam spotted the woman walking in Greyfriars in the early hours of 6 July 2024 and approached her.

He walked along next to her and then took her to a shop where he bought her a bottle of alcohol.

He then booked a taxi and took her to the house he was staying in where he supplied her with more alcohol before raping her.

The victim reported what had happened to police shortly afterwards.

An investigation was launched by Bedfordshire Police’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) team, and Gebremariam was identified through intelligence work and CCTV.

The 25-year-old of Dudley Street, Bedford was found guilty after a four-day trial earlier this year and was sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Tuesday (14 July) to nine years in prison with a one-year extended licence.

Detective Constable Olivia Phillips from RASSO said:

“The victim showed remarkable bravery in coming forward and speaking to officers and played a vital role in ensuring Gebremariam was caught quickly.

“I am glad he will now serve a custodial sentence, and I hope this sends a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated.

“We are committed to tackling male violence against women and girls and this case demonstrates how seriously such offences are treated. We continue to encourage victims to report to us - you will be listened to, supported, and taken seriously, as protecting women and girls remains a policing priority for us.”

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A child sex offender who targeted victims in the children’s care home he worked in has been jailed after Met detectives undertook extensive work to access evidence on his phone.

On Wednesday, 8 July Abdalraham Katende, 30, of Ferme Park Road, Haringey, was sentenced to 11 years' imprisonment. This follows his conviction at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Monday, 11 May of rape of a child, sexual activity with a child, causing a child to watch a sexual act, and failing to provide access to devices, contrary to Section 49 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA).

During the investigation, detectives identified a mobile phone they believed contained evidence relevant to the case. When Katende refused to voluntarily provide access, officers moved quickly to secure a court-endorsed order under Section 49 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA), requiring him to provide access to the device.

Securing the order required significant investigative and legal work. Officers prepared detailed evidential submissions and obtained authorisation from specialist digital forensic teams, a superintendent and ultimately a Crown Court judge before the notice could be served.

Despite being legally required to comply, Katende repeatedly refused to disclose his PIN. His refusal resulted in a separate criminal charge and conviction, which helped demonstrate to the court his attempts to frustrate the investigation and conceal evidence from detectives.

Detective Constable Nick Baker, from the Central North Child Abuse Investigation Team, said:

"I want to thank the victims who bravely came forward. Their courage in speaking out helped officers quickly identify and arrest a dangerous offender who abused a position of trust.

"When the offender refused to cooperate, detectives undertook significant legal and forensic work to secure a court-approved order requiring him to provide access to his phone.

"The team acted quickly to secure the necessary authorisations. When Mr Katende continued to refuse access, we obtained a further charge. His refusal became an important part of the prosecution case, helping demonstrate his efforts to obstruct the investigation and avoid accountability.

“I hope this outcome provides some comfort to anyone affected by sexual abuse and sends a clear message that the Met will continue to pursue offenders and seek justice, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.

“Victims will be listened to, supported and treated with the care and compassion they deserve throughout the investigation process.”

The investigation into Katende began after two victims disclosed sexual abuse committed by him while he was employed as a support worker at a children's care home. This placed him in a position of trust over vulnerable young people.

Reports to officers shared how Katende had raped a 15-year-old girl who was living in the children's care home where he worked. In October 2023, Katende approached the victim while she was preparing food in the kitchen before sexually assaulting and then raping her. The victim screamed and managed to break free.

He was also convicted of causing a child to watch a sexual act after showing a 14-year-old resident an explicit video on his mobile phone depicting him having sex with a woman in October 2023.

In both cases, Katende exploited his position of trust and access to vulnerable children in his care.

Both victims of Katende have shared statements:

Victim A:

“What has now come to light is deeply distressing and painful, but sadly, I know this is not an isolated situation.

"Abuse like this exists in many communities, often hidden away, kept secret by fear, silence, stigma, or pressure from those around us. It happens more than people realise, and it thrives when people are too afraid or ashamed to speak up.

“To anyone else who has experienced something similar: I want you to know it is never too late to come forward. No matter how much time has passed, your voice matters, you have done nothing wrong, and you deserve to be heard, believed, supported, and protected.

“I also want to highlight something that is so often overlooked: people can present very well to the world, seem kind, professional, and completely trustworthy, yet still cause terrible harm behind closed doors. The person who hurt me was meant to protect me, and he fooled everyone.

"A good reputation or a normal way of acting does not mean someone cannot be dangerous.

“I want to thank my mother and everyone who has stood by me, believed me, and supported me through every single part of this journey. To my mum, who never gave up on me, who listened when I was scared to speak, and who loved me even when I found it hard to love myself—thank you for being my strength.

“To everyone else who helped me, guided me, treated me with respect, and showed me kindness when I needed it most: I cannot put into words how much it means to me. You have helped me find my courage again, and without you, I would not be here telling the truth today.”

Victim B:

“I was only 14 when it happened, I was in the dark and had already been through enough. I looked up to him as a carer and trusted him. As I have gotten older, I have slowly realised how much impact it has had on me. It will not be something I will ever fully move on from.

If you are going through a similar thing, always speak out. To others in care, I want them to know that they are not alone. The system fails us, but it does good things too. It's harder to stay silent.

I wanted to thank DC Nick Baker for all the work and support he provided. Also, to the judge and council who spoke to me before I gave evidence. They really helped to calm my nerves.”

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A sex offender’s been sent to prison after our officers caught him minutes after an assault on a girl in Birmingham.

Sean Sewell, from Newtown, was also convicted over a previous indecent exposure in the city.

The 46-year-old was arrested on 8 April this year, around 20 minutes after a girl aged 10 had reported being touched inappropriately by a man in a pub in the city centre.

Officers responded immediately and set out trying to find who was responsible.

Sewell was detained nearby and taken in for questioning, as detectives from our Public Protection Unit carried out several enquiries.

They were subsequently able to link Sewell to an incident on a bus in the city centre the previous October, where a woman reported a man had exposed himself to her.

Following a comprehensive investigation, Sewell was charged with exposure and sexually assaulting a child.

He pleaded guilty to both and at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday (10 July) was jailed for six years and five months and will be on the sex offender register for life.

DC Lewis Harris, from our Public Protection Unit, said:

“We are pleased to see that Sewell has been jailed for his crimes, where he targeted a woman and a young girl.

“We have remained in contact with both, and they have been kept up to date throughout the investigation as we worked to bring Sewell to justice.”

T/DC Huckerby added:

“Ultimately a quick response from officers on the ground, and a thorough subsequent investigation, has led to Sewell being brought before the courts.

“We’re working hard, across Birmingham and the West Midlands, to tackle all forms of violence against women and girls, and we take each report incredibly seriously.”

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Two men have been jailed for a combined total of 21 years after admitting to offences relating to the sexual exploitation of children.

An investigation by the Internet Child Abuse Team (ICAT) began in July 2024 after officers identified indecent images of children being uploaded online and linked them to Gary Mellor, who was living in Southampton at the time.

Mellor was arrested at his home address in September 2024 and his mobile phone was seized.

The court heard that analysis of the device led to the discovery of indecent images involving children, including images created by Mellor himself. Investigators also uncovered disturbing online conversations between Mellor and Darren Mabey, in which the two men discussed the sexual exploitation of children.

Depraved messages exchanged between the pair were read aloud to the court, revealing discussions about their previous interactions with children, meeting at local leisure facilities including The Rapids in Romsey, and their plans to "swap" children.

This evidence led officers to identify and arrest Mabey, who was also living in Southampton at the time. During his arrest in November 2024, officers seized 10 digital devices, on which investigators found further messages discussing plans to sexually exploit children, as well as additional indecent images of children.

Appearing at Southampton Crown Court, Gary Mellor pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children (Category A, B and C) and arranging/facilitating the sexual exploitation of a child under the age of 13.

Darren Mabey pleaded guilty to making an indecent image of a child (Category A), arranging/facilitating the sexual exploitation of a child under the age of 13, possession of an offensive weapon in a private place, and possession of a Class B controlled drug.

Appearing at the same court for sentencing on Tuesday 14 July, Gary Mellor, 43, of Castle Street, Salisbury, was jailed for 10 years and Darren Mabey, 33, of Brighton Road, Lewes, was jailed for 11 years.

In addition to their time behind bars, both men will be subject to indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Orders (SHPOs) and will remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Detective Darren Hemingway-Guy, from the Internet Child Abuse Team, who led the investigation, said:

"This was a deeply distressing investigation which revealed the extent of the danger posed by both of these men.

"The abuse and exploitation uncovered during this investigation was devastating. Sexual offences involving children often have a lifelong impact on victims and their families, and these are some of the most complex and challenging investigations officers are asked to undertake.

"I want to acknowledge the courage shown by those affected throughout this investigation and court process. Reliving traumatic experiences and knowing the details of these offences would be examined in court is an incredibly difficult thing to endure, and that bravery should not be underestimated.

"While nothing can undo the harm caused, I hope these sentences provide some measure of justice and help those affected as they continue to move forward with their lives.

"Thanks to the dedication and persistence of investigators, specialist officers and digital forensic teams, Mellor and Mabey are now where they belong, behind bars.

"Child abuse and exploitation, whether committed in person or facilitated online, are among the most abhorrent offences we encounter. We will continue to identify, target and prosecute those responsible, and do everything within our power to safeguard children from harm."

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Double child rapist Safraz Rabnawaz has more time added to his sentence for drug trafficking

Safraz Rabnawaz, a double child rapist already serving nine years for the historic sexual abuse of young girls, has had a further 36 months added to his sentence for the “foul trade” of trafficking drugs.

The 41-year-old was sentenced at Bradford Crown Court after being caught in a Seat Leon stopped by police on Bolton Road in Bradford in February 2023. A search of the vehicle revealed 15 wraps of heroin, a further 11 wraps of heroin, a quantity of cocaine and £410 in cash.

At the time of the incident, Rabnawaz, formerly of Oak Lane, Manningham, was already under investigation for serious sexual offences. He was later convicted of two counts of rape and was one of 20 men jailed following multiple trials relating to the sexual abuse and exploitation of two girls aged between 13 and 16, which took place in Calderdale between 2006 and 2009.

The court heard that Rabnawaz had previous convictions for drug supply and was a “third strike” offender. Mitigating on his behalf, John Bottomley suggested a “modest” sentence and noted that Rabnawaz suffers from PTSD after being shot at in 2012. He appeared via video link from HMP Rye Hill in Northamptonshire.

Sentencing him, His Honour Judge Christopher Smith said Rabnawaz had “a poor record” for drug trafficking. He added: “Those who engage in peddling controlled drugs bring an enormous amount of crime to the streets and to the communities of Bradford and surrounding areas.

“Drugs wreck lives because the addiction destroys people’s health, both their physical and mental health. But it is also the other offending that goes hand-in-hand: the violence as drug dealers seek to preserve their patches, the dishonesty that addicts engage in to fund their addictions.

“Those are all the prices that are paid by the community because of the foul trade in controlled drugs.”

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A man is wanted by police for breaching sex offender notification requirements.

Timothy Talbot, 32, has connections to Blackburn and Darwen and is of slim build, 5ft 7in tall, with light brown hair and short facial hair.

He is also wanted on recall to prison.

A police spokesperson said:

"Have you seen Timothy Talbot?

"Talbot, 32, is wanted for failing to comply with his sex offender notification requirements. He is also wanted on recall to prison.

"He is 5ft 7in tall, of slim build, has light brown hair and short facial hair.

"Talbot has connections to Blackburn and Darwen.

"For any sightings of Talbot, or if you have any information that could help us, please call 101 quoting log 822 of July 14."

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A sick pervert who sexually abused two young boys over more than 20 years has been jailed.

Vile David Preedy targeted the vulnerable victims for his own sexual gratification carrying out multiple offences against the youngsters.

His catalogue of offending was exposed after one of the victims bravely came forward last year to report to police what had happened.

And following a complex and sensitive investigation by our officers Preedy was charged.

In January he pleaded guilty to 12 sexual offences committed between August 2001 and December 2024.

Preedy, now 81, formerly of Park Avenue, Burnley appeared at Preston Crown Court on July 3rd where he was jailed for 10 years.

Det Con Elley Ormerod, of Burnley CID, said:

“First and foremost I would like to commend the victims in this case. Without their courage we would not have been able to secure these convictions, and I hope that this lengthy custodial sentence gives them some sense that justice has been done.

“We are committed to making sure those responsible for carrying out sexual abuse like Preedy are held accountable and I hope this gives others who may also have suffered abuse the courage to come forward and speak to us, confident in the knowledge that we will listen, and we will investigate with professionalism and sensitivity.”

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Paul Martin Jailed for Rape and Violent Disorder

A 45-year-old man from Middlesbrough has been jailed for more than 11 years after raping a drunk teenager and later admitting violent disorder while on bail.

Paul Martin, of Stafford Road, Middlesbrough, was sentenced at Durham Crown Court on Tuesday, 14 July 2026 to nine years for rape plus 26 months for violent disorder, totalling 11 years and two months. He must register as a sex offender for life and is subject to a restraining order protecting the victim, also for life.

The rape occurred in Middlesbrough in 2022. The teenage victim had been drinking and was sitting on a bench in distress when Martin cycled past. CCTV showed him turning around and returning. Prosecuting barrister Rebecca Brown told the court the victim asked for “help”. Martin led her into a secluded street, grabbed her wrist, forced her onto her hands and knees and threatened to rape her unless she performed a sex act on him.

After the attack Martin left. Two young men found the distressed victim and flagged down police. Martin, who had remained nearby, was arrested. He initially claimed the victim had propositioned him, asking if he wanted “any business”. He maintained this account until DNA evidence linked him to the offence. He had very little money on him at the time. In a later interview he claimed the victim had agreed to the sex act. A jury at Teesside Crown Court last month rejected his account and convicted him of rape.

While on bail for the rape, Martin took part in a prolonged disturbance in Birchington Avenue, Grangetown, Middlesbrough on 12 May 2024. A car and makeshift barricade were set alight and missiles, including fireworks, were thrown at police and emergency services. Martin admitted violent disorder on 1 June 2026.

In mitigation, defence barrister Chris Baker said Martin had no previous convictions for serious sexual offences or disorder, described the rape as opportunistic, and said Martin played a lesser role in the disorder by helping build the barricade but not throwing missiles.

The victim’s impact statement said the attack had left her already fragile mental health significantly worse. She has become isolated from family and friends and fears encountering Martin.

Judge Richard Bennett described the rape as “a wicked offence” that caused the victim “severe psychological harm”.

Martin was convicted of rape and admitted violent disorder. He has no prior convictions for serious sexual or disorder offences. The rape was described as opportunistic. He played a lesser role in the disorder.