Latest Offenders

Description

A man who repeatedly raped a child over an eight year period has been jailed for 20 years.

Christopher Rudd, aged 34, of Wisbech was sentenced at King's Lynn Crown Court today (Monday 17 November) following a week-long trial in August where a jury found guilty unanimously of 12 counts of raping a child, 2 counts of assault (ABH) and one of causing fear of violence.

The court heard how the offences took place in the King's Lynn area and came to light in January 2025 when the girl told her family what had been happening. The court heard that in addition to the sexual assaults the child had been choked, kicked and punched by Rudd and one occasion her fingers were fractured.

At today's hearing Rudd was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment and a further four years on licence. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and indefinite retraining order.

As Recorder Rouse KC handed down the sentence in court he described Rudd as a "manipulative predator void of empathy" whose offending was "exceptional in its gravity".

In a statement read in court the victim said:

"I have been hurting everyday, for as long as I can remember, and there's no way to stop the hurting, or to feel anything else.

"(Rudd) abused me in so many ways. No amount of healing will ever change that, and I'll never get my childhood back even if I tried.

"Despite all this, despite everything I've gone through and endured, I am in a better place now.

"I finally don't have to live in fear, and I finally have the freedom to truly be myself and figure out who I really am behind all the trauma. I'm finally free, and I have my whole future ahead of me".

In her statement the victim's mother referred to Rudd as a 'monster' and said "Since finding out what happened, I have asked myself over and over how to help my daughter recover from something no child should ever endure. 

"I am doing everything I can to help my daughter heal. But healing is a long road - and I know I will be walking it with her for years to come".

Following sentencing Detective Constable Stuart Sansbury praised the victim for her bravery.

"From the outset of this investigation, the victim has demonstrated steadfast courage and it is testament to her that justice has been served.

"She has experienced a terrible amount of trauma and I truly hope today's result helps her begin a new chapter in her life, where she can be safe and thrive.

"I also hope that today’s sentence sends a clear message to others who harm, or seek to harm children and vulnerable people.

"Norfolk Constabulary takes reports of abuse extremely seriously and if this has happened to you or someone you know, then please come forward and report it to us, no matter when it happened. You will be given help and support by our dedicated teams."

Description

A man who subjected his partner to months of coercive control and sexual abuse has been sentenced to 19 years in prison with an additional five years on license following release.

Michael Ball (05/10/1994) of Beechwood Crescent, Leigh was found guilty of four counts of rape and two counts of controlling and coercive behaviour in relation to two victims. A restraining order is also in place against Ball and he will permanently remain on the sex offender's register. 

In a trial at Bolton Crown Court in September, the jury heard how between October 2020 and January 2021, Ball controlled every aspect of his partner’s – Jasmin – life. He dictated what clothes she could wear, calling her a ‘slag’ if he did not think her clothing was appropriate, and isolated her from family and friends who had warned her about his behaviour.

His controlling ways did not end there. Ball would monitor her movements constantly, prevented her from attending social gatherings, and even forced her to quit her job as a carer. He also took out loans in her name and accessed her bank accounts without consent.

Jasmin was also told to remain upstairs when parties were hosted at their address, with Ball telling guests that she wasn’t in so they couldn’t talk to her. She was repeatedly assaulted during the relationship, often leaving her with bruises.

The court also heard that the 31-year-old strangled her on several occasions, including one harrowing incident where he wrapped a dressing gown cord around her neck and attempted to choke her.

In January 2021 the abuse escalated to sexual violence. Jasmin recalls how she told Ball no when he came upstairs asking her for sex whilst being in an intoxicated manner. However, two hours after that interaction, she awoke to him raping her.

She was too terrified to resist, knowing he had previously threatened to kill her if she ever reported him to police.

Officers arrested ball on 19 January 2021 following this the above incident and denied all allegations while in custody.

Ball was later charged with five counts rape, one count of control and coercion, and a Section 47 assault. He was also found guilty at court of two counts of rape relating to a victim from the Lancashire area.

Jasmin, who has bravely waived her right to anonymity, read out her victim impact statement at court, she said:

“I wish I could go back in time and tell myself that it will all be okay and you will get through this. Since 2021 my life has completely changed, and it has taken me such a long time to feel like myself.

“On occasion when I do unfortunately think back to the relationship and the things which Michael did to me like the assaults, putting me in the suitcase and abuse I still remember the feeling of him touching me, how it felt on my body when he was doing it to me.

“It did take me some time, but I did manage to get in a relationship and I am now the proud mum to a lovely son who is my whole world and I know that through my love and care he will not treat any women or person the way Michael treated me.

"I know that I am entitled to life-long anonymity, but I feel now that I am free from everything and I am happy to waive this right in order to stand up for what is right and not be silenced or restricted from saying what happened to me.

“I have also now started a domestic abuse survivors group session and even though it is early I feel this will help me with processing anything left which I need to.”

Jessica Daley, Independent Domestic & Sexual Abuse Advisor from Wigan Council said: 

“It’s been a long and difficult journey to justice but I’m immensely proud of Jaz – her resilience, bravery and how far she’s come over the past few years.

“Much as I’m thrilled for her, any sentence he gets doesn’t make up for the fact that he never should have abused her in the first place.”

Detective Sergeant Sean Goddard from our Wigan division said:

"This case demonstrates the devastating impact coercive control and sexual violence can have on a victim. Michael Ball stripped away Jasmin’s independence, dignity, and safety through and manipulation.

“His actions were calculated and relentless, leaving Jasmin feeling trapped and terrified in her own home.

“I would like to commend her courage in speaking out, and in the process waving her right to anonymity, and wanting to send a clear message that abuse in any form will never be tolerated.

"I am incredibly proud of Jasmin for the bravery she's shown in coming forward and throughout the investigation. It takes a huge amount of strength to speak up about domestic abuse and we understand reaching out is never easy.

"The courage Jasmine has shown is truly remarkable and we will continue to support her throughout her journey as she continues to move forward and heal.

“We will pursue the likes of Ball and bring them before the courts, no matter how long it takes. If you are suffering abuse, please reach out – help and support are available, and you do not have to face this alone."

Description

An 86-year-old man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for non-recent sexual offences against a child in Wells.

Michael Eckersley, now of Coldstream Close, Warrington, was jailed on Tuesday 4 November at Taunton Crown Court, sitting at Worle, after he was unanimously found guilty of 14 offences following his trial which ended on the 4 September.

He was sentenced to a nine-year custodial term for the lead offence of indecent assault (oral rape) against a child, and a further five years for seven other charges of indecent assault against a child. He will serve an additional two years in prison for six counts of indecency with a child.

Eckersley’s campaign of abuse spanned several years when he lived in Wells and started in the 1980’s.

The victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, reported the offences to another force which ensured all necessary steps were taken in relation to victim care, before the case was handed to Avon and Somerset Police in 2021.

Eckersley was voluntary interviewed on the 3 December 2021. The investigation, which has been led by a specialist officer, was complex due to the passage of time which meant that witnesses were difficult to trace but were able to recollect information from the time of the offending clearly.

The court heard how Eckersley would ‘lavish’ his victim with gifts in the hope it would ‘buy his acceptance and silence’.

However, his victim came forward and bravely reported the offences against him and has revealed his ‘anger and heartbreak’ in a victim impact statement.

The statement, which was read in court on his behalf by prosecutor Virginia Cornwall, said:

“Eckersley gave me presents and gifts, however, this all came at a sickening price – sexual favours.

“For six years the abuse broke me, I had no-one to confide in, so I carried the burden silently.  I became withdrawn, occasionally self-harming, unable to understand the psychological damage that was being done to me.

“I am angry, heartbroken, and finally letting out tears that I have held inside for years.  As a child, I was happy and adventurous, despite a rough start.

“The last four years have brought it all back and I have had to go through it all over as it still feels like it happened yesterday.

“I am angry for the boy I was and for the life I could have had.”

DC Ben Train, officer in the case, said:

“The crimes committed by Michael Eckersley represent a complete betrayal of trust and an appalling abuse of power against a young and vulnerable victim. These actions are deeply disturbing and will rightly shock and distress the community.

“I want to pay tribute to the exceptional bravery and courage shown by the victim first and foremost but also the witnesses that came forward throughout this case. Coming forward to report such serious and traumatic offences, especially those that have had such a lasting impact over many years, demonstrates immense strength and resilience.

“The sentence handed down to Michael Eckersley will never do justice for the physical and emotional trauma he caused to the victim over the years of abuse, but it demonstrates the seriousness that the legal system takes in such matters, no matter how long ago they occurred.

“All reports of sexual abuse are treated with the utmost seriousness. Every victim will be listened to, supported, and believed. We are committed to ensuring that all survivors have access to specialist support services to support their individual needs.”

Description

Mustafa Taskiran, 48, escaped a deportation order after committing 54 offences over a decade.

A Turkish migrant convicted of rape is in line for compensation after claiming an electronic tag caused him "depressed."

Lawyers will discuss whether “appropriate relief” should be granted to Taskiran.

High Court judge Mr Justice Lavender ruled in his favor days before the 48-year-old admitted stalking and threatening to kill a woman with a knife.

The sex offender claimed the tag caused him “intense physical and mental distress” due to its weight and discomfort.

Taskiran's criminal history began four years after he was granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK in 1994.

Over ten years, he committed 54 offences but avoided deportation in 2009.

The Turkish national was jailed for just under seven years for rape in 2014.

Deportation failed after his 2018 release when Turkish authorities revoked his citizenship.

Since then, he has worn an electronic tag on immigration bail.

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick slammed the ruling: “I don’t care about this man’s so-called depression. And nor do the British people.”

The Home Office said:

“When foreign nationals commit serious crimes we do everything in our power to deport them.”

This follows Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's statement that the Home Office is "not yet fit for purpose," in response to an internal review criticizing its organization and functions.

She said:

"The Home Office is not yet fit for purpose, and has been set up for failure. As this report shows, the last Conservative government knew this, but failed to do anything about it. Things are now changing. I will work, with the new permanent secretary, to transform the Home Office so that it delivers for this country."

On Monday, Ms Mahmood is set to announce an overhaul to Britain's migration system, aiming to tackle human rights loopholes frustrating deportations.

Sir Keir Starmer said the changes will prevent "endless appeals" and speed up removals of "people with no right to be here."

Description

A man who made “determined, sophisticated and aggressive” attempts to meet a 12-year-old girl for sex after contacting her online has been jailed for six years.

Thomas Neely, 32, from Valley View in Baildon, must register as a sex offender for life and is subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

The child's profile was operated by a police officer.

Neely, using the username “Fatguy,” was traced after exchanging details and arranging to pick her up for sex at a private house in Coventry.

At Bradford Crown Court, Recorder Jason Pitter KC told Neely:

“You had every intention of carrying these offences out if [your victim] had been real.

“This was not just fantasy talk. This was you making actual arrangements to carry out the offence.

“I’m sure that is what you would have done if you could.”

Neely's case marks another success in West Yorkshire Police’s efforts to catch online pedophiles.

The court heard Neely contacted the profile on September 2 last year, saying he was “looking to have some fun.” She revealed she was 12.

On Kik as “TomN,” he asked to see her, saying he would “love to be her first,” teach her about sex and “kinks or fantasies.”

He suggested she masturbate on camera, instructed her, and sent an image of his erect penis.

He proposed sex, detailed a meetup in Coventry for a few days, and sent a masturbation video.

Police linked the Kik account to his address, seizing a smartphone, tablet, and laptop. Forensics showed he tried to delete three online accounts afterward.

Arrested on September 9, Neely gave mostly “no comment” answers.

He had no convictions but a 2016 caution for possessing an indecent child image.

Neely pleaded guilty to attempting to cause a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, attempting to cause a child under 13 to watch a sexual act, attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child under 16, and arranging for a child to engage in a sexual offence.

In mitigation, the judge was urged to avoid immediate prison due to psychological impact on Neely.

Recorder Pitter said this related to Neely being “caught out,” calling his behavior “troubling.” He noted the deletions as a “very significant aggravating factor” from being “spooked” and trying to dispose of evidence.

He added:

“You were determined, quite sophisticated with how you operated, and quite aggressive in how you operated with no regard [for the victim].”

The judge ordered forfeiture of the seized devices.

Description

A 20-year-old man who sexually assaulted a woman in Cheltenham last year has been sentenced to 27 months.

Abdolrahman Banafsha, who was 19 at the time he committed the offences, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday 5 November. 

The court was told he specifically targeted a particularly vulnerable woman who had been walking home from a night out in Cheltenham in the early hours of 31 August 2024.

During the first day of his trial, the court heard how Banafsha walked past the victim, who was aged 18 at the time, and then he turned around and followed her at a distance.

Banafsha then got hold of the woman after she fell over in a side street and he picked her up off the floor.

They then walked by a nearby pub and the woman asked if she could gain entry to use their toilets, however she was told she was not allowed in as the pub was shut.

Banafsha then took the victim away by the arm and he escorted her back towards the address where he had been staying.

The court was told she had tried to walk away but his grip was tight, and she said she had a boyfriend and needed to go home. 

Once inside the address, she used the bathroom and tried to plan her exit, however Banafsha pushed her to the ground and sexually assaulted her.

The victim screamed and kicked him off, and she was then captured on CCTV fleeing from the address while screaming. 

Banafsha was arrested by police later that day and he has been in custody since then.

Following an investigation by Gloucestershire Constabulary's Criminal Investigation Department, Banafsha was charged with attempted rape and his trial started on 22 September this year.

During the first day of his trial, the CCTV was played to the court along with a video interview police had conducted with the victim.

He then entered guilty pleas the next day for two counts of sexual assault and this was accepted by the Crown, victim and the police.

One count of sexual assault related to Banafsha touching the woman's breasts under her clothing. The second count of sexual assault related to him touching the woman between her legs and over clothing. 

In a statement written by the victim, which was read to the court, she said:

"I never thought I'd be in a situation where I'd have to prepare myself for the worst possible scenario, having to think of how I can get out of this, will I make it out alive?

"The fear and anxiety running through my body. I couldn't breathe. Thankfully that fear gave me the strength to push you off my body, it gave me the courage to get out. I told myself no, I will not let this get worse.

"I had to change my whole life. The way I walked, I stopped going out, I only go out with my boyfriend, I don't drink unless it's in my own home. I used to go out all the time, I had a good social life with friends, but all I do now is stay in.

"I dyed my hair, started going to the gym, I got more tattoos. I completely changed myself because I refuse to look like the same girl you assaulted.

"I still don't understand why you chose to do this to me, I will never understand. To you I'm just another face, but to me, I will remember your face for the rest of my life."

The court heard how the probation service thought Banafsha was a high risk of harm to the public, particularly to females.

In mitigation, Banafsha's defence barrister said that he had changed his mind and pleaded guilty having watched the CCTV again. He said it was a pity that the victim did not alert the woman she spoke to at the pub when asking to use their toilets. 

The court was told that Banafsha was an asylum seeker from Iran who had travelled to the UK by a small boat in March 2024 as he believed his life was at risk.

He had been living in Home Office accommodation outside of Gloucestershire, and had travelled to Cheltenham for the weekend to stay with a friend. 

Sentencing Banafsha, His Honour Judge Julian Lambert said:

"The only thing to be said in your favour in respect of the plea, is the complainant did not have to endure cross examination, but she had to endure a great deal on the night in question, and waiting for trial.

"This was an utterly terrifying ordeal and victim impact is most profound. People often simply can't put something like this behind them.

"Assessing culpability, I note an element of predatory about you. I found that from the way in which you were stalking the streets and your persistence with your victim."

Judge Lambert sentenced Banafsha to 27 months in a young offender's institution for both counts, to run concurrently. He will also be placed on the Sex Offender's Register for 10 years and must notify police of his address during this time.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Helen Goode said:

"Banafsha targeted the woman in this case and after subjecting her to a horrible ordeal, he then denied any wrong doing.

"This was until the evidence was presented in court, and he had no real choice but to change his plea after seeing footage again of her fleeing in fear from that address.

"The victim in this case spoke to pub staff, while Banafsha held her by the arm, and she asked to use their toilets.

"We know some pubs and clubs in the county run the 'Ask for Angela' scheme, where someone who is in need of help can ask for assistance from bar staff.

"But people who need help won't always know about this scheme, or be in a position to openly ask for it, and so we encourage those working in the night-time economy to please also look out for this type of perpetrator behaviour in order to help prevent crimes like this from being committed.

"The victim has been so brave throughout this entire process, and I thank her for working with us.

"Everyone should be able to go about their daily lives without being targeted by perpetrators who want to commit crimes for their own sexual gratification.

"In Gloucestershire, we've been running Project Vigilant, a campaign in the night time economy which sees plain clothed police officers patrolling the streets in order to identify this type of behaviour, which is predominantly carried out by men against women, in order to intercept before a crime has been committed."

Description

A man has been sentenced to 24 years imprisonment for multiple counts of rape and administering a drug with intent.

Lee Hampton, 50, of Hollingbourne, Kent, was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on November 13, after being found guilty by trial of seven counts of rape, four counts of assault by penetration and two counts of administering a drug with intent.

He must also serve a further six years on licence. 

The offences took place between January 2017 and October 2020 in Swindon and involved one victim, a woman in her 30s.

Across the four years, Hampton drugged the victim against her will on multiple occasions, crushing sleeping tablets up and putting them inside cold and flu tablets which she consumed, before raping her while she was asleep. He also attempted to spike her food with sleeping pills to facilitate his offending.

Hampton then shared videos and images of his offending with third parties.

In a moving Victim Personal Statement, she said: “The psychological damage cannot begin to be put into words, and I don’t know how to try and express the impact this has had on me.

“I worry for my future, that I will never be able to trust anyone again, that I will never enjoy a healthy relationship again, that I will never be me. 

“I still have daily flashbacks and nightmares, both of what happened and the unknowns."

After discovering Hampton’s actions, the victim bravely reported him to the police. He was investigated and subsequently charged and convicted.

Investigating officer DC Kolasinski said:

“There is no place in society for the horrific criminality that has taken place here. It represents some of the worst behaviour imaginable in humanity and has no place in this day and age.

“I would like to thank the victim for her unwavering bravery during this investigation and subsequent trial. Without this support, justice may not have been brought to the offender. The courage that she has demonstrated should be admired and inspire others to come forward should they fall victim in such an egregious circumstance. 

"Whilst this sentence cannot undo the horrific abuse that has taken place, I hope that this can in someway assist the victim gaining some form of closure.

“I would also like to highlight the diligent, determined, and relentless investigation that has been completed by Complex Crime Investigator Gemma Sole. Whilst she has since left the Force, she supported the victim throughout this investigation and ensured that justice was provided to the victim.” 

Description

A man who provided sweets to children at a summer camp which he had laced with sedatives has pleaded guilty to 17 offences.

Jon Ruben, 76, admitted offences including wilful ill treatment of eight children and possession of class C drugs following a police investigation which Senior Investigating Officer Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Neil Holden today (Friday) described as “horrific, complex and emotional”.

Ruben, of Wayte Court, Landmere Lane, Ruddington, Nottingham, also admitted sexual offences against two children and charges of possession of indecent images of children when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court today. None of the images concerned relate to children who were at the summer camp.

The charges Ruben admitted are:

• Eight counts of wilful ill treatment of a child in relation to eight separate victims
• One count of acquiring or possession of dutiable goods by fraudulent intent
• Three counts of possession of a class C drug
• Three counts of making indecent photographs of a child.
• One count of assault by penetration of a boy under 13
• One count of sexual assault of a boy under 13.

Ruben pleaded not guilty to a second charge of assault by penetration of a boy under 13.

The charges came following police attending Stathern Lodge, Canal Lane, Stathern, near Melton, on Monday 28 July this year following concerns raised that a number of children had become unwell while at the camp there which was being run by Ruben. A report was made that Ruben, who ran a charity providing short holiday breaks for children, may have been drugging children at the camp with a number of children reported to be unwell including feeling drowsy and sick.

East Midlands Ambulance Service also attended the scene with eight children, who were all boys aged between eight and 11, being taken to hospital as a precaution. An adult was also taken to hospital at the time. All were later discharged.

At the time of police attending, Ruben was found to be at a nearby pub with some of the children. He was arrested by officers at the pub and transported to custody.

Searches were carried out at Stathern Lodge with items including syringes and sedatives being found.

While initial investigative work led to Ruben being charged four days later on Friday 1 August with three counts of wilful ill treatment of a child, the force’s Major Crime team then continued more than three months of detailed and dedicated enquiries to uncover further evidence of Ruben’s crimes.

This included statements being taken from victims and witnesses, exhibits being sent off for examination and analysis of digital devices seized.

These enquiries led to it being found that on the evenings of Saturday 26 July and Sunday 27 July, Ruben had carried out a ‘sweet game’ with a number of children at the lodge which involved encouraging them to eat the sweets.

Following toxicology tests, a sedative was found to be present in children at the camp as well as within sweets which had been provided to the children. Inspection of the sweets found incision marks had been made.

Analysis of devices belonging to Ruben were found to contain more than 50 category A indecent videos of children. Category A images as well as Category B and C videos were also found. The categories indicate the seriousness of the content shown with category A being the highest.

The enquiries carried out also found evidence that Ruben had sexually assaulted two boys – both victims were under 13-years-old.

The evidence gathered by the investigating team led to Ruben being further arrested in October this year on suspicion of further offences and interviewed. Charges in relation to all alleged offences were then put to Ruben at court today.

Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Holden said:

“This has been a horrific, complex and emotional investigation involving multiple young, innocent, vulnerable victims and a man who committed the vilest crimes.

“Our focus today must of course remain on the young victims and with the support of partners and dedicated Family Liaison Officers, we have and continue to support their welfare and to ensure their safeguarding going forward.”

Description

A 54-year-old man has been jailed after officers discovered he has been trying to message children for a sexual purpose.

Andrew Cobb, from Monmouth Street, Bridgwater, was sentenced today (Friday 14 November) at Taunton Crown Court, sitting at North Somerset Courthouse, to six years and seven months in prison. He was also made subject of an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.

The sentence comes after Cobb pleaded guilty to 15 offences including making indecent images of a child, engaging in sexual communications with a child and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

The court was told how in April 2023, Cobb had been messaging someone online who he believed to be a 13-year-old girl.

He was arrested in June 2023 and several of his electronic devices were seized, where officers discovered the true extent of his criminality.

The examination uncovered several persistent, manipulative conversations with at least nine children including requests for images and discussions around sexual activity.

In several cases, it was found he had initiated the conversation and sought to build trust and maintain secrecy, often framing the interactions as a private relationship or mentorship.

The court was told how Cobb had previously committed similar offences in 2011 and had been ordered to register as a sex offender for 10 years, stopping in 2021 before his recent offending started. 

Officer in the case, DC Benn Murphy, said:

“This case exposes the calculated and relentless nature of Cobb’s online child exploitation.

“He deliberately targeted vulnerable children, manipulated them for his own gratification, and showed utter disregard for the harm he caused. His guilty plea reflects the overwhelming evidence built against him.

“We will not hesitate to pursue offenders like Cobb and bring them to justice. Protecting children is one of our absolute priorities, and we will do everything in our power to ensure those who prey on them are identified, stopped and prosecuted.”

Description

A man who sexually assaulted a woman and strangled another has been sentenced to 11 and a half years imprisonment.

Cameron Mackay, 37, of Rougemont Close, Salisbury, was sentenced today at Salisbury Crown Court after he was found guilty at trial of assault by penetration, sexual assault, indecent exposure, actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation.

In around April 2022, Mackay plied one of the victims, a woman in her 40s, with alcohol after she had been invited round to the suspect’s house by a friend. The victim then fell asleep and woke up to find Mackay sexually assaulting her.

On another occasion, in February 2023, the victim, a woman in her 30s, met Mackay while he was out walking his dog, when he invited her back to his address.

He then exposed himself to her, at which point she tried to leave. Mackay has then assaulted her and climbed on top with her, strangling her with both hands.

The victim managed to defend herself and escape the property.

Both incidents were reported to police in around June 2023. Following an investigation by South CID, Mackay was charged.

Detective Constable Dan Smith, of South CID, said:

“Mackay is a dangerous man who has committed serious offences which will no doubt have a long lasting impact on the victims.

"I would once again like to express my utmost thanks to the two victims in this case who have shown incredible bravery and strength in reporting their ordeal to police and having the courage to stand up in court and relive their stories.

“I recognise how difficult this can be to come forward and speak about these types of incidents and I hope this investigation shows that victims will always be listened to.

“I am pleased a lengthy custodial sentence has been given to Mackay - it reflects the serious nature of his offending.”

Description

Stephen Heap has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for sexual assaults on a female in the Vale of Glamorgan.

His offences were reported to South Wales Police when a victim bravely came forward in 2020.

Witnesses were traced across the UK as part of a thorough and protracted investigation.

Heap, of Chadderton, Oldham, denied the offences but was found guilty following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court in June 2025.

He was convicted of nine offences - four indecent assaults, two sexual assaults, assault of a child by penetration, sexual activity with a child and assault by penetration.

The 58-year-old was sentenced at Merthyr Crown Court on November 7, 2025, to 16 years in prison plus one-year extended licence.

In a statement to the court, the victim described experiencing nightmares, feeling isolated, and ‘unable to trust anyone’, because of Heap’s actions.

Officer in the case Detective Constable Stephen Jenkins, from South Wales Police, said:

“Justice would not have been obtained had it not been for the immense strength, courage and resilience demonstrated by the victim throughout the five-year period comprising of the investigation and the court process.

“I hope that the outcome at court allows the victim to find some peace and live the life that she deserves.”

Description

An 18-year-old nursery worker has been jailed for sexual offences against two children.

Thomas Waller, who was 17 at the time of the offences, was convicted of rape, two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of taking indecent images following a trial at Staines Magistrates Court in July. 

Waller, (24/04/2007), of Farnham, committed the offences against two children over two weeks in August 2024 when they were just three years old. 

He was newly qualified to work with children when concerns were raised by parents of one of the victims who had told them about a serious assault. Staff at the setting (which cannot be named for legal reasons to protect the identity of the victims) then called the police. Waller was arrested and during the investigation indecent images of a second victim were discovered on his mobile phone and a second investigation immediately initiated.  

Today, (Friday, 14 November) Waller was jailed for 10 years for rape, with an additional five years on licence. In addition, he was given a four-year sentence for inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and one year for indecent images, which will run concurrently.

In statements to the court, the children’s parents described the affect his offending has had on them and their families.

The parents of one said, 

“This was not an accident. It was not a poor decision on the spur of the moment, it was premeditated and calculated. 

“This man continually gave no comment. This man chose to deny everything. He has had every opportunity to plead guilty and express remorse, and he has chosen not to. He has demonstrated no accountability for his actions.  

“We do not know yet what the long-term impact on our son will be. I am hopeful that with our support he will understand that he did nothing wrong and that he has nothing to be ashamed of. 

“We won’t know what he will think when he hears the name ‘Tom’ – as his parent, I always slightly hesitate and feel uncomfortable when I read that name out in a storybook, hear it on TV, or greet another kid’s parent with the same name. 

“The day after his appearance in court our son asked us if he was bad because of what Tom had done to him. He doesn’t understand how he was manipulated and how both his trust as well as his body was abused.” 

The parents of the second child said:

“I’ll never forget the ache in my heart when I understood what our child had gone through. 

“The worst part of this journey has been the feeling of complete helplessness. I couldn’t protect our child when they needed us most. And I can’t undo the damage that has been done to them. 

“Knowing that our child’s image was taken and shared without consent, shared with strangers, is something I cannot stop thinking about. 

“This whole experience has impacted every aspect of our lives. It has stolen our peace, our sense of security, and our ability to sleep soundly at night. We are constantly on edge, wondering how this will affect our child in the future, and we feel the weight of their burden every single day.” 

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Grace Cable, said:

“This deeply distressing case is every parent’s worst nightmare, and I would like pay tribute to the resilience of the victims and their families throughout this whole process. Their support and strength enabled us to secure this conviction and put a dangerous young man behind bars. 

“Thomas Waller had multiple opportunities to show remorse or account for his actions, both during the police investigation and the court process, but has chosen to remain silent.

“I hope his prison sentence helps the families affected by his crimes to start to move forward with their lives. 

“For any parent or guardian who wants to know how best to protect their child, my advice is that no one knows your child better than you. Always listen to what they have to say, and if you have concerns for their safety or welfare then please report them. Surrey Police take any allegation of sexual assault incredibly seriously and will do all we can to investigate and to deliver justice for victim-survivors and their loved ones.” 

Description

A Birmingham man who subjected a woman to a brutal assault in Walsall has been convicted of rape.

Simon Tang was convicted at Birmingham Crown Court following the attack on a sex worker near a car park in Birmingham Street, Walsall, on 5 May.

Bravely the woman came to us and told us of the ordeal she had been subjected to. She has been supported throughout her recovery and during the investigation by our specially trained teams.

During the assault she was hit repeatedly with a baseball bat which Tang had got from the boot of his car, leaving her with extensive bruising to her legs and head.

Specialist public protection officers worked with her to put together a case which saw her 56-year-old attacker convicted of two counts of rape, possessing an offensive weapon and actual bodily harm.

Tang, of Weoley Castle Road, Birmingham, will be sentenced on January 30.

DS Morgan Colley, from the investigation team, said:  “I would like to commend the bravery of the woman in this case as without her support we would not have been able to secure a positive outcome at court.

"This man posed a real danger to women and thanks to her, he has now been convicted of his crimes and remanded in custody ahead of sentence."

Description

Andrew Cullis, of Lynden Way in Swanley, was found to be in possession of a USB containing explicit images of children during a routine sex offender management check in February 2025.

The 43 year old was sentenced to two years and four months’ imprisonment at Maidstone Crown Court on 17 October.

Description

A SEX offender has been jailed after failing to inform police of a YouTube account he claimed was ‘auto-generated’ by the video sharing platform.

Michael Holliday, 52, was put behind bars for 24 weeks after Workington Magistrates’ Court heard police discovered a YouTube username on his phone which had not been disclosed.

Prosecutor Pamela Fee said Holliday is a registered sex offender who is subject to notification requirements. He is managed by officers from the Management of Sexual or Violent Offenders team who ensure that such offenders are complying with orders.

Ms Fee said Holliday is required to undertake polygraph tests after being convicted of sexual communication with a child on the social media and video sharing platform, TikTok.

In 2022, he was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and made subject to Sex Offender notification requirements for seven years. He must notify police of any online usernames within three days, the court was told.

Ms Fee said Holliday had been assessed as ‘high risk’ for reoffending after previously breaching the SHPO.

The court heard that Holliday attended the polygraph appointment in Cockermouth on September 3 and during a pre-interview discussion, he admitted deleting the internet history from his phone, stating it was ‘normal pornography’.

Ms Fee said this was ‘a huge concern’. The defendant also said he had lost that phone on the beach in the days prior.

Officers attended Cockermouth Police Station and Holliday was arrested. His phone was seized and a search was carried out on the device. There was a username on YouTube that had been used on August 31. Holliday had not notified police of the username.

Ms Fee said there had been two previous breaches of the SHPO and within five and a half weeks, the defendant had committed further breaches. Holliday was ‘fully aware’ of the requirements, the prosecutor said.

Mike Woolaghan, defending, said Holliday’s use of YouTube was known to police and had been authorised by them.

“When it was set up, a username was set up,” Mr Woolaghan said. “What has happened, I think when YouTube was purchased by Elon Musk, there was a migration of data.

“It auto-generated a username. It wasn’t creating a new account. It was being auto-generated on the system.

“That is a username he was obliged to provide to the police. There is no suggestion there are two accounts being run side by side and one is being hidden.”

Mr Woolaghan said the defendant had some issues that were ‘unaddressed’ and he had experienced childhood trauma that he continues to struggle with.

“He would benefit from some ongoing support to address those underlying trauma issues,” the solicitor said. “Avoidance strategy is not the most appropriate strategy.”

Holliday pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to failing to comply with notification requirements.

Jailing the defendant for 24 weeks, presiding magistrate Mark Gear said only a custodial sentence could be justified.

Holliday, of Moss Bay Road, Workington, must also pay £85 costs and a £154 victim surcharge.