Latest Offenders

Description

Today (Thursday 24 July 2025) Sid Ali Djelid (09/01/1986) - also known under the alias of Mourad Malki - of Smedley Road, Manchester, has been convicted on five counts of rape in the city centre following a five-week trial at Manchester Crown Court.

The court heard how the series of rapes took place between February and July 2024, and how Djelid would pray on, and attack intoxicated victims in the city centre.

The first of the three attacks came on Sunday 18 February 2024 which occurred in the early hours of the morning. CCTV footage shows Djelid leading his female victim down a secluded back street near to China Town before raping her and stealing her mobile phone and making off.

Her mobile phone was tracked to Smedley Road in Cheetham Hill, very close to Djelid’s home address.  

Djelid, believed to be an Algerian national committed his second crime on Wednesday 12 June 2024, the victim - who was visiting Manchester with work – was approached by Djelid outside a bar on Canal Street. After engaging in conversation with the victim, he walked him to a remote location close to Richmond Street and raped him.

Once again, Djelid stole items from the victim, namely his phone, watch and a necklace.The stolen phone of the victim was tracked near to Vallea Court in Cheetham Hill.

During that incident, Djelid is shown on CCTV to be wearing a distinctive, black puffa jacket.    

Djelid’s final attack before being apprehended on Sunday 21 July 2024, came three days earlier on 18th July 2024, Djelid approached his male victim who was visiting Manchester and offered to assist him back to his hotel as he was lost. Djelid was acting as a concerned good Samaritan but his intentions were anything but sincere.

Instead, he led the victim to a secluded area of the canal at Jutland Street and raped him.

Similar to the previous incidents, he took the victims phone and wallet and pushed the victim to the ground before making his escape. A short time later Djelid attended a service station in Cheetham Hill and utilised one of the bank cards to make a fraudulent transaction before attempting to make a further transaction using the stolen back card but that was declined. The stolen mobile phone was again tracked to the Cheetham Hill area.

Djelid had previously pleaded guilty to four counts of theft at an earlier hearing linked to this investigation.

Senior Investigating Officer Paul Davies from our Major Incident Team said:

"Firstly, I would like to commend all the victims who came forward. Without them Djelid may not have been caught and could still be prowling the streets. 

“Being drunk is not a crime. Everybody who visits the city centre should feel safe. Safe in the knowledge that they can go and enjoy themselves without fear of being attacked. 

“What makes these crimes particularly heinous is the deliberate and premeditated nature of Djelid’s actions. He would specifically seek out intoxicated individuals, often presenting himself as an upstanding member of the public, before leading them to secluded locations.

“He would then subject them to horrific sexual attacks and steal their belongings which included mobile phones and bank cards which he would then use. 

“These convictions reflect not only the severity of Djelid’s crimes but also the lasting impact they have had on his victims. Such predatory behaviour has no place in Greater Manchester, and those who feel it is acceptable to commit offences of this sort will be brought to justice.

“If you have been affected by this case or believe that you may have been a victim of Sid Ali Djelid, then please contact us on 101 or via our website www.gmp.police.uk and make a report using the ‘Live Chat’ function in the bottom right corner quoting Operation Baycliff

“All reports made to us will be fully investigated and specialist officers will be on hand to support you through the investigation.”

Rebekah Tomlinson, District Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said:

“Sid Ali Djelid is a serial sex offender who posed serious danger to both men and women – carrying out his horrifying crimes in one of the most celebrated and historic nightlife hotspots in the country.

“The way he targeted lone individuals who he believed would be vulnerable was both calculating and insidious. Having raped his victims, he also stole their property before he fled.

“Canal Street holds a special place in the heritage of Manchester and the LGBT community, and those on a night out have the right to enjoy themselves free from the fear of abuse and attack.

“Djelid’s crimes will doubtless leave a lasting impact on the victims – and my deepest thanks goes to them for supporting this prosecution. Without their evidence, this dangerous man would still be in our community.”

Description

THREE prison officers had to tackle a defendant who started punching a pane of glass when he was told he was being jailed.

Lewis Buckley, 27, appeared before Colchester Magistrates’ Court after he admitted one charge each of theft and failing to comply with notification requirements for sex offenders.

The court heard Buckley failed to report to a police station after he was released from HMP Chelmsford earlier this year having served a 12-week prison term for exposure.

Stuart Cowen, prosecuting, said: “This is his fifth such offence which would aggravate the matter further."

Buckley, of no fixed abode, Colchester, also stole £150 of clothes from H&M in May and was arrested after he was reported by a member of the public.

The hearing had to be adjourned briefly for a cleaner to sanitise the dock after Buckley was seen spitting into an air vent.

Referring to a pre-sentence report prepared by the probation service, Hamza Adesanu said in mitigation: “There is the usual stuff – mental health concerns, school being patchy, use of drugs and use of alcohol, and homelessness.

“He was released from custody and was overwhelmed by freedom and didn’t report to the police station.

“He has been homeless for a number of years – he has done well to be convicted as lightly as he has.

“He has been on the streets from place to place – Clacton, Colchester – and still manages to report, in the main, to a police station.”

He added: “His convictions have created a vicious cycle where work is difficult to obtain, housing is difficult to obtain – it is difficult to describe his life as anything but chaotic.”

When the bench retired to consider their sentence, Buckley launched a verbal tirade at the press bench.

He said: “You should feel ashamed sitting there. You’re a cretin – your family would be ashamed of you.”

Magistrates jailed Buckley for eight months for failing to comply with notification requirements and one month consecutive for theft from a shop.

Buckley constantly shouted at the magistrates' bench while the chair Robert Cook explained how they had reached their sentence.

After refusing to go to the cells, three dock officers wrestled Buckley to the ground before the legal adviser cleared the court.

Description

A 59-year-old man from Chandler’s Ford has been jailed for three years and four months for the sexual assault of a child under 13, and indecent exposure.

Robert Grant, of Catmint Close, was sentenced at Southampton Crown Court on Friday (18 July).

The offences, for which he had previously pleaded guilty at the same court on Monday 17 March, took place in Eastleigh on Wednesday 27 March 2024.

As well as the time he will now spend behind bars, Grant has also been made subject to a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, five-year restraining order and notification of requirement to register with the police indefinitely.

PC Jen Grace, of the Child Abuse Investigation Team, said:

 “I am pleased for the young victim in this case that justice has now been served for them and their family, and that Grant has now been placed behind bars, where he belongs.

“I’d also like to place on record my praise for the young victim in this case and the courage and determination they have shown throughout.

“Additionally, I’d like thank everyone who has been involved in this case, helping to secure this outcome. Their support and hard work has ensured this outcome.

“While I know this result won’t rid the victim and family of the memories of what Grant did, I truly hope it allows them to move forward, safe in the knowledge that he can no longer harm any other children.’

Directly addressing other victims of sex offences, PC Grace, said:

“We encourage other victims to come forward and speak to us. 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.”

Description

A repeat sex offender from Dartford has been convicted of non-recent crimes involving a young person.

Paul Perry, of Hilltop Gardens, was found guilty of three counts of gross indecency with a child and one count of indecent assault that took place more than 35 years ago, following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court.

Investigation

Perry, 58, abused a young victim in the 1980s, including while he was himself a juvenile.

Specialist detectives from Kent Police launched an investigation after the offences were reported to them in 2019. Perry, the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order due to his previous convictions, was arrested in December that year and was later charged.

Jailed

He denied the offences but, after a jury found him guilty on all counts, Perry was jailed on Wednesday 16 July 2025.

In acknowledgement of Perry’s age when some of the offences were carried out, and the law at the time, he was given the maximum sentence of one year in prison and a year to be served on licence when he is released. He was also placed on the sex offender’s register for seven years.

Detective Sergeant Frank Bloomfield said:

‘No matter how long ago a crime took place, we will always listen to victims and strive to bring offenders before the courts to answer for their actions. It is never too late to report an offence and we have specially trained officers to deal with such cases.‘Perry’s crimes in this case may have been committed decades ago, but they had a significant impact on the victim, whose courage in coming forward should be commended. I hope it helps to bring some closure, knowing that Perry has been convicted for what he did.’

Description

An asylum seeker from Syria who raped a 12-year old girl after offering her vape and crisps while he worked illegally at a supermarket in Birmingham, could face deportation under a change in the law.

Mohammed Wahid Mohammed who's 22 and who lived in Walsall, told the victim it was "not safe on the streets" and gave her a vape and crisps, before raping her.

It happened on the 24th September last year at Villa Supermarket in Handsworth.

"The victim had been helping a homeless woman"

The girl, who had left her home earlier that day, ended up in Birmingham city centre around 8.30pm that night.

Andrew Wallace, prosecuting, told the court the victim had been helping a homeless woman despite having only "a couple of pounds on her".

He said "She bought the lady a cup of tea. The homeless lady then walked her down Villa Road to Villa Supermarket.

"As soon as the defendant saw her he said: 'You look really young. You look really cold do you want to come into the shop? It's warm in there, I'll get you something to eat and drink".

"He knew she was far away from home"

He continued: "He knew she was far away from home, there was discussion about that.

"Ironically, he told her it wasn't safe on the streets. He coaxed her into the shop under the pretence of being concerned. Really he only had sex in mind."

Birmingham Crown Court heard Mohammed promised the girl some food and told her to take a vape, crisps and fizzy drink from the shelves.

He then said he was going to get a "new drink" from a storeroom out of the back, but led her to an upstairs bedroom where he had been sleeping, and attacked her.

Mohammed was sentenced to 12 years in prison after admitting two counts of sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 13, and being found guilty of three counts of rape by a jury.

Description

A PAEDOPHILE who raped a young girl has been jailed for 12 years.

Serial sex offender Stuart Bladen, aged 48, from Pontypool had "wiggled his penis in her face".

He was found guilty of two counts of oral rape.

Bladen was unanimously convicted by a jury, who came back with verdicts after just an hour in deliberation, following a trial.

The defendant had denied the offences.

Thomas Stanway, prosecuting, read the victim’s impact statement during the defendant’s sentencing hearing at Newport Crown Court.

She said: “I struggle to speak to new people and I struggle to speak about how I feel.

“I keep my emotions inside and I cry on my own and cry myself to sleep.

“I’m quite an anxious person and I worry a lot – I’m always stressed.”

“There are only a handful of people who I trust.”

The victim added: “I don’t have any confidence – inside I am sad and worried.

“I was worried that no one would believe what he did to me.

“I spend most of my days feeling sad.”

Bladen was jailed for 12 years in 2019 for sexually abusing a boy and locked up for six years in 2022 for sexually assaulting a girl at Trecco Bay caravan park in Porthcawl.  

His barrister Matthew Comer conceded: “The defendant realises there is something wrong with him.”

It was heard that there was a mention in Bladen’s pre-sentence report of him suffering “an adverse childhood experience”.

Judge Celia Hughes told the defendant: “The complainant in her powerful impact statement says that she struggles to sleep and express her emotions.

“She is clearly a sad, anxious and troubled young person.”

The judge added: “She gave powerful testimony at the trial which was compelling evidence of your guilt.

“You appear to be in denial.”

Bladen, she said, poses a “significant risk of serious harm to the public”.

He was handed a 10-year custodial sentence plus a two-year extended licence term.

That makes a total prison sentence of 12 years.

The defendant will have to register as a sex offender and made the subject of a restraining order not to contact his victim for indefinite periods.

Bladen must also pay a statutory victim surcharge following his release from jail.

Description

Two men have been found guilty of raping a vulnerable girl in Rotherham 25 years ago.

A third man – aged 14 at the time – raped a second girl, a jury at Sheffield Crown Court also found today, 23 July.

Sageer Hussain – who lived in Rotherham at the time but is currently in prison serving a sentence for separate sexual offences – is now 39 years old.

Kessur Ajaib and Mohammed Makhmood – both 43 and of Rotherham – were aged between 18 and 20 at the time of offending.

During a period of more than two years, starting in 1999 when the first victim was 14, Ajaib and Makhmood raped her.

The girl was attacked by Ajaib while out in Rotherham. Ajaib made conversation with the girl and gave her alcohol, before luring her to an alleyway in a residential area, where he raped her.

Makhmood carried out his attack when he found the girl waiting at a bus stop one evening. He invited her to smoke a cigarette with him, then led her to a nearby graveyard where he raped her.

The second girl, aged around 14, used to see Hussain around Rotherham town centre. On one occasion, Hussain led her down an alleyway and said he would not let her back out unless she had sex with him. She refused and he raped her.

Officers from Operation Stovewood - the NCA’s enquiry into historic allegations of sexual abuse in Rotherham - contacted the victims, now in their 30s, after identifying they may have been victims of child sexual abuse.

NCA senior investigating officer Alan Hastings said:

“Ajaib, Hussain and Makhmood subjected two young girls to devastating acts of sexual abuse, the consequences of which the victims have lived with for almost 25 years.

“Those victims have now, at last, had their voices heard and their accounts believed. While this could never eradicate the suffering caused by their attackers, I hope it will pave the way for the women to move forward with their lives.

“Both women have shown enormous strength and courage in speaking their truth and I am pleased that the National Crime Agency has, through careful investigation, helped them find justice.

“I encourage other victims of child sexual abuse to report what has happened to them, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.”

Child sexual abuse can be reported to the police in person or by calling 101.

Liz Fell, Specialist Prosecutor for the CPS Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit, said:

"These men deliberately exploited the victims’ youth and vulnerability to manipulate and control them. They sexually abused the victims, who were children, in the most horrendous way.

“The treatment these young girls endured was appalling – they were attacked in isolated locations and subjected to humiliation and verbal abuse.

"I want to thank both women for their courage in coming forward and staying engaged with the investigation and prosecution. Their evidence was vital in building our case and securing justice after all these years.

"The Crown Prosecution Service will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to support all victims of child sexual abuse as we pursue justice on their behalf."

All three men were remanded in custody ahead of sentencing. Hussain is due to be sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on 7 November. Ajaib and Makhmood are due to be sentenced at the same court on 21 November.

The NCA's Operation Stovewood remains the single biggest investigation of its kind, looking at allegations of abuse in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013. To date 46 people – including Hussain, Ajaib and Makhmood – have been convicted.

Description

A “controlling” rapist who travelled more than 120 miles to intimidate a woman before smashing her head off a road has been jailed. 

Michael Lesko “showed no remorse” and was described as “living in a fantasy world” when he was jailed for ten years for the sick sex attacks on Thursday (July 24).

It follows an incident last year when Lesko travelled to Durham with intentions to harass a woman, waiting inside the bus station for her. 

When he spotted her, he jumped on the same bus, following her to Ferryhill, where she went into a pub for her own safety as he followed behind. 

When she thought the coast was clear, she left the pub; but Lesko, who lived in Bridlington, was waiting outside and began following her. 

After getting into an argument with the victim, the 29-year-old launched an attack, pushing her, grabbing her hair, and lifting her up before hitting her head off the road. 

The woman bravely reported the incident and disclosed that she had been sexually assaulted by Lesko and raped on another occasion by him.

Lesko, of New Burlington Road, was later found guilty following a trial in March of rape, stalking, sexual assault and assault causing actual bodily harm, all in breach of a suspended sentence order made last year.

He appeared at Durham Crown Court this morning (July 24) where he was sentenced to ten years in prison.

Safeguarding Detective Gary Tinkler said:

“Lesko is a controlling and dangerous offender, who poses a high risk to women.

“Lesko has shown no remorse and was described during sentencing as living in a fantasy world where he takes no responsibility for his own actions.

“I would like to praise the victim involved in this case whose courage has led to a conviction. Hopefully, she can now close this horrific chapter and can begin to move on with her life.”

Description

A 19-year-old man convicted of serious sexual crimes in Paisley has been jailed for seven years.

Kyle Jackson was sentenced to seven years in prison at the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday, 23 July, 2025. He was also issued with a non-harassment order.

He was found guilty of a number of serious offences including rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault at the High Court in Paisley on Wednesday, 11 June, 2025, following an extensive police investigation. The offences took place between September 2020 and October 2022.

Detective Sergeant Jonathan Campbell said: 

“Kyle Jackson is a dangerous man who carried out these horrifying crimes across a number of years, and he will now face the consequences of his despicable actions in prison.

“This outcome was made possible thanks to the victims who came forward and reported him and I commend them for the strength they have shown during the investigation and court proceedings. Our thoughts remain with them, and I hope this sentencing offers them some comfort as they move forward with their lives.

“Officers carried out extensive enquiries during the course of this investigation, and I would like to reassure our communities that we are committed to investigating all reports of sexual crimes. We remain determined to bring those responsible to justice no matter how much time has passed.

“I urge anyone who has been the victim of any offence of this nature to come forward to police – you will be fully supported by our officers and partner agencies.”

Description

A rapist has been jailed thanks to vital forensic evidence obtained more than a year before police were informed of his crime. 

The victim, a young woman studying in Nottingham, was raped by an acquaintance after a night out in March 2019.

When she initially decided not to tell the police she was advised by a friend to visit Nottingham’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre.

The SARC, an independent specialised medical clinic designed to secure evidentially sound forensic evidence, was then able to release its findings once a criminal complaint was made in November 2020.

The evidence, which clearly indicated intimate contact between the victim and her assailant, proved vital when he denied that any sexual contact took place.

After a four-day trial at Mansfield Magistrates Court in December, Michael Gibson was found guilty of rape. 

The jury heard how Gibson, now aged 26, had shared a room and a bed with the victim after missing his bus home.

She later awoke to find him committing the offence.

The victim initially approached Nottinghamshire Police five days after the incident but said she did not want to take the matter further.

With vital forensic evidence secured, however, she was able to successfully reengage with officers the following year.

That evidence, contained on clothing worn by the victim, was presented to prosecutors alongside Gibson’s denial of sexual contact and a series of mobile phone messages in which he apologised to the victim

Appearing at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Friday July 18, Gibson, of HMP Nottingham, was jailed for six-and-a-half years. 

Detective Sergeant Emma Steele, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“Like many victims of rape and sexual assault, the victim in this case was initially reluctant to involve the police or support a prosecution. 

“While we’d always encourage people to engage with us at the earliest opportunity, she did exactly the right thing in visiting the SARC on the day after the incident and ensuring that vital forensic evidence was secured.

“Had she not done that then it is highly unlikely that this prosecution would have succeeded.

“It is then important for all victims to know that they can attend the SARC without involving the police.

“They will provide you with support and advice, as well as obtaining valuable evidence which can be stored for two years in the event you wish to the report the matter at a later date. 

“In this case that allowed us to successfully prosecute a case we first knew of 18 months after it happened.

“As this case comes to a close I remain full of admiration for the victim and the determination she has shown, and hope this result encourages others to come forward and tell us what’s happened to them.”

Description

A man has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing two children in Cheshire.

Paul Bishop, 43, of the Winsford area, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Monday 21 July, where he admitted eight sexual offences in relation to two victims.

The offences include six offences in relation to one victim and two offences in relation to the second victim. Bishop pleaded guilty to multiple counts of rape, including that of a child under 13, controlling and coercive behaviour and other sexual offences against children.

The abuse took place in the 2000’s and continued for a period of 15 years.

Bishop has since been remanded in custody until Monday 15 September, when he will appear at Chester Crown Court to be sentenced.

Detective Constable Leah Bird, who has been leading on the case, said:

“Firstly, I would like to commend the two victims in this case, who have shown an immeasurable amount of bravery and resilience throughout this whole process, despite being faced with the prospect of having to relive their trauma by way of a trial.

"Bishop denied his guilt from the date of his arrest and remained uncooperative to the Police investigation for a number of months. When faced with the evidence in this case, Bishop changed his plea to guilty on the first morning of trial for the horrific crimes that he has committed.

“Nobody should have to experience what Bishop’s victims have been though, although I do hope that they can now start to rebuild their lives, knowing that he is finally being held accountable for his actions, and due to be put behind bars where he belongs.”

Detective Constable Bird added:

“If anything can be achieved from this case, I hope that it encourages other victims of sexual offences to come forward and report them to us.

“We treat all allegations of sexual offences extremely seriously, and any allegation will be thoroughly investigated, with the wishes and needs of the victim as our main priority.

“Victims should never feel ashamed to talk about what they have been subjected to. They will receive the help and support they need from our specialist officers, as well as from other support agencies we work alongside, and all victims of sexual offences have the right to anonymity.”

Description

A man has been sentenced to more than seven years after sexually abusing a child in Runcorn.

Shaun Ashley, of Cotton Lane, Runcorn, was jailed for seven-and-a-half years at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday 17 July.

The 37-year-old was previously found guilty of two counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching and one count of engaging in sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15.

The case began in 2021, when the victim reported incidents of sexual assault committed by Ashely on at least three occasions. The incidents took place in the Runcorn area of Cheshire between 2014 and 2021.

Ashley was subsequently arrested and interviewed in relation to the incidents. Following a thorough investigation, he was later charged with multiple offences but denied them. He was found guilty following a trial.

On top of his custodial sentence, Ashely is subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must comply with a restraining order protecting the victim in this case. He must also sign the Sex Offender Register indefinitely.

A Cheshire Police spokesperson said:

“Firstly, I would like to commend the victim in this case for reporting what happened to her and for her subsequent bravery throughout the trial after Ashley refused to admit his heinous crimes.

“But the jury saw through his lies and I hope the fact that he is now subject to a lengthy spell behind bars will give her some sense of closure.

“I also hope it encourages anyone who has been a victim of sexual offences to please contact us. We will investigate all reports thoroughly with the needs and wishes of the victim as our main priority.”

Description

A sex offender who abused two boys and persuaded a third to send him an indecent image has been jailed for 18 years.

Billy Ingram, 31, befriended families in Cambridge before having unsupervised access to their children.

In August 2022, Ingram, who was already a registered sex offender, saw a woman he knew walking with her children. He began talking to her and followed her home.

The woman let him into her property and they continued talking until the early hours of the morning when she fell asleep.

The next morning, Ingram sat next to the woman’s young son and let the boy play on his mobile phone, before sexually assaulting him.

A few weeks later the child told his mother what had happened, and Ingram was arrested.

The subsequent investigation established Ingram had befriended several other families in Cambridge and had had unsupervised access to their children.

This unsupervised access represented a breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order he was given in 2017 as part of a separate investigation.

Officers also analysed two mobile phones belonging to Ingram and found hundreds of indecent images and videos of children, as well as additional prohibited content suggesting a sexual interest in minors.

Included in the content was video footage of Ingram sexually abusing a boy. Officers managed to identify the child and visited his home in the Greater Manchester area, where it was confirmed Ingram had stayed at the address at the time the videos were recorded.

Officers visited the home of another boy in West Mercia who was also identified from the content.

The boy described how Ingram had contacted him online via a computer game in 2020, when he was ten years old, and persuaded him to send an indecent image of himself.

Ingram, of Ongar Court, Cambridge, admitted two counts of sexual assault of a boy under 13 by touching, four of possessing indecent images of a children, one of causing or inciting a boy under 13 to engage in sexual activity and four breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Yesterday (22 July) at Cambridge Crown Court he was jailed for 18 years, with an additional eight years on licence. He was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life.

DC Paul Evans said:

“Ingram is a devious sex offender who befriended families and manipulated his way into their homes specifically so he could prey on their children.

“I’d like to commend all the children involved who assisted us with the investigation and their families. Their bravery in talking about what happened to them has resulted in Ingram being brought to justice.”

Description

A 24-year-old man who groomed a teenage girl has been jailed.

Matthew Cai Pritchard of Dol Eithin, Caergeiliog, appeared at Mold Crown Court on Tuesday 22nd July after admitting to four counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of sexual communication with a child.

Pritchard, who was aged 18 to 19 at the time of the offences, messaged the girl on social media when she was aged between 13 to 16.

They then began to meet in person where he gave her alcohol before having sex with her.

During this time, he also made her pose for intimate photos.  

He was jailed for four years.

He was also made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order to protect the victim until further notice.

Detective Constable Sarah Jones said:

“Pritchard groomed and manipulated a vulnerable young girl when he was himself an adult.

“This experience has had a devastating impact on the victim’s life.

“She has been incredibly brave to report what happened to her and I hope this sentencing will provide her with the reassurance to move forward.

“I would urge anyone who has been a victim of child sexual abuse to come forward. You will be listened to, supported, and safeguarded no matter how recent or how long ago it happened.”

Description

A SUSPENDED jail term has been handed to a Carlisle pensioner after he admitted sexually assaulting four female hospital workers.

John O'Neill, 78, committed the offences over five days last year, Carlisle's Rickergate court heard.

He was sentenced at the city’s Rickergate court.

The first three offences were committed on consecutive days, prosecutor Diane Jackson told the court. 

He entered guilty pleas to all four allegations. All four victims were working at The Cumberland Infirmary when the offences happened.

The defendant, of Lazonby Terrace, Carlisle, was sentenced after the Probation Service prepared a pre-sentence report, providing relevant background for the hearing.

Magistrates imposed an eight-week jail term, but they suspended this for a year. O’Neill was told he will be on the Sex Offender Register for the next seven years.

They said that the offending merited custody because the victims were performing a public service at the time when they were sexually assaulted.

They dismissed the suggestion of compensation.

This was because of the “limited means” of the defendant, and any sums would be derisory and could cause further distress, they ruled. The defendant’s guilty pleas were taken into account.