February 2005

Rapist guilty of sex attack on 7-year-old

A MAN serving seven years for raping a teenage girl was yesterday jailed for a further 18 months.

Paul Hamlett showed no emotion when he was convicted by a Chester Crown Court jury of assaulting a girl on her seventh birthday nine years ago.

The offence came to light when the 38-year-old, formerly of Albert Terrace, Cefnybedd, Wrexham, was convicted of raping a 13-year-old schoolgirl.

Hamlett had denied the indecent assault charge but was convicted after a three-day trial.

The girl, now 16, told the jury Hamlett was a family friend.

She said on her birthday he asked whether he could take her to meet his girlfriend.

But instead Hamlett took her to his flat in Hightown, Wrexham, and indecently assaulted her in his bedroom.

She was able to phone her stepfather who went to pick her up.

Police were alerted by a family friend who read newspaper reports about the rape trial.

Karl Scholz, prosecuting, said Hamlett had a “substantial” history of offences, including indecent assault against a girl of nine.

He had several convictions for assault, including one against a police officer for which he was given a four-year jail term.

He also had two convictions for drug dealing and had been ordered to sign on the sex offenders register for life.

Judge Phillip Hughes told Hamlett: “You have been convicted by the jury of indecently assaulting a seven-year-old girl. “I cannot give you any credit for a guilty plea because you tried to brazen it out in front of the jury.

“You made the girl relive her ordeal because she had to give evidence.

“It was plainly a frightening experience.” “I take into account you have been sentenced to a seven-year term of imprisonment but the least sentence I can impose is one of 18 months, which will be consecutive to the seven years, making a total of eight and a half years.”

January 2012

Bampton man jailed over stash of child abuse images

A man has been jailed for downloading hundreds of images of the worst level of child abuse.

Aaron Smee, 25, of Aston, near Bampton, was found with 1,012 images and 14 video files downloaded between September 2006 and December 2009.

More than 215 of them were rated at the most severe.

He previously admitted two counts of making indecent photographs of children and was sentenced yesterday at Oxford Crown Court.

Recorder Christopher Quinlan jailed him for a year, ordered him to sign the sex offenders’ register for 10 years, and banned him from using the Internet unsupervised for five years.

December 2014

Man guilty of sex offences

A man has been branded a sexual predator and has been remanded in custody

Merfyn jones, 53, of Rowden street, Shotton as warned he faced a long prison sentence after he was convicted of sex offences

Jones had denied 13 offences of rape, attempted rape and indecent assault against four victims

The offences dated back to the 1990’s but he was unanimously convicted by a jury at Mold Crown Court

He held his head in hands and cried when the jury foreman returned the guilty verdicts

Judge Rhys Rowlands revoked his bail and remanded him in custody pending sentence in January

On the verdicts of the jury, he is to be sentenced as a sexual predator who had got away with it for many years, he told the court 

The judge said that Jones should prepare himself for a lengthy sentence

There was cries from the public gallery when the verdicts were announced and there was angry scenes outside the court afterwards

December 2014

Drumchapel pervert jailed he lured young girls into sex after posing as a female escort

THE son of a businessman lured a young girl into sex after posing as a female escort

Christopher Kirkwood pretended to be “Sheryl Davies” and randomly contacted the 16-year-old online to ask if she would be interested in being a prostitute.

He eventually got the teenager to take part in a seedy “run through” with a friend called “David” — who also turned out to be Kirkwood.

This involved meeting the 27-year-old in a Clydebank car park and performing a sex act.

But police snared Kirkwood and a court heard how he had also contacted two other girls — one aged just 14.

Kirkwood had apparently been depressed at the time as he struggled in a high-ranking position at his father’s company and turned to an online “fantasy world”.

The Drumchapel man was last week jailed for 18 months and broke down in tears as a sheriff told him prison was the only option due to the “gravity” of the offences.

He mouthed “sorry” to a man in the public gallery – thought to be his father – as he was led sobbing to the cells.

Kirkwood got in touch with the 16-year-old in August last year after setting up a Facebook page in the name of “Sheryl Davies”.

“Sheryl” claimed to be involved with an escort agency and asked the teenager if she was interested in joining. Kirkwood then repeatedly sent a number of messages requesting the girl send naked photos of herself in different poses.

He claimed the pictures would be used as a profile for the escort agency. Glasgow Sheriff Court heard the unsuspecting teenager “genuinely believed” that she was in contact with a female involved in this line of work.

“Sheryl” continued and suggested the girl meet her friend “David” to help her get a job.

This was to carry out a supposed “run through” to how suitable she would be for prostitution. The youngster then agreed to meet “David” at a car park in Clydebank.

This person also turned out to be Kirkwood – and the girl carried out a sex act on him unaware she was being duped. However, police later became involved following reports Kirkwood contacted two others girls while posing as “Sheryl”.

He had been in touch with another 16-year-old and a 14-year-old about being an escort, but both refused to get involved. Kirkwood pleaded guilty in court to two charges under the Sexual Offences Act and another of being involved in a fraudulent scheme.

His QC asked for him not to be jailed, claiming there was “little likelihood” of the pervert re-offending.

Mark Stewart, defending, said Kirkwood had been suffering personal troubles around the time of the crimes. Kirkwood had got a role in his father’s company which was “beyond him” and his partner had recently given birth. Mr Stewart said Kirkwood “slipped into a form of depression” and turned to the web that untimately lead to the offences.

As well as jailing Kirkwood, Sheriff Martin Jones QC ordered him be supervised for another two years on his release and placed him on the sex offenders register indefinitely. 

December 2014

Yeovil man who groomed schoolgirls on Facebook for sex escapes prison sentence

A YEOVIL man who groomed “vulnerable” teenage girls for sex through social media has been spared a prison sentence after a judge said it would not help him reform.

Jacob Wood, 20, of Charles Road, contacted girls aged 14 and 15 through Facebook and other sites and incited them to engage in sex, Taunton Crown Court was told.

He admitted four charges of sexual activity with a child, five of causing or inciting a child to engage in sex and one of causing a child to watch a sexual act. He asked for seven further offences to be taken into consideration.

Mary McCarthy, prosecuting, said he sent explicit pictures to girls and, in some cases, arranged to meet them. He had full sexual intercourse with five of the girls. Some of the offences occurred while he was on bail.

An investigation began in South Yorkshire when the mother of a 14 year-old girl discovered she had sent him pictures of herself in her nightwear and he became abusive and threatened to post them online.

Wood made full admissions of his offences during police interviews.

Patrick Mason, defending, said he left school with “unremarkable results” and “inappropriate dealings” with girls came out at an early age.

Judge Graham Cottle said: “The use of the internet to meet young girls and to exchange pictures with a view to a later sexual encounter has escalated very significantly.

“Young people do make mistakes and they make them, mainly, because they are young and immature and lacking in understanding.” he added.

Wood was sentenced to a community order with three years supervision and a sex offenders programme. He was also given a sex offenders’ prevention order for five years.

December 2014

Angus man on sex offenders register after admitting possession of indecent images of kids

An Angus man has been placed on the sex offenders register after admitting possessing indecent child and bestiality images.

Mark McRobbie, 38, of Houghton Drive, Montrose, appeared before Sheriff Gregor Murray at Forfar, where he admitted an indictment alleging that between November 2009 and January 2014, at his home address, he possessed indecent images or pseudo images of children.

He also pleaded guilty to making or permitting to be taken photos or pseudo-photos of children between November 2009 and December 2013.

McRobbie further admitted that between March 2011 and January 2014, also at his home, he possessed pornographic images depicting adult females engaged in sexual activities with animals.

Sheriff Murray deferred sentence until January 15 for a report.

McRobbie was made subject to notification requirements of the register for a period to be determined on his return to court.

Bail was granted.

December 2014

Warminster man, 50, jailed for 12 years over child sex offences

A Warminster man has been jailed for 12 years for historical child sex offences.

Glyn Ricardo Ballard, aged 50 of High Street, was found guilty of one count of rape and eleven counts of indecent assault/sexual activity with children following a trial at Winchester Crown Court.

The offences were committed between 1981 and 2005. 

Judge Boney sentenced him to a total of 12 years imprisonment on Monday.

The judge said Ballard was: “A skillful liar and knew no boundaries. There was no doubt that he posed a risk to young girls.”

This case was concluded after a long and difficult investigation.

Detective Constable Dave Topp said: “We are satisfied with the result and we hope it will encourage other victims to come forward regardless of when offences were committed against them.”

Anyone who has been the victim of sexual abuse can contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or call the Sexual Assault referral Centre on 0808 168 0024. This service is free, confidential and advisors can provide information and support to victims.

December 2014

Pervert admits possession of child abuse images but trial for grooming & sexual abuse of child is abandoned

A LLANON man charged with child sex offences will not now stand trial.

Ifan Evans, 28, of Brynawel, Cross Inn, had been due to go before a jury at Swansea Crown Court accused of meeting a child aged under 16 following sexual grooming, engaging in sexual activity with a child and causing a child aged under 16 to watch a sexual act, which he had denied.

James Jenkins, prosecuting, said Evans had already admitted 14 offences of possessing indecent photographs, some of a child, between October 1, 2011, and August 31, 2012.

Mr Jenkins said the prosecution had reflected further and, after consultation with the girl’s mother, had decided there was little point in continuing to press the outstanding charges.

He said the mother had “sensibly” agreed that Evans was in need of help and the girl herself was reluctant for the trial to go ahead.

The photographs in question, he added, had been of Evans and the girl, which they had then sent to each other. Mr Jenkins said another man “material to the case” had been dealt with by way of a police caution.

Geraint Walters, representing Evans, asked for a sentencing hearing to be put back until the New Year so that the court could have a pre sentence report from the probation service and an assessment by a psychologist.

Judge Paul Thomas said he had in mind, bef ore seeing the reports, a lengthy community order “but that is not fixed.” Evans was granted bail until the next hearing.

December 2014

Married man who shared images of child abuse with paedophiles is jailed after being shopped by his family

A married man who shared child abuse pictures with paedophiles has been jailed for two years after being shopped by his shattered family.

Sales executive Stephen Kenefick, 54, was caught when his family found chat-room conversations on a laptop computer including words like “young girls – I like them young and naked”, Cardiff Crown Court was told.

“He denied knowing anything about it but when threatened with the police, put his hands over his head, said ‘I’m sorry guys’ and packed his bags and left”, said prosecutor Michael Jones.

Further investigation of his laptop revealed hundreds of contacts with other like-minded people and the sharing of images of children as young as two being abused.

Police from Cardiff, where he and his family had lived, confronted him at his new home in Sandpiper Road, Llanelli.

Mr Jones told the court: “He largely answered ‘no comment’ to their questions but later pleaded guilty to possessing stills and movies and distributing images of children right up to the most serious category A.”

Counsel Lisa Hennessy, defending, said Kenefick had viewed pornography from the age of 11, but had recently joined Sex Addicts Anonymous.

“It has blighted his life for more than 40 years and he is a man with a serious problems but in Sex Addicts Anonymous he has met people who have managed to turn their lives around.

“He’s and intelligent man who is truly sorry and who wants to change.”

The court was told his wife has since divorced him.

Judge Neil Bidder QC requested that part of the former Mrs Kenefick’s victim impact statement be read in open court.

In it, she described the “profound effect’ of his behaviour on their family.

“Life changed beyond recognition”, she wrote.

“Memories which had been happy now bring feelings that the family life we had was a lie and nothing can make it better.”

Rejecting a three-year community order where Kenefick could treatment for his addiction, in favour of immediate custody, Judge Bidder said: “It [the effect on the family] goes beyond simple shock, there has actually been psychological trauma. They feel betrayed.”

The judge ordered Kenefick’s name go on the sex offenders’ register for 10 year and that a Sexual Offences Prevention Order remain in place for the same length of time

December 2014

Convicted child abuser with a foot fetish jailed for library assault

A WOMAN was terrified when, as she was quietly reading a book in Leamington library, a man lay on the floor, grabbed her ankle and began kissing her foot.

Luke Rudge then followed up that bizarre behaviour by sniffing the woman’s boots, which she had taken off, telling her she had beautiful feet.

And after hearing Rudge had previous convictions for sexual offences, a judge at Warwick Crown Court imposed an extended sentence totalling nine years and two months.

The 33 year-old of Grove Street, Leamington, had pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual assault.

Under the extended sentence he was jailed for 14 months, of which he will have to serve two-thirds, and he will then be on licence for a further eight years at the end of the 14-month term.

During the whole period he will be liable to be recalled to prison if his behaviour gives any cause for concern.

Prosecutor Aliya Rashid said in 2011 Rudge was jailed for four years for indecently assaulting a 14-year-old girl in a Leamington park.

Rudge, who had confessed to that attack while he was subject to a community order for another sexual assault, was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life.

He was released in March this year after serving two-thirds of the four-year sentence.

Early in November a 57-year-old woman went to Leamington library, and as she sat reading a book she took off her boots to make herself more comfortable.

She then became aware of Rudge staring at her, smiling, and although she turned away from him he walked over and began telling her she had beautiful legs and feet.

His comments made her feel uncomfortable, and she was shocked when he then lay on the floor under her legs and grabbed her ankle with both hands and started kissing her foot.

Despite the woman’s desperate attempts to pull free, he held on and after letting go he began to sniff her boots.

He then left, and the woman reported the matter to library staff who contacted the police – and officers were swift to identify Rudge as the person responsible.

When he was questioned Rudge admitted what he had done.

Andrew Tucker, defending, said Rudge had hoped to get help for his sexual behaviour while serving his last sentence but did not get a place on a sex offender’s course.

Mr Tucker added: “He is only too well aware that he does need help, and he is desperate to have access to that.”

Judge Alan Parker said during an extended period on licence Rudge could be required to take part in a sex offender programme, which he recommended ‘in the strongest terms.’

He told Rudge: “The probation officer has correctly assessed you as presenting a high risk of serious harm to the public. I am satisfied you are dangerous.”

September 2011

Jailed after six years – sex attacker’s belated confession

A MAN whose attack on a terrified teenager in a Leamington park left her disturbed and unhappy has been jailed after confessing to the crime almost six years later.

At Warwick Crown Court last week Luke Rudge pleaded guilty to charges of assault by penetration and sexually assaulting his 14-year-old victim in 2005.

Rudge, 30, who previously lived in Lillington Road, Leamington, but has more recently been living with his father in Suffolk, was jailed for four years and ordered to register as a sex offender for life

Prosecutor Theresa Thorp said that in March 2005 the 14-year-old girl was with a 13-year-old friend in Christchurch Gardens at 7.30 in the evening when Rudge, whom neither of them knew, cycled up to them.

He asked the girl for a cigarette, and when she said she did not have one, he asked for her phone number, which she refused to give him, and then for a kiss, to which she again told him ‘no.’

When she and her friend began walking away, but Rudge grabbed her by the arm and asked her three times for a kiss, but she still refused.

He then deliberately tripped her up and got on top of her, and as she called to her friend for help, Rudge held her hands behind her head and began kissing her.

After her friend ran off to get assistance, Rudge assaulted the 14-year-old.

He was not caught at the time, but in February this year, while subject to a community order imposed for a sexual offence against a woman, he confessed to his police offender managers.

Miss Thorp added that before the attack the girl had been a happy-go-lucky and cheery teenager, but has since been plagued by unhappy memories and has self-harmed.

In mitigation, Nick Devine, said Rudge had been “tormented” by what he had done since March 2005, adding “He is sorry for what he has done, and has tried to put right what he has done.

“He knows he faces a custodial sentence today. He has difficulties which are set out in the psychiatric report, and he is scared of going to prison. He will be very vulnerable when he is there.”

Jailing Rudge, Judge Richard Griffith-Jones also made a sexual offences prevention order for seven years banning him from contacting or trying to contact his victim.

He said: “Just over six years ago the young girl you attacked was a happy-go-lucky 14-year-old enjoying an innocent evening with a friend in a park.

“You did not know her, and she did not know you, when you attacked her and indulged in serious sexual abuse.

“It was a persistent attack, it was a frightening attack, and it injured her physically and, more importantly, it changed her view of herself and her self-worth, and she has been disturbed ever since.”

December 2014

Leeds pervert jailed over obscene and indecent on-line images of children

A MAN has been jailed after indecent images were found on his computer including some taken by him.

Leeds Crown Court heard officers executed a search warrant at the home of Carl Smart in Marlborough Towers, Leeds in February after information about his contact on a social network.

He had expressed a sexual interest in children and requested photos from others with similar interests.

The IP address he was using was traced to him and in a later search among items seized was some bedding which was identified in some of the photographs found on his system.

Nicholas Adlington prosecuting said that proved to officers that at least five images had been taken inside Smart’s address of an eight year old girl.

Examination of the equipment seized revealed a total of 45 photographs of children at Level A the most serious, 49 at Level B and 79 at Level C. Officers also discovered 178 movies at Level A, 85 at level B and 18 at level C.

Mr Adlington said a number of the images had been distributed using a Skype account.

Alex Menary representing Smart said he had no previous convictions for such offending and was remorseful. He had disclosed he had been the victim himself of abuse as a child and had suffered mental health issues as a result.

Smart, 30 admitted five offences of taking indecent images, 11 of making indecent images and 10 of distributing indecent images.

Jailing him for 40 months Judge Geoffrey Marson QC said: “Cases such as this involve the most dreadful abuse and degradation of children.

“It is difficult to put into words the ordeal to which they have been subjected and those who download and distribute these images perpetuate that abuse and suffering.”

He said it was troubling that Smart maintained in his pre-sentence report that it was not for his own sexual gratification “when it was perfectly obvious it was”.

December 2014

Duffield pervert who was caught with 61 sick images of young boys escapes jail

A former church organist who was previously sentenced for abusing a boy of 11 more than 40 years ago has been caught with indecent images of children on his computer.

Graham Craft, 71, was ordered to attended a sex offenders’ course when he was sentenced in 2011 after admitting two charges committed at his home in Duffield in 1969.

But this week, a new hearing was told how police seized a computer at his address in Wirksworth Road and on it found 61 images of underage boys, 12 of which were the most serious category. Analysis of the device revealed he had used search terms such as “naturist boys” when surfing the net, Sarah Allen, prosecuting, told the court.

She said: “He was the subject of a sex offences prevention order that was due to last until 2016, when these latest offences came to light. On April 4, they attended his home address and asked to view his computer. which he told them he bought in September 2013.

“Mr Craft denied he had been using it to view pornography but in his first (police) interview he admitted he had searched for images of boys outside or on the beach.

“An examination of his computer was undertaken and 61 indecent images were discovered; 12 were category A (the most serious), 15 were category B and 34 were category C. The age range of the boys on the images was 12 to 15 years.”

The 1969 2011 incident came to light in 2010 when the victim contacted the church, asking for the name of the organist and choirmaster. That hearing heard how Craft was recognised by the victim as the choirmaster and organist at the church he attended weekly with his parents.”

Craft touched the boy sexually after the pair went inside the house. The victim did not see him again.The boy and his family later left the area.

He pleaded guilty to gross indecency and indecent assault on the one occasion.

This week he pleaded guilty to four counts of making indecent images or photographs of a child.

Recorder David Mason QC handed him a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years and ordered he remain on the sex offenders’ register for 10 years. He made a fresh sexual offences prevention order until further notice and ordered Craft to do 120 hours of unpaid work.

It is also a requirement of the suspended sentence that he is under the supervision of the probation service for 12 months.

Mr Mason said: “It is a relatively small number of images in the grand scheme of things but you accept yourself that more work is needed to rid you of this revolting habit.”

Jasmine Kumar, for Craft, said a police report about his deemed him to be “a low risk of harm to the community”. She said: “What he has asked me to put forward is that if his liberty is spared he will look to engage in a course that will help him turn the corner.”

A spokesman for Derby Diocese said: “Graham Craft is known to the diocese. 

“The diocese has been aware of his offending history and in line with the Church of England’s Safeguarding procedures he has an agreement that regulates his attendance at church services. 

“Once we were alerted to the current charges, the agreement was assessed. This agreement is designed to ensure that members of the congregation are protected while allowing him to worship within certain regulated conditions and this still stands. 

“The diocese is very aware that the impact of any abuse upon survivors can be lifelong and we would always urge anyone affected indirectly or directly by abuse to come forward. 

“The diocese works closely with the local police and Probation Services to ensure that any offender who poses a risk to others and who wishes to attend an act of public worship may only do so under an agreement and with the agreement of the statutory agencies responsible for public protection, which is the case with Graham Craft.”

December 2014

Pervert who targeted schoolgirls in Staffs and performed sexual acts in front of them given a community order

Driving his dirty yellow works van, James Gill loitered around areas where – and when – he knew young girls would be on their own, Stafford Crown Court heard.

On three separate occasions between July and October last year, he indecently exposed himself to schoolgirls in Rugeley.

The girls who saw him were shocked and terrified, said Mr Stefan Kolodynski, prosecuting.

Gill, aged 26, of Lichfield Drive, Great Haywood, near Stafford, admitted three charges of sexual activity in the presence of a child under the age of 16.

He was given a three-year community order to undergo a sex offender treatment programme, ordered to register as a sex offender with the police for five years, banned from loitering near playgrounds, schools or leisure facilities and banned from unauthorised contact with children under 16.

Recorder Mr P R Cooke told him: “In the summer of this year you seem to have lost your way very significantly. You were going through financial difficulties, you were abusing cannabis and having relationship difficulties. But you completely lost the grip on sexual urges in spectacular fashion.

“You took yourself off in your works van to areas where you would find young girls. You did it, plainly, to derive sexual gratification. The effect has been to frighten them at an age when they should be enjoying pretty carefree lives.

“You haven’t come clean with your own partner yet. You are going to have to confront that unpleasant reality.”

One of Gill’s victims exercised her right to read out in person her victim impact statement in front of him. Amongst other things, the 13-year-old, who cannot be identified by law, told him: “I have been scared to go out on my own in case this happens again. I thought you were going to kidnap us and kill us. I don’t trust any men except my dad and my granddad.

“That’s all your fault. You have destroyed a long-standing friendship- thanks for that.”

Mr Kolodynski said the offences took place on July 29. September 22 andOctober 12.

On the last occasion , the father of one of his vcitms went around the town looking for a dirty yellow van and took down Gill’s registration number. He was arrested the next day.

Mr Neil Gerrity, defending, said: “He is,rightly, ashamed and embarrassed by his conduct. This is a first step to getting help and making sure this never happens again.”

December 2014: Now released and living in St. Woolos area of Newport, South Wales after serving over 18 years in prison

December 1996 – Trial and imprisonment

Sex killer Neil Owen was innocently trapped by his own mother when police hunting the murderer of schoolgirl neighbour Claire Hood called at his family home.

Detectives only wanted to do a DNA test on Neil’s brother because he was Claire’s age. But while they were in the house, mum Maureen Owen said: “I’ve got two other sons, why don’t you test them as well?”

Owen was too panic-stricken to object and officers left the house with a sample of his saliva.

It turned out to be the breakthrough in the hunt for Claire’s killer.

Owen knew his genetic fingerprint would give him away. When the police returned to his home two months later, he told them: “I’ve been waiting for you to come”.

Yesterday the 20-year-old was jailed for life for the brutal rape and murder of Claire.

Claire Hood, 15, and her class at school were given an assignment concerning a make-believe murder.

As part of their homework the class had to write a composition, “The Suspect,” based on a six scene scenario. The following day Claire decided to play truant. She was seen at the local Tesco, and at the St. Mellons shopping centre, where she bought cigarettes.

She was never seen alive again.

Next day her semi-naked body was found by a cyclist in Cath Cobb Wood.

In her denim jacket pocket was a rough draft of the murder assignment.

She had been raped, and some of her clothes were strewn up to 20 feet away.

Her killer inflicted 30 injuries as he beat her to death.

The court heard Owen pounced on his 15-year-old neighbour as she played truant from school.

He dragged her into woods just 100 yards from her home and sexually assaulted her.

In court, evil Owen claimed he and Claire had been having a secret affair and that on the day of the murder they met up to have sex.

He asked the jury to believe that another man murdered Claire after he had left her alone in the deserted woodland.

But prosecuting lawyer John Charles Rees said: “That story is the lie of a desperate, devious young man to avoid his responsibilities for the wicked crimes he committed towards Claire.

“Her reputation, like her life, counts for nothing to him.”

During the five-week trial at Cardiff crown court, the jury heard that Owen turned into a peeping Tom, hoping to catch a glimpse of Claire in her bedroom.

Mr Rees said: “Owen had few friends – he was a loner who was never seen with a girl or even talking to a girl.”

Claire was strangled while she was playing truant from classes at Rumney High School in Cardiff.

She was last seen alive standing on a bridge in wood, near her home in the St Mellons district.

Then Owen pounced, dragging her into the wood, where he raped and killed her.

Her semi-naked body was found the next day.

Police tested more than 2,100 men in a nationwide DNA hunt for Claire’s killer that cost pounds 75,000.

Eventually they stumbled on killer Owen, who was living just 100 yards from Claire’s home on the St Mellons estate.

It was revealed in court that four months before the murder Owen had written a school project in which he described himself as a ticking time-bomb, lonely, unable to form meaningful relationships, suffering from severe emotional and psychological problems and prone to violent outbursts.

Cross-examining Owen at Cardiff Crown Court, the prosecutor said, “I am going to suggest that the motive among other reasons was that you developed a hatred for women because they taunted you about being homosexual.”

Owen said, “I was not sure whether I was gay or not, just because somebody may think I am.”

After Owen was found guilty, the public gallery exploded with cheers and applause.

He was sentenced to life for murder and 10 years for rape.

The killer looked stony-faced as he was taken to the cells.

Claire’s mother, Pam Bennett and sister Sarah, 14, sobbed with relief.

Outside the court, Mrs Bennett collapsed into the arms of her sister, saying: “We’ve got him, we’ve got him.”

She added: “We have had to listen to an absurd load of lies about Claire.

“I will not be happy until Owen is dead.”

Claire’s father Kelvin Hood, 41, said: “I just hope he never comes out on the streets again.”

December 2014

Robert Radcliffe jailed for 22 years at Reading Crown Court after being found guilty of multiple sex offences

A MAN has been jailed for 22 years for sex offences against children, some of which took place at properties in Basingstoke.

Robert Ratcliffe received the sentence at Reading Crown Court, after being found guilty by a jury of 12 sexual offences, including rape, attempted rape and indecent assault

The offences took place between December 1980 and May 1999 at properties in Basingstoke and Reading.

Ratcliffe abused a girl when she was aged between eight and 11-years-old, a boy between the ages of four and six, and a girl between six and eight.

The 49-year-old, of Rowan Road, West Drayton, west London, had denied the offences and was found guilty during an eight-day trial in September.

After the sentencing hearing, investigating officer Detective Constable Melanie Brown, from Thames Valley Police, said Ratcliffe’s crimes were of “the most serious degree”.

She added: “He deliberately took advantage of children as young as four in order to satisfy his own sexual gratification.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the three victims in this case for having the bravery to come to court and give evidence against him. It is because of their courage that he is now facing a long time behind bars.”

Adrian Foster, chief crown prosecutor for Thames and Chiltern Crown Prosecution Service, said: “The emotional impact on the victims and their families of the abhorrent actions of this man is impossible to quantify. I hope that the conviction and sentence gives some small comfort to them.”

December 2014

Paedophile who failed to report where he moved to is found in Perth

A paedophile who went underground after being jailed for using Facebook to lure a 14-year-old girl into having sex was discovered hiding out in Scotland.

Craig Sheen, from Coventry, was found by chance in Perth after failing to report where he had moved to under the terms of the sex offenders register.

Sheen, who was considered a threat to the public and made subject to a sexual offences prevention order (SOPO), was also found using a phone with internet access despite being banned.

On Thursday at Perth Sheriff Court, Sheen appeared from custody and admitted breaching his SOPO by using a Blackberry and by moving to Perth illicitly.

Sheen, 30, was jailed for more than three years in 2010 after having sex with a teenage girl he befriended on the internet.

He admitted five counts of sexual activity with the 14-year-old girl when he knew she was under age.

Coventry Crown Court was told Sheen had contacted the girl through social networking site Facebook and had initially claimed he was a teenager as well.

They communicated using the social media site and Sheen had sex with the girl after inviting her to Coventry.

When they finally met, Sheen admitted he was older than he had claimed online and bragged to the schoolgirl about having more than 12 years of sexual experience.

It emerged on Wednesday that Sheen had moved to Perth but had broken the terms of his order by failing to tell the police about his new address in September this year.

Fiscal depute Lisa Marshall said: “After speaking with the accused on another matter, they carried out a check and it came back that he was a registered sex offender.

“He told the police that he had arrived in Perth seven days earlier. The police seized his mobile phone and found that it was an internet-enabled Blackberry device.

“The accused told them he had been staying at a friend’s house in Perth for seven days. He admitted he had never notified the police.”

Sheriff Michael Fletcher deferred sentence for reports after noting Sheen had already been convicted once for breaching the terms of his court order.

August 2010

Man sent to prison for having sex with 14-year-old girl

A 26-YEAR-OLD man has been jailed for more than three years after having sex with a teenage girl he befriended on the internet.

Craig Sheen, of Roseberry Avenue, Wood End, pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual activity with the 14-year-old girl on April 16, knowing she was underage.

At Coventry Crown Court Matthew Brook, prosecuting, said Sheen contacted the girl through social networking site, Facebook.

Through the internet, the pair spoke on several occasions and Sheen had invited her to visit him in Coventry. Sheen lied to the teenager about his age, telling her that he was just 18.

It was not until they met and Sheen bragged about having more than 12 years of sexual experience that the teenager realised he was in fact much older. Mr Brook told the court the girl’s mother had warned Sheen to stay away from her daughter, but he ignored her pleas.

When the girl’s mother contacted him he also lied that the teen was at his house.

Mr Brook added: “He (Sheen) was full and frank in his interview and he expressed remorse for what he had done.

“He said he was fully aware of her age and that everything had taken place with her consent and encouragement.”

Sheen was arrested at 2.30am on April 16 after the girl’s mother alerted police.

Sally Hancox, defending Sheen, said he was a man of generally good character and the girl had admitted to fully consenting to the sexual activity between them.

She added: “The pair had come into the contact with each other through the internet.

“They had never met before that day and there are so many people who find themselves lured in that situation.

“This was a friendship that got out of control.”

Judge Marten Coates said although the sex was consensual, the offence was still serious.

Sentencing Sheen, he said: “The sole purpose of you meeting the girl was to have sex with her.

“You knew she was underage and that her mother was distressed and in panic about where her daughter was. And you lied to her about the girl’s whereabouts.

“The activity that took place between the two of you was consensual but meeting her on the internet aggravates the offence and you abused the position you were in.”

Sheen was sentenced to three years and six months in prison. He was also placed on the sex offender register until further notice.

July 2010

Wood End man admits having sex with girl, 14

A MAN aged 26 has admitted having sex with a 14-year-old girl in Coventry.

Craig Sheen, of Roseberry Avenue, Wood End, admitted five counts of sexual activity with the girl on April 16.

He denied a charge of rape, which was accepted by the prosecution at Coventry Crown Court yesterday.

Sheen was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on July 26.

December 2014

Man jailed for raping teenager in Tilehurst in 1988

A woman raped when she was a teenager in the 80s finally got justice today when the man responsible was jailed for eight years.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, sat in Reading Crown Court to see the face of her attacker 26 years on.

Jimmy Dyer, also known as Gary Dyer, of St George’s Street, Northampton, admitted the rape charge in September.

On October 10, 1988, an 18-year-old woman travelled in a taxi following a night out in Reading with friends.

The taxi driver took a wrong turn so the woman asked to be dropped off, intending to walk the rest of the way home.

She was dropped off in St Michael’s Road, Tilehurst, and when she reached the corner of Heathfield Avenue, Dyer, 54, put his arm around her neck and took her into an overgrown front garden. There he punched her in the stomach and told her to lie down before raping her, the court was told.

Summing up the case, Judge Johannah Cutts, QC, said: “Having took what you wanted you walked away.

“This was a stranger raping a vulnerable 18-year-old girl. What you did had a lasting and profound impact on her life.

“It is difficult to read this [victim impact] statement and not be moved by the impact your behaviour has had on her.”

Dyer had 13 previous convictions for sexual offences dating back to 1992.

They included indecent exposure and sex with a 15-year-old girl.

In 1992 Dyer was convicted of raping a 16-year-old girl and jailed for seven years.

Between 2005 and 2012 he was treated in psychiatric hospitals, including Broadmoor in Crowthorne, after he was diagnosed with dissocial personality disorder.

Alesdair (corr) King, defending, said Dyer had engaged with treatment for a mental health condition since 2007.

He continued; “At the time of this offence and indeed other sexual offences, Mr Dyer had no idea he was unwell.”

He said at that time Dyer was solely focused on his own gratification but he was now “truly ashamed” by his actions.

However Dyer has no recollection of the specific incident in 1988, explained Mr King.

Mr King asked the judge to “balance punishment against rehabilitation”.

Jailing Dyer for eight years, Judge Cutts commended the victim and said she “hoped she can find some way to move forward with her life”.

Dyer was arrested on June 11 after advances in DNA techniques led Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Investigation Review Team to him.

Speaking following the conviction, Principal Investigator Pete Beirne, said: “The events of the evening of 10 October 1988 will never leave the victim. This rape by a stranger had a deep and lasting impact upon a young woman.

“Dyer has a history of carrying out sexual offences and his imprisonment today means he will face justice for this crime.

“While the sentence will not undo the events of that evening 26 years ago, nor will it make the victim forget them, I hope it will provide her with some comfort that the man responsible has finally been arrested and convicted.

“The Major Crime Investigation Review Team was able to use advances in DNA techniques to enable us to identify Dyer as the offender many years after the offence took place.

“We are using these techniques in other historic cases that we are working on and are confident that we will have further successes in the future.”

Adrian Foster, Chief Crown Prosecutor of Thames and Chiltern Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), said: “This case highlights the commitment of the police and CPS to prosecute cases involving violence against women. The outcome also demonstrates to people who commit such offences that they are never safe from justice and that our determination to ensure that justice is done remains undimmed, even years after offences are committed.

“This prosecution would not have been possible without the thorough re-investigation of the case by the Thames Valley Police MCRT, scientific developments, and the courage of the victim who was willing to support proceedings.

“Time has not diminished the effect this incident has had on the victim’s life. She has waited 26 long years for today’s result. I hope that today’s sentence will offer some comfort to her after all these years. Our thoughts are very much with her at this time.”

December 2014

Pervert: Timothy Leech had pictures of under-age boys because he was ‘lonely’

A 40-YEAR-OLD Derbyshire man caught with indecent images of underage boys told police he viewed them because he was “lonely”.

Timothy Leech was caught with 88 images or films of boys aged 13 to 17 and two extreme pornographic images involving animals, Derby Crown Court was told.

The hearing was told police went to his address in Woodville, after gathering intelligence that he was viewing and downloading illegal images via a site called Gigatribe.

Sarah Slater, prosecuting, said: “The defendant allowed them into his premises and when asked about the images said he had downloaded some image from a website but ended up with some images he didn’t want.

“The police’s hi-tech crime unit took away his Packard Bell desktop computer and found the indecent images and movies on his hard drive.”

Miss Slater said there were 42 images or films of category A, the most serious, 34 of category B and 12 of category C.

Information gathered by the police discovered that they had all been downloaded between January 2012 and January this year.

Miss Slater said: “They were found in four main areas of the hard drive and portrayed male children aged 13 to 17 and most of them involved older boys, although one was of a pre-pubescent child.”

Police arrested Leech, of Capstan Close, and in interview he admitted using the Gigatribe and that he was “lonely sat at his computer” and was “not sexually attracted th children”.

Leech pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children and possessing extreme pornographic images. He was said to be of previous good character.

Judge John Waitt handed Leech a three-year community order during which he must undergo supervision with the probation service.

He was also given an indefinite sex offenders’ protection order and is prohibited from deleting the history on any computer at which he works.

Judge Waitt told Leech: “Every time an indecent image of a child is downloaded it encourages those who abuse and torture children to get these images as they feel there is a market and profit in it.

“Downloading indecent images is therefore encouraging children to be tortured.

“I have read the report on you and you are seen as a hard-working person by your employer and close friends.

“I have come to the conclusion that you are someone who has now come to terms with what you did and you are prepared to address it.

“In my view, the risks of any recurrence are much less if you are controlled in the community than if I was to impose a custodial sentence on you today.”

Judge Waitt also ordered that Leech also pay £235 prosecution costs.

Steven Gosnall, defending, said: “He is someone who accepts what happened and is addressing that.”

December 2014

Lorry driver drugged teen girls before sex assault

A lorry driver who plied teenage girls with drink and drugs before sexually assaulting them is facing a jail sentence.

Inverness Sheriff Court heard that 44-year-old Steven Whitecross committed the offences in three different homes he occupied in the Highland capital over a four year period.

A jury convicted him yesterday of carrying out three sexual assaults between April 2008 and July 2012.

He was also found guilty of three charges of culpably and recklessly supplying alcohol to teenage boys and girls under the age of 18 and supplying cannabis to the teenagers.

Two other charges, one of indecent assault and one of breach of bail were found not proven.

Although there were no other witnesses to the indecent assaults, Whitecross was convicted under a legal doctrine where repeated types of behaviour can corroborate a charge.

In this case it was the common threads of Whitecross getting his victims incapably drunk or high and his fetish of stroking their hands or feet first before touching other areas of their body.

One of his victims was aged just 13 when she got intoxicated on drink Whitecross gave to her in two Inverness pubs and at his home before he kissed and caressed her.

Two more girls, one aged 15 and the other 16, were given stronger and stronger vodkas and then cannabis in his home until they could no longer stand, before Whitecross indecently assaulted them.

The police were notified when the older teenager told her mother.

Since the incident the girl has had to receive psychiatric and psychological help and had attempted suicide.

She told the court she was still nervous in the company of burly men who resembled Whitecross in physical appearance

One girl said outside court: “I am relieved it is all over and we can look forward to 2015. Now the healing can begin and myself and the other girls can get on with our lives.”

Whitecross, who used a bail address at Marina Quay, Lossiemouth, was placed on the sex offenders register. He will be sentenced on January 5.

Fiscal depute Roderick Urquhart earlier told the jury: “Whitecross took advantage of the willingness of these teenagers to experiment with drink and drugs.”

December 2014

Serial sex predator Colin Ash-Smith convicted of Claire Tiltman murder

A serial sex predator today faces the prospect of  spending the rest of his life behind bars after being convicted of the murder of schoolgirl Claire Tiltman.