September 2013

Man jailed over 14,500 indecent images

A man who downloaded more than 14,500 indecent images of children on his computer has been jailed for 10 months.

Lee Abbott (41) was arrested after a female house guest inadvertently found illegal pictures of youngsters on his PlayStation 3 console.

Victoria Rose, prosecuting, told Leicester Crown Court: “She found pictures and videos of girls in underwear, which gave her cause for concern.

“She and her partner were friends of the defendant and staying with him. She was expecting a baby. She picked up her belongings, moved out and told the police, in November, 2011.”

Officers seized all of Abbott’s computer equipment and found 14,561 indecent images of children at level one, the least serious level, 14 images at level two, 43 images at level three and 81 images at level four. They also discovered 15 images in the most serious category, level five.

Abbott, of Church Hill Road, Thurmaston, admitted 10 counts of possessing child abuse images between 2004 and 2011.

Judge Philip Head said: “Anyone who sees those images must wonder at the harm caused to these children who were made to suffer what they endured. Without people like you there wouldn’t be a market for those who make them. All the children were under 13, but some were very young indeed.”

Carl Gaskell, mitigating, said: “When he committed the offences he was heavily into cocaine, which seriously affected his lifestyle and thinking.

“Since then he’s turned his life around. He came off drugs by himself, got a job and his life is back in order. He’s living with a partner who’s carrying his child.”

Abbott will have to enlist on a sex offender register for 10 years and was placed on a sex offences prevention order restricting his future computer use.

September 2013

Man engaged in sexual activity with girl (14)

A young Tandragee man who engaged in sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl was given suspended prison sentences on Tuesday at Craigavon Crown Court.

Twenty-one-year-old Aaron William Kinnon, of Ballymore Road, Tandragee, was sentenced to a total of 20 months in custody, suspended for three
 years.

He was also put on the Sex Offenders’ Register for 10 years.

Kinnon admitted engaging in sexual touching, which involved penetration, on March 17 last year and causing the girl to be involved in sexual activity on the same date.

Twenty-month suspended terms were imposed for both of these charges.

He also pleaded guilty to two charges that between November 27, 2008, and November 28, 2010, he had in possession an indecent photograph of the girl.

For each of these he was sentenced to 12 months in custody, suspended for three years.

The court heard that at the time of the offences last year the victim was 14 years old and the defendant was 20.

The pictures had been supplied to the defendant by a mobile device.

Judge Patrick Lynch said the offences only came to light several months later when the injured party’s mother found material which she disclosed.

He explained that the defendant had been invited to a party and although she was infatuated with Kinnon it was the “purpose of the law to protect young persons, even from themselves”.

The judge said the victim had other difficulties in her life and the defendant should not have taken advantage of such a vulnerable young person.

But, Judge Lynch added, Kinnon had a clear record, had pleaded guilty and was assessed in a pre-sentence report of not being a danger to members of the public.

He said she was an infatuated young girl but the law required persons of maturity, even aged 20, not to take advantage of such situations.

The judge also agreed it was not a case of ‘grooming a young person’ and alcohol or drugs were not a factor.

September 2013

Lincoln father fantasised about raping nine-year-old

A father who fantasised about raping a nine-year-old girl has been jailed after child abuse images was found on his computer.

Police raided the home of Richard Ainsworth following an investigation by Greater Manchester Police which targeted another man.

Edna Leonard, prosecuting, told Lincoln Crown Court that inquiries revealed Ainsworth had been in discussion with the other man. Miss Leonard said: “Ainsworth said he had access to a nine-year-old female child whom he had raped along with two of his friends.

“He said the child’s mother was a heroin addict and unaware of the abuse.”

Miss Leonard said 62 indecent images of children were found on Ainsworth’s computer including 33 video films depicting abuse of victims as young as three years old.

Ainsworth, 46, of Carram Way, Lincoln, admitted possession of indecent photographs of children on September 11, 2012. He also admitted five charges of making indecent images of children and a charge of possession of 15 extreme pornographic images.

He was jailed for six months. Judge Michael Heath told him: “For your own sexual gratification, and it can only be for that, you were watching children between the ages of three and five being gravely abused.

“These are real children being abused for the perverted pleasure of individuals like you. At the same time you were engaged in the chat room claiming access to a nine-year- old child whom you had raped. You were fantasising about that.”

Alex Rynn, defending, said Ainsworth’s life had been “shattered” after one of his children contracted leukaemia.

“Throughout the course of the downloading of these images Mr Ainsworth was struggling emotionally. He was suffering stress.

“He says that what he did was as a result of curiosity and stupidity rather than any sexual motive. He appreciates he needs help.”

September 2013

Perverted Huddersfield Boys’ Brigade leader Duane Holmes jailed for child sex abuse

A perverted Boys’ Brigade leader who targeted youngsters over a 14-year period is behind bars.

Duane Holland, who was involved with the church youth movement in Huddersfield, has been given a 12-year extended jail sentence after he was described as a “predatory paedophile.”

Police discovered a trail of abuse dating back to 1997 after the Almondbury man was trapped after sending suggestive text messages to a boy.

And other youngsters later came forward to reveal details of “truth or dare” games that Holland made them play.

Police in Humberside began investigating Holland in 2011 after he sent suggestive text messages to a boy in that area who he had met at a camp.

Inquiries then revealed he had already been sexually abusing another teenager in West Yorkshire he had met through the Brigade in the Huddersfield area where he lived.

Two other victims then came forward to say he had abused them years ago when he had babysat them, completely unconnected to the Boy’s Brigade.

Holland, 27, of Harvey Royd, Almondbury, was found guilty by a jury in July after a trial at Leeds Crown Court on 10 charges of indecent assault and one of attempted rape.

He admitted causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, attempting to facilitate a sexual offence, three charges of sexual activity with a child, three offences of taking indecent photographs and eight of making indecent photographs.

He was sentenced to 12 years in prison with a further five years extended licence on his release.

Barring him from working with children for life and ordering him to register as a sex offender indefinitely, Judge Guy Kearl QC said he had used a position of trust to exploit the children involved over a 14-year period, first as a babysitter and later through the Boy’s Brigade.

“The Crown submit you are a predatory paedophile and I agree.

“You do not see your behaviour as being illegal, you have minimised, justified and decriminalised matters in your own mind as part of a distorted thought process.

“You are extremely plausible and have no victim empathy whatsoever.”

Stephen Wood, prosecuting, said in October 2011 Humberside police contacted their counterparts in West Yorkshire in relation to “inappropriate” text messages Holland had sent to a teenager, allegedly grooming him.

He told officers he had met Holland at a camp some years earlier and then again at another camp on the Isle of Wight and they had begun texting.

He said he had once had about 110 texts in one day from Holland, who had also put £15 credit on the phone for his birthday.

Holland told him: “You’re sexy” and made other suggestive comments – then claimed he was joking, said Mr Wood.

He had made arrangements for the boy to stay with him at a caravan in Bridlington but before that happened the texts had been spotted on the boy’s phone and reported to the police.

Holland had talked of bringing a second boy with him to the caravan and when police spoke to that boy he admitted Holland had been abusing him since he was 13.

He described how Holland had suggested playing a game with pieces of paper saying they had to do what the paper they picked said.

Mr Wood said the abuse of that boy included getting the boy to urinate over Holland on one occasion and videoing the boy performing sexual acts.

The two boys who came forward about historic abuse by Holland when he was babysitting them in the past both described Holland playing a game he called “truth or dare”, persuading them to engage in sexual activity.

“That game is a recurring feature of this case and is, say the prosecution, a device used by the defendant to groom young boys and persuade them to engage in sexual activity with him by normalising the conduct in their minds,” said Mr Wood.

The first victim said he naively agreed and was sexually abused by Holland. The experience so traumatised him he said he had thoughts of killing himself for years and eventually did take an overdose.

The second boy also described Holland suggesting: “Do you want to play truth or dare?” He said the abuse went on regularly when Holland visited and he was too scared to tell his mother what was going on.

Robin Frieze, for Holland, said he still denied the historic offences but had indicated he would undertake the sex offender treatment programme in prison.

“Although the court will be concerned about his activities particularly under the auspices of the Boy’s Brigade his ability to offend in the future will be significantly curtailed.”

After the case Det Con Emma Summerscales, who was commended for her work, praised the courage of the complainants and urged anyone suffering abuse in such situations to seek help.

“I hope this sentence will bring some closure for those involved,” she said.

A spokesman for the Boys’ Brigade, who meet in Brackenhall in Huddersfield, said: “We are sorry for any hurt caused to the victims and hope this case will not undermine all the good work done by the Brigade.”

September 2013

Predator used Facebook in bid to lure girl of 12 for sex

A 23-YEAR-OLD man groomed a girl of 12 on Facebook, sending her lewd messages and a photograph in a bid to get her to meet for sex.

Matthew Draycott, who admitted inciting a girl under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity, has been jailed for two years.

Draycott asked the girl to meet up on a number of occasions for sex, including in a park and at a bus stop.

She agreed but never turned up, Derby Crown Court was told.

After a few days, she told her dad about the messages. He told the police and Draycott was arrested.

Jailing Draycott, Judge Andrew Hamilton said: “You sought to procure a young girl for your own sexual pleasure – you trawled through a large number of people you were in contact with on Facebook and you came across her.

“You knew she was under age. You knew you should not have contact with her but you persisted.”

He said that, when the girl told her father about what happened, she was clearly “distressed and upset”.

The judge said Draycott, of Meadow View Road, Newhall, had “effectively groomed” the girl.

He added: “This court has to send out a message to people like you who trawl round young girls to get meetings with them to satisfy their own lusts. People like you go to prison.”

Prosecutor Sonal Ahya said Draycott sent a Facebook friend request to the girl in May. She accepted, believing him to be a relative of one of her contacts.

“She said she was 14, nearly 15, and he asked her whether she liked older men. She said she did and subsequently they swapped mobile phone numbers, at his request,” said Miss Ahya.

The prosecutor said the conversations became more sexual and on “more than one occasion” he made arrangements to meet her.

“Fortunately, none of the meetings took place,” said Miss Ahya. “The defendant made it clear they were to meet for sexual intercourse.”

He suggested her sister could also be involved and he sent her a lewd photograph of himself, said Miss Ahya.

Draycott also asked the girl to send pictures of herself, although she did not.

The girl told police she felt scared by what happened. Draycott was arrested on June 10 and initially denied even knowing the girl.

But when their conversations were put to him, he said he had been bored one night and had added her as a friend. He admitted that, had they met, he would have had sex with her, said Miss Ahya.

Draycott must sign the sex offenders’ register for 10 years as well as obey a sexual offences prevention order, which bans him from being alone with any girl under 16.

He was also banned from working with children.

October 2009

Jail for Blackburn pair who groomed teenage girls

TWO Blackburn men who groomed underage girls for sex have been jailed for a total of almost five years.

Kamran Rashid was jailed for more than two-and-a-half years after he persisted in his illegal behaviour, even after police served him with a notice not to see the 15-year-old.

A judge at Preston Crown Court said his criminal record showed a complete disregard for the law and an inability or unwillingness to comply with court orders.

Rashid, 26, of Johnston Street, Blackburn, had pleaded guilty to two charges of sexual activity with a child, plus an offence of disqualified driving and not having insurance.

Liam Jones, 21, from Brodick Road, Blackburn, was also jailed for two years after pleading guilty to sexual activity with a child.

Jones was arrested on April 24 and admitted having sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old girl in February 2009.

Both Rashid and Jones were arrested after lengthy investigations by the Engage team.

Both were put on the sex offenders register and were banned from working with children.

Speaking on behalf of Engage, Detective Sergeant Mark Whelan said: “I am satisfied with the outcome of both cases, which should send a strong message that this type of predatory crime will not be tolerated.

Both of these cases are testament to the hard work and dedication of the Engage team, without which they would never have come to court.”

Coun Chris Thayne, executive member for children’s services, said: “Blackburn with Darwen has taken this problem seriously and has committed resources to supporting agencies to deal with it.”

September 2013

Exeter historic abuse trial acts as warning that offenders will be brought to justice

In what the judge described as one of the most serious cases of sexual abuse he had ever come across, Christopher Perry of Wiley’s Avenue in Exeter was jailed for 14 and a half years.

The court heard he had feigned memory loss to try to escape justice. He had gone to a psychologist and asked for treatment for the sudden onset of amnesia when he learned his three victims were being interviewed by police.

But his horrific catalogue of abuse was exposed when one of his victims was stopped for drink driving and told police she used alcohol to blot out the memories of her stolen childhood.

A team of investigators, led by DC Moira Hamilton of Exeter CID, then traced the other two victims who had kept their ordeals secret for almost 40 years but were finally able to reveal the truth.

Perry, aged 69, admitted a total of 12 charges of indecent assault, gross indecency, and other sexual offences.

They relate to assaults on three girls aged between four and 16 between 1973 and 2000 and included offences in all four decades.

Following the sentencing DS Adrian Hawkins, said the sentence had given some much needed closure to Perry’s victims.

“He ruined their childhood years by subjecting them to sexual abuse for over a decade,” he said. “This led them to lead a life in fear.

“An extensive police enquiry involved speaking to many people whose lives were effected in one way or another by Perry.

“By pleading guilty he has now at least spared his victims the further agony of a court trial. I would like to express my personal thanks to the witnesses in the case who throughout the investigation were extremely brave and showed courage in coming forward.

“The officer in the case, DC Moira Hamilton, worked tirelessly with her colleagues to seek out the evidence required to put this case before the court.

“This case shows that historic abuse will be treated seriously and acted upon by the Police. We are committed to safeguarding the public by ensuring that perpetrators who abuse children are brought to justice.”

During the sentencing at Exeter Crown Court Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, told Perry: ”This is one of the most serious cases of sexual abuse I have ever come across.

“I don’t know whether or not your remorse is genuine. If it is, it can only be said it has come very, very late in your life and through all that time your victims have had to live with the knowledge of what you have done to them.

“You ruined the childhood and teenaged years of the victims and this abuse only came to light when one of them was stopped for drink driving and told the police she drank to excess because of the abuse she had suffered.”

The judge ordered Perry to sign on the sex offenders’ register for life and imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order which bans contact with children on his release.

Andrew MacFarlane, prosecuting, said:”This defendant has caused untold distress and anguish through his abuse of the three complainants over a period spanning 27 years.”

He said Perry ensured the silence of his victims through threats and persuaded them to keep ‘their secret’ for years. His assaults included violent rapes and on one occasion he tied one girl.

Mr MacFarlane said when the offences started to come to light he made an appointment to see a psychologist.

He said: “He visited him in November last year and complained of a loss of memory. The psychologist’s clinical view was that he had nothing wrong with his memory and was trying to use it as a defence against these allegations.”

Nicolas Gerasimidis, defending, said Perry’s guilty pleas spared the victims from giving evidence at a trial and that he now feels genuine remorse.

He said: “He hopes this will be a point where closure can take place for the victims. He understands the hurt he has caused.”

September 2013

Redruth paedophile raped and assaulted three children

A REDRUTH paedophile who raped and indecently assaulted three children over a 15-year period has been warned to expect a long prison sentence.

At Truro Crown Court today, Joseph Richards, of Strawberry Fields, Lanner, was convicted by a jury of 18 counts of rape and indecent assault on children aged between 10 and 16.

The victims, who are now adults and cannot be named for legal reasons, gave video evidence during the trial and were cross examined by Jeremy Leaning, for the defence.

Richards, 50, was investigated by police after the victims came forward and reported the abuse.

Officer in the case, Detective Constable Jon Viant, said the first allegation was made in 2006, followed by a second in 2009, but it was not until the third victim came forward in 2011 that there was enough evidence to charge Richards.

Following the conviction, DC Viant, from Camborne CID, said: “This conviction is the culmination of a sensitive and complex two-year police investigation into the abuse of three children spanning 15 years.

“The outcome would not have been possible were it not for the courage of the victims who were vulnerable.

“These terrible crimes have left the victims with mental scars but hopefully this verdict will bring closure and help them move on with their lives.”

The jury of six women and five men deliberated for seven and a half hours before returning four unanimous verdicts and 14 majority verdicts.

Recorder Barry Cotter, QC, said: “You have been found guilty of a number of offences. I am not going to pass sentence now … you should have no shadow of a doubt that it will be a long prison sentence that you will receive.”

Richards was found guilty of three counts of raping and four counts of indecently assaulting one girl between March 1993 and March 1996.

He was also found guilty of four charges of indecent assault and three of indecency with a boy between the same dates.

The jury returned a verdict of not guilty on a further charge of indecency with the same boy.

He was found guilty of a further four counts of raping another girl on dates between November 2008 and November 2009.

DC Viant said he would like to reassure the public that Devon and Cornwall Police took all allegation seriously.

He said: “This conviction illustrates how we are determined to bring offenders to justice no matter how long ago a crime may have taken place.”

Richards is due to be sentenced next month after the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

September 2013

Leeds rapist jailed for seven years after filming sex attack on teenager

A rapist who filmed his sex attack on a teenager on his mobile phone as she begged him to stop has been jailed.

Police described Javed Robinson as a “violent and controlling individual” after he was sent to prison for seven years yesterday over the attack at his home in Leeds.

Robinson, 22, of Easterly Road, Harehills, Leeds, was handed the sentence after he was found guilty following a trial last month. He was found not guilty of two other charges of rape.

Robinson, who was known to the victim, carried out the attack in January.

He pleaded guilty to an offence of common assault and two of making indecent photographs of a child in relation to the mobile phone footage of the attack.

Judge Christopher Batty told Robinson: “You knew what you were doing and you wanted a record of what you were doing to her.

“It was your downfall because what could be seen on that recording was her pleading for you to stop as the tears streamed from her.”

The judge added: “She has been left devastated, a changed personality. She can’t sleep at night. She is scared to go out and she is terrified of you.”

Catherine Silverton, Robinson’s barrister, said her client accepted he would be facing a lengthy prison sentence because of the seriousness of the offence.

The court heard Robinson has a history of violent offending including attacks on members of his own family. He was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for an indefinite period.

After the case, Det Chief Insp Gail Lawrie, of Operation Topaz, West Yorkshire Police’s dedicated rape investigation unit, said: “Robinson is a violent and controlling individual who physically assaulted the victim and raped her while filming it on his mobile phone as part of the abuse. Ironically that footage provided us with useful evidence which showed the victim clearly in distress and pleading with him to stop.

“She was initially too afraid to assist the investigation but with support from specially trained officers she went on to give evidence in court resulting in Robinson being convicted. We thoroughly investigate all reports of offences of this nature and do all we can to support victims throughout the process. We encourage victims to come forward confident that we will support them to see those responsible for offences like these brought to justice.”

Under Operation Topaz, West Yorkshire Police has specially trained officers who are assigned to victims of serious sexual assault and look after them from the start to the conclusion of any case.

Other agencies that can help include the STAR (Surviving Trauma After Rape) helpline on 01924 298954 or visit http://www.starproject.co.uk

September 2013

‘Sexual deviant’ who raped woman in Newham jailed for 20 years

A “dangerous sexual deviant” who violently raped two vulnerable women has been jailed for 20 years – two-and-a-half years after he committed his first crime.

Steven Jeanne, 44, was found guilty of raping a woman in Newham – after fresh evidence emerged while he was under investigation for a separate allegation of rape and assault.

Jeanne, of Hackney, had been accused of rape and causing grievous bodily harm to a different woman in October last year. 

Jeanne was found guilty for two counts of rape; sentenced to seven years and eight years for each offence – sentences to run consecutively;
GBH on a female; sentenced to five years – sentence to run consecutively;

Jeanne was also found guilty of 14 counts of possession of indecent images of children and extreme pornography; sentenced to 12 months for each count to run concurrently with the other terms.

After being charged with the offences last year, Jeanne assaulted the same woman, also from Hackney, after getting into an argument with her in March.

When he was remanded in custody, new evidence came to light about the rape of the woman in Newham in February 2011.

His victim had made the allegation in February 2012, but police said there had not previously been enough evidence to convict him.

Det Insp Patrick Milford, of the Metropolitan Police,said: “Steven Jeanne is a very dangerous sexual deviant. He preyed on vulnerable women, subjecting them to violent rapes.

“The victims have shown incredible courage throughout the investigative process and I would like to thank them for their support throughout this.”

Jeanne, of Brent House Road, was found guilty of two counts of rape and GBH at a hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court on July 25. He also admitted to possessing extreme pornography and indecent images of children at another hearing last week.

And at a hearing at the same court on Monday, he was jailed for 20 years for his offences – more than two-and-a-half years after raping his first victim.

September 2013

‘Loneliness’ led 60-year-old to look at indecent pictures of children

LONELINESS led a 60-year-old man to looking at indecent images of children and animals on the internet, a court was told.

John Proud had been made redundant and split up with his wife before he started accessing the illegal images.

At Gloucester Crown Court on Monday he pleaded guilty to nine counts of making indecent images of a child and three charges of possession of extreme pornography.

Prosecutor Nick Fridd said police searched Proud’s home, where they found 284 of the least serious type of pictures and just one of the most serious level on his computer.

Proud, of Rookery Road, Innsworth, admitted the offences to police, saying he viewed them once or twice a week.

He told officers he did not have a sexual interest in the children, aged eight to 12, in the images.

Sarah Jenkins, in mitigation, said Proud was a man of previous good character and had been employed for most of his life.

She said: “He was made redundant and has been unemployed for a long time. That coincided with his marriage breaking down.

“The loneliness and the need for some sexual gratification initially led him to adult pornography and he comes to access the illegal images inadvertently to start with and then he starts to seek it out. He has been able to retain the support of his daughter and extended family.”

Recorder Ben Browne QC said: “All these young children were being severely abused at the time and they are for people like you to look at them.”

Proud was given a six-month prison sentence suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to carry out 120 hours’ unpaid work and attend a 60-day programme to address his crimes.

He will have to sign the sex offenders register for the next seven years.

Recorder Browne told Proud: “Today you have very very nearly gone to prison. Don’t think you have walked away from this scot-free.”

September 2013

Man who fled to China admits child sex offences

A paedophile who fled to China to become a teacher handed himself into Chinese authorities following an international appeal has admitted a number of child sex offences.

Neil Robinson, 47, formerly from Staines but now of no fixed abode, appeared at Guildford Crown Court on Friday (September 6) where he pleaded guilty to three counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 13, one count of making an indecent video of a child and three counts of indecent assault.

He denied encouraging the prostitution of a girl under 16 and three counts of sexual intercourse with a girl under 13. These charges were ordered to lie on file.

Robinson had been wanted by Surrey Police for more than a decade after fleeing the UK in 2002, before information emerged that he had been living and working at schools in Beijing for a number of years.

Following further enquiries and international media coverage of a Crimewatch appeal, Robinson handed himself to the Chinese authorities in April this year.

He was flown back to the UK the following month, and was arrested at Heathrow Airport before being charged.

Detective Inspector Becky Molyneux said: “Robinson is a dangerous and predatory sexual offender who did everything he could to try and escape punishment for his appalling crimes.

“I hope this case reassures the public that we will use all available methods and resources to relentlessly pursue those who commit serious offences of this nature.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank DC Stacey Bolton for her tireless work on the renewed appeal for information on Robinson – her efforts led directly to us getting the information we needed to track him down.

“We are also extremely grateful to Crimewatch, the Chinese authorities and a number of other agencies for their assistance and co-operation in our attempts to ensure Robinson was swiftly returned to the UK.”

Robinson has been remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on October 4.

September 2013

Efit released of suspect who ‘dragged 14-year-old to ground before sexually assaulting her’

A pervert dragged a 14-year-old to the ground before sexually assaulting her.

The victim was with two friends walking through an alleyway in Hyde when the man struck.

The ‘brazen’ attacker approached one of the girls, dragged her to the ground and molested her.

The victim managed to struggle free and run off before flagging down a passing car for help.

Her two friends also ran and raised the alarm.

The incident happened in an alleyway between Lodge Lane and Bennett Street at 10.20pm on Friday.

Police have now released an efit of the suspected attacker, who is said to be in his late 30s or early 40s, about 5ft 8in tall and stocky.

He was wearing a black bubble jacket. He is believed to be a smoker, bald and had stubble.

The girl is being comforted police officers trained in helping victims of sex crimes.

Detective Inspector Richard Ennis, said: “This is obviously a worrying incident and we are providing support to the young girl and her friends.

“The community can be assured that we have launched a full investigation in an attempt to identify the offender. We are conducting thorough forensic and CCTV enquiries and have been and will continue to speak to people who were in the general area at the time and residents who live nearby and there will be an increased police presence.

“As alarming as this is, incidents such as this are extremely rare.

“However, the brazen nature in which he has targeted a young girl in full view of her friends is of concern and that is why anyone with information about this incident or the man responsible should get in touch. “

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

September 2013

Jail for man who had sex with 15-year-old girl

A MAN known for his charity and community work has been jailed after admitting to sexual activity with a child.

Mark Sunter, aged 26, was working as general manager at a leisure complex in Malvern when he met a 15-year-old girl, and they began exchanging “flirtatious” text messages, Worcester Crown Court heard.

Flattered by the attention of the older man, she agreed to go to his home in February last year – and while she was expecting some romantic activity, the court was told that she did not expect it to go much further than kissing.

But when there, Sunter, of Crystal Mount, Albert Road North, Malvern, began to mock her for being inexperienced and persuaded her to have sex with him, as well as engage in other sexual activity.

Prosecutor Abigail Nixon said the girl had been “uncomfortable” with what was happening, but did not know how to escape the situation.

Sunter pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual activity with a child and was sentenced to 20 months behind bars at Worcester Crown Court on Monday.

Judge Michael Cullum said he had to give an immediate custodial sentence to deter anyone else from behaving in a similar manner. “You took significant advantage of her – the fact she was young is an element of vulnerability,” he said.

“She was reluctant to go further. You gave her a choice between two sexual outcomes, and when she did not answer, you made that decision for her.

“You had an element of control over her.”

Defending, Adam Western said Sunter would have to live with the stigma of having a conviction for a child sex offence for the rest of his life. He said he had had the opportunity to renew their relationship since that incident, but he had declined.

“He acknowledges that he took advantage of this girl’s youth, and he acknowledges that she was impressed by the attentions of an older man,” he said.

“He recognises that what happened was wrong.”

A string of people had come forward to give character references on his behalf.

Mr Western said Sunter had been involved in setting up TG’s Project in Malvern to build a new skate park, in memory of his friend Tim Greenwood, who died aged 15.

“He is a man who is trusted, is honest and loyal,” Mr Western said. “His reputation has been destroyed. He feels great shame and true repentance.”

Sunter will also have to sign the Sex Offenders Register for the next 10 years.

September 2013

Burnley salesman watched vile videos of child abuse

A SALESMAN said to be addicted to internet images showing “graphic abuse” of children aged as young as three was spared jail.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Steven Dilley, 42, told police he had been looking at things he should not have.

He swore he was not a risk to children but a judge said he had been as without people like him there would be no market for the pictures.

Dilley also viewed obscene images of sex with animals as well as almost 200 vile videos and still pictures of children.

He said a large part of it was down to his desire for thrills and told police after his arrest: “Deep down, I always knew this day was coming.”

The defendant had been caught after officers arrived to raid his then home on Lansdowne Close, Burnley, at 7.20am on November 22 last year.

Dilley admitted six counts of making an indecent photo of a child and one allegation of possessing extreme pornography in March last year.

He was given nine months in jail, suspended for two years, with 24 months’ supervision and must attend the Internet Sex Offenders’ Treatment Programme.

The defendant also received an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order and was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for 10 years.

The court was told Dilley had looked at 63 still images at level one, the least serious level, six still pictures at level two, 33 still images at level three, 47 still photos at level four, 30 video images at level four and one still picture at level five. They showed abuse of children aged between about three and 10, mostly females. He had also viewed 12 extreme images.

Stephen Parker, prosecuting, said when Dilley was arrested, he said: “I have looked at things that I shouldn’t have looked at and then deleted them.”

He said he had been stupid and was sorry. Police recovered the laptop.

Mr Parker said when the defendant was asked about the background to the offences, he said at some point he had wanted to get help.

Richard Taylor, for Dilley, said he was a man of previous good character.

Sentencing, Judge Simon Newell said it not been correct for the defendant to say he was not a risk to children as he had been indirectly.

The judge added: “These children would not be abused in his way and damaged psychologically and physically unless there were people like you who are the market for these images.”

September 2013

School IT worker ‘took advantage’ of vulnerable girl

A SCHOOL IT technician badly affected a bright pupil’s academic success and caused her to self-harm by having an illegal relationship with her, a court heard.

Andrew Carl Patton, 21, disregarded warnings from his deputy head teacher and others in May 2012 to keep his distance from the 15-year-old girl, said Nick Adlington, prosecuting.

Instead, he took her for trips alone in June 2012, and at Sutton Park, Askham Bog and Bolton Percy they had intimate kisses, held hands and hugged.

They also exchanged more than 2,000 text messages between November 2011 and May 2012.

“The text messages detailed a relationship that was rapidly becoming more and more sexual in nature,” said Mr Adlington of texts sent in June.

Patton was arrested at the York school where he worked on June 18 last year, after the girl’s parents saw the sexual text messages on her phone.

Judge Jonathan Rose told him at Bradford Crown Court: “She was in my view, highly vulnerable and you, I am satisfied, took advantage of her vulnerability.

“You have caused great damage to this child. One can only hope in time she will recover from what you have done.”

He said the girl had self-harmed since the relationship, had difficulty making friends and had done worse in exams that she had expected.

“She has lost her trust in people, because of course, the trust she placed in you was so badly breached,” the judge told Patton.

He gave Patton a community order with three years’ supervision and ordered him to go on a sex offenders’ treatment programme. He also banned him from ever working with children again, put him on the sex offenders’ register for five years and made a restraining order barring him from ever contacting the girl again.

Patton, of Lady Hamilton Gardens, Holgate, pleaded guilty to two offences of sexual activity with a child.

For Patton, Chris Smith said the offences had led to him losing his school job and his position with the Scout Movement. He used to lead a Beaver troop and a Cub pack in York. He gave no other mitigation after the judge indicated the type of sentence he would pass.

Mr Adlington said at the time of the offence Patton had a 20-year-old girlfriend at university.

September 2013

Pervert admits to performing sex act in front of child on train in Kent

A PERVERT has admitted to exposing himself and performing an indecent act – once in front of a child - while travelling on a train in Kent.

Stafan Turansky, 37, of Mayfield Road, Dartford, pleaded guilty to two charges of exposure and to two offences of sexual activity in the presence of a child at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday, (September 6) – the day after he was arrested.

He has now been remanded in custody for sentencing until he appears at Maidstone Crown Court, at a date yet to be confirmed.

British Transport Police appealed to the public for information about the two incidents on July 29

He flashed and carried out an indecent act facing a child and her mother while on a London to Gillingham service.

As the family tried to move away from him he followed them until they ran from the train at Gravesend station.

The man also carried out the same perverse actions earlier in the day to another woman – who was travelling between Dartford and Chatham.

September 2013

Paedophile blackmailed boys into abuse using fake indecent images

A sex attacker blackmailed boys into being abused by producing fake indecent images of them.

Joseph Cunningham bought one of his five victims a bike and allowed him to drink alcohol and smoke, while he also convinced him his parents did not care for him.

The 51-year-old was jailed for nine years after admitting to abusing boys aged between 11 and 16 at various addresses in Dundee throughout the 1990s.

On Wednesday, the High Court in Glasgow heard that Cunningham forced two boys to allow him to abuse them by producing fake indecent images of them.

He told them they needed to pay him £30 to buy the photos off him or he would place them in local phone boxes. The court heard that because of this threat the boys agreed to his demands.

Jailing Cunningham Lord Pentland said: “Each of your victims was a vulnerable child of whom you took advantage for your own sexual gratification.

“Through the period of the early to mid 1990s your conduct was calculating, manipulative and predatory. The lasting effect on your victims is incalculable and in the case of two of the complainers it has shattered their lives.”

The court was told one of Cunningham’s victim went to police in 2003, but there was insufficient evidence at that time. It was only when a second victim went to the police in 2010 that legal proceedings were started against Cunningham.

He had been living in Spain since 2001 and a European arrest warrant was issued. Cunningham was arrested in Gibraltar on April 2, this year and flown back to Scotland on April 11.

His defence QC Brian McConnachie said: “He has very little recollection of these offences, apart from those involving one of the complainers because he believed he was in a relationship with him.”

September 2013

‘Menace to children’: Wellingborough man jailed

A sex offender has been locked up for two years after he set up a watersports business aimed at children and then filmed some of them.

Stewart Willmer, 47, of Salem Lane, Wellingborough, was told he was a “menace and potential danger to children” by Recorder William Harbage at Northampton Crown Court as he was jailed.

Willmer had been handed a sexual offences prevention order in 2002 after being convicted of a string of indecency offences involving children as young as 12 in the 1990s.

The order stipulated that Willmer was to avoid contact with children and to not associate with other sex offenders.

However, police learned that Willmer was running a business called Get Wet Dry – which took watersports equipment to events like country fairs.

Prosecution barrister Alex Bull said that such attractions would naturally appeal to children.

Willmer was said to have taken the equipment to a number of events although the only one named in court was a fair in Hemswell, Lincolnshire.

He ran the business with another convicted sex offender.

A video promoting the firm was found on the internet which featured children.

Those investigating the case later learned that the footage had been filmed by Willmer.

Willmer was arrested and his computer seized.

It contained extreme pornography as well as covertly-filmed videos of children playing.

Recorder Harbage sentenced Willmer to two years in prison for breaking his initial order.

He said: “The orders were made for a good reason – to protect children from you.

“Despite that, you set up a business which was clearly going to attract children and you used the cover of that business to film children, as well as filming children covertly for no other reason I can see than sexual gratification.”

The court heard Willmer had 55 previous convictions for a variety of different offences over a period of nearly 20 years.

As well as indecency these included drugs, dishonesty and violence.

September 2013

Library of child abuse images found on Middlesbrough man’s computer

A paedophile collected almost 10,000 images of child abuse and sickening pornography on his computer while chatting to other perverts online.

Jeffrey Bointon, 41, was caught with 9,806 illegal pictures on his laptop.

He talked about child abuse and discussed meeting fellow paedophiles as his deviant sexual appetite intensified, Teesside Crown Court heard.

He had downloaded 9,239 photos and videos showing the abuse of children aged four to 12.

More than 1,800 of these images were in the most severe categories, said Harry Hadfield, prosecuting.

Bointon had also stored 567 photos and videos of illegal extreme pornography. He created a profile under the name “Boingy” and uploaded numerous extreme images.

Police discovered the library of disturbing material when they seized his computer in a raid at his home on August 16, 2011.

Experts found Bointon had been accessing child abuse images in the previous 17 months and searching on websites providing such pictures over a three-year period.

Chat logs showed he’d talked to other paedophiles online about their common sexual interest and asked for pictures, though he did not distribute them.

He chatted with a 68-year-old man, who posed as a mum-of-two, about sexual activity with children.

The older man received a suspended prison sentence in Maidstone for child pornography offences.

Bointon asked a second user, apparently based in Holland, whether they could meet, and suggested to a third to meet “in a UK town”.

When interviewed by police, he said the chats were all fantasy.

Two years after the raid on his home, a public protection detective discovered an indecent photo of a 12-year-old on Bointon’s phone.

He said he’d received it from someone he’d met on a dating site.

Bointon, of Glendale Road, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to 25 charges.

He admitted 16 counts of making and two of possessing indecent photographs of children, two of attempting to cause a child to engage in sexual activity, two of attempting to encourage a child sex offence and three of possessing extreme pornographic images.

He had a caution for possessing indecent images of children in 2003 after his credit card details were traced to a child pornography website.

Aisha Wadoodi, defending, said: “There is no suggestion he’s ever travelled to any of the places. The defence submits that no child was ever at risk.”

She said Bointon now accepted he had a problem and an attraction to children.

He became “desensitised” to normal pornography and sought stronger material, but he had never abused a child.

Judge Gillian Matthews QC said Bointon minimised his motivation and showed little remorse. She told him: “I am extremely concerned about your gradually increasingly severe and intense behaviour.

She jailed Bointon for two years and seven months.

He was given a sexual offences prevention order and will be on the sex offenders’ register, both indefinitely, and banned from working with children.