July 2016

Man admits extreme pornography

A man has admitted possessing an array of extreme pornography and indecent images of children.

At Carlisle Crown Court today, John Robert Nugent, 58, admitted six counts of making indecent still photographs of children, two charges of possessing prohibited still images of children and the possession of extreme pornographic moving images.

His offences came to light after police searched a Maryport address in November, 2014.

Two computer towers were seized along with an external hard drive and a laptop, leading to the illegal images being recovered.

Nugent’s case was adjourned by Judge Barbara Forrester, who directed that a background report on the defendant should be prepared by the probation service.

Nugent – formerly of Maryport but now of Shotteswell, Warwickshire – was granted bail.

He is due to be sentenced at the crown court on Wednesday, July 27.

July 2016

Penrith pervert sentenced by judge

A PERVERT has been sentenced by a judge after he was snared in an online police sting.

Graham Bain, 32, struck up sexually-charged conversation on a dating website with what he understood to be a 14-year-old girl. However, Bain, whose messages included a lewd video, later learned he had been communicating with an officer.

After his arrest, child porn pictures were found on his mobile phone. They included two movies classed in category A – the most serious.

Bain appeared at Carlisle Crown Court today (TUES) having pleaded guilty to eight offences which were committed early last year.

These were four counts of attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity and four charges relating to the indecent images.

After hearing mitigation, Judge Peter Davies suspended a 24-month jail term for two years.

Bain, previously of Raiselands Croft, Penrith, and now of Whitehaven, was ordered to complete a rehabilitation requirement and a three-month night-time curfew.

He must also abide by the terms of a sexual harm prevention order for a decade, and sign the sex offenders’ register for seven years.

July 2016

Walney man had thousands of sick images of children

A WALNEY man who had more than 2,500 indecent images of children on his computer has been given a chance by a judge who said he was “not beyond redemption”.

Joshua Leslie Nicholas, 23, of Kennet Road, Walney, was in court over five charges of possession of indecent images of children.

Mr Tom Hynes, prosecuting, told Barrow Crown Court that Nicholas’s activity was discovered after Cumbria police were informed by an agency outside the UK.

He told the court that Nicholas had amassed a huge number of images.

The court was told that Nicholas preferred images of girls around eight years old.

He had 495 category A images, the most obscene category of sexual material relating to children.

He was also in possession of 279 category B images, and 1,906 category C images.

Nicholas also owned a short video of a six-year-old girl, though it was not sexually explicit.

In total Nicholas had 2,681 images on his computer.

Sharon Watson, defending, said her client was aware that he had a problem and he was ashamed of that fact.

She said: “Mr Nicholas knows that he has deviant interests. He is making it known that he wants to work with professionals to solve his problem.”

Nicholas frequently broke down in tears as he sat in the dock, his parents looking on.

As sentencing began, Judge Beverley Lunt spoke directly to Nicholas.

She said: “You should be crying for these young children being raped and abused in these images.

“They are real people and real children. Your case is a very, very worrying one.”

However, Judge Lunt decided to show restraint in her sentencing.

She said: “At 23 I like to think that you are not beyond redemption. I will give you a chance.”

Nicholas was given a three year community order.

During this time he has to undergo a 40-day rehabilitation activity requirement, he is to attend an internet sex offence group programme, and he was issued with a five-year sexual harm prevention order.

He has also has his name added to the sex offenders registry for five years.

He will also be restricted by a 28-day curfew, to ensure he is at his home between 8pm and 7am

September 2016

Child sex offender (42) jailed for five years

A Cumbrian man who committed a child sex crime has been handed a five-year jail term.

Martin Woodburn, 42, was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court today (FRI) having pleaded guilty to two offences.

He admitted sexual activity with a child, in November last year, and also perverting the course of justice.

In a moving impact statement summarised in court, the teenage victim said she had been “robbed of her innocence”, and added that her life would “never be the same again”.

Woodburn, of Ryleyfield, Milnthorpe, was jailed for a total of five years by Judge Peter Davies and told that his offence had caused “devastating and permanent consequences”.

He was made subject to the strict terms of a sexual harm prevention order for 10 years, and must sign the sex offenders’ register for the same period of time.

Alongside Woodburn in the dock was his sister, 46-year-old Linda Rydan-Brocklebank. She admitted two counts of perverting the course of justice, and received an eight-month prison term.

However, having already served time in custody on remand, Rydan-Brocklebank, of Bleaswood Road, Oxenholme, was expected to be released immediately.

August 2016

Brampton man jailed for sending sex messages to schoolgirl

A pervet who sent lewd sexual messages to a 14-year-old schoolgirl has been jailed for a year.

Tony Johnstone, 50, used social media to commit a crime which left his young victim distressed, upset and put off her studies.

Johnstone was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court having admitted causing or inciting a child aged under 16 to engage in sexual activity in December last year.

The court heard he had “groomed” the youngster during online contact which took place over almost two years.

Johnstone claimed to have been drunk when his offending behaviour occurred, and was described as “ashamed and embarrassed” by it.

Passing sentence, Judge Barbara Forrester told him: “I am satisfied in all the circumstances that it should be a period of immediate imprisonment.”

Johnstone, of Saint Martin’s Drive, Brampton, near Carlisle, must also sign the sex offenders’ register for 10 years, and abide by the terms of a sexual harm prevention order for the same length of time.

September 2016

Judge amends Cumbrian man’s sex crimes sentence

A sex offender jailed for abuse which made his victim’s life “hell” has had the terms of his sentence tweaked.

Michael Stanborough, 53, was locked up for four years at Carlisle Crown Court last month for crimes he committed during the late 1970s.

His victim, Ade Kevern, was aged seven to nine at the time, and bravely waived his right to anonymity after the sentencing to highlight Stanborough’s sick crimes.

“In the following years I was in a very dark place,” he said.

“I was drinking heavily to block out the flashbacks that were occurring on a frequent basis and became an angry person filled with rage and hatred for the perpetrator.

“I am determined not to let the last 34 years of hell define me.”

Having admitted five sex crimes, Stanborough, of Calder Avenue, Whitehaven, was jailed by Judge Tony Lancaster. He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely.

However, at the crown court yesterday, it emerged that the length of the notification requirement imposed at that time was incorrect.

Judge Lancaster referred to sentencing guidance which stated that Stanborough should, in fact, sign the register for the fixed period of 10 years because he was under 20 when he committed the offences.

“Having considered the matter, the appropriate office at Cumbria Constabulary pointed out the court was in error in making an indefinite registration requirement,” Judge Lancaster announced today.

The judge concluded the court record should be amended to reflect the correct sign-on period of 10 years. This starts from July 11 – the date of Stanborough’s conviction.

September 2016

Former teacher jailed for child abduction & abuse images

A former teacher has been jailed for abducting and taking indecent images of a child.

Carlisle Crown Court heard 57-year-old Gary Baum, previously a man of “positive good character”, had “lost everything” by committing three offences.

These were child abduction, on 9th December, 2015, along with taking and making indecent images of the same child over the course of several months last year.

Baum and the girl had exchanged innuendo-laden texts and indecent images – some featuring sexual poses

Baum, from Penruddock near Penrith, was sentenced today having entered guilty pleas to the charges earlier this month.

Judge Barbara Forrester heard Baum initially lied and was deceitful when his illegal acts were investigated by police.

His criminal conduct was said to have “devastated” his victim’s family.

Judge Forrester admitted she had considered whether an eight-month prison term could be suspended.

“But I have come to the conclusion that this is so serious that the sentence should be served immediately,” the judge told him.

Baum must sign the sex offenders’ register for 10 years, and will be subject to the strict terms of a sexual harm prevention order for the same length of time.

His case will also be reported to the independent safeguarding authorities.

October 2016

Sex offender jailed for offences against schoolgirl

A man who committed a host of sex crimes against a schoolgirl has been sent to prison for almost seven years.

Charles Peyman, 32, was jailed for the offences which took place in the Penrith area over a number of months.

Carlisle Crown Court heard Peyman’s criminal conduct occurred after he moved to the Eden Valley from Humberside to take up employment.

His distressed victim was left sleep-disturbed and suffering from anxiety and flashbacks.

Farm worker Peyman was jailed by Judge Peter Davies having previously pleaded guilty to eight offences.

These were seven counts of sexual activity with a child, and one charge of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Peyman was described as being “ashamed” of what he had done.

He was jailed for a total of six years and eight months by Judge Davies.

A sexual harm prevention order was imposed for an indefinite period.

In addition, Peyman, of Tradesmans Row, Sproatley, Hull, must sign the sex offenders’ register, also indefinitely.

October 2016

Barrow man admits sexual offences after being caught by undercover police

A MAN has admitted attempting to engage in sexual activity with a child after being caught by undercover police.

Furness Magistrates’ Court heard that Martin John Lahiff, of Barrow, thought he was communicating with a 13-year-old girl online, but that the other person was an undercover police officer.

Lahiff, 26, pleaded guilty to two sexual offence charges when he appeared at the Barrow court on Saturday.

Lahiff admitted attempting to cause or incite a girl aged 13 to engage in sexual activity, and intentionally engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child for the purposes of sexual gratification. Both charges related to October 27.

Prosecutor, Ms Chrissie Hunt said the defendant, of Storey Square, had been communicating with an undercover police officer and not a child.

The court also heard that Lahiff has previously possessed indecent images of children.

Lahiff’s solicitor, Ms Maureen Fawcett said: “Fortunately it was an under cover police officer and not a 13-year-old girl.”

Ms Fawcett said: “He is ashamed of himself.”

Magistrates committed the case to crown court. The case is next set to be heard before Preston Crown Court on December 2.

Lahiff was remanded in custody until the next hearing.

October 2016

Man jailed for sexual activity with girl, 14

A man has been locked up for 30 months after committing a sex offence against a vulnerable 14-year-old girl.

Dominic Middleton, 19, was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court today, having previously admitted one charge of sexual activity with a child. It took place on a single occasion.

The court heard of the “profound” impact of the crime on Middleton’s young victim.

His lawyer, Keith Thomas, asked for any term of custody to be suspended.

But Judge Peter Davies concluded he was unable to take that step and imposed an immediate 30-month custodial sentence.

“It is too serious, the girl was too vulnerable and the consequences on her are too great,” said Judge Davies.

Middleton, of Greystone Road, Carlisle, must sign the sex offenders’ register indefinitely. He was also made subject to the terms of a sexual harm prevention order for 10 years.

November 2016

Pervert avoids prison over child rape movies

A pervert has avoided a prison sentence after pleading guilty to two charges of making indecent videos of a child

Security guard Paul Bonner, 51, of Tomlin Avenue, Mirehouse was handed a suspended sentence.

He was told he must register as a sex offender and complete 80 hours of unpaid community work.

The judge told the court that the sexual abuse contained on the movies was so indecent that it should not be revealed in court.

October 2016

Whitehaven man to be sentenced over indecent videos of children 

November 2016

Convicted paedophile broke court order

A CONVICTED sex offender is back in prison after flouting a court order he was given for previous crimes.

Andrew Philip Smith, 58, was jailed in 2014 for possessing prohibited images of a child.

As part of the punishment he was also made subject to the terms of a sexual harm prevention order (SOPO), and told to sign the sex offenders’ register. Each order was put in force for five years.

November 2016

Cumbria sex offender jailed for 15 years for abuse of woman and children

A man from Cumbria has been jailed for 15 years for a number of sexual offences committed against a woman and two children.

Tony Newlands, 31, of no fixed address, was jailed for 15 years today at Carlisle Crown Court for the following offences:

• Four counts of sexual assault against a child

• Two counts of taking an indecent image of a child

• Rape of a woman

• Two counts of sexual assault against an adult

• Engaging in sexual activity in presence of a child.

The court was told he raped and sexually assaulted the woman twice, which had had a “devastating impact” on her.

Judge Peter Davies said Newlands was a “significant risk” and his crimes had “many aggravating features”.

He told him: “You have committed a series of serious and insidious offences.”

Newlands admitted sexually assaulting a child, taking indecent photographs of a child and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

He committed the crimes in North Cumbria between June 2014 and October 2015.

Det Con David Hetherington, of Cumbria Police, said Newlands “exploited his victims and did not care for the consequences of his actions”.

He was made subject to sex offender notification requirements and a sexual harm prevention order, both for an indefinite period.

He will also be barred from working with children and vulnerable adults.

November 2016

Pervert plane passenger exposed himself in front of 10-year-old girl as her mum slept

Serial flasher exposed himself to young girl on a plane before grabbing a stewardess by the bum.

Perverted chef Christian Abu-Schaer, 26, was spotted by a fellow passenger exposing himself to the 10-year-old girl on a flight from Alicante to Manchester in November.

Abu-Schaer was stood in queue for the the toilet when he faced the girl and her sleeping mum, and began touching himself in full view of the girl, a court heard

Later on in the flight he sexually assaulted a member of the cabin crew by grabbing her bottom.

The young girl later told her mum that she had seen the man’s ‘thingy’, Tess Kenyon, prosecuting, told an earlier hearing at Manchester Magistrates’ court.

The captain was informed, who in turn notified ground crews and police were waiting to arrest Abu-Schaer as the plane came into land at Manchester Airport

At the time, the Spanish national was already on police bail for a similar offence in the Lake District, where he had been living and working in a hotel kitchen.

The earlier offence involved him being spotted by a resident through her window, stood completely naked in the street shortly after midnight pleasuring himself.

She later looked out again and he had now some clothes on but was still visibly touching himself which the court heard left her feeling “intimidated.”

When police arrived he was also found with both cocaine and cannabis on him, and was arrested.

Abu-Schaer, of Crook Road, Windermere, pleaded guilty to sexual assault, two counts of indecent exposure and two charges possession of drugs at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Thursday, November 24.

The court was told he has three previous convictions for indecent exposure in his homeland in 2011, 2014 and 2015.

A judge said he was someone “who’s offensive behaviour has continued over a significant period of time.”

His case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be prepared however he was warned to prepare for a prison sentence.

Judge John Potter told him: “There are clearly a number of aggravating features in this case.

“Firstly the offending took place in the presence of children.

“Secondly the sexual assault took place in the woman’s place of employment, on an aircraft.

“And other members of the public were present the course of your sexual offending, within the confined space of the aircraft.

“Finally, I note you are someone who abuses drugs.

“It follows that you must prepare yourself for an immediate custodial sentence to be imposed upon you.”

He will be sentenced on January 5 next year.

November 2016

West Cumbria paedophile jailed for seven-and-a-half years

A paedophile has been locked up for committing child sex crimes which a judge described as “wretched” and “wicked”.

Carlisle Crown Court heard 29-year-old youth worker Leigh Mavir groomed his teenage victim and exploited her over an 11-month period.

Police who investigated Mavir’s criminal conduct found he also took scores of illegal photographs of the girl – some classed in category A, the most serious.

Prosecutor Antony Longworth outlined the grim details of the offences.

“The defendant was working as a youth worker,” said Mr Longworth. “The defendant himself had a sexual interest in children.”

He was sentenced at the crown court having pleaded guilty to 12 offences. These were six counts of sexual activity with a child; three charges of taking indecent images of his young victim; and three of making indecent photographs of other, unknown children having downloaded almost 1,000 pictures.

Mavir, of The Crescent, Egremont, received a seven-and-a-half-year jail term for what Judge Peter Davies called ” wretched, corrupting, wicked offences”

Mavir was made subject, indefinitely, to both the sex offender notification requirements and the strict terms of a sexual harm prevention order.

December 2016

Man downloaded child abuse images

December 2016

Prolific Cumbrian sex offender jailed for life

A PROLIFIC sex offender has been jailed for committing 29 child sex offences.

Arthur Warwick, 58, formerly of Penrith was jailed for life with a minimum term of 13 years on December 9 for committing five counts of rape on children as young age nine.

He was also jailed for 11 counts of indecent assault on children between none and 15, an attempted rape of a nine year old, five counts of buggery on children between 12 and 15, three counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, possession of indecent images of children and three counts of making indecent images of children.

Warwick’s offences date back to 1975 through to March this year.

His offending came to light when a police investigation uncovered Warwick arranging to meet a childfor sex in March 2015.

Following this investigation, further victims came forward to police which showed the extent of Warwick’s disturbing behaviour.

December 2016

Cumbrian man branded ‘danger to children’ behind bars after abusing young girl

A man who committed a host of sex crimes against an under-age girl has been jailed for three years.

Billy Sowerby, 26, was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court.

He had previously admitted 11 charges of sexual activity with a child aged under 16. These were committed during a six-month period last year.

The court heard the victim had nightmares and weeks of sleepless nights as a result of Sowerby’s criminal activity.

“What he did has messed up my life,” she later stated.

Sowerby, a labourer, of Croft Close, Brough, was handed his jail term for what Judge Peter Davies called a “serious course of conduct”.

The defendant was made subject to the strict terms of a sexual harm prevention order for 10 years.

He must also sign the sex offenders’ register for an indefinite period, and will be barred from working with children and vulnerable adults.

December 2016

Online ‘vigilante’ helped snare Carlisle man looking for child sex

An online “vigilante” helped snare a man intent on committing a child sex crime.

Ronald Carter, 57, was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court on Friday having previously admitted attempting to incite a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity.

Prosecutor Brendan Burke said the offences occurred in April and May, when Carter was then living at a city address housing people with mental health problems. A support worker was based there.

“This offence came to light, in fact, through her, because the defendant appeared to be boasting about a message he had, telling the mental health worker ‘this is from my little girlfriend’,” said Mr Burke.

Carter had responded to a Facebook friend request.

“This ‘girl’ is a middle aged man,” stated Mr Burke, who stressed it was not an official police sting.

“[But] it appears to be the sort of exchange which one would not be surprised to see in a police operation. In other words it does not have the flavour of aggressively trying to trap someone.”

The prosecutor added: “Very quickly, as happens with more state-sanctioned operations, ‘she’ makes it clear ‘she’ is only 15.”

Carter, now living in Partridge Place, off Wigton Road, made a host of lewd suggestions, sent an indecent image and even planned to meet the “girl” for sex. Police were alerted.

Paul Tweddle, defending, said of Carter: “He is a man who is not well, is on benefits and is facing imminent homelessness.”

No further mitigation was offered after Judge Peter Davies concluded he could follow a probation service report recommendation.

Carter was given a three-year community order, comprising a sex offender treatment programme and a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

He must also sign the sex offenders’ register for seven years, and was handed a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.

December 2016

Pervert admits indecent image charges

A man has appeared before magistrates in Carlisle charged with possession of extreme pornography, which portrayed explicit images which were grossly offensive, disgusting or otherwise of an obscene character.

Craig Francis Johnson, 29, gave his address as Manor Chare Apartments, Newcastle upon Tyne, he also faces three further charges that he made an indecent photograph/pseudo photo of a child, and one charge of possess indecent photographs, the dates of the offences range from May 25, 2014 up to July 4, 2016.

The images were found at an address in Keswick, Cumbria.

The court was told, the photos range from category A, B, and C with category A, the most serious, of which there was 1,200 images.

Johnson pleaded guilty to all charges and will appear on January 20 at Carlisle Crown Court to be sentenced.