THEGAYUK

Tag: Sexual Assault

All the latest breaking news on sexual assault. Browse THEGAYUK’s complete collection of news, articles and commentary on sexual assault.

  • Britain’s “most prolific” rapist will spend a further 10 years behind bars

    Britain’s “most prolific” rapist will spend a further 10 years behind bars

    Reynhard Sinaga who was jailed for 30 years for 159 counts of sexual offenses against 48 men will now spend an extra 10 years behind bars.

    Today (Friday 11 December 2020) the Court of Appeal ruled that Reynhard Sinaga’s sentence of life imprisonment with a minimum of 30 years would be extended a further 10 years. This means that Sinaga, who was previously convicted of 159 counts of sexual offences against 48 different men, will serve a minimum of 40 years before being considered for release instead of his original sentence of 30 years. Today is a milestone and an extensive sentence – the longest sentence given in a rape case.

    Is it thought that there could be many more victims of Sinaga’s assaults. Police have suggested that they believe there to be at least 206 victims, 60 of whom are currently unidentified.

    Assistant Chief Constable Mabs Hussain said: “We welcome today’s ruling and are very pleased that Sinaga will be behind bars a further 10 years. From speaking to many of his victims, we know that many will be comforted by this outcome and feel that the extension reflects the heinous nature of the crimes committed.

    “At the very heart of this case has always been the victims and supporting them through their horrific ordeal. The bravery that these men continue to show has been nothing short of incredible and we, alongside partners such as St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre and Survivors Manchester, will continue to offer as much support as possible to the victims and help them in every way we can. 

    “Since reporting restrictions were lifted in January 2020, a number of reports were made to our dedicated incident room from people who were concerned they may have been a victim of Sinaga. As a result of this, we have been able to identify a further 23 of Sinaga’s victims. Like many other victims, the majority of these men had been enjoying nights out in Manchester City Centre before being preyed on by Sinaga as they made their way home.  We are continuing to offer these men our full support and help them in any way we can. 

    “As a result of further evidence coming to light, our investigators now believe that Sinaga committed sexual offences against 206 men. We are yet to identify around 60 of these men and would urge anyone who thinks they may have been a victim to please get in touch with us. If you don’t feel like you want to speak to police, specialist support services are widely available with organisations such as St Mary’s SARC and Survivors Manchester. 

    “I would like to say a huge thank you to all of those who have contributed. First, a thanks to our investigation team whom I am incredibly proud of and have had to endure watching the most sickening of video evidence, which was created by Sinaga himself. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our partners, including representatives from the NHS, health and support services, whose top priority has always – and will continue to be – the victims. 

    “We hope the work of the investigation team sends out a clear message that Greater Manchester Police is committed to investing time and resources into bringing those who carry out sex offences to justice. We also hope it demonstrates our firm commitment to working alongside specialised partner agencies in order to provide victims with any support they need. We will leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice.” 

    If you have been affected by this case or believe that you may have been a victim of Reynhard Sinaga, then please contact police or specialist support agencies using the contact details below.

    All reports made to police will be fully investigated and Greater Manchester is nationally recognised as a model of good practice in terms of support services available to victims.

    Information can be passed to police via the Major Incident Public Portal https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP19V24-PO2  or by calling 101. The MIPP will also provide contact details for support agencies to anyone who accesses it.

    For anyone who wishes to seek support but does not want to talk to police, St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre can continue to be reached on 0161 276 6515 and Survivors Manchester can be contacted on 0161 236 2182. 

  • Drag Race Alaska issues an apology over past race, trans and sexual abuse jokes

    Drag Race Alaska issues an apology over past race, trans and sexual abuse jokes

    Drag Race favourite Alaska Thunderfuck has issued a statement in which she addresses her past actions including jokes about sexual assault, trans issues and race.

    In the statement on Twitter, the performer admitted that although it was never her intention to cause harm, her intention was not important adding, “it was my privilege that allowed me to only get away these things but be applauded for them”.

    Alaska rose to fame during the 5th series of RuPaul’s Drag Race, where she placed runner up. Since then she has amassed a worldwide audience of over 2 million on her social platforms, including Instagram and Twitter.

    “I used racial and transphobic slurs and made jokes about sexual assault”

    Embed from Getty Images

    She starts off by writing,

    “In past performances, I used racial and transphobic slurs and made jokes about sexual assault. I have also used racist imagery in past looks”.

    She continued, “I apologise. I’m deeply sorry for the hurt and damage that I caused in making these stupid harmful negligent choices.

    “I take full responsibility for everything I have done in my past. I have learned that is essential to use my art and my privilege and my platform to make people empowered, uplifted and strong”.

  • Woman who pretended to be a young boy to groom young teenage girls, jailed

    Woman who pretended to be a young boy to groom young teenage girls, jailed

    Gemma Watts has been jailed for eight years after being sentenced at Winchester Crown Court.

    A deceitful woman who pretended to be a young boy online so she could groom young teenage girls from around the country has been jailed.

    Gemma Watts, 21 (18.09.98) from Pembroke Avenue, Enfield has been sentenced at Winchester Crown Court to eight years’ imprisonment after pleading guilty at the same court on 28 November 2019 to:

    • – Assault by penetration (Section 2 of the Sexual Offence Act 2003) – victim 1;
    • – Sexual Assault, (Section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003) – victim 1;
    • – Meeting a child following sexual grooming (Section 15 (1) of the Sexual Offences Act 2003) – victim 1;
    • – Sexual Assault, (Section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003) – victim 2;
    • – Meeting a child following sexual grooming (Section 15 (1) of the Sexual Offences Act 2003) – victim 2;
    • – Meeting a child following sexual grooming (Section 15 (1) of the Sexual Offences Act 2003) – victim 3;
    • – Sexual Assault, (Section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003) – victim 4.

    Watts was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and was made subject to a life-long Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

    Detective Constable Phillipa Kenwright, who was the Met’s Safeguarding Lead for the case, said , “In this particular case, Watts targeted her young victims on social media platforms and duped them into believing they were entering into a relationship with someone whom they could trust.

    “She then went on to form physical relationships in which she spun a web of lies and deceit, giving her the opportunity to commit sexual offences. 

    “Her arrest, and now lengthy prison sentence, has prevented her from targeting further victims, but I hope that it also gives reassurance to other victims of sexual exploitation that offenders will be brought to justice. I encourage them to come forward and speak to us.

    “I am delighted with the sentence that the Judge has passed today and hope it acts as a warning to others intent on exploiting and manipulating children online, that they will be dealt with robustly.”

    Watts created an “elaborate web of deception”

    Following a joint operation by the Met and Hampshire Constabulary, it was established that Watts had spun a bizarre and elaborate web of deception by inventing a fictional alias ‘Jake Watton’. She used this profile to groom teenage girls she met through social media sites and then sexually assault them.

    Watts contacted her victims through social messaging apps, Facebook, Snapchat, Yubo and Instagram, under the alias of 16-year-old Jake Waton or Jake Watton.

    Watts exchanged messages with her victims, obtaining their trust before meeting them and committing a number of serious sexual offences.

    Hampshire Police contacted officers from the Met’s Central Specialist Crime unit informing them an investigation had been launched after receiving reports from a medical professional that a 14-year-old girl (victim 1) had reported being sexually assaulted by her boyfriend ’Jake Waton’ in April 2018.

    She used various aliases, including “Jake Waton”

    The investigation showed that ‘Jake Waton’ was actually an adult female called Gemma Watts. Further research by officers identified another two victims, both under 18, (victim 2 and victim 3) who also reported being groomed and sexually assaulted by Watts under her alias.

    Officers executed a search warrant at Watts’ home address in July 2018 and arrested her for a number of serious sexual offences.

    During interview, she admitted to grooming the victims whilst pretending to be ‘Jake Waton’ and partially admitted a number of the assaults. Watts was bailed to allow further enquiries to be completed. 

    It was later established that she continued to groom young females whilst on police bail and was re-arrested in October 2018 in West Midlands when she was found with a 15-year-old missing girl (victim 4). The victim reported to officers that she had been sexually assaulted by Watts. 

    In November 2018, officers from the Met obtained an interim Sexual Risk Order from Stratford Magistrates’ Court which allowed Watts to be closely monitored by officers to prevent her from re-offending until charges were authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in Hampshire. A final Sexual Risk Order was obtained on 2 May 2019 and Watts was charged on 12 September 2019.

    PC Nicola Benson, from Hampshire Constabulary’s Missing and Exploited Team, said , “The level of manipulation and deceit used by Watts to snare her victims, in this case, was truly shocking. Children are particularly vulnerable to exploitation online with increased use of social media apps, and there is a real risk that any contact with a stranger online can lead to a child meeting an offender in person.

    “This case demonstrates the stark reality of that, and it is astonishing the lengths that Watts went to, to ensure she could abuse these girls.

    “I am pleased that Watts has now received a custodial sentence, and I would like to commend the bravery of the girls and their families who found the courage to come forward and make this happen. I want them to know that they are not in any way to blame for this, and hope they can now move on from this ordeal.

    “I would also like to thank officers from West Midlands Police, Devon & Cornwall Police, Kent Police and the Metropolitan Police for their involvement in this complex and lengthy investigation.”

    For more information about how to keep young people safe online, go to https://safe.met.police.uk/index.html

    Anyone who has any information that could help lead to an arrest, or protect a child from online abuse, is asked to call 999. Alternatively, they should contact the NSPCC or Internet Watch Foundation (https://www.iwf.org.uk/).

    Detective Inspector Mark Rogers, from the Met, added, “Thankfully, these type of crimes are rare. However, it is important that parents, guardians and everyone who works with young people takes an interest in what children are doing on the internet and educates them about the risks associated with using social media.

    “The internet is a fantastic resource enabling young people to socialise and learn. Unfortunately, it can also be used by predatory offenders to target children. We will robustly investigate any child sex offences committed online, and I would urge any young person who has experienced unsolicited contact to report it to police.”

    PC Maria Carrick, Hampshire Constabulary’s Education and Youth Engagement Coordinator, said ,“Young people are vulnerable to exploitation online, and in serious and worrying cases, adults pose as young people to groom and exploit them into engaging in sexual activity online, or trick them into meeting with the intention of physically causing sexual harm. 

    “This is what makes prevention so important and why we continue to actively work with young people, schools, parents and youth partners in a joined up approach to educate whole communities about the risks children face online, and the impact this can have on them and their families. 

    “We encourage parents and teachers not to be afraid to talk to children about their activities on social media and explain the importance of privacy, and thinking before uploading content online to help prevent them from becoming victims or perpetrators. This is key to developing young people’s trust and confidence to talk to you, someone else they trust or to report if they’re concerned about inappropriate contact they’ve had online.”

  • Police want to talk with this man after an alleged sexual assault of 13-year-old boy

    Police want to talk with this man after an alleged sexual assault of 13-year-old boy

    Police are looking to speak to this man after a 13-year-old boy was allegedly sexually assaulted at an ice rink in Manchester.

    According to cops in Manchester, at around 6 pm on Tuesday 23 April 2019, a 13-year-old boy reported that he been sexually assaulted in the public toilets of Planet Ice (formerly called Altrincham Ice Rink) on Oakfield Road, Altrincham. 

    The victim left the toilet cubicle to go wash his hands and was confronted by a man who sexually assaulted him by the washbasins. 

    Police Constable Neil Murphy, of GMP’s Trafford division, said: “An assault of this nature is completely unacceptable and has left a young boy feeling violated in what should have been a safe environment. 

    “I appreciate that this incident took place a while ago, but I would like to stress that we have been following every line of enquiry available to us and trawling through several CCTV opportunities. As a result, we have been able to release these images in the hope of talking to the man pictured. 

    “If anyone has any information that could help us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at the very earliest opportunity.” 

    Anyone with any information can contact police on 101 referring to incident number 2080 of 23/04/2019 or alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

  • Victim of sexual assault left devastated by his attack

    Victim of sexual assault left devastated by his attack

    The vulnerable victim of a violent sexual assault says he has been left  ‘devastated’ by the attack.

    The victim was on a night out in Newcastle City Centre when he was subjected to the horrifying ordeal.

    He told police: “I have never been the most confident of people and this incident has really devastated me.

    “My self-confidence is really low and I am very anxious about being in public places with people I don’t know.

    “Even to this day I feel violated, traumatised and angry that this has happened to me.”

    His attacker Zain Osman, 25, of Gerald Street, Newcastle, admitted sexual assault after he approached the victim on a night out and put his hand down the man’s trousers.

    He then pushed the victim’s head towards his genitals.

    Last month Osman was jailed for 15 months at Newcastle Crown Court.

    “Extremely traumatised”

    During the 20 minute attack, Osman bit the victim on the back which resulted in him falling into a ditch where some road works were being carried out. The victim was left with multiple injuries and was extremely traumatised.

    The 26-year-old victim, who has lifelong anonymity, has been described by his family as ‘a trusting young lad who is unable to defend himself’. They have praised the police for getting justice for their ‘gentle giant’.

    They said: “He is so trusting of others, even when he doesn’t know people. It’s not in his nature to be nasty to anybody. He can’t really stick up for himself so how someone could take advantage of him is just incomprehensible.

    “The police have been so supportive from day one and when Osman was jailed, it was a huge relief for us all.”

    Detective Constable Ross Atkinson who led the case explains why protecting vulnerable people and seeking justice for this victim is exactly what police are here to do.

    Det Con Atkinson said, “The morality of Osman who tried to blame the culture of Newcastle to justify his actions is totally inexcusable. He targeted a vulnerable victim and sexually assaulted him. There is no one else to blame for that but himself.

    “The victim is such a lovely young man and this has utterly traumatised him. When he first came forward he was understandably extremely upset and shaken by what had happened.

    “I think there was an apprehension to report it at first thinking we may not believe what he was telling us, which of course was absolutely not the case – we will treat anyone who reports such offences with compassion and our specialist officers will carry out a thorough investigation.

    “My priority throughout this investigation was to really focus on the victim and support him in any way we could to ultimately get the justice he deserves.

    “Osman pleaded guilty to the offence due to the irrefutable evidence put before him. It gave the victim a sense of relief that he wouldn’t have to go through a trial and that he was believed.

    “I think the important message is that no one should be subject to such an assault in any circumstances.
    “It is our priority to protect victims like this brave young man and make sure we do all we can to raise awareness that help and support is available.”

    If you have been a victim of rape, sexual assault or exploitation, whether this is recent or historic, please come forward and contact police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.

    To contact the 24/7 Crisis Helpline contact 03333448283 or find out more about our Sexual Assault Referral Centre by searching REACH SARC online.

     

    Victims can also contact Victims First Northumbria on 0800 011 3116 who will give independent advice and support.

  • Police are looking to identify this man after an alleged attempted rape of a man in Salford

    Police are looking to identify this man after an alleged attempted rape of a man in Salford

    Cops in Salford are interested in identifying a man after an alleged attempted rape of another man.

    At around 1am on Sunday 21 October 2018 the victim – a man in his 20s – was walking on a path that leads from Cottenham Lane to Mary Street when he was approached by an unknown man.

    The man asked the victim if he wanted to engage in sexual activity and he said no. The attacker then punched him several times before trying to rape him.

    The victim managed to get away and then reported the offence to police.

    Detective Constable David Prowse, from GMP’s Salford district, said, “We have been offering our support to the victim since this awful attack occurred and we are doing everything we can to find the man responsible.

    “As part of our enquiries we have a picture of a man we need to speak to, as we think they could hold key information.

    “I know the picture isn’t very clear but the man is quite distinctive and I think anyone who knows him will recognise him.

    “I urge you to get in touch, or if this is you then please also make contact with us.”

    Anyone with any information should call police on 0161 856 5355 quoting incident number 156 of 21 October 2018.

    Information can also be passed on to the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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  • Two men sought after the sexual assault of a man in central London

    Two men sought after the sexual assault of a man in central London

    Detectives looking to identify two people in connection to an investigation into a sexual assault on a man in his 20s in Central London.

    The Met police have released images of two men they wish to speak to and identify in connection with an investigation of a sexual assault on a man in central London.

    The incident happened at around 2.45am on Wednesday, 24 October 2018 in Flitcroft Street, Camden, just a block away from G-A-Y Late and the famous gay centre of Old Compton Street.

    Police say, the victim, a man in his 20s, was sexually assaulted by two men who then left the location on foot.

    The victim’s friend, who did not witness the assault but who had been with him shortly before, came to his aid and police were called.

    Detective Constable Robin East said, “This was a sexual assault on a man in a public street and we appeal for anyone who thinks they can help us with the investigation to come forward.

    “Although this happened in the early hours, there would still have been a number of people around the area who may have seen the victim or suspects before or after the assault.

    “We are interested in speaking to the two men in these images, so if you recognise them, please don’t delay in calling police.

    “The victim in this case continues to receive support from specially trained officers.

    “We have not had any further reports of similar assaults and this is being treated as an isolated incident.”

    Both suspects were described by the victim as white, and of Eastern European origin. One man was thought to be between 35 to 40 years old, short (around 5ft5ins tall) and of stocky build. He was wearing a dark puffer jacket and had big ears.

    The other man was believed to be slightly younger, between 30 and 35 years of age, of skinny build, clean shaven and had light brown hair. He was wearing a blue Superdry jacket and thought to be around 5ft8ins tall.

    Anyone with information about this assault or who recognises the men in the CCTV images is asked to contact CN Safeguarding on 101 quoting 2330062/18, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

    You can also tweet @MetCC.

  • Man arrested after teenage boy sexually assaulted in Rochdale

    Man arrested after teenage boy sexually assaulted in Rochdale

    A 60-year-old man has been arrested after a teenager was sexually assaulted while he was fishing in Rochdale.

    Earlier today, Thursday 6 September 2018, officers from GMP’s Rochdale Borough arrested a 60-year-old man on suspicion of sexual assault

    He remains in custody for questioning.

    This is in relation to a report received by police on Tuesday 4 September that a 14-year-old boy had been sexually assaulted by the canal near to Hollingworth Road, Littleborough at around 5:20pm.

    The teenager had been magnet fishing when he was approached by a man who told him to head to another body of water a short distance away as he’d have better chance of success.

    When he moved to that location, he was sexually assaulted by the man before managing to run away to safety.

    Detective Sergeant Paul Davies of GMP’s Rochdale Borough, said, “This has been a fast-moving investigation and we have arrested a man in the Rochdale area on suspicion of sexual assault.

    “He remains in custody for questioning, however, our investigation continues and we are still keen to speak to anyone who may have information that can assist us to please get in touch.”

    Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 8441 quoting reference number 1851 of 04/09/18 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

  • Two women sexually assaulted in the heart of London’s Soho

    Two women have been sexually assaulted in the heart of London LGBT+ scene.

    The Metropolitan Police are appealing to the public for witnesses after two women were approached on the streets of Soho and sexually assaulted.

    The incident was reported on the 11th May at 10:25 PM on Frith Street, which is the heart of Soho. According to police reports,

    The victims, two women – aged 27 and 28 explained how they were walking along the road when a man approached them from behind and sexually assaulted them.

    He then made off on foot towards Dean Street and the women ran, contacting police.

    Police have now released an image of a man they wish to question in connection with the assault.

    The suspect is described as a dark-skinned white male, with black hair. He was wearing a pink and white striped shirt and had a black backpack.

    Detective Constable Paul Durrant, from the Met’s Child Abuse and Sexual Offences team, said, “These young women were just walking down the road when this despicable individual went up to them from behind and sexually assaulted them. It is important that he is caught to prevent him from targeting anyone else.”

    Anyone with information or who recognise this male please contact DC Durrant on 0203 733 5999 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

  • Man jailed for multiple, non-recent sexual offences on six boys

    A man has been jailed for 16 years for multiple sexual offences against boys in 1970s.

    Retired musician, Neil Duncan, 74 from Southend-On-Sea, was sentenced to 16 years imprisonment on Wednesday. Along with his prison sentence, Duncan will be made to sign the sex offenders’ register for life.

    He previously pleaded guilty, in December 2017 to 39 offences:

    One count of attempted buggery with a victim aged under 16;
    – Seven counts of buggery with a victim aged under 16;
    – One count of incitement to commit buggery;
    – 13 counts of indecency with a child under the age of 14 years;
    – 15 counts of indecent assault on a male under the age of 16 years; and,
    – Two counts of making indecent images.

    Detective Constable Amy Dobner, from the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences (CASO) Command, said, “Duncan is a prolific offender who spent the 1970s abusing young children. I am grateful that they have since come forward so that we could take the necessary action to bring him before the courts.

    “I would like to take this opportunity to praise their bravery and resolve, and hope that today will further help them move on with their lives, knowing that Duncan has been punished for his crimes.”

    Showing boys pornography

    Police were first contacted by one of Duncan’s victims in March 2016. Three other victims subsequently came forward towards the end of 2016 and early 2017. They all told officers that they had been assaulted by Duncan as young boys in the 1970s.

    Duncan would show the boys pornographic material before forcing them to perform sex acts.

    Officers quickly established that he had offended across west London and the Home Counties.

    Duncan was arrested on 4 August 2016. A number of computers were seized and found to contain indecent images.

    Officers also discovered several diaries that were kept by Duncan which corroborated the allegations.

    He was charged in mid-August 2017.

    Detective Chief Inspector John Foulkes of CASO said, “Given the number of victims and offences that Duncan has admitted to, it cannot be ruled out that there are other victims who have yet to contact police.

    “I would urge anyone who has been abused by Neil Duncan to come forward and speak to police where you will be supported by specially trained officers.”

    Anyone with information is asked to contact the Barnet Child Abuse and Sexual Offences team on 020 8733 5139.

  • Kevin Spacey investigated over third London assault: report

    British police said Thursday they are investigating a man over a third sexual assault, with the Press Association news agency reporting that US actor Kevin Stacey is the suspected assailant …