Discover the disturbing cases of 18 predators sentenced in Stoke-on-Trent this year, highlighting the dangers lurking in our communities.
In 2024, several cases have come to light in our area, revealing how these offenders exploit and harm innocent children. Many were caught in stings, where adults posed as kids to expose their sick intentions.
Here’s a rundown of some of the predators sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court this year that every parent should be aware of.
Matthew Charlesworth, labeled a ‘predatory paedophile,’ was sentenced to five years for raping a vulnerable woman. His history made him a dangerous offender, and he received an extended license.
Then there’s Jack Box, who had inappropriate online chats with a 15-year-old boy. After the boy’s mother reported him, he was jailed for two and a half years.
Simon Murch, a teacher, traveled to Stoke-on-Trent to meet a girl he thought was 18 but was actually just 12. He was sentenced to seven and a half years after his actions were uncovered.
Richard Griffiths, a child rapist, received over 15 years for multiple sexual offenses, including some truly disturbing acts.
Mihai Craciun, who tried to solicit sex from undercover officers posing as 13-year-olds, was jailed for 18 months.
Simon Church, a child rapist, was caught breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order and received an eight-month sentence.
Ashleigh Weller thought he was chatting with a 13-year-old girl but was actually speaking to paedophile hunters. He got a suspended sentence but was warned he’d go to jail if he reoffended.
Thomas Phillips was caught trying to meet a 13-year-old girl for sex and received an eight-year extended sentence.
Philip Stringer filmed a teenage girl undressing and was sentenced to 28 months in prison.
Kieran Huthwaite, who raped a girl when he was a teen, was sentenced to 15 years after being found guilty of multiple offenses.
Anthony Carr, who attacked a schoolgirl in a park, was given a five-and-a-half-year extended sentence.
Andrew Cork, a ‘professional paedophile,’ was jailed for 11 years after engaging in sexual chats with children as young as nine.
Mark Simpkin was convicted of child sex offenses from the 1980s and received a 10-year sentence.
Brian Lines, an 84-year-old rapist, was sentenced to 30 years for a series of sexual offenses against children.
Martin Rhodes was caught trying to encourage a 14-year-old to perform a sex act and received a four-and-a-half-year sentence.
John Millington was snared by paedophile hunters while trying to meet a ‘13-year-old girl’ and was sentenced to three years.
Lastly, Nathan Scriven was caught trying to meet a 14-year-old girl and received a three-year and four-month sentence.
These cases serve as a grim reminder of the dangers that exist and the importance of vigilance in our communities.
