A paedophile who took thousands of pictures of women and girls and used AI to ‘nudify’ them was released on bail three times to his flat near a playground – forcing his victims to move out. 

Zafer Dogan, 32, took as many as 5,000 images involving so many victims that police have not been able to identify all of them.

The case has sparked criticism from Met commissioner Mark Rowley, who said ‘children should be put first, not the paedophile’ as he warned that ‘dangerous and prolific offenders’ are ‘routinely’ released on bail despite the risk they pose.

The predator used AI to digitally alter images by removing clothing from youngsters in school uniform and was able to photograph children ‘going about their daily business’ from a bedroom. 

He followed hundreds of women and children as young as seven, spending hours lurking in his car to secretly take pictures.

Dogan, who works as a mechanic, was jailed for two years and four months at Wood Green Crown Court yesterday having previously pleaded guilty to multiple image offences, including making indecent images of children.

The paedophile also preyed on children known to him, taking covert pictures which he later ‘nudified’ after collecting 1,800 indecent images online – including extreme pornographic material and bestiality. 

Three courts refused to remand Dogan into custody even after he had admitted nine offences relating to indecent images, extreme pornography and obstructing police.

As a result, his victims’ families had to flee their homes, taking their children out of schools, quitting their jobs and relocating to protect them from the paedophile who continued to seek contact.

In an unprecedented attack delivered outside his sentencing, Sir Mark described how public confidence in the justice system is under threat, saying it was ‘little surprise’ victims were deserting prosecutions in droves after seeing their attackers let loose.

The warning comes a week before 700 offenders are due to be set free from prisons in the first tranche of Labour’s early release scheme.

The court heard that Dogan was arrested on July 16 on suspicion of offences involving indecent images of children.

The defendant ‘freed himself’ from his handcuffs, ran away and discarded his mobile phone into a nearby garden. Dogan was stopped soon after and his device was seized.

Prosecutor Sarah Gabay said that investigators discovered ‘thousands of images of women and children which seem to have been taken without their consent or their knowledge’.

Ms Gabay said these individuals were ‘going about their daily business’ in the photographs, which included pictures of children on climbing frames.

According to the police, Dogan had taken more than 5,000 images, many of which were from his bedroom window which overlooked a playground.

The court was told that photos of 33 adult women and two children – aged seven and 13 – were ‘digitally altered’ using AI software to create sexualised content.

Dogan was arrested again on August 4 and the following day he was charged and remanded by police.

The defendant appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on August 6 and accepted all the charges against him.

According to the prosecutor, Dogan has ‘been on conditional bail throughout these proceedings’.

Dogan gave no comment interviews after both arrests, the court heard.

The court heard victim impact statements from the mothers of Dogan’s two child victims, who have been kept anonymous for legal reasons.

The mother of the 13-year-old victim described feeling as if she had been ‘punched in the gut’ when police officers told her what had happened.

She added: ‘I’m really worried that my daughter’s photos are online and other paedophiles have them.’

The mother of the seven-year-old victim described feeling ‘helpless’, adding: ‘Our lives will never be the same again and I can’t do anything about it all because one man exploited my child.’

Another parent said: ‘Our lives are turned upside down for ever. Yet no one protects us.’ 

Joseph Carr, mitigating, said the defendant ‘recognises the profound seriousness’ of his offending.

Mark Rowley said ‘children should be put first, not the paedophile’ as he warned that ‘dangerous and prolific offenders’ are ‘routinely’ released on bail despite the risk they pose

He said the defendant had separated from his long-term partner in 2025 and subsequently ‘spiralled into depression’.

The lawyer said Dogan ‘fell down the rabbit hole and was unable to find his way out’, but added that there is no excuse for his actions.

The judge described Dogan as a ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ character during the hearing having read multiple character references, which Mr Carr said ‘speak to positive character’.

Dogan, of Enfield, pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of a child which included 900 category C images, 294 category B images and 653 category A images – which are the most severe.

He also admitted possessing extreme pornography, possessing a prohibited image of a child, creating purported intimate images of an adult, obstructing a constable in the execution of their duty and a further two counts of making indecent photographs of a child.

The Met Police said that alongside the CPS, it had opposed Dogan’s bail on three occasions but their attempts were unsuccessful and the offender was allowed to return to his flat.

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Kelleher told the Press Association about the force’s ‘frustration’ at the court’s decision to repeatedly bail Dogan, who had used the AI software to ‘nudify’ images.

The detective said the ‘whole details’ of the case were raised in court, ‘including the fact that he was being bailed to effectively the area where he had been offending’.

Mr Kelleher said: ‘The matters at court … went through a series of challenges where the police and CPS opposed bail, opposed his being bailed back to the address, but the courts continued to bail him, and that went through a series of three or four different hearings.’

He went on: ‘There are certainly frustrations, especially where, like in this case, we identify an offender who’s moved beyond the normal pattern of slightly more passive collecting of material into producing it yourself, and when we then highlight the risk to the court to really try and challenge those systems to put someone into custody.’

Police Constable Natalie Scagliarini, who led the investigation, said: ‘This is a deeply distressing case. Dogan’s actions were predatory and dangerous. He targeted the most innocent of scenes – children playing or out walking with their parents – and manipulated the photos he took in the most sickening way.

‘The nature of his offending has understandably left those who have learned of it feeling unsettled and violated, not knowing when they might be being watched or photographed and for what purpose.’

Speaking outside Wood Green Crown Court, Sir Mark said: ‘The children should be put first, not the paedophile. 

Pressure to reduce the remand population has contributed to more dangerous and prolific offenders being granted bail routinely despite strong submissions from the police and CPS.

‘Victims are left fearful, communities are left feeling less safe and confidence in the justice system is undermined. This case is just another example of victims being let down.’

He said officers were ‘routinely’ seeing the consequences of ‘pressure’ on courts not to remand criminals due to prison overcrowding.

A Government spokesman said: ‘The law is clear that bail should only be used where necessary and proportionate, including to protect victims, witnesses and the public while investigations and court proceedings are ongoing.’

Conditions are set to turn “wet and windy” from early next week

As we’ve now passed the autumn equinox, the nights are officially getting longer and darker with the colder months on their way.

For the next few days over the weekend, the Met Office is forecasting a “mixed bag” of conditions across Northern Ireland, with a mix of dry spells, showers, and strong winds in the forecast.

A period of low pressure is set to push in early next week, with the weather forecaster expecting “wet and windy” conditions for many.

Here is what you can expect from the weather across Northern Ireland this weekend.

Friday Night:

Mainly dry with clear spells most widespread in the east, but a few scattered light showers appearing west and north of Lough Neagh. Southwest winds freshening overnight. Minimum temperature 11 C.

Saturday:

Most in east staying dry with best of the brighter spells appearing through the morning and towards the east coast. Scattered showers in the west, building during the afternoon. Maximum temperature 18 C.

Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:

Unsettled for Sunday with strong winds, rain then showers. Most dry on Monday with showers generally confined to the far west. Tuesday turning wet and windy.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

The vehicle was clocked by officers on Mortfield Lane last night.

The two people inside were arrested and officers say a machete was also found in the car, and one of the men had a “large quantity” of class A drugs.

A police spokesman said:”Officers from the Bolton North Neighbourhood Team have been on patrol in the Halliwell area of Bolton when they sighted a vehicle on Mortfield Lane.

“The two occupants of the vehicle were detained and searched under S23 Misuse of Drugs Act. One male was found in to be in possession of a large quantity of Class A drugs and a machete was also located inside the vehicle.

“A 19-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of possession with Intent to supply Class A and possession of an offensive weapon.

“A 28-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A and possession of an offensive weapon.

“Both suspects remain in custody for questioning.”

The arrests are the latest in the fight against the drugs trade in Halliwell and across Bolton.

Previously, desperate mums have raised the issue at the regular Partners and Communities Together Meetings (PACT), which allow locals to meet their local police officers and address any concerns they have.

A women’s only PACT heard how children are targeted by those selling drugs.

The European Union (EU) has announced plans to ban social media for under-13s – a move welcomed by child safety campaigners.

The proposals were unveiled on Wednesday by Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission. 

“Many perceive the power of big tech as overwhelming and impossible to roll back. I disagree; we do not have to accept addictive social media designs. We do not have to accept children being drawn into ever more extreme content,” she said. “It is us who decide our rules, not tech companies.” 

The EU will deploy its own verification scheme and demand that app stores, not platforms, police the gates. Children aged 13 to 15 would only be able to access platforms for an hour a day via ‘mini accounts’ set up through a parent or guardian’s social media account. 

“Teens will find it much harder to circumvent these bans,” Patrick Grady, head of European tech at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, told Positive News. “The EU will succeed where Australia has so far failed.”

Not everyone is convinced by social media bans. Critics have raised concerns around privacy, warning that everyone will have to submit personal information to access platforms.

Many welcomed the move, however. “The days of tech exceptionalism and their systematic exploitation of children for profit are numbered,” said Leanda Barrington-Leach, executive director at campaign group 5Rights. 

Image: iStock

The episode made it clear how much worse Debbie Webster’s (played by Sue Devaney) dementia has become as she failed to recognise Toyah when coming across her in the street.

Viewers saw the segment from Debbie’s perspective, which switched Taylor for another actress, helping them understand how confusing dementia can be for the person suffering from it.

However, when the camera angle changed, fans then saw that the person speaking to Debbie had been Toyah, played by Georgia Taylor, the whole time, further illustrating the impacts of dementia.

debbie not recognising toyah and us seeing it from her pov with a random woman… so clever but heartbreaking :((( pic.twitter.com/EDIvHxTJPO

— dj (@sadlatimer) September 24, 2026

Fans have praised the ITV soap for its “clever” scene but didn’t fail to express how “heartbreaking” it was to see Debbie’s condition worsen.

One person on X said: “debbie not recognising toyah and us seeing it from her pov with a random woman… so clever but heartbreaking :(((”, sharing a video of the scene.

Sharing screenshots from the scene, another fan said: “#Corrie Such a clever but devastating scenes between Debbie and Toyah.

#Corrie Such a clever but devastating scenes between Debbie and Toyah. Seeing this from Debbie’s perspective is so shocking and heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/szCktXhC7B

— joanne frankham (@frankham_joanne) September 24, 2026

“Seeing this from Debbie’s perspective is so shocking and heartbreaking.”

Someone else shared: “That scene with Debbie and “Toyah” was really clever.

“The different actress playing Toyah represented Debbie not recognising Toyah because of her dementia.

How many of these emotional Coronation Street storylines do you remember?

“Something to think about, it must be scary for a dementia sufferer. #Corrie.”

Another person said it was a “confusing” segment to watch but said they understood that it reflected how Debbie must feel.

Has Georgia Taylor left Coronation Street?

No, Georgia Taylor remains in the role as Toyah Battersby, but she was swapped out temporarily for Williams to portray the specific storyline involving Debbie Webster.

The appearance by Anya Williams is expected to be a short stint.

Which Corrie storyline has been the most powerful over the years? Tell us your favourites in the comments below.

A massive mural created by AI which appeared on the side of a pub in Banksy‘s home city of Bristol has been ripped apart, after locals pointed out several glaring errors in the ‘artwork’. 

The huge AI vinyl poster, which appeared on the side of the Jolly Colliers pub in Bedminster, destroyed art – before mankind – through its dodgy recreations of the city’s iconic landmarks. 

Among the landmarks it butchered were SS Great Britain, which looked more like a riverboat, Clifton Suspension Bridge with an incorrect one-way traffic system, and a mysterious large viaduct bridge which does not exist. 

An incorrect version of Cabot Tower was also included, while the series of colourful houses depicted on the west side of the Clifton Suspension Bridge are actually located on the other side of the city in Cliftonwood, overlooking Bristol harbour.  

The mural even included an apparent reference to Bristolian artist Banksy’s Mild Mild West. But the AI poster showed a one-legged figure pointing – instead of Banksy’s famous petrol bomb-throwing teddy bear. 

Locals were in uproar and took matters into their own hands – by apparently tearing down the image. 

Photographs later showed that the AI mural had been unceremoniously ripped down from the side wall of the Jolly Colliers pub. 

It had sparked strong backlash from the art community in the city where famous street artist Banksy was born. 

Days later, the vinyl poster had been ripped down from the Jolly Colliers pub

The British graffitist, who is known for his distinctive stencilled spray paintings, has become internationally renowned since his career began in the 1990s. 

His works, which often comment on the state of British politics, have sold for tens of millions of pounds over the years and seen him dubbed an icon in the art world. 

He has always worked under a pseudonym, amid various guesses about who he really is – including Robert Del Naja, a member of the band Massive Attack. 

But The Mail on Sunday revealed in 2008 the artist was in fact a man named Robin Gunningham, who was born in Bristol in 1973. 

The image appeared to have been converted into a large vinyl before being pasted onto the building.

With Bristol’s international reputation for street art and its connection to celebrated artists like Banksy, the AI mural turned some heads. 

Caroline Maggs from the Bristol Mural Collective (BMC) told Bristol 24/7: ‘AI designs not only devalue but undermine the work of artists’. 

She added that the collective was ‘saddened and angered by the Jolly Colliers not choosing to support handmade work’, and said: ‘We are small businesses, and as a small business themselves, they should have chosen better. 

Banksy’s real The Mild Mild West mural depicts a bear throwing a bomb  

Advertisement

The grand real-life SS Great Britain that was depicted in less glorious form in the AI mural 

The artist ‘Banksy’ was revealed in 2008 by The Mail on Sunday to in fact be a man named Robin Gunningham (pictured), who was born in Bristol in 1973. He has since changed his name to David Jones 

‘In a climate where humans are being replaced by AI at an alarming rate, choosing art like this is not only an aesthetic choice but a political one.’

Ms Maggs said that having no mural on the pub would have been a better choice than the AI art. 

She added that the collective was open to discussions with the Jolly Colliers and would like to commission someone from the collective to ‘rectify their mistake’. 

On Tuesday, a letter from an unknown artist condemning the AI art had been placed below the mural, but it was swiftly removed.

The letter called the decision to erect the mural ‘a disrespectful affront to this city’.

It wrote: ‘I am not alone in this opinion. Your decisions have angered a large portion of the very community you supposedly wish to support and exist alongside.’ 

While it was not signed by anybody, the writer acknowledged Bristol’s reputation for creativity and hosting Upfest, Europe’s largest street art festival. 

The letter said: ‘Hundreds of murals exist across the city, created by truly talented individuals, with passion, hard-earned skill and dedication.

‘By choosing to ‘create’ (though that word gives more credit than is due) an AI generated image, produce it in vinyl and stick it to the side of your building, you are actively damaging the livelihoods of artists, disrespecting and contributing to the theft of their work, and making a mockery of what makes Bristol the city it is.

‘You have watered down the spirit, the originality and the very essence of the visual aesthetic you have tried, and failed, to recreate.’

Emily Tuffen, also an artist from BMC, said the mural was a ‘slap in the face’ to Bristol, adding that ‘Brunel would be turning in his grave’ over the piece.

Ms Tuffen said the mural was a ‘very large, very public display of something that is fast becoming a very clear and real threat to the existence of humanity’.

Several other artists from the BMC also criticised the artwork. Nina Raines called the work ‘visually naff,’ while Fiona Finn Teo described it as ‘an appalling and tone-deaf display of absolute nonchalance and disregard to artists residing in Bristol and beyond’. 

Tuffen added: ‘The mural is like a giant green light telling all of south Bristol (and anyone who views it online) – AI is fine, let’s jump in feet first!

‘Tally ho! I don’t think it will last long, one way or the other. Bristol won’t stand for it.

‘On a personal level, I would be so happy if someone circled all the mistakes in red paint like a teacher or a spot the difference puzzle. That would make it actually a good street art piece and a clear statement.

‘Bristol loves authentic creativity and won’t stand for intellectual property theft! It wouldn’t cost the proprietors too much if they wanted THAT commissioned!’

A spokesperson from Punch, who own the Bedminster pub, said the mural had been a ‘temporary measure due to the condition of the external wall’ and that they were looking forward to collaborating with local artists and the community in the near future for a permanent mural. 

In a statement, the spokesperson added: ‘The external wall requires some minor works which would make a permanent mural at this time difficult, so we had opted for a temporary solution.’ 

I’ve been obsessed with Chef Sylvia Fountaine’s oven-baked potato recipe that calls on one ingredient to make crispier and tastier jacket potatoes.

Jacket potatoes are my preferred choice on occasions when I fancy something simple. I’m always looking for fresh approaches to preparing this modest vegetable to achieve a crunchy, flavoursome result.

I’ve previously tried cooking a baked potato in the microwave and followed a chef’s air-fryer method – both of which yielded superb outcomes.

On this occasion, I went back to using my oven, but covered the potato with a single ingredient used by Chef Sylvia Fountaine, a cooking specialist and creator of Feasting at Home. In her recipe, she claims it’s entirely about the salt – and not merely standard table salt, but either sea or kosher salt.

I used sea salt and found that my jacket potato came out of the oven considerably more flavoursome and crunchier than usual.

Advertisement

The logic for using salt is that it is inherently moisture-absorbing, drawing out excess water and allowing the skin to become beautifully crisp, creating a delectable crust without the potato turning hard.

Along with the salt, you’ll only need some oil. I discovered that extra-virgin olive oil performs especially well, imparting a superior taste to the completed dish.

The most demanding aspect of this jacket potato approach was purely waiting for it to cook – but it was entirely worthwhile. The salt crust on the exterior substantially improved the potato’s taste.

How to make jacket potatoes more flavoursome and crunchier

Using a fork, I punctured the potato at least three times to vent steam, preventing it from exploding in the oven. I then coated it thoroughly in extra-virgin olive oil, making sure the whole potato was covered, before giving it a generous rub with sea salt.

While I would ordinarily wrap a potato in tin foil before placing it in the oven, the chef cautioned against this, instead simply suggesting that it be placed on a baking tray in the middle of the oven.

The chef noted that sealing the potato in foil retains steam, resulting in a soggy texture. I kept the potato in the oven for the suggested hour; however, I found it needed a further 15 minutes.

To ensure my baked potatoes had a “fluffy, not gummy” interior, I immediately cut into them with a knife to release the remaining steam.

Once they’re a gorgeous golden colour on top, switch off the oven but keep the potatoes inside for another five minutes – this will give their skin an even crispier finish.

When you eventually take out your tray, you’ll be rewarded with the crispiest, most mouth-watering baked potatoes you’ve ever made.

For the finishing touch, I gave the piping hot potato a gentle squeeze with a tea towel, loosened the inside with a fork and loaded it with butter. While I kept mine fairly simple, there’s a wealth of options to enhance a baked potato. TV cook Mary Berry favours a splash of blue cheese dressing.

The event runs from Monday, October 19, to Sunday, October 25, and will include restaurants, pubs, and cafes from across the borough.

As well as boosting trade during the quieter autumn period, the week aims to help businesses reach new customers and promote their menus.

Venues confirmed to be taking part so far include:

• No. 5 New York Pizza
• Daisy & Beas @ Highlight
• The Marine Hotel
• Portals
• Dhamaka
• Larry’s Lanes and Games
• Flamingos
• Wallis & Co.
• Radici Pizza Restaurant
• Dilshad
• Mary Lambert
• Place To Be

Councillor Rob Darby, chairman of the council’s housing, growth and communities committee, said: “With a fresh, new look, next month’s Hartlepool Restaurant Week is set to be bigger and better than ever, building further on the great results last January.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for Hartlepool businesses to showcase their menu, attract new customers, boost footfall during the quieter autumn season and raise their profile as part of Hartlepool’s thriving food and drink scene.

“I hope as many of our marvellous Hartlepool eateries as possible will get involved.”

The previous Restaurant Week in January saw 28 businesses take part and 2,500 customers enjoy special offers.

Businesses wanting to sign up must be able to offer a dine-in experience to take part.

Israel footballer Saied Abu Farchi was sent off for appearing to use the corner flag to simulate shooting a gun during his goal celebration.

Israel were beaten 3-1 by Austria in their Uefa Nations League clash on Thursday night with Farchi briefly drawing his side level in the second-half.

After finding the back of the net, the 20-year-old immediately ran over to the corner of the pitch, removing the corner flag from the ground.

Farchi crouched down and took aim, smiling as he made gun-firing gestures.

Farchi had been booked just four minutes before his goal with the referee producing a second yellow card to leave Israel down to 10 men.

Austria took the lead again in the 90^th minute through Philipp Mwene with Sasa Kalajdzic adding a third in stoppage time.

Israel are set to play Republic of Ireland on Sunday.

Earlier this week, the Israel Football Association has Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson of ‘hypocrisy and stupidity’ over comments he made regarding the upcoming Nations League fixtures between the two countries.

Campaigners have stepped up their bid to convince the Ireland team to boycott Sunday’s opener in Hungary, with a group gathering outside the team’s hotel in Dublin on Monday evening.

At last week’s squad announcement, Hallgrimsson admitted many squad members were uncomfortable about playing Israel, adding: ‘We’re not playing with genocide, we’re playing against genocide.’

In a furious response on social media on Monday night, the Israel FA wrote: ‘We have contributed to the world and humanity in countless fields, earning an impressive number of Nobel Prizes along the way.

‘Unfortunately, we have not yet found a cure for stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy displayed by @IrelandFootball team coach.

‘We’re not playing with ignorance, hypocrisy and stupidity, we’re playing against the coach who embodies them.’

Hallgrimsson later admitted hie comments were ‘not clever from me.

‘Myself and the players need to be focused on the game. It’s a tricky time for us. We are grateful for the support we get.’

MORE: Dozens boo and walk out during Netanyahu’s address to the UN

MORE: ‘I don’t understand’ – Alan Shearer questions Cole Palmer’s withdrawal from England squad

MORE: Why is the international break three weeks long? England’s four fixtures explained