Latest Offenders

Description

A shop owner who sexually assaulted a volunteer and a customer at his premises has been jailed for two years.

Michael Bell, 68, owned a shop in Hardwick, South Cambridgeshire, and used his position to inappropriately touch a female volunteer several times between March and July 2021. 

During the four-month period he would make regular sexual remarks and assaulted her several times, touching her body over clothing.

These incidents came to light on 6 August the following year, after he touched a customer inappropriately and she reported the assault to police.

Bell, of High Street, Yelling, St Neots, denied all the allegations but was found guilty of seven counts of sexual assault following a trial at Peterborough Crown Court last month.

He was sentenced at the same court on Friday (14 November) to two years in prison for each of the offences, to run concurrently.

In addition, he was issued with an indefinite restraining order and a requirement to register with the police under the Sexual Offences Act for ten years.

DC Andy Watters said:

“This type of behaviour should never be tolerated. Women should be able to go to work and go into shops without fear of sexual predators.

“I hope the sentence will reassure both the victims, and women everywhere, that this type of behaviour will never be accepted by police, and should always be challenged and reported.”

Description

A man has been handed a 15-year custodial sentence for raping a woman in Telford.

Reaz Dixon, of Vennington Walk in Shrewsbury, was found guilty of rape and assault by penetration relating to offences carried out in Telford.

The court heard how the 20-year-old presented himself at Malinsgate Police Station in January 2025 and confessed to the crimes.

Dixon was subsequently arrested, and an investigation was carried out, leading to him being charged with four counts of rape and two counts of assault by penetration.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of rape but denied the other charges, however a jury found him guilty of two more counts of rape and two counts of assault by penetration.

On Friday (14 November) he was sentenced to 15 years in prison at Shrewsbury Crown Court.

Detective Sergeant Os Malik, from Telford’s protecting vulnerable people team, said:

“I am very grateful for the sentence the judge has handed to Dixon, who is clearly a very dangerous individual.

“I would like to commend his victim, who has been incredibly brave throughout this investigation. I hope the sentence can offer some form of closure and will enable them to move forward with their life.”

Description

A Doncaster man has today (Tuesday 18 November) been jailed for child sex offences following an investigation by our Internet Sex Offences Team (ISOT).

Gary Hutton, 59, of Bootham Crescent, Doncaster, used an online messaging site to attempt to arrange sexual offences against a child.

On 25 February, Hutton engaged in conversation with a decoy account which he believed belonged to a woman who would enable him to sexually assault her child.

The account was actually being used by the Regional Organised Crime Unit to catch online predators.

ISOT arrested Hutton the following day and seized three mobile phones, two tablets, a laptop and a computer belonging to Hutton for digital examination.

Analysis of one of Hutton’s mobile phones uncovered a conversation with further profiles on the same online platform in which he discussed engaging in sexual abuse of the profile owner’s children.

Hutton was interviewed by officers on 26 February and again on the following day - he provided no comment to all questions at both interviews.

The next day, Hutton was charged with three counts of attempting to arrange or facilitate the commission of a child sex offence.

He initially pleaded not guilty to the charges on 28 March at Sheffield Crown Court, however on Thursday 11 September at the same court he changed his plea for two counts to guilty.

Hutton was remanded into custody and has today been sentenced to 10 years in prison, with an additional five on licence. He was also handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Constable Becky Straw, from the Online Sexual Offences team, said:

“Hutton’s offending is extremely disturbing, and I am relieved that he was caught before it had the opportunity to progress further.

“I am incredibly proud of our ISOT officers who carry out vital work behind the scenes to keep children in our community safe from those who would do them unconscionable harm.

“ISOT acted swiftly, arresting Hutton within 24 hours of him engaging with our decoy, and seizing his devices so that evidence into his disgusting offending could be preserved.

“Hutton is now safely behind bars, and ISOT are hard at work ensuring that other offenders like him are caught and brought to justice.”

Description

A man from Bury St Edmunds has been jailed after committing a series of sexual offences against children.

Martin Hogg, aged 73 and of Worcester Close in Bury St Edmunds was sentenced on Monday 17 November at Cambridge Crown Court to nine years imprisonment.

It follows his guilty plea at an earlier hearing at Ipswich Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to three offences relating to child sex offences that took place between 31 August 2024 and 15 February 2025. These were sexual communications with a child, cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity and cause or incite a child to watch a sexual activity. These all took place against a single victim.

On Thursday 22 May at Cambridge Crown court, Hogg pleaded guilty to a further 18 offences that took place between the same dates and included multiple offences of meeting a child following sexual grooming, cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual activity with a child and sexual communication with a child against seven further victims who were all children. Following on from this, another child victim was identified and a further three sexual offences were taken into consideration after an acceptance of guilt from the defendant.

Hogg (pictured below) was also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

DC Nick Parkinson-Hill, the investigating officer on the case, said:

“The crimes committed by Hogg against the nine young victims in relation to grooming offences and sexual activity children were truly awful. The impact this has had on the victims and their families has been hard to accept and the Impact the offences continue to have on them is truly upsetting. I hope the sentencing of Hogg has started the journey to recovery for all involved.”

“I hope the outcome of this case reassures members of the public that we take such allegations of predatory behaviour extremely seriously and we work to safeguard victims as quickly as possible. We are committed to fully investigating any allegation of sexual assault, recent or historic and will provide the highest level of support and care to any victim whilst a thorough investigation is carried out, so if you believe you have been the victim as well, we would ask that you come forward and tell us.”

“We want to encourage victims of any sexual assault to continue to speak to us and feel confident in accessing the specialist support they need. Any allegation will be fully investigated and we have dedicated specially trained officers who work with the victims of rape and sexual assault. The diligent response to this case by the safeguarding unit, indecent images team and proactive teams has stopped any chance of this dangerous male re-offending”

“I want to commend all of the victims in this case for their bravery in coming forward and working with us throughout the investigative process. I hope that their bravery in coming forward gives others the confidence to do the same and Hogg’s guilty pleas has saved the victims from having to give evidence in court which is a blessing.

“However, whilst this sentence will provide the victim with some closure, understandably, what Hogg did to them will have impacted them significantly. If you have been directly affected by this case please quote Op Steadham25 in any reports to us.”

Description

The man pictured is Shaun Fuller, he is a child rapist and yesterday (17th November) he was jailed for 15 years.

In 2021 he raped his 15-year-old victim three times inside a property in Burnley.

The brave victim told her mum what had happened in March 2023 and the police were informed.

Fuller, 40, of Todmorden Road, Burnley, was arrested and later charged with raping a girl aged 13 / 14 /15 and sexual assault on a female.

Following a trial at Burnley Crown Court, Fuller was found guilty of three counts of raping a girl aged 13 / 14 /15 and sexual assault on a female.

He returned to the same court where he was jailed for 15 years, made subject of an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and told to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

In an impact statement to the court, the victim wrote:

“When the incidents with Shaun happened I was still at school. This all had a massive impact on my education, I often struggled to focus/concentrate at school. I didn't get the results I wanted at school and my school work was affected. In school I struggled to maintain friendships due to what Shaun did to me. All my friends at school used to talk about their relationships and boyfriends. I struggled to talk about anything like this because of what happened to me. I knew I couldn't talk about what had happened to me so I used to keep myself to myself.

“I now struggle to trust anyone, especially males. If I found out someone liked me, I used to cry and would feel uncomfortable as this would trigger the bad memories from Shaun. I also struggle to make friends due to this. I have lost contact with my old friends due to moving away and struggle to make new friends. I find it hard to engage in sexual relationships due to the flashbacks I get with Shaun.

“My mental health has been impacted massively. I have since received therapy from a free service which made it even worse by bringing up everything that happened to me. I struggle to open up and talk about it. I try to block everything out, that's how I deal with it. When it all came out and the police got involved I struggled even more - I didn't eat, I didn't sleep, I never used to leave my room. I used to sit and rock in my room and bang my head on the wall to try and numb the pain.

“I now don't go out and don't like opening up about what happened to me.

“I want Shaun to know the impact all of this has had on me, and how it will continue to impact me for the rest of my life.”

DC Sarah Holmes, from our East Child Protection Team, said:

“Fuller is a purely wicked individual who robbed the victim of her childhood due to his sordid sexual interests. His offending continues to have a profound impact on her life.

“While she showed immense courage and bravery in coming forward, Fuller showed his despicable nature by forcing his victim to go through the ordeal of a trial – despite knowing exactly what he had done to her.

“I welcome the sentence handed down to Fuller, which reflects the seriousness of his offending and the danger he poses to female children.”

Description

A convicted sex offender has been jailed for breaching the terms of his court order.

Carl Bray, 46, of Union Road, Southampton, was convicted in October 2023 of attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child. 

As a result he was given a 15 month sentence suspended for 24 months and placed under an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

In September, officers examined his electronic devices to check he was complying with this order.

Officers found he had been downloading social media applications Snapchat, Telegram, TikTok and Zangi, using them to communicate online with unknown people, and then deleting them again to hide the evidence.

A search of his property was conducted and officers found two further devices he was not permitted to have.

Bray was charged with breaches of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order and breaches of Sex Offender Register requirements. He was sentenced today (18/11) to 21 months imprisonment at Southampton Crown Court.

Description

A violent and sadistic rapist has been handed a 22-year jail sentence plus a further three years on licence by a judge at Bradford Crown Court.

George Wild, 28, of South Street, Keighley, attacked multiple victims.

Wild, who was convicted by a jury following a trial, was not present in court to be sentenced in person as he refused to leave his cell at HMP Leeds.

Jailing him in his absence, Her Honour Judge Sophie McKone said he was a dangerous offender who posed a risk to members of the public.

She said: You were pre-occupied by sex and took what you wanted.

You caused [your victims] significant psychological harm."

This case in my view is such a case where a sentence in excess of 20 years is merited.

The court heard that Wild was convicted of multiple rapes, plus sexual assault. One of his victims was left suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

His behaviour was so extreme that he strangled one victim and demanded that she urinate in his mouth and defecate on him.

He was said to have humiliated her and forced her into another sex act that was described as sadistic.

In mitigation the court heard that Wilds early life had been challenging, that he had used drugs, and that he continued to deny having committed the offences.

The court was urged to draw back a finding of dangerousness and from imposing an extended or life sentence.

Judge McKone handed Wild 22 years for each count of rape, to be served concurrently, and three months for sexual assault, also concurrent.

She then added a further three years on licence.

She explained: I have to consider whether a standard determinate sentence of 22 years is appropriate.

In my view the risk you pose means that such a sentence would not fully address that risk you currently present, and will present, in the future.

I have, however, stepped back from imposing a discretionary life sentence despite the very serious nature of your offending.

However, I do consider it necessary to impose an extended sentence in order to protect the public in the future.

Wild will have to register as a sex offender for life.

He will serve two-thirds of his sentence before being considered for release.

Description

Shaun Smith, a convicted sex offender, hid a secret unregistered phone used for pornography under his sofa when police visited his home.

The 60-year-old appeared at Cardiff Crown Court, pleading guilty to two breaches of his sexual harm prevention order—his fifth such violation, following convictions in July 2020, January 2022, July 2023, and October last year.

“You show a complete disregard for this order,” said Judge Paul Hobson.

Smith was placed on the sex offenders register and given a 10-year order in 2018 after being convicted of attempting to meet a child following grooming. The order required him to register internet-capable devices with police within three days and submit them for inspection.

Prosecutor Abul Hussain said police went to Smith's Ammanford home on October 20 after intelligence suggested he had an unregistered phone. Smith handed over a Nokia, claiming it was his only device, and said a certain mobile number belonged to his neighbor, which he sometimes used as a contact.

When told the story would be verified, Smith became agitated. He was arrested, with two SIM cards found in his wallet and a smartphone hidden under the sofa.

The phone had been in use since at least October 6, primarily for viewing pornography, with no evidence of child-related material. Smith refused to provide the PIN.

Smith, of Glanafon in Betws, had 10 previous convictions for 15 offences.

“The defendant’s best mitigation is his guilty plea at the earliest opportunity,” said defense barrister Hannah George.

“You lie to your monitoring officers when that suits your purposes,” added Judge Hobson. “You deliberately concealed your phone.”

Description

A man who groomed a girl online and raped her at an Essex station six years ago has been jailed following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

His conviction comes after the victim reported what happened to her to police in October 2024.

Marvin Ogbogbo, 23, of Millstone Close, east London, was found guilty of one count of rape last month following a week-long trial at Isleworth Crown Court.

At the same court on 6 November 2025, the judge sentenced him to four years imprisonment. He is also required to sign the sex offenders register for life and was handed a restraining order not to contact the victim.

In 2019, Ogbogbo, aged 17 at the time, met the 14-year-old girl through social media. After interacting online for a few months, he invited the girl out shopping.

They met for the day at Lakeside shopping centre in Essex before heading to Chafford Hundred station so Ogbogbo could travel back to London.

He took her to a sheltered seating area on the platform and repeatedly asked her to sit on his lap before raping her.

Ogbogbo then fled the scene on a London-bound train, leaving the victim at the station.

Five years later, the victim bravely reported the attack to police who launched a full investigation.

Officers quickly identified Ogbogbo, and on 23 December 2024 he was arrested at Barking police station where he was required to attend every Monday as part of his bail conditions for an unrelated matter.

In interview he denied what had happened and tried to make out to detectives that he only kissed the girl at the Essex rail station in 2019.

BTP Detective Constable Jennifer Brown said:

Putting Ogbogbo behind bars for this abhorrent rape is testament to the victim who showed immense bravery in reporting what happened to her.

Ogbogbo is a vile predator who targeted an underage girl and groomed her for his own sexual gratification.

We take every report of sexual violence extremely seriously and will always launch a full investigation no matter how much time has passed.

Description

The bravery of two women has led to an abuser being jailed for nearly two decades.

Emma Clarke, 34, came forward in 2021 to report Luke Anderson had raped her in 2015 and she has now waived her right to lifelong anonymity, saying: "I hope my story and my voice can help towards stopping the stigma related to survivors of sexual abuse."

Anderson, 33, and previously of Halifax in West Yorkshire, was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on Monday (10 November) for five counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault. He was jailed for 18 years and told he must sign the sex offenders' register for life.

He had been found guilty of the crimes in August after a court heard Anderson abused Emma and another woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, between 2015 and 2019.

In a statement given to South Yorkshire Police [SYP] following the sentencing hearing, Emma said:

"One of the first emotions we learn as a child is shame. The same emotion that is drilled into us when we are abused.

"I hope that my story, and my voice, can help towards stopping the stigma related to survivors of sexual abuse. I was silenced for a long time doing what I thought was right to protect myself from judgement and the fear of what would happen if I spoke out.

"It took me years to build up the courage to speak up, and if my story can encourage one person to speak up, or even stop feeling shame, then it's worth it.

"The process of speaking out isn't easy. The interview and court process is traumatic, but getting justice makes it all worth it and I'd like to thank Barnsley Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Services, South Yorkshire Police, and my family and friends who have supported me through this journey. 

"I hope that my story is a reminder that this can and does happen to anyone. My truth is out to protect my daughters, my sisters and my friends, as well as your loved ones.

"My name is Emma. I was raped. This is my voice. My story. No shame."

A second survivor of Anderson has also provided a statement to SYP. She said:

"I am releasing this statement to take control of my story. While the verdict brings a sense of justice, it does not erase the pain or the lasting impact of what I have endured.

"However, it does bring an opportunity for truth - and for me to stand as someone who has survived, fought, and finally been heard.

"I want to make it clear that no one should ever have to suffer in silence. I also want to say that I could not have gone through this without the incredible support I received from SYP, my ISVA, and my family and friends.

"Their belief in me and their constant support have carried me through some of the darkest times.

"If my decision to come forward helps even one other person find the courage to speak out, then it will have been worth it."

Detective Sergeant Matthew Mellor, whose team led the investigation into Anderson's abhorrent offending, said:

"The bravery shown by both of these women throughout every stage of this deeply difficult process has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I want to start by thanking them for it.

"Their decision to report the abuse inflicted by Anderson has led to a dangerous offender being put behind bars for almost 20 years.

"By law, Emma Clarke would have been entitled to lifelong anonymity as all survivors of sexual abuse are. But she has bravely waived this right in the hope that her story will lead to more people feeling empowered to come forward and report abuse to us.

"We are 100 per cent committed to tackling all forms of sexual abuse in South Yorkshire and every single report is thoroughly investigated.

"If you have been raped, sexually assaulted, or sexually harassed, you can report to us in confidence online or by calling 101. If you don't feel able to report to police, try and talk to someone you trust. You can also seek specialist and confidential support via the 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line." 

Description

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been sentenced for rape in High Wycombe.

Luke Castle, aged 37, of West Wycombe Road, was sentenced to 17 years in prison with an extended licence period of six years, at a hearing at Aylesbury Crown Court on 7 November.

He was found guilty of two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault at a hearing on 8 August at the same court.

At around 9pm on Monday 16 December last year, a woman was raped by a man in The Rye, off Bassetsbury Lane.

Castle was arrested on the same day and charged on 18 December last year.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Lily Beavis said:

“I am pleased that the judge recognised the seriousness of this crime, imposing a sentence which reflects as such.

“I am grateful that the tireless amount of work put in has been repaid. I’d like to say a particular thanks to our victim liaison officer, Rebecca Newman, and Prosecution Barrister, Jonathan Stone, whose dedication was exceptional throughout.

“Most importantly, I hope this outcome brings the victim some sense of peace and helps her begin rebuilding her life, moving forward with the same strength and courage she showed throughout the investigation and court process.

 “I would also like to reassure the public that we will always look to prosecute anyone who commits sexual offences, recent or non-recent. You will be supported, no matter what the passage of time, and we will bring offenders to justice.”

Description

A man has today (Nov 17) has been jailed for rape committed in Carlisle. 

Paul Beattie, 59, currently serving time in prison was today sentenced to 10 years six months.

The offences were against one woman in 1992 and 1993.

The sentence also includes a five years extended licence.

Detective Constable Kerry Gibson from Cumberland Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team said:

“Beattie subjected the victim to a violent attack which it was clear no consent was given.

“This case highlights that no matter how much time has passed we will take action against dangerous offenders to bring them to justice.

“If you are a victim of sexual offences, don’t suffer in silence, please tell someone and report this to police so that we can investigate.

“Support is also available and is tailored to an individual’s circumstances and work closely with trusted partner agencies.”

Description

A man who repeatedly raped a child over an eight year period has been jailed for 20 years.

Christopher Rudd, aged 34, of Wisbech was sentenced at King's Lynn Crown Court today (Monday 17 November) following a week-long trial in August where a jury found guilty unanimously of 12 counts of raping a child, 2 counts of assault (ABH) and one of causing fear of violence.

The court heard how the offences took place in the King's Lynn area and came to light in January 2025 when the girl told her family what had been happening. The court heard that in addition to the sexual assaults the child had been choked, kicked and punched by Rudd and one occasion her fingers were fractured.

At today's hearing Rudd was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment and a further four years on licence. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and indefinite retraining order.

As Recorder Rouse KC handed down the sentence in court he described Rudd as a "manipulative predator void of empathy" whose offending was "exceptional in its gravity".

In a statement read in court the victim said:

"I have been hurting everyday, for as long as I can remember, and there's no way to stop the hurting, or to feel anything else.

"(Rudd) abused me in so many ways. No amount of healing will ever change that, and I'll never get my childhood back even if I tried.

"Despite all this, despite everything I've gone through and endured, I am in a better place now.

"I finally don't have to live in fear, and I finally have the freedom to truly be myself and figure out who I really am behind all the trauma. I'm finally free, and I have my whole future ahead of me".

In her statement the victim's mother referred to Rudd as a 'monster' and said "Since finding out what happened, I have asked myself over and over how to help my daughter recover from something no child should ever endure. 

"I am doing everything I can to help my daughter heal. But healing is a long road - and I know I will be walking it with her for years to come".

Following sentencing Detective Constable Stuart Sansbury praised the victim for her bravery.

"From the outset of this investigation, the victim has demonstrated steadfast courage and it is testament to her that justice has been served.

"She has experienced a terrible amount of trauma and I truly hope today's result helps her begin a new chapter in her life, where she can be safe and thrive.

"I also hope that today’s sentence sends a clear message to others who harm, or seek to harm children and vulnerable people.

"Norfolk Constabulary takes reports of abuse extremely seriously and if this has happened to you or someone you know, then please come forward and report it to us, no matter when it happened. You will be given help and support by our dedicated teams."

Description

A man who subjected his partner to months of coercive control and sexual abuse has been sentenced to 19 years in prison with an additional five years on license following release.

Michael Ball (05/10/1994) of Beechwood Crescent, Leigh was found guilty of four counts of rape and two counts of controlling and coercive behaviour in relation to two victims. A restraining order is also in place against Ball and he will permanently remain on the sex offender's register. 

In a trial at Bolton Crown Court in September, the jury heard how between October 2020 and January 2021, Ball controlled every aspect of his partner’s – Jasmin – life. He dictated what clothes she could wear, calling her a ‘slag’ if he did not think her clothing was appropriate, and isolated her from family and friends who had warned her about his behaviour.

His controlling ways did not end there. Ball would monitor her movements constantly, prevented her from attending social gatherings, and even forced her to quit her job as a carer. He also took out loans in her name and accessed her bank accounts without consent.

Jasmin was also told to remain upstairs when parties were hosted at their address, with Ball telling guests that she wasn’t in so they couldn’t talk to her. She was repeatedly assaulted during the relationship, often leaving her with bruises.

The court also heard that the 31-year-old strangled her on several occasions, including one harrowing incident where he wrapped a dressing gown cord around her neck and attempted to choke her.

In January 2021 the abuse escalated to sexual violence. Jasmin recalls how she told Ball no when he came upstairs asking her for sex whilst being in an intoxicated manner. However, two hours after that interaction, she awoke to him raping her.

She was too terrified to resist, knowing he had previously threatened to kill her if she ever reported him to police.

Officers arrested ball on 19 January 2021 following this the above incident and denied all allegations while in custody.

Ball was later charged with five counts rape, one count of control and coercion, and a Section 47 assault. He was also found guilty at court of two counts of rape relating to a victim from the Lancashire area.

Jasmin, who has bravely waived her right to anonymity, read out her victim impact statement at court, she said:

“I wish I could go back in time and tell myself that it will all be okay and you will get through this. Since 2021 my life has completely changed, and it has taken me such a long time to feel like myself.

“On occasion when I do unfortunately think back to the relationship and the things which Michael did to me like the assaults, putting me in the suitcase and abuse I still remember the feeling of him touching me, how it felt on my body when he was doing it to me.

“It did take me some time, but I did manage to get in a relationship and I am now the proud mum to a lovely son who is my whole world and I know that through my love and care he will not treat any women or person the way Michael treated me.

"I know that I am entitled to life-long anonymity, but I feel now that I am free from everything and I am happy to waive this right in order to stand up for what is right and not be silenced or restricted from saying what happened to me.

“I have also now started a domestic abuse survivors group session and even though it is early I feel this will help me with processing anything left which I need to.”

Jessica Daley, Independent Domestic & Sexual Abuse Advisor from Wigan Council said: 

“It’s been a long and difficult journey to justice but I’m immensely proud of Jaz – her resilience, bravery and how far she’s come over the past few years.

“Much as I’m thrilled for her, any sentence he gets doesn’t make up for the fact that he never should have abused her in the first place.”

Detective Sergeant Sean Goddard from our Wigan division said:

"This case demonstrates the devastating impact coercive control and sexual violence can have on a victim. Michael Ball stripped away Jasmin’s independence, dignity, and safety through and manipulation.

“His actions were calculated and relentless, leaving Jasmin feeling trapped and terrified in her own home.

“I would like to commend her courage in speaking out, and in the process waving her right to anonymity, and wanting to send a clear message that abuse in any form will never be tolerated.

"I am incredibly proud of Jasmin for the bravery she's shown in coming forward and throughout the investigation. It takes a huge amount of strength to speak up about domestic abuse and we understand reaching out is never easy.

"The courage Jasmine has shown is truly remarkable and we will continue to support her throughout her journey as she continues to move forward and heal.

“We will pursue the likes of Ball and bring them before the courts, no matter how long it takes. If you are suffering abuse, please reach out – help and support are available, and you do not have to face this alone."

Description

An 86-year-old man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for non-recent sexual offences against a child in Wells.

Michael Eckersley, now of Coldstream Close, Warrington, was jailed on Tuesday 4 November at Taunton Crown Court, sitting at Worle, after he was unanimously found guilty of 14 offences following his trial which ended on the 4 September.

He was sentenced to a nine-year custodial term for the lead offence of indecent assault (oral rape) against a child, and a further five years for seven other charges of indecent assault against a child. He will serve an additional two years in prison for six counts of indecency with a child.

Eckersley’s campaign of abuse spanned several years when he lived in Wells and started in the 1980’s.

The victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, reported the offences to another force which ensured all necessary steps were taken in relation to victim care, before the case was handed to Avon and Somerset Police in 2021.

Eckersley was voluntary interviewed on the 3 December 2021. The investigation, which has been led by a specialist officer, was complex due to the passage of time which meant that witnesses were difficult to trace but were able to recollect information from the time of the offending clearly.

The court heard how Eckersley would ‘lavish’ his victim with gifts in the hope it would ‘buy his acceptance and silence’.

However, his victim came forward and bravely reported the offences against him and has revealed his ‘anger and heartbreak’ in a victim impact statement.

The statement, which was read in court on his behalf by prosecutor Virginia Cornwall, said:

“Eckersley gave me presents and gifts, however, this all came at a sickening price – sexual favours.

“For six years the abuse broke me, I had no-one to confide in, so I carried the burden silently.  I became withdrawn, occasionally self-harming, unable to understand the psychological damage that was being done to me.

“I am angry, heartbroken, and finally letting out tears that I have held inside for years.  As a child, I was happy and adventurous, despite a rough start.

“The last four years have brought it all back and I have had to go through it all over as it still feels like it happened yesterday.

“I am angry for the boy I was and for the life I could have had.”

DC Ben Train, officer in the case, said:

“The crimes committed by Michael Eckersley represent a complete betrayal of trust and an appalling abuse of power against a young and vulnerable victim. These actions are deeply disturbing and will rightly shock and distress the community.

“I want to pay tribute to the exceptional bravery and courage shown by the victim first and foremost but also the witnesses that came forward throughout this case. Coming forward to report such serious and traumatic offences, especially those that have had such a lasting impact over many years, demonstrates immense strength and resilience.

“The sentence handed down to Michael Eckersley will never do justice for the physical and emotional trauma he caused to the victim over the years of abuse, but it demonstrates the seriousness that the legal system takes in such matters, no matter how long ago they occurred.

“All reports of sexual abuse are treated with the utmost seriousness. Every victim will be listened to, supported, and believed. We are committed to ensuring that all survivors have access to specialist support services to support their individual needs.”