Locations
Roker Lane, Pudsey, Leeds, LS28
Description
A man has now been jailed after he went on the run after being found guilty of sexual offences against four child victims.
Jason Spence, aged 38, of Roker Lane, Pudsey, was found guilty following a trial at Leeds Crown Court of multiple crimes, including four rape offences and five offences of assault by touching. All the victims were under 13 at the time of the offences.
He was also found guilty of offences related to making indecent images of children and possessing prohibited images of children.
He was released by the court on 2 April on conditional bail ahead of sentencing, but a warrant was then issued for his arrest after he failed to attend court on 16 April.
Spence was on the run for 33 days before being arrested in Ireland and returned to the UK.
He was sentenced today (Wednesday 8 July) and was given a 32 year extended sentence, consisting of 24 years custodial sentence and eight years on licence.
Detective Constable Gemma Varley, of Leeds District Safeguarding, said:
“What these children have endured at such a young age is unimaginable.
“This was a complex investigation that required extremely sensitive handling, balancing the need to gain evidence to ensure Spence was convicted with being careful and considerate of the trauma that these young victims had already been exposed to.
"The officer who led on this investigation, Nicki Vincent, has since retired but returned to give evidence during the trial, helping to ensure Spence has been held accountable for his actions."
Detective Constable Susan Abbott, who was also involved in the safeguarding investigation and then led the subsequent manhunt, said:
"Spence has tried to evade justice by leaving the country before he could be sentenced, causing further distress to his victims and their family members.
"We were determined to find him and worked closely with An Garda Síochána to ensure he was arrested and brought back to the UK to be sentenced.
"Spence is clearly a dangerous man who has preyed on multiple children. I hope that knowing he is now in prison helps those who have been involved in this awful case as they continue to try and rebuild their lives.”