Banbury man sentenced to prison for child sex offences

He was convicted following a trial at Oxford Crown Court

Author: Trevor ThomasPublished 4th Mar 2024

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man from Banbury has been sentenced to prison for child sexual offences.

Ben Brookes, aged 26, of Brunswick Place, Banbury, was sentenced to three-and-a-half years’ imprisonment at Oxford Crown Court.

Brookes was found guilty by unanimous jury verdict of three counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, following a six-day trial that concluded on 22 January.

Between 1 May and 14 October 2020 Brookes engaged in sexual activity with a child.

He was arrested on 16 October 2020 and was charged on 9 November 2022.

Commenting on the outcome of the case, Detective Constable Grahame Lea said:

“I would like to first commend the incredible bravery shown by the victim in this case. She has shown resilience and courage in coming forward and supporting the investigation. I am pleased we could get a positive result for her and her family.

“I hope this sentence will give other sexual offence victims the courage to come forward and report what has happened to them.

“Thames Valley Police are dedicated in investigating offences against woman and children and do our upmost to listen and help victims and provide them with the support they need.

“Anyone who has experienced sexual abuse should know they can speak to the police and feel confident that they will be listened to.

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

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