Leek man found guilty of multiple historic sex offences
Police say the offences took place in Staffordshire between 1970 and 2009
An 84 year old man has been found guilty of 29 sexual offences - following a trial in Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court earlier this week.
It's reported the offences took place in Staffordshire between 1970 and 2009 - but only came to light back in 2021, which triggered Staffordshire Police to launch an investigation when they were reported to them that August.
Police say the victims of Brian Lines from Leek showed 'tremendous courage'.
The man was found guilty by a jury on May 3rd of:
- Three counts of the rape of a female under 16
- Three counts of the rape of a female over 16 years or over
- Attempted rape of a female under 16
- 16 counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 16 years
- Four counts of sexual assault
- Assault of a girl under 13 by touching and sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15
Lines was arrested shortly after the report was made to police, and following an investigation by their Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team, he was charged in January 2023.
DC Annie Blairs, of our Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team, said: “The victims have shown tremendous courage by reporting these offences which have had a significant impact on their lives.
“They have also shown great strength throughout the trial giving evidence.
“I would urge anyone who has been a victim of such crimes to come forward and report this to us. We will listen to you, and you and your families will be supported by specially-trained detectives and support workers.
“If you are or have been a victim or you are worried about something, and you don’t feel ready to talk to the police, please speak to someone you trust.”