Stoke-on-Trent man jailed for non-recent child sexual offences

56-year-old Christopher Appleby was sentenced earlier today

Author: Dan DaviesPublished 15th Oct 2021
Last updated 15th Oct 2021

A man from Stoke-on-Trent has been jailed for 15 years with five years on licence after being found guilty of non-recent child sexual offences.

Christopher William John Appleby, 56, of Levenson Road, Hanford, Stoke-on-Trent, was sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court today (Friday 15 October).

Non-recent allegations of abuse against a child were reported to the force in June 2020 and an investigation was launched. He was arrested swiftly, but denied all allegations.

He was subsequently found guilty of rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, indecency with a child, indecent assault and attempting to cause a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.

Appleby was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Detective Constable Clare Davenport, of the force’s Child Protection and Exploitation Team, said: “I applaud the strength and courage of the woman for coming forward and for supporting the investigation. I hope that today’s sentence will help her to move forward with her life.

“It is never too late to report sexual offences to us, not matter how long ago it happened. We will do all we can to investigate such cases and bring offenders to justice.”

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