A man found guilty of multiple child sex offences has been sentenced to more than two decades in prison. Christopher Shepherd, 44, from Spondon, Derbyshire, received a 24-year prison term at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Wednesday, June 17, after being convicted of one count of rape of a girl under 13, one count of sexual assault of a girl under 13, and one count of meeting a girl under 16 following grooming.
Guilty Plea for Indecent Images
During the trial, Shepherd also pleaded guilty to three counts of making an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child. The investigation by Staffordshire Police revealed that between 2021 and 2022, Shepherd had been communicating with multiple girls online. He sent and received indecent images during these conversations. He arranged to meet one of the victims, picked her up in his car, and raped her.
Police Investigation and Support for Survivors
After Shepherd's offending was reported to Staffordshire Police in 2022, he was arrested. Officers from the force's child protection team worked tirelessly to support the survivors and gather evidence against him, according to a press release. Detective Constable Angela Maxfield from the child protection team stated: “We are working night and day, 365-days a year, to take robust action against those preying on vulnerable people online for a sexual purpose. Despite Shepherd’s initial attempts to plead his innocence, we made sure through our evidence and investigation that the jury were able to see the extent of his offending and bring him to justice. We’re determined to support survivors of sexual offences in Staffordshire and continue taking proactive action against those responsible.”
Context and Support Resources
This case comes after a 23-year-old white British man was charged over the rape of a woman in Arbroath, Angus. Police Scotland had to release an update following online allegations that migrants were involved, which were deemed inaccurate. If you have been affected by any themes in this story, you can call Rape Crisis for free 24 hours a day on 0808 500 2222 or visit their website for a free online chat.
