Officers praise bravery of victims as sex offending couple are jailed

Two women have been praised for their bravery in giving evidence that has led to their mother and stepfather being jailed for sex offences.

The pair, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victims, were each convicted of several offences in March following a trial at Leicester Crown Court.

During proceedings, a jury heard their crimes were brought to the attention of the police when one of the victims told someone else known to her what happened.

As part of the investigation, officers obtained an export of a WhatsApp chat between one of the victims and their mother which was key in proving that sex offences involving their parents had taken place. The pair also sent voice messages to one of the victims which were of a threatening, intimidating and manipulative nature.

It was also established the pair had tried to discourage one of the victims from making a report to police so that their offending would not be subject to a criminal investigation.

However, both were charged and their stepfather was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault on a female, one count of assaulting a female with a part of his body and one count of witness intimidation.

Their mother was found guilty of inciting someone to engage in sexual activity, one count of attempting to pervert the course of justice and one count of witness intimidation.

The man involved was sentenced to 61 months’ imprisonment yesterday (Wednesday 27 May). He was also placed on the sex offender register and made subject to A 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Their mother was sentenced to two years, suspended for 18 months. She was made subject to a 10-year SHPO.

Detective Constable Rachel Chapman, the officer in the case, said: “The accounts and evidence provided by the victims was crucial to the case and played a big role in their mother and stepfather being convicted and jailed.

“They showed a lot of bravery in re-living their experiences in front of a jury and I want to commend them for the courage they displayed since the offending was first brought to our attention.

“Victims of sexual offences should not suffer in silence and I’d encourage anyone who has been a victim to seek justice by making a report to police.”

• There are several different agencies who can offer independent help and support to victims of sexual offences in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland

• Further information on these services and details on who to contact if you have been a victim of a sexual offence can be found by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences

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