Child rapist Alan Pearce jailed 14 years; West Yorkshire Police appeal for more victims

Alan Pearce, 70, from Heckmondwike, was sentenced to 14 years for raping a girl aged seven in the 1980s. Police believe there may be further victims.

Heckmondwike man convicted of 1980s child rape; police urge other victims to come forward

A 70-year-old man has been jailed for 14 years after being found guilty of raping a seven-year-old girl more than four decades ago, bbc.co.uk reports.

Alan Pearce, of Heckmondwike, was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court following convictions for rape and indecent assault committed between 1983 and 1985. The victim reported the offences in 2021, prompting Kirklees child safeguarding detectives to open an investigation. Charges were brought against Pearce in 2024.

Alongside the custodial sentence, Pearce was told he would serve an additional year on licence after release and was made the subject of a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Sergeant Paul Campbell, of West Yorkshire Police, said the investigation had indicated Pearce may have targeted other victims who have not yet come forward. "We would like to take this opportunity to urge them to contact us and make a report to our specially-trained officers, who can provide support throughout the justice process," Campbell said.

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim is encouraged to contact West Yorkshire Police directly.

Source: Google News UK — Crime (en)