Leeds man, 70, jailed 14 years for child rape — police seek further victims

Alan Pearce, 70, from Heckmondwike, was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court for raping a seven-year-old girl in the 1980s. West Yorkshire Police believe there may be additional victims.

Heckmondwike man convicted of historic child rape; West Yorkshire Police appeal for other victims

Alan Pearce, 70, from Heckmondwike, was sentenced to 14 years in prison at Leeds Crown Court after a jury found him guilty of raping and indecently assaulting a seven-year-old girl between 1983 and 1985, bbc.com reports.

The victim reported the offences in 2021, more than 40 years after the abuse took place. Kirklees child safeguarding detectives subsequently launched an investigation and brought charges against Pearce in 2024.

At Thursday's hearing, Pearce was also told he would serve an additional year on licence following his release and was made the subject of a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Det Sgt Paul Campbell of West Yorkshire Police said the investigation had raised the possibility of further victims. "Our investigation into his offending has suggested that there could be other victims who haven't yet been identified," Campbell said. "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."

Police are asking anyone who believes they may have been a victim to come forward and speak with trained officers.

Source: Google News IE — Crime (en)