Serial sex offender jailed for child rape

A man who was found guilty of multiple child sex offences has been jailed for 19 years.

Christopher Shepherd, 44, of Spondon, Derbyshire, was accused of speaking to a number of girls online between 2021 and 2022.

Following a trial at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, he was found guilty of the rape of a girl under 13, the sexual assault of a girl under 13, and meeting a girl under 16 following grooming.

During the trial, Shepherd also pleaded guilty to three counts of making an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child.

The court heard Shepherd sent and received indecent images in conversations with the victims between 2021 and 2022.

He also arranged to meet one of the victims, picking her up in his car and raping her.

After Shepherd's offending was reported to Staffordshire Police in 2022, he was arrested and an investigation was launched.

Speaking following the sentencing, Det Con Angela Maxfield said: "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."

During the sentencing, Shepherd was given a 19-year custodial sentence with an extended licence period of five years.

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