Charles Andrew Chapman subjected the victims to “horrendous abuse” more than 10 years ago and was today (Thursday, March 27) brought to justice at York Crown Court.
The 61-year-old, of Sycamore Road, Barlby, near Selby, denied all 19 charges of rape and sexual abuse but was convicted at the end of a week-long trial.
It was the second time he stood before a jury in York after skipping bail during his first trial, meaning the jury in that trial had to be discharged.
He was arrested following a police appeal and held in custody until he could be tried by a second jury.
One of the victims said her life had “been on hold” since the criminal proceedings started.
In a victim impact statement, she said she had suffered “horrendous abuse” at the hands of Chapman and the impact of this continued into adulthood.
“I feel justice is finally being served and Andy is where he belongs,” she said.
The other victim, in her victim impact statement, said the abuse she suffered led to her feeling suicidal.
But she said: “I’m so grateful I spoke out… I hope Andy will see the pain and suffering he has caused.”
Chapman, who appeared via video link from prison during his sentencing, was convicted of two charges of raping a child, four of sexual assault of a child, six of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, three of sexual activity with a child, two of engaging in sexual activity in front of a child, one of causing a child to watch sexual acts and one of indecent exposure.
The court heard that Chapman continues to deny the offences.
Judge Simon Hickey said he rejected the prosecution’s case that the offending did not cause severe psychological harm.
The jury was told during the trial that one of the girls now has very low self-worth and struggles to deal with the memories of what Chapman did to her. The other girl has taken counselling to deal with the effects of Chapman’s abuse.
“That is psychological abuse,” the judge said.
Judge Hickey added that some of Chapman’s offending happened “on a weekly basis”.
As well as the jail sentence, the judge said Chapman must serve an additional one-year on licence.
He also placed Chapman on the sex offenders register for life and made him the subject of an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.
For Chapman, Susannah Proctor said the offences date back to when the victims were children.
She said Chapman has prostate cancer and suffers from arthritis which were difficult to treat in prison.
The defence barrister said Chapman has children and grandchildren and the case had been “devastating” for the family.
Ms Proctor said Chapman had worked all his life, including in the Armed Forces and as a driver for a council.
He was also working while in custody, she said.
Victims suffered ‘horrendous sexual abuse’ at the hands of ‘this vile man’
After the hearing, Detective Sergeant Kirsty Smith, who led the investigation for North Yorkshire, praised the victims for helping to bring Chapman to justice.
“I highly commend the bravery of both victims in reporting the horrendous sexual abuse they suffered as children at the hands of this vile man,” she said.
“Chapman denied the allegations throughout the whole investigation, therefore making the victims go through the nerve-wracking process of giving evidence against him at court.
“The offences are of the most serious nature and Chapman has been forced to face justice thanks to the courage and determination the victims.
“I hope this outcome gives them a feeling of hope for a happier future.
“Also, this case shows that it is never too late to report sexual abuse. We are here to help and make sure you receive the best care and support.”
North Yorkshire Police shared the following advice on reporting rape and sexual abuse – no matter how long ago it happened:
- Make a report via our website or call 101 and speak to the Force Control Room.
- If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, always dial 999 for an emergency response.
- IDAS is an independent charity that supports victims of sexual violence and abuse regardless of whether you have reported it to the police. Visit their website: https://sexualviolence.idas.org.uk/
- Anyone concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000. Adult victims of non-recent sexual abuse can also get in touch for support.
- Childline is available for young people on 0800 1111or at https://www.childline.org.uk/
- Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) Victims who would prefer not to go direct to the police and are not in immediate danger, can contact North Yorkshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), on 0330 223 0362.
- You can also contact the Supporting Victims in North Yorkshire at supportingvictims.org or call 01609 643100.
The Samaritans say that whatever you’re going through, you can call them for free, at any time, from any phone, on 116 123.
