ADAM CRUISE

In a dramatic turn in a major child-sex investigation, a man accused of a series of disturbing offences is now facing TWELVE charges in total — more than double the number he was originally brought to court for.

Court documents reveal that prosecutors have strengthened the case following a fresh review of video-recorded interviews, forensic evidence, and detailed accounts from complainants.

Originally, the defendant faced five serious charges, including: 2 counts of rape 2 counts of assault by penetration of a child under 13 1 count of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a child But after analysing further evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service has authorised seven revised charges, including: 2 charges of sexual assault of a child under 13 3 counts of rape 1 count of assault by penetration 1 count of sexual assault And in a bombshell revelation, prosecutors have also authorised five additional charges linked to another complainant — pushing the total to 12 charges.

A CPS spokesperson said the expanded indictment reflects “the seriousness and consistency of the accounts given by the victims,” adding that the decision followed a “detailed and careful review” of all available evidence.

The explosive case is scheduled to return to court on 4 April 2025, when the defendant will be required to enter pleas to the new charges.

Victims involved in the case have been told they do not need to take any further action at this stage, though they may be called to give evidence when the trial begins.

This case — already one of the most disturbing of the year — continues to grow as investigators uncover more layers of alleged abuse.