ANTHONY STYLES FROM HEMEL HEMPSTEAD JAILED FOR 24 YEARS OVER BLACKPOOL CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND INDECENT IMAGES

In a case that spanned over two decades, Anthony Styles, a man residing in Hemel Hempstead, was finally brought to justice for a disturbing series of offenses involving a young girl in Blackpool. The incident, which occurred in 1993, involved Styles indecently assaulting an 11-year-old girl who was sitting on his knee while he watched television in a flat in Blackpool. The victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, recounted how this traumatic event had a lasting psychological impact on her. She revealed that she had visited Styles’ home multiple times after school, as she was known to him through his partner’s family, and he was trusted to care for her during these visits.

According to court proceedings, the assault took place when Styles was alone with the girl. She was dressed in her school uniform at the time and was sitting on his knee. The court heard that Styles only stopped his inappropriate behavior when his partner entered the room, at which point he quickly got up. Although he did not initially admit to the incident, the girl later confided in her family, and Styles made a vague admission, claiming it was accidental touching. However, during the trial at Preston Crown Court, Styles denied that the assault ever happened. The victim described the incident as having a profound and lasting effect on her, emphasizing the breach of trust involved, as she was left in the care of someone her family believed to be trustworthy.

Judge Robert Altham, presiding over the case, highlighted the betrayal of trust, noting that Styles was trusted to be alone with the girl. The judge pointed out that although the incident was a one-off and fleeting, it was significant enough to warrant serious condemnation. Styles’ criminal record was also discussed, revealing previous convictions for possessing indecent images of children, which included a collection of 'naturist' images, as well as a sexual assault on a 17-year-old woman. These convictions contributed to the court’s decision to impose a lengthy prison sentence.

Anthony Styles was sentenced to 24 years in prison, a sentence that reflects the gravity of his offenses. Additionally, he was ordered to be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. The court also mandated that Styles be barred from working with children and vulnerable adults, and he was issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order to restrict his internet use and employment options related to children.

In a separate incident in November 2012, Styles, then aged 46, received a community order after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl and possessing over 300 indecent images of children. The assault occurred when the victim was upset after Christmas in 2010, during which Styles sought to comfort her inappropriately by placing his hand on her chest and attempting to kiss and grab her. The police later discovered the indecent images on Styles’ computer, with 306 images classified as Level 1 (the least serious) and one at Level 2. Styles pleaded guilty to both charges during earlier hearings, and his sentence included a three-year community order, supervision, and participation in a sex offender program. The court emphasized that although the images were not the most severe, they still represented exploitation and abuse of children for sexual gratification.

Judge Stephen Warner underscored the seriousness of Styles’ actions, especially given the vulnerability of the teenage victim. The court ordered Styles to register as a sex offender for five years and imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which prohibited him from working with children and viewing pornography online. These measures aim to prevent further harm and ensure public safety, reflecting the ongoing concern over Styles’ criminal behavior and the need for strict supervision.