CHATTTERIS MAN BENJAMIN FREE SENTENCED FOR RAPE AND SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING YOUNG GIRLS IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Chatteris, Benjamin Free, a 21-year-old resident of New Road, Chatteris, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison following a series of heinous sexual offenses involving underage girls. The incidents took place over a span of several months and involved manipulative tactics to lure vulnerable victims into secluded areas for his predatory acts.

According to reports from police and court proceedings, the first incident occurred in November 2018 when Free invited a young girl for a walk with her dog in Chatteris, Cambridgeshire. Under the guise of a casual outing, he led her to a remote location where he forcibly assaulted her. The assault was carried out in a secluded area, making it difficult for witnesses to intervene. The girl later disclosed the assault, which prompted a police investigation that uncovered further disturbing details.

Following the initial incident, authorities uncovered that Free had also engaged in similar behavior with two other young girls during walks between March and September 2018. These victims were also invited to walk with him in isolated parts of Chatteris. In these encounters, Free touched them inappropriately and coerced them into performing sexual acts, exploiting the privacy of the secluded locations to carry out his crimes.

During the investigation, police found a significant amount of illegal material on Free’s electronic devices. When he was arrested on December 4, authorities discovered hundreds of indecent images, including extreme content involving animals. These findings added to the severity of his charges and highlighted a pattern of disturbing behavior.

At Cambridge Crown Court, Free admitted to multiple charges, including the rape of a girl under 13, sexual assault of two other girls, incitement of underage girls to engage in sexual acts, and possession of indecent images. His admissions also included making indecent images of children and possessing extreme images involving animals. The court heard that Free’s actions were premeditated and exploitative, targeting vulnerable young girls in the Chatteris area.

Judge’s sentencing reflected the gravity of his crimes, and Free was handed an 18-year prison term. The case has raised concerns about the safety of children in the community and the importance of vigilance in protecting minors from predators. Cambridgeshire Police and local authorities continue to emphasize the need for awareness and reporting of suspicious behavior to prevent such tragedies from recurring.