CHARLES CHAPMAN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN YORKSHIRE

Charles Andrew Chapman, aged 61 and residing on Sycamore Road in Barlby, Selby, has been handed a severe sentence following his conviction for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed more than ten years ago in the Harrogate area of Yorkshire. The sentencing took place on Thursday, 27 March 2025, after a jury at York Crown Court found him guilty of all 19 charges brought against him on 27 February 2025.

Chapman’s crimes are deeply disturbing and involve a pattern of predatory behavior targeting young girls. The offences include the rape of a girl under the age of 13, as well as assaulting a girl under 13 through penetration. He was also convicted of inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activities, which included both acts of penetration and non-penetrative conduct. Furthermore, he was found guilty of encouraging a girl aged 13 to 15 to participate in penetrative sexual acts, and of assaulting a girl under 13 through touching.

In addition to these, Chapman engaged in sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15, both penetrative and non-penetrative, and committed acts of sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13. He also attempted to involve a girl aged 13 to 15 in sexual acts while in the presence of a child. These offences highlight a disturbing pattern of exploitation and abuse involving vulnerable minors.

The court’s judgment resulted in Chapman being sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment. Beyond this, he will serve an additional one-year period on licence, ensuring close supervision after his release. Moreover, Chapman has been placed on the Register of Sex Offenders for life, a measure that underscores the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community. He has also been subjected to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which aims to restrict his activities and prevent any further harm.

Chapman’s case has sent shockwaves through the local community in Yorkshire, where concerns about safeguarding and the protection of vulnerable children remain paramount. The authorities’ decisive action in prosecuting and sentencing him reflects their commitment to justice and the protection of minors from sexual exploitation.