CHRISTOPHER BROOKS RIBCHESTER RUGBY PLAYER SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEENAGE GIRL IN PRESTON

In a case that has shocked the community of Ribchester and the surrounding Preston area, Christopher Brooks, a former professional rugby player, has been sentenced to prison for a serious sexual assault involving a teenage girl. The incident took place on February 22, 2020, and the repercussions have been felt deeply by all involved.

According to court proceedings, Brooks, who was residing on Church Street in Ribchester at the time, engaged in a disturbing act of misconduct with a 15-year-old girl. The court heard that Brooks initially lured the young girl by offering her vodka, which he allegedly used to intoxicate her. Following this, he proceeded to kiss her on the lips and groped her, actions that constitute a grave violation of her personal boundaries and trust.

The victim, whose identity remains protected by legal restrictions, bravely reported the assault to the police. Despite her report, Brooks denied any involvement and chose to contest the allegations in court. The case went to trial, and in July, a jury found Brooks guilty of three counts of sexual activity with a child, a verdict that underscores the severity of his actions.

During the trial, Judge Darren Preston addressed the court, expressing his view that Brooks, whose rugby career was cut short due to injury, had continued to deny the allegations. The judge noted that Brooks even suggested during the proceedings that he had been set up, a claim that the court found unconvincing. Judge Preston emphasized that Brooks persisted in denying responsibility, despite clear evidence against him.

One of the key pieces of evidence was DNA found on the inside of the victim’s bra, which Brooks attempted to explain away with offensive theories, attempting to cast doubt on the facts. The judge stated, “When you were arrested you denied the allegations, but your DNA was found on the inside of the victim’s bra. You then came up with offensive theories as to how the DNA came to be inside her bra – anything to avoid the truth of what happened that night, which is that you were guilty of the attack.”

At the sentencing hearing held on September 13, the victim, who cannot be named publicly, delivered an emotional impact statement. She described how the assault had profoundly affected her life, stating that she was struggling to concentrate at school and was unable to stay in lessons, which negatively impacted her GCSE performance. Her mother also spoke, describing the past three and a half years as a difficult period filled with hardship. She expressed hope that, with the conclusion of the case, her family could begin to heal and that Brooks would never harm another child again.

Brooks, aged 34, has no prior criminal convictions apart from an old driving offence. Nonetheless, the court sentenced him to three and a half years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, a measure designed to protect the community and prevent further harm.

This case highlights the ongoing issues surrounding child protection and the importance of reporting and prosecuting sexual offences, especially those involving vulnerable minors. The community of Ribchester and Preston will undoubtedly be affected by the outcome, and the case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact such crimes have on victims and their families.