CHRISTOPHER FREEMAN CONVICTED SEX OFFENDER FROM COLNE AND SOWERBY BRIDGE SENTENCED TO TWO YEARS IN PRISON

In a serious case that has shocked the communities of Colne and Sowerby Bridge, Christopher Freeman, a 29-year-old man with a troubling criminal history, has been sentenced to two years in prison for a disturbing incident involving a young schoolgirl. The incident took place in Colne, where Freeman was living at the time, and involved him confronting a school-aged girl in a manner that has left a lasting impact on the local community.

According to court proceedings at Burnley Crown Court, Freeman approached the girl in a doorway and asked her, “Do you want to play?” His actions quickly escalated as he blocked her escape route, trapping her in the vicinity. Despite his efforts to detain her, the girl managed to push past him, breaking free from his grasp. She then ran to her mother, visibly upset, crying and clearly distressed by the encounter. The court heard that this incident occurred between November 2008 and January 2009.

At the time of the incident, Freeman was residing in Colne with his pregnant partner. It was revealed during the trial that he had not initially disclosed his criminal past to her. Freeman’s criminal record is extensive; he had previously served a six-year prison sentence in 1999 after being convicted of rape. During that earlier conviction, he was found to have pinned his victim to the floor, tied her wrists with telephone wire, and held scissors and a piece of glass to her neck, demonstrating a pattern of violent and predatory behavior.

Freeman was already on the sex offenders’ register for life when he committed the latest offence. His criminal history and the nature of his previous crimes underscored the court’s concern about his potential threat to the public. The court noted that Freeman had been living most recently on Hollins Lane in Sowerby Bridge, where he was residing at the time of his arrest. He was charged with causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, a serious offence that carries significant legal consequences.

In addition to his two-year prison sentence, Freeman received a five-year extended licence period, during which he will be under strict supervision. He was also banned from working with children for life and was subject to an indefinite sexual offences prevention order, aimed at preventing any future harm. The judge, Recorder Neil Flewitt, QC, expressed his view that Freeman was a dangerous individual who posed a substantial risk of causing serious harm to children. He emphasized that the victim’s quick reaction prevented what could have been a far more sinister outcome. The judge also pointed out that Freeman had failed to engage with a sex offenders’ treatment programme and had once again violated the terms of the sex offenders’ register.

Lisa Roberts, prosecuting, stated that the victim was interviewed via video in October 2009, providing crucial evidence that contributed to Freeman’s conviction. Freeman was arrested in Huddersfield, where he was then living, and during questioning, he denied any wrongdoing. Charlotte Holland, representing Freeman, acknowledged that her client was aware of the likelihood of a lengthy custodial sentence, reflecting the gravity of his actions and criminal history.