MAN WHO RAPED GIRL WHEN HE WAS A TEENAGER JAILED
A man from Chester who sexually assaulted a minor during his teenage years has been sentenced to prison.Lucas Spilsbury, aged 23 and residing on Saxon Way, was convicted on all 14 charges related to the sexual abuse of the girl, including two counts of rape.
The verdict was reached at Chester Crown Court earlier this year.
During the sentencing hearing on Monday, October 14, Spilsbury received a five-year sentence, with the stipulation that he must serve at least two-thirds of this term before becoming eligible for parole.
Prosecutor Frances Willmott indicated that most of the offences occurred when Spilsbury was 16, except for two charges one of rape and another of sexual touching that took place several months later when he was 17.
Judge Mark Ainsworth, who presided over the case, explained he believed Spilsbury must have known the girl’s age, which cannot be disclosed but was estimated to be around 12 during the earliest offenses.
Ms Willmott highlighted the impact statements from the victim, describing ongoing severe difficulties, including self-harm, obsessive-compulsive behaviours, stress from the police investigation, and the need for extensive counselling.
She emphasised that these issues affected her daily life and her family, and that testifying and being cross-examined was among the hardest experiences she faced.
The court acknowledged police had given the victim time to report the abuse, noting there was a delay between the initial and follow-up interviews.
Officers suspected that something more had occurred, which the victim confirmed only after the second interview.
The court also learned that Spilsbury had 14 prior convictions for 23 offences, with most of these convictions related to violence.
The sexual offences coincided with his second, third, and fourth convictions.
Defending, Mark LeBrocq argued that a pre-sentence report showed Spilsbury suffered from depression, anxiety, ADHD, traits of autism, and emotional immaturity, which he urged the court to consider.
The judge acknowledged the serious nature of Spilsbury’s offences but emphasised the importance of recognising his emotional and developmental maturity alongside his age.
Consequently, he was sentenced to prison, registered as a sex offender indefinitely, and issued a restraining order preventing any contact with the victim.
