REECE UPTON / ADAM HASTINGS

SEX OFFENDERS WHO EVADED POLICE FOR 11 DAYS JAILED

Two men who committed sexual offences against a teenage boy have been sentenced to prison.

Adam Hastings, 28, and Reece Upton, 29, both of no fixed address, were jailed on Friday for nine and four years respectively after admitting to engaging in sexual activity with a child.

Following the victim's report, the pair managed to evade police for 11 days, with sightings of them reported in Wiltshire.

Hastings pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, while Upton admitted to one count of sexual activity with a child.

The offences occurred between April and June of the previous year in Newbury, Berkshire, although both men have connections to Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.

They were arrested on June 24 and pleaded guilty during their trial on November 19.

An investigating officer, Det Con Cerys Sumpter, described the case as a "complex investigation" where the offenders actively tried to evade police.

She stated, "I am satisfied that Hastings and Upton have been given custodial sentences reflecting their crime; however, no punishment can ever compare to the pain and anguish the victim had to endure.

I hope the conviction will bring them some closure on their ordeal."