Winsford man jailed after sexually assaulting a child

A man from Winsford has been jailed after he pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual activity with a child.

Bradley Challinor appeared at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday 4 March where he was sentenced to four years and four months in prison.

The 24-year-old of Castlemill Court, Winsford, had previously pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual activity with a child and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

He was also found not guilty of one count of rape at an earlier trial.

The court heard how in the early hours of Sunday 19 May 2024, Challinor sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl in Winsford, by having sexual intercourse with the child.

The victim reported that following the incident Challinor had encouraged her not to report the matter and had even purchased her a number of gifts in an attempt to persuade her not to contact police.

Despite his pleas, the victim later made a disclosure to a family member who reported the incident to police.

An investigation was launched and Challinor was arrested in relation to the incident. During questioning he refused to answer any questions in relation to the sexual offences. Despite his silence, he was later charged in relation to the incident.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Felicity Gregory, of Northwich PVP Unit, said:

“Firstly, I would like to commend the victim for the strength and courage she has shown throughout this investigation, and I hope the sentence handed to Challinor will allow her to move forward with her life.

 “Challinor is clearly a dangerous individual, he was in a position of trust, and he chose to take advantage of his victim. The fact that he attempted to bribe her not to report the incident to police, clearly demonstrates that he had no remorse for his actions and was only interested in himself.

 “But thankfully as a result of the evidence gathered and the bravery of the victim, he is now being held accountable for his actions."

In addition to the custodial sentence Challinor was ordered to sign the sexual offender's register and comply with a sexual harm prevention order for life.

DC Gregory added: 

“Nobody should have to experience what the victim has been though and if anything can come from this case, I hope that it encourages other victims of sexual offences to come forward and report them to us.

“Cheshire Constabulary takes any allegation of sexual offences extremely seriously, and any allegation will be thoroughly investigated, with the wishes and needs of the victim as our main priority.

“Victims should never feel ashamed to talk about what they have been subjected to. They will receive the help and support they need from our specialist officers, as well as from other support agencies we work alongside, and all victims of sexual offences have the right to anonymity.”

To report any sexual offence, call Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or report online .

In an emergency always call 999. Information can also be given anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.