Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Friday 28th March 2025, at 07:00hrs
Charles Andrew Chapman, 61, of Barlby, Selby, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the appalling sexual abuse of two young girls in the Harrogate area.
The sentencing, handed down at York Crown Court on Thursday, March 27, 2025, follows his conviction on all 19 charges last month.
Chapman’s catalogue of crimes, committed over a decade ago, included the rape and sexual assault of girls under the age of 13, and inciting children to engage in various forms of sexual activity.
The full list of offences reveals the shocking extent of his depravity:
* Rape of a girl under 13
* Assault a girl under 13 by penetration
* Cause or incite a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity (both penetration and non-penetration)
* Cause or incite a girl aged 13-15 to engage in penetrative sexual activity
* Assault a girl under 13 by penetration
* Assault a girl under 13 by touching
* Engage in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15
* Engage in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15
* Engage in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13
* Attempt to engage in sexual activity in the presence of a child aged 13-15
In addition to the lengthy prison sentence, Chapman will serve an extra year on license, be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life, and is subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Detective Sergeant Kirsty Smith praised the victims’ courage, stating,
“I highly commend the bravery of both victims in reporting the horrendous sexual abuse they suffered as children at the hands of this vile man. Chapman denied the allegations throughout the whole investigation, therefore making the victims go through the nerve-wracking process of giving evidence against him at court.
The offences are of the most serious nature and Chapman has been forced to face justice thanks to the courage and determination the victims.”
North Yorkshire Police have urged anyone who has experienced or witnessed sexual abuse, regardless of when it occurred, to come forward.
Support is available through various agencies, including:
* North Yorkshire Police: 101 or online
* Emergency services: 999 (in immediate danger)
* NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
* Childline: 0800 1111
* Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC): 0330 223 0362
* Supporting Victims in North Yorkshire: http://supportingvictims.org or 01609 643100.
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