Bourne Man Jailed For Sex Offences Against Children

19 December 2014, 12:39 | Updated: 19 December 2014, 12:41

Phillip Belcher, aged 49, from Bourne, Lincolnshire was arrested in July 2014 for sex offences against children.

He was subsequently charged and remanded in custody. He appeared at Lincoln Crown Court on Monday 17th December and pleaded guilty to offences including, rape of a female under 13, sexual assault of a female under 13, taking indecent images of a child and inciting a female under 13 to engage in sexual activity. He was sentenced to a total of 22 years, 14 years in prison with 8 years on extended licence.

Detective Claire Hammond wanted to pay tribute to the victims and those affected by Belcher's actions. She said, "This was a harrowing case for everyone involved; the victims have shown great strength and bravery in standing up to ensure Belcher is brought to justice for these offences.

Experienced detectives have been moved by the strength of the victims and their families and the traumatic nature of Belcher's offending.

This case was not straight forward due to the vast areas of the country that the offending has occurred over a sustained period.

Lincolnshire Police will support all victims; we will listen and ensure everyone has the opportunity to speak out against this type of offending, immaterial of when or where this has happened. Anyone offending against children will be brought to justice."