Man jailed for historic child sexual offences

A man has been jailed for 10 years for historic child sexual offences.

The offences, which took place in the 1980s, were reported in 2021 and police praised the victim's bravery in coming forward to report then.

Mark Simpkin from Stoke-on-Trent was found guilty of one count of sexual assault, one count of indecent assault of a child and four counts of indecency with a child.

The 56-year-old was sentenced at the city's crown court following a four-day trial in November last year.

Det Con Michael Hall, the officer in the case, said: “This case shows that it doesn’t matter how long it takes, we will always do whatever we can to support victims and help them achieve justice.

“I would encourage anyone affected by sexual abuse, no matter how recent, to get in touch with us. You will be believed, supported and offenders will be brought to justice.”