'Predatory' Leeds child rapist gets 22-year sentence for historic sex offences against girl

Christopher Hector was given an extended jail sentence totalling 22 years after a jury at Leeds Crown Court found him guilty of 14 serious sexual offences against a child under 13.

During the week-long trial, jurors heard Hector targeted the victim when she was aged between five and 11 years old.

Hector, now aged 72, began carrying out the offences in the east Leeds area when he was aged in his thirties.

The jury heard the victim was left in pain after some of the offences.

The offending did not come to light until she found the courage to report the abuse to police decades later.

West Yorkshire Police praised the victim's bravery after Hector was found guilty of all charges and was given an extended prison sentence totalling 22 years.

Judge Andrew Stubbs, QC, told Hector that he was imposing the sentence as he considered him to pose to a serious danger to children.

The jury found Hector guilty of four counts of rape, two of attempted rape, seven of indecent assault and a further count of inciting a child to commit a serious sexual offence.

Hector, now of Medeira Drive, Brighton, was told he must serve a custodial term of 20 years followed by a further two years on licence.

Detective Inspector Emma Wight, of Leeds District Safeguarding Unit, said: “We welcome this sentence which reflects the predatory and prolonged nature of the offences that Hector has committed against the victim in this case.

“The victim showed great courage in coming forward as an adult to report these crimes which were committed against her as a child.

"While she is still living with the repercussions of his actions, I hope that the fact he is now behind bars will provide her with some form of closure.

“This investigation demonstrates that we will act on information about sexual offences, whether current or historic.

"We have dedicated safeguarding teams who are well experienced in investigating such offences and supporting victims throughout the process.

"I would urge anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence to please report it.”