Man sentenced to prison for sexual offences against a child - Oxfordshire

A man has been sentenced to prison for sexual offences involving a child which occurred more than 40 years ago.

Jeffrey Phillips, aged 71, of Walkden Road, Worsley, Manchester, was sentenced to a total of five years and six months’ imprisonment at Oxford Crown Court on Friday (15/7).

He had been found guilty by unanimous verdict at Aylesbury Crown Court on 13 June this year of four counts of indecent assault on a girl and one count of gross indecency with a girl.

Phillips was acquitted of one count of indecency with a child.

His offences took place in Oxfordshire between 1972 and 1980 and involved one victim.

A report was made to Thames Valley Police about Phillips’ crimes in 2015 and an investigation began.

He was charged with the offences in April last year.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Nicola Fullerton of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: “This was a very lengthy investigation into offences which occurred more than 40 years ago.

“I am pleased that thanks to the bravery of the victim in coming forward, as well as the investigation which was carried out, that Phillips has been brought to justice for his crimes.

“His offending has had a huge impact on the victim’s life – he robbed her of her childhood innocence, causing significant emotional and psychological distress, and it is testament to her courage that he is now facing time in prison.

“I hope that this case demonstrates to other people who may have been the victim of such offending that it is never too late to come forward and talk to the police.

“We will listen to you, investigate and do everything that we can to ensure criminals like Phillips are brought to justice.”

JA