Man sentenced for non-recent child sex offences – Chesham

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been sentenced for non-recent child sex offences in Chesham. 

Joshua Holt (pictured below), aged 37, of Vernon Road, Chester, was sentenced to three years and eight months’ imprisonment at Aylesbury Crown Court on Thursday (10/9). 

Holt will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life. 

After a two-day trial on 14 July of this year at the same court, Holt pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault on a female contrary to section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. 

At his first hearing on 23 December 2025, Holt pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual assault on a female contrary to Section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act. 

Between September 2020 and January 2021, Holt sexually assaulted the victim, who was a teenage girl at the time, on multiple occasions. 

Holt was charged by postal requisition on 18 October 2025. 

Investigating officer Detective Constable Eleanor Bleech of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit said: “I would like to commend the victim for the courage and bravery she has shown throughout this investigation.  

“By coming forward and reporting what happened to her, she has enabled us to bring Joshua Holt before the courts and secure this conviction. 

“I hope that today's sentence provides her with a sense of justice and demonstrates that offenders will be held accountable for their actions, regardless of how much time has passed. 

“I would also like to thank the victim for the support and cooperation she has provided throughout the investigation and court process.  

“I recognise how difficult it can be for victims of sexual offences to relive traumatic experiences, and her strength and determination have been instrumental in achieving this outcome. 

“Thames Valley Police takes sexual offences against children very seriously, whether this is a recent offence or something which has happened many years ago. 

“I encourage anyone with information about sexual offences and victims of sexual offences to contact the police.” 

You can contact the force in many ways, by calling 101, via our website, or by visiting a police station. 

To report any sexual offence, call police on 101 or use our website. 

In an emergency, always call 999. 

Information can also be given anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111. 

SG 

Note to editor: 

Holt changed his plea from not guilty to guilty for two counts of sexual assault on a female contrary to Section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act on the second day of the trial on 14 July 2026.