Brian Lines

Brian Lines, an 84-year-old resident of Leek in Staffordshire, was sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on 21 May 2024 following a trial where he was found guilty of 29 sexual offences. The offences, which spanned from 1970 to 2009, involved multiple victims, primarily young girls under the age of 16.

The charges included three counts of rape of a female under 16, three counts of rape of a female over 16, one count of attempted rape of a female under 16, 16 counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 16, four counts of sexual assault, one count of assault of a girl under 13 by touching, and one count of sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15. All offences occurred in Staffordshire and were reported to authorities in August 2021, leading to Lines' arrest shortly thereafter.

• The investigation was conducted by the Staffordshire Police Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team.
• Lines was charged in January 2023 after a thorough inquiry.
• Despite denying the allegations, a jury convicted him earlier in May 2024.

In addition to the 30 years' imprisonment, Lines received an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life. The extended licence period of one year means he will be subject to supervision for an additional year post-release, if applicable.

DC Annie Blairs of the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team commented: "The sentence was only possible thanks to the sheer determination and bravery of Lines’ victims. Despite denying the offences, a jury saw through his lies and he will now spend the rest of his life in prison." She further noted the significant and long-lasting impact on the victims, emphasising the police's commitment to investigating sexual offences and supporting those affected. The case was reported by Moorlands Radio on 22 May 2024.