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Christopher Ackroyd, a 32-year-old man from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after being found guilty of a series of serious sexual offences against a young girl. The offences, which took place earlier this decade, included one count of attempted rape, four counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, one count of sexual assault of a child under 13, and one count of causing a child to watch a sexual act. Ackroyd was also convicted of witness intimidation.
The case came to light following a report to the police, leading to an investigation by detectives from Wakefield’s District Safeguarding Unit. Ackroyd stood trial at Leeds Crown Court in August, where he was found guilty on all counts. On Tuesday, 16 October 2025, he appeared for sentencing before the court. Judge [name not specified in article] imposed a sentence of nine years for the sexual offences, with an additional consecutive year for the witness intimidation charge, totalling 10 years' imprisonment.
Offences committed: Earlier this decade (exact dates not specified) Trial date: August 2025 Sentencing date: 16 October 2025 In addition to the custodial sentence, Ackroyd was made subject to a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order and required to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life. These measures are intended to protect the public from further harm by restricting his activities and ensuring ongoing monitoring upon his release.
Detective Constable Khi Smith, from Wakefield’s District Safeguarding Unit, commented on the case: “First and foremost, I would like to thank the victim for coming forward, for talking to us and trusting us. Her courage and bravery throughout this investigation have been key to ensuring that Ackroyd was convicted of these horrendous offences. He is a dangerous sexual predator, and I hope that his prison sentence brings her some comfort as she begins to move forward with her life.” The investigation underscores the importance of victims reporting such crimes, with DC Smith adding: “We would encourage victims of this kind of offending to come forward. What you tell us will be investigated and you will be believed.”
This conviction highlights the efforts of West Yorkshire Police in tackling child sexual exploitation and abuse. The case was reported by the Wakefield Express on 16 October 2025, based on court proceedings at Leeds Crown Court. Source: Wakefield Express article, published 16 October 2025.