John Blake

A couple from Chester, Cheshire, have been imprisoned following a harrowing case of child sexual abuse that spanned seven years. John Blake, aged 61, and his partner Emmalene Jones, aged 31, targeted three young girls aged between nine and 15, subjecting them to systematic abuse for their own sexual gratification.

The abuse came to light through the bravery of the victims, who came forward despite the trauma. Cheshire Police described the actions as 'truly horrifying'. Blake was found guilty of 14 counts of sexual abuse at Chester Crown Court. Judge Steven Everett branded Blake a 'sexual monster' with 'deviant sexual desires' who preyed on the three young children. Blake, residing at Crabwell Place in Chester, was sentenced to 26 years in prison and ordered to sign the sex offenders' register for life.

Emmalene Jones played a complicit role, convicted of two counts of causing a child to take part in a sexual act. Under Blake's influence, she encouraged the children to participate in the sexual acts and was aware of his offences throughout the period. Jones received a two-year prison sentence and must sign the sex offenders' register for 10 years.

Detective Constable Jessica Barlow of Cheshire Police commended the victims' courage: 'What Blake and Jones did to them is truly horrifying, they systematically abused the girls over a number of years in order to fulfil their own sexual gratification.' The trial process was particularly distressing for the victims, who had to recount the abuse in court. The offences occurred in Cheshire over a seven-year period, though exact dates were not specified in court reports.

This case underscores the long-term impact of such predatory behaviour on vulnerable children, with police emphasising the importance of victims speaking out. Both offenders share the same address in Chester, highlighting the domestic nature of the abuse.