Andrew McQueen

Andrew McQueen, aged 30 and residing on Thomas Street in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, was sentenced to five years in prison at Gloucester Crown Court on 13 June for committing multiple rapes against his younger sister, Charlotte McQueen, over two decades ago.

The offences occurred when McQueen was between 11 and 15 years old, and his sister was aged between 9 and 13. During this period, McQueen subjected Charlotte to repeated sexual abuse, including rape, which she later described as robbing her of her innocence, mental health, and happiness. Charlotte spent four years of her childhood living in fear of sexual and physical violence from her brother, who was supposed to protect her. The abuse led to long-term effects, including 10 years of battling mental health issues, self-harm, and a pervasive sense of shame and guilt that she carried for years.

The case came to light in February this year when McQueen texted Charlotte seeking forgiveness for his actions as a child. The conversation escalated, with McQueen sending threatening messages directed at her and her children. This prompted Charlotte to disclose the historical abuse to police. Officers from Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Criminal Investigation Department arrested McQueen, who eventually admitted to both sending the threatening texts and committing the rapes. He claimed to police that he had been drunk when sending the texts and cited his own mental health issues.

Earlier in the year, McQueen had pleaded guilty to nine non-recent sexual offences against his sister. At the sentencing hearing, Charlotte waived her right to anonymity and delivered a powerful victim impact statement to the court. She stated: 'Andrew, my big brother, was supposed to protect me. Instead, I spent four years of my childhood living in fear of sexual and physical violence from him. Andrew took my innocence, my mental health and my happiness.' She further explained how McQueen had used the abuse as a 'badge of honour', constantly reminding her of it and punishing her for her successes while struggling himself. Charlotte's decision to come forward was driven by the realisation that she could no longer allow him to intimidate her or threaten her family.

McQueen must serve at least two years and eight months of his five-year sentence before being eligible for release. The investigating officer, Detective Constable Sarah Riordan from Gloucestershire Constabulary, commended Charlotte's bravery in confronting her brother after so many years. The case was reported by the Wilts & Gloucestershire Standard, highlighting Charlotte's encouragement for other victims to seek justice.