Spencer King

A man from Banbury has been imprisoned after a jury found him guilty of committing nine serious child sex offences against a young victim over a two-year period. Spencer King, aged 54 and formerly residing in Banbury, was sentenced at Northampton Crown Court on 3 February 2023, receiving a total of nine years and six months behind bars for his abhorrent actions.

The abuse came to light when the victim, demonstrating remarkable courage, reported the offences to Northamptonshire Police. King, who denied the allegations during his police interview and pleaded not guilty at court, forced the case to proceed to a full trial. Despite the challenges, including delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the victim persisted and provided compelling testimony against her abuser.

In November 2022, a jury at Northampton Crown Court convicted King on seven counts of sexual assault, one count of sexually assaulting a girl under 13, and one count of sexually assaulting a girl aged 13 to 15 by penetration. The court heard how King had exploited and abused the victim repeatedly, causing profound harm. In addition to his custodial sentence, King was issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an indefinite restraining order to protect the public and prevent further offending.

• King's denial persisted throughout the investigation and trial, but the evidence presented convinced the jury of his guilt.
• The victim faced King in court, detailing the abuse and refusing to let it define her life.

Detective Constable James Wright from the Child Abuse Investigation Unit commented on the case, stating: “This case took a long time to bring to trial due to a number of issues and the Covid-19 pandemic, but the victim never wavered. She has shown strength, bravery and tenacity beyond her years, facing Spencer King at court during the trial to tell him and the jury exactly what he had done to her.” Wright further noted that the jury saw through King's lies, leading to his conviction for these serious sexual offences. The sentencing provides King with time to reflect on his actions, as reported by the Banbury Guardian on 8 February 2023.