A NORTHFIELD man has been jailed for 25 years for raping a child and being in possession of child sexual abuse material.
Andrew Speers from Bell Court was sentenced after being found guilty of multiple offences.
The 53-year-old will remain on the sex offender register for the rest of his life.
Speers was arrested in July last year after a warrant was carried out at his home address. His digital devices were seized and were found to contain a substantial amount child sexual abuse material.
Following further investigation from West Midlands Police’s OCSET (Online Child Sexual Exploitation Team), the 53-year-old man was also arrested for raping a child.
Speers pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children, but not guilty to multiple offences of raping a child.
However, following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court, the 53-year-old was found guilty in March this year.
The force said it was a truly horrendous case but, thankfully, due to the bravery of the victim coming forward, it was able to ensure Speers has now been jailed.
West Midlands Police has encouraged anyone who has suffered sex offences to come forward and tell their story.
It added reporting rape, sexual assault or another sexual crime like indecent exposure or upskirting can be daunting.
“We’re here to support you whether you’re ready to report it to us or if you’d prefer to talk to someone else.”
If they do not want to go to the police, people can go to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor service (ISVA) or another support service.
For more on how to report a rape or sexual assault to West Midlands Police click here.
