March 2012

Jail for Blackburn man who sexually assaulted children as young as seven

A Blackburn man, who sexually assaulted three children over four years, has been jailed for over six years.

Christopher Charnock, 43, of Hope Street, Blackburn, appeared at Preston Crown Court today after pleading guilty to seven counts of sexual assault against children under the age of 13 and four counts of sexual activity with a child. He was jailed for six years eight months and ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life. He was also given an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).

Charnock admitted sexually assaulting the children who were aged between seven and 13 at the time of the offences which occurred between 2007 and 2011.

He was arrested after an investigation by Blackburn CID.

DC Mick Ingram from Blackburn CID said: “These were truly despicable crimes against vulnerable and defenceless children.

“Charnock refused to admit his guilt or explain why he committed these crimes throughout the police interviews. Pleading guilty before the start of the trial meant his victims did not have to relive the ordeal in court.

“I commend the children and their families involved in this case. They have suffered tremendously under difficult circumstances and I hope the sentence will offer some comfort to them.”