Birmingham man jailed for historic sex crimes after brave victim came forward to report years of abuse
A Birmingham man has been locked up for sexual abuse dating back to the 1990s after his victim bravely came forward to report his crimes.
Carl Chapman, aged 61, was sentenced earlier this month after West Midlands Police launched an investigation into reports he had sexually abused a girl over a period of nearly 10 years.
The offences took place between 1996 and 2004.
Chapman would bribe the victim and even threatened to kill her family.
She bravely came forward to report the offences and following an investigation by officers Chapman was arrested and brought before the courts for his crimes.
Chapman appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Friday, August 8 following a trial in April this year after which he was found guilty of 19 counts including indecent assault on a girl under 16, inciting a girl under 16 to commit an act of gross indecency, inciting a girl under 14 to commit an act of gross indecency and inciting a girl aged 13-15 to engage in sexual activity.
Chapman, of Minstead Road, Erdington, Birmingham, was jailed for 17 years and will also be on the sex offenders register for the rest of his life.
Detective Sergeant Chloe Collins, who investigated the case, said: “I want to commend the courage and bravery of the victim in coming forward and reporting Chapman’s deplorable crimes to us.
“She showed so much bravery not only in reporting but showed her strength throughout the investigation, trial, and the sentencing.
“We would not have been able to put Chapman behind bars without her courage and I thank her for that.
“I hope the jail term handed out gives her some closure and serves as a reminder to other victims of crime to come forward and make a report – it’s never too late.”
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said they have dedicated teams across the force whose job it is to investigate rape and serious sexual assaults.
They said: "If you are a victim, whether the incident happened hours ago, or twenty years or more, come forward and report it to us – no matter how much time has passed, please report it.
"Our officers will always thoroughly investigate and offer support to anyone who is a victim of sexual abuse."
For more information, visit https://www.westmidlands.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice.
