Congleton man jailed after admitting sex offences

A man from Congleton has been sentenced after admitting a number of sex offences.

Craig Yates, from Washford Close, appeared at Chester Crown Court on 23 June where he was sentenced to 20 months in prison for two counts of causing or inciting the sexual exploitation of a child aged 13 – 17 and one count of possession of an indecent photograph/pseudo photograph of a child.

The 28-year-old had previously pleaded guilty to the offences.

Yates was also ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for 10 years and was handed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order along with a 20-year restraining order.

The offences occurred between 2017 and 2019 while he was the victim’s swimming instructor.

DC Tracy Burndred said: “Yates took advantage of his position of trust as a swimming instructor and manipulated his young victim which caused her great distress and trauma. With the support of her family she bravely came forward and gave evidence which Yates fully admitted when interviewed by police.

“I hope this conviction will enable the victim and her family to move on from this traumatic event and that this will encourage other victims of any type of sexual offence to come forward – no matter how long ago it took place. You will be listened to and we will support you every step of the way, whether that’s getting you the right support and help from other agencies, or going through the court process to its conclusion.”

Anyone who is a victim of a sexual offence can call Cheshire Police on 101 or report it via our website.

Pictured - Craig Yates, from Washford Close in Congleton.