Man jailed for 18 years for sexual offences against girls

A man has been jailed after admitting sexual offences against young girls dating back to 1989.

Ian Sutcliffe, of Dart Walk in Winsford, was sentenced to 18 years on Friday 29th May at Chester Crown Court.

The 59-year-old had previously admitted unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 and gross indecency with a girl under 14 relating to one female victim in 1998.

He had also pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault on a girl under 16 in relation to a second female victim between 1989 and 1994.

In April 2024, one of the victims reported the offences, which had taken place in Winsford, to police.

She recalled that Sutcliffe had sexually assaulted and raped her when she was a child. A further woman reported that she had been sexually assaulted by Sutcliffe at around the same time when she was also a child.

Following his arrest, Sutcliffe denied the offences during interview, but once charged, pleaded guilty at court.

On top of his 18-year sentence, Sutcliffe is subject to restraining order to protect the victims and must sign the Sex Offender Register indefinitely.

Detective Constable Jessica Small said:

“Firstly, I would like to recognise the courage shown by the victims in this case who have had to carry the weight of what happened to them on their shoulders for all these years.

“Sutcliffe has been handed a substantial custodial sentence for his wicked actions, and this is thanks to the bravery of the two victims in coming forward and speaking to police.

“I hope this case shows that it is never too late to report an offence and we will always investigate every report thoroughly.

“You can report a sexual offence to Cheshire Police by calling 101 or reporting it online via our website.”

Pictured - Ian Sutcliffe of Dart Walk in Winsford.