Man jailed for historic sexual abuse in Congleton

A man has been jailed for sexually abusing children in Congleton.

Philip Rigby, previously known as Philip Benson, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Monday 24 March where he was sentenced to 13 years and 3 months in prison and ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.

The 55-year-old of River Street, Congleton, had earlier pleaded guilty to indecent assault on a girl under 14, and five counts of buggery.

During the trial, the court heard how Rigby sexually abused three children between November 1982 and November 1988.

Detective Constable Vicky Taylor, who led the investigation, said: 

“I would like to commend the three complainants who have shown such bravery in this case, despite having to relive what Rigby put them through. Their detailed testimony and cooperation with the investigation was crucial in securing the convictions in this case.

“Rigby was entrusted to look after and protect the victims, and instead he took that trust and used it to take advantage of them, using them for his own sexual gratification.

“It is truly a testament to the strength, courage and determination of the complainants in this case that we have been able to bring Rigby to justice, more than 40 years since the abuse occurred. I hope that the conclusion of this case will provide them with some closure and help them with their recovery.

“Sexual abuse of children causes trauma to all involved, not least the victim themselves, and I urge anyone who has been the victim of a sexual abuse – no matter how long ago the incident took place – to come forward and report it.

“We treat all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously, with the wishes and needs of the victim as our main priority, and any allegations will be thoroughly investigated.”

If you have been a victim of sexual abuse, or know of someone who has, please call us on 101 or visit:

http://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/how-to-report-rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/

Information can also be reported anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on:

0800 555 111

Pictured - Philip Rigby, previously known as Philip Benson.