Man pleads guilty to sexually abusing two children in Cheshire

A man has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing two children in Cheshire.

Paul Bishop, 43, of the Winsford area, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Monday 21st July, where he admitted eight sexual offences in relation to two victims.

The offences include six offences in relation to one victim and two offences in relation to the second victim. Bishop pleaded guilty to multiple counts of rape, including that of a child under 13, controlling and coercive behaviour and other sexual offences against children.

The abuse took place in the 2000’s and continued for a period of 15 years.

Bishop has since been remanded in custody until Monday 15th September, when he will appear at Chester Crown Court to be sentenced.

Detective Constable Leah Bird, who has been leading on the case, said: 

“Firstly, I would like to commend the two victims in this case, who have shown an immeasurable amount of bravery and resilience throughout this whole process, despite being faced with the prospect of having to relive their trauma by way of a trial.

"Bishop denied his guilt from the date of his arrest and remained uncooperative to the Police investigation for a number of months. When faced with the evidence in this case, Bishop changed his plea to guilty on the first morning of trial for the horrific crimes that he has committed.

“Nobody should have to experience what Bishop’s victims have been though, although I do hope that they can now start to rebuild their lives, knowing that he is finally being held accountable for his actions, and due to be put behind bars where he belongs.”

Detective Constable Bird added: 

“If anything can be achieved from this case, I hope that it encourages other victims of sexual offences to come forward and report them to us.

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

“Victims should never feel ashamed to talk about what they have been subjected to. They will receive the help and support they need from our specialist officers, as well as from other support agencies we work alongside, and all victims of sexual offences have the right to anonymity.”

To report any sexual offence, call Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or visit:

https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/

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

0800 555 111

Pictured - Paul Bishop from the Winsford area.