Predator jailed for 26 years in Northwich

A man has been jailed for 26 years after pleading guilty to sexually abusing four children in Northwich.

James Huband appeared at Chester Crown Court on Thursday 12th February, where he was sentenced to 26 years in prison.

He was also subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

The 48-year-old of the Winsford area, had previously admitted to four counts of rape of a girl under 13, three counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by penetration, four counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching, and four counts of inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

The offences occurred between 2023 and 2025.

During the investigation, specialist officers deployed a seminal detection dog to an area where some of the offences took place. The dog subsequently found Huband’s semen on one of the victim’s blankets.

Following the sentencing, the officer in charge of the case, Detective Constable Savy Joshi, said:

“This has been a really challenging case for a number of reasons, and so I’m relieved our hard work has paid off by securing justice for these innocent children.

“In the initial stages of our investigation, Huband dismissed the allegations outright, attempting to weaponise his status as an adult to portray the victims’ accounts as nothing more than childish imagination. But when PD Ebony located his DNA on one of the victim’s blankets, his attempts to deny responsibility fell short.

“Predators like Huband operate on manipulation and control, doing everything they can to silence and discredit those they harm. Thanks to the meticulous evidence gathered throughout this investigation, and the remarkable courage shown by all four victims, Huband has now been stripped of that control. We have exposed his lies, and he is now being held accountable for the atrocities he has committed.”

Detective Sergeant Laura Bradshaw, the Senior Investigating Officer, said:

“Cases of child sexual abuse are always devastating, but this one has been particularly harrowing for everyone involved.

“The children in this case had their lives shattered by the actions of one man who chose to exploit their vulnerability in the most appalling way. The trauma they have endured is unimaginable, yet they have shown extraordinary bravery throughout this entire investigation.

“Their strength has ensured that no other child will be harmed by Huband, no other child will experience what they have experienced.

“I would like to acknowledge the dedication of my team, who have worked tirelessly to build a comprehensive case that left Huband with no option but to plead guilty.

“His sentence reflects the gravity of the horrific abuse he inflicted upon his victims, and whilst they will never be able to forget about what happened to them, I hope that the conclusion of this case will provide them with some closure and enables them to move forward with their lives.

“I also hope this case encourages other victims of sexual offences to come forward and report them to us.

“Any allegation will be thoroughly investigated, with the wishes and needs of the victim as our main priority.

“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.

Information can also be passed anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.

Pictured - James Huband.