Man jailed for 24 years after 'campaign of rape'

A man who carried out what a judge has described as a "campaign of rape" has been jailed for 24 years.

Christopher Beasley, 33, was found guilty at Leeds Crown Court of six counts of rape, three of child cruelty and one of controlling or coercive behaviour.

Beasley, from Beeston in Leeds, was sentenced at the same court on Thursday and was told he would spend an additional five years on licence after having served his prison sentence.

Beasley's victim had reported him in 2022 and an investigation by the Homicide and Major Inquiry Team uncovered a "catalogue of offending" dating back to 2011, a West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said.

Det Con Josh Holroyd, the investigating officer, said: "I would like to praise the bravery and resilience of all the victims in this case and thank them for their patience and trust.

"The significant sentence imposed on Beasley shows the seriousness of his offending and I hope will give some closure to those involved.

"[We] are committed to seeing perpetrators brought to justice."

Det Con Holroyd said he hoped Beasley's sentence would give others the confidence to come forward and report similar crimes.

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