A 20-year-old man who committed a series of sexual offences against multiple children in Guernsey has been sentenced to 15 years and 5 months in prison.
Ben Spruce was found guilty of two counts of rape of a child, one of sexual assault of a child and two of sexual touching of a child in a Royal Court trial in March.
He also admitted three counts of sexually touching another child and to sending and receiving indecent images of children online.
The majority of these offences took place in 2023 and early 2024, when Spruce was a teenager. He contacted multiple children via social media, initiating sexual conversations with them, asking for photos and sending explicit images of himself.
His trial heard how he pressured the girl he would go on to rape into meeting up in person.
Today (21 May), Spruce, now 20, was handed a prison sentence of 15 years and 5 months.
After the sentencing Detective Inspector Ian Tanner from Public Protection Unit read a police statement outside the Royal Court.
He says agencies worked together on this case to bring Spruce to justice.
"A complex investigation was undertaken by the Public Protection Unit, which involved working closely with our partner agencies, including Education and charities such as Victim Support and Witness Service, to ensure that all victims and children affected were offered full and appropriate support.
"This resulting investigation and work of the Law Officers of the Crown has resulted in this conviction today.
"Our officers are committed to relentlessly pursuing those who seek to exploit young people in our community, working tirelessly to secure convictions.
"Along with this, our partners in Health & Social Care, Education, and the third sector work tirelessly to support young people who have been victim to these horrific crimes. We are deeply grateful for their unwavering dedication, expertise, and the vital support they provide.
"We strongly encourage anyone who has experienced these types of crimes to come forward and report them to the police.
"You will be fully supported throughout the investigation and any subsequent court proceedings, by our officers and dedicated partner agencies."
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