In 2026, the Offender Database reported that Jacob Atkinson, then 55, of Birkdale Road, Anstey, Leicester, was sentenced to seven years in prison. On Friday, 30 January 2026, Atkinson appeared at Preston Crown Court for a series of historical sexual offences committed in Rossendale, Lancashire.
The investigation established that during the 1980s, Atkinson raped and indecently assaulted a child. The offences began when the victim was nine years old and continued until Atkinson left the area for university. The prosecution reported that the abuse remained a secret for four decades until the survivor disclosed the trauma to her husband, the Truth Project, and finally Lancashire Constabulary.
Judicial Findings and Sentencing
Following a trial in April 2025, a jury found Atkinson guilty of rape, indecent assault, and indecency with a child. The judge noted that the seven-year term was reached by balancing the gravity of the crimes with the sentencing powers available at the time of the offences in the 1980s. The court reported that Atkinson’s age and the historical nature of the case were factored into the final custodial decision.
The judge emphasised that the survivor’s decision to come forward after forty years was a testament to her courage. The prosecution noted that the “vile” nature of the attacks, which targeted a primary-school-aged child, necessitated a significant prison sentence and lifelong monitoring. For his crimes in Rossendale, the court determined that Atkinson poses a permanent risk to children.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in Rossendale, Lancashire, Jacob Atkinson was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: Seven years in immediate custody.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were imposed for life.
- Convictions: Found guilty of rape, indecent assault, and indecency with a child.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Atkinson is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Leicestershire Police and Lancashire Constabulary. His history of targeting a vulnerable child over several years means his status remains under scrutiny.
As a lifetime member of the Sex Offenders Register, Atkinson must comply with notification requirements regarding his residence in Anstey, Leicester. Authorities state that his historical offending necessitates supervision to prevent further harm. Any breach of his registration conditions or his licence terms following his release from prison will result in his immediate return to Preston Crown Court.
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