In 2026, the Offender Database recorded that Anthony Kingston, 57, was jailed for 14 and a half years for the rape and sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl in Burnley. On appearing at Preston Crown Court in March 2026, the defendant—of Roundwood Avenue, Bradford—pleaded guilty partway through a third trial to rape, two sexual assaults on a child under 13, and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. It was reported that the abuse was uncovered after the victim found the courage to disclose Kingston’s actions to her primary school teachers.
The investigation established that Kingston intentionally obstructed the judicial process for over a year. Lancashire Constabulary reported that Kingston denied all wrongdoing during police interviews and failed to attend court for his trial on two separate occasions, in October 2024 and July 2025. The prosecution reported that even after the victim’s mother had finished giving her evidence during the second trial, Kingston disappeared, forcing a further adjournment. The investigation established that it was only in January 2026, during a third attempt at a trial, that he finally admitted his crimes.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Kingston’s actions had a devastating impact on the young survivor, who was described by her mother as having her innocence taken away. Preston Crown Court heard that the child, once happy and outgoing, has become a completely different person who now struggles at school as a result of the trauma. The investigation established that Kingston’s refusal to attend court “dragged the family through the courts” for an unnecessary length of time, compounding the distress caused by the original offences.
Judge and Legal Counsel noted the disgraceful nature of Kingston’s attempts to evade justice. For his actions in Burnley, Kingston was handed a custodial sentence of 14 years and six months. The judge noted the bravery of the child in speaking out to her teachers, ordering Kingston to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life to ensure he is monitored indefinitely upon his eventual release from prison.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Anthony Kingston is as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: 14 years and 6 months (Sentenced March 2026).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active for life.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Preston Crown Court following a Lancashire Constabulary investigation.
- Criminal Record: Rape of a child under 13; Sexual assault on a child under 13 (2 counts); Inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
- Origin: Roundwood Avenue, Bradford, West Yorkshire (Offences in Burnley, Lancashire).
Monitoring and Public Protection
Kingston is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) at the highest level of scrutiny. Due to the nature of his conduct in Burnley, which involved the rape of a 10-year-old and a persistent effort to skip court dates, his management is a maximum priority for the Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his history of failing to appear in court necessitates strict supervision by the prison and probation services to ensure he remains in custody for the duration of his sentence.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register for life, Kingston must comply with all notification requirements regarding his identity and residence. Authorities state that his history of targeting a child in Lancashire requires permanent vigilance by local offender management teams. Any future attempt to approach a minor, travel without authorisation, or fail to disclose his location to the authorities will result in immediate arrest and a return to the prison system for the remainder of his term and beyond.
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