A Sandbach man and a Middlewich woman have both been jailed in relation to the sexual abuse of a child in Middlewich. 

Alan Townley, of Elton Road, Sandbach and Patricia Jones, of Glastonbury Drive, Middlewich, both appeared at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday 1 October. 

Townley, 61, was sentenced to 17 years in prison plus eight years on extended licence, having previously been found guilty of 12 offences, including rape of a child under 13, sexual assault of a child under 13, causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and actual bodily harm. 

Jones, 58, was sentenced to three years in prison for facilitating the offences. 

The court heard how at the time the offences occurred, between 2010 and 2012, Townley and Jones were in a relationship together. 

Jones was aware that Townley was a convicted sex offender, yet she facilitated Townley's access to the victim, enabling the offences to take place. 

During the trial the court heard how Townley flirted with the nine-year-old girl, buying them flowers and touching her inappropriately. 

His behaviour quickly escalated, and he went on to rape and sexually assault the girl on multiple occasions. When the victim tried to stop him, he would hit her. 

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The only came to light in 2020 when the victim spoke out about what they had endured. 

Both Townley and Jones were subsequently arrested and charged in relation to the offences. 

Following the sentencings, Detective Constable Stacey Thompson, who led the investigation, said:  "Firstly, I would like to commend the bravery of the victim in this case, who not only came forward to report what had happened to them, but also endured the process of a trial after Townley refused to take accountability for his horrifying actions. 

"What Townley subjected them to is truly horrifying, systematically abusing them in order to fulfil his own sexual gratification. 

"What makes this case worse, is the fact that Jones knowingly allowed Townley to have access to the victim, despite being well aware that he was a convicted sex offender. Putting her relationship above the safety and welfare of a vulnerable child. 

"The sentences handed to Townley and Jones reflect the severity of their crime and I hope that his conviction will encourage other victims to come forward. 

"As this case demonstrates, we treat all reports of historic sexual offences seriously, with the wishes and needs of the victim as our main priority, and any allegations will be thoroughly investigated." 

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