A man has been found guilty of child sexual offences and has been sentenced to nine years in prison.

Detectives from Cleveland Police’s Child Abuse and Vulnerable Adults (CAVA) Unit began an investigation into Alan Trattles after being contacted by a third party in the summer of 2017.

It was reported that the 43-year-old had committed child abuse over several years until an 11-year-old girl disclosed what had happened to her.

As the investigation continued CAVA officers arranged appropriate support for the victim and her family.

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Trattles of Atlee Road, in Grangetown, Middlesbrough, was charged in May 2020 and initially appeared at court in early 2021.

In November 2022, a jury found him guilty of three offences of sexual assault and he received his sentence today.

The victim of Trattles crimes had to give evidence in court after Trattles continually denied the allegations made against him.

Speaking after the sentencing, Officer in the Case CAVA Detective Constable Natasha Vaughan said: “The victim was very brave in reporting what had happened to her.

"Understandably she has been severely affected by what Trattles did and we arranged for support from specialist agencies throughout this lengthy investigation. 

“Because Trattles continued to deny his actions, the victim then had to endure the added stress of giving evidence in court. I hope today’s result will help her and I wish her well for the future.”

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CAVA Safeguarding Chief Inspector Deb Fenny added: “Those who seek to abuse children must know that Cleveland Police, our specialist partner agencies and the CPS will do everything they can to bring them before the courts, while offering victims any support they feel they need.

“I would urge anyone who believes a child is experiencing any kind of abuse to report it to Cleveland Police immediately. We have highly trained specialist officers who are dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable in our communities.”

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