CHRISTOPHER FRANCIS OF MALDON SENTENCED TO 22 YEARS FOR HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE CASES

In a case that has shocked the community of Maldon, Christopher Francis, aged 70, has been sentenced to a lengthy term of 22 years in prison after admitting to a series of heinous sexual offenses committed over a span of more than a decade. The crimes, which involved the abuse of four young children, were carried out during the 1970s and 1980s, with the earliest incident potentially dating back to 1974 and the latest occurring in 1989.

Francis, who was residing on Mill Road in Maldon at the time of the offenses, appeared before Chelmsford Crown Court to face the charges. His guilty pleas covered a wide range of disturbing acts, including the rape of a girl under the age of 16, who vividly recalls lying motionless during the assault, as well as other severe forms of abuse. The court heard that one of the most disturbing incidents involved Francis forcing a child to urinate on his face and perform a sexual act on him while in the bath.

Specifically, Francis admitted to two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 16, nine counts of inciting a child to commit acts of gross indecency, and seven counts of indecent assault on a child. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to two charges related to taking indecent images of a child, as well as attempting to engage in sexual intercourse with an underage girl and attempting to commit buggery on a boy.

The victims ranged in age from as young as five to 14 years old, highlighting the disturbing nature of the crimes and the vulnerability of those targeted. Prosecutors indicated that these offenses spanned over a period of approximately 15 years, with the earliest possible incident occurring in 1974 and the latest in 1989.

During the sentencing, Judge Emma Peters did not hold back in her condemnation of Francis. She described him as a "predatory, grooming, callous and evil paedophile abuser," emphasizing the severity of his actions. The judge expressed hope that the lengthy sentence would serve as some form of justice and reassurance for the victims, who endured years of suffering at the hands of Francis.