CHRISTOPHER FRANKS FROM BROMSGROVE SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

In a case that has shocked the community of Bromsgrove, Christopher Franks, a resident of Sedgefield Walk, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offences involving a minor girl. The conviction followed a trial held at Worcester Crown Court, which concluded on Friday, September 28, 2018.

During the proceedings, a jury composed of ten members deliberated over the evidence presented. They reached a majority verdict, with nine jurors in favor of conviction and one dissenting. Franks was convicted on five counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, while one count was found not proven. The jury's decision was based on clear evidence that demonstrated Franks's involvement in these criminal acts.

Christopher Franks, aged 57 at the time, was visibly emotional as Judge Robert Juckes QC delivered the sentence. The judge sentenced him to 12 years in prison, a punishment that reflects the gravity of the offences committed. The crimes in question took place over a span of nearly two years, from January 2013 to September 2015.

Prosecutor Daniel White read out a portion of a victim impact statement during the sentencing hearing. The statement conveyed the profound and lasting effects of Franks’s actions on the young girl. She expressed that her life had been irrevocably changed, describing her experience as heartbreaking. The girl revealed that she had struggled with forming relationships and found it difficult to trust others, a consequence of the abuse inflicted by Franks.

Legal authorities classified this case as a category 1A offence, indicating the highest level of harm and culpability under sentencing guidelines. This classification was due to the nature of the abuse, which involved penetrative activity with a minor. The prosecution highlighted aggravating factors such as the use of alcohol, grooming behaviour, and a significant age disparity between the offender and the victim. It was established that the girl was only 13 years old when the abuse began.

In addition to the custodial sentence, the court imposed a sexual harm prevention order on Franks. This order restricts him from having unsupervised contact with children under the age of 16, except in cases where such contact is incidental or unavoidable during daily activities.

Judge Juckes addressed the court and emphasized the aggravating nature of Franks’s conduct. He pointed out that despite being forgiven by the victim, Franks had continued to engage in similar behaviour, disregarding previous warnings and opportunities to cease his actions. The judge remarked that it was particularly troubling that Franks exploited the victim’s trust and then reoffended.

While acknowledging that Franks had led a constructive life apart from these offences, the judge expressed deep disappointment and described the case as a tragic fall from grace. He reflected on the emotional impact of the case, noting that the more vivid and disturbing details would stay with him and the jury for a long time.

Addressing the victim, Judge Juckes stated that she was overwhelmed and unsure of how to cope, trying to find ways to help herself amid the trauma. The court heard that Franks had used alcohol to manipulate the girl and that she found it extremely difficult to recount what had happened to her.

As part of his sentence, Christopher Franks was ordered to serve 12 years in prison and is required to register as a sex offender indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from further harm.