JOSEPH CHAPMAN FROM HULL JAILED IN RYHL FOR CHILD RAPE AND INDECENT ASSAULT
In July 2009, the victims of Joseph Chapman, a man from Hull who committed heinous crimes against young girls, finally found a sense of relief and closure after his arrest and subsequent sentencing.Chapman, aged 64 and residing in Pollard Court, west Hull, had been on the run since July 6, the day he was scheduled to face trial at Hull Crown Court on multiple serious charges.
These charges included rape, indecent assault, and gross indecency, all involving three young girls who had suffered at his hands over a period of time.
Chapman’s disappearance following the court date sparked a police manhunt, which culminated in his capture in Rhyl, Wales, on a Sunday.
His arrest was made possible after a vigilant member of the public provided a crucial tip-off.
The police investigation revealed that Chapman had altered his appearance, growing a beard and changing his look to evade detection.
Despite these efforts, he was ultimately located at a bed and breakfast in Rhyl, where he had checked in under the name 'Joseph Chapman from Hull.' His apprehension was facilitated when another guest at the B&B noticed his wanted poster on a news website.
Recognizing him, the guest alerted authorities.
During the arrest, police found Chapman in possession of a significant amount of cash, indicating he may have been preparing to remain in hiding or escape further.
Chapman’s criminal record includes a conviction in his absence for three counts of rape, seven counts of indecent assault against a girl under 14 years old, and two counts of gross indecency with a girl under 16.
His crimes, committed over a period of time, had caused immense trauma to his victims, who are now adults.
The court sentenced him to 16 years and two months in prison for these offenses, with an additional two months added for his attempt to evade justice.
Following his sentencing, one of his victims expressed her feelings, stating, “We’re so pleased he has been caught.
Maybe now we can have some closure.” Detective Constable Adrian Adamson, who led the investigation, commented on the significance of Chapman’s arrest and conviction.
He said, “I think the victims can now begin to move on with their lives knowing that he is behind bars.
It was excellent that someone viewed the appeal put out by the police and was brave enough to act on it and contact the police.
Due to that person, Chapman is now starting a 16-year prison sentence and he can now reflect on what he has done.”
