LEE PEARSON FROM ROTHERHAM HAS SENTENCE DOUBLED BY COURT OF APPEAL

In September 2014, the Court of Appeal increased the prison sentence for Lee Pearson, a convicted child rapist from Rotherham. Originally sentenced to six years in prison, Pearson's term has now been extended to 12 years after the appeal.

Pearson was found guilty at Sheffield Crown Court in June of multiple serious charges, including rape, sexual assault, and six counts of sexual activity with a child. His sentence was initially considered unduly lenient, prompting the referral under the scheme.

The Attorney General, Jeremy Wright QC, commented on the case, stating: "These were appalling crimes carried out over an 11-month period against two children. Having befriended his teenage victims, Lee Pearson went on to subject them to a sustained campaign of intimidation and violence."

Det. Const. James Crossley of South Yorkshire Police's child sexual exploitation unit praised the bravery of the two young girls for reporting the crimes and facing Pearson in court. It was noted that Pearson has a criminal record with six convictions spanning 16 offences, including a previous four-year sentence for killing a 16-year-old scooter rider while driving a stolen vehicle.

Earlier in June 2014, Pearson, 28, of Wright Street, North Anston, was jailed for six years after he exploited two underage schoolgirls. He had befriended the victims, both aged 14 at the time, in September 2011. The abuse, which involved assault and threats, continued for nearly a year before one victim reported the incidents to the police in August 2012.

South Yorkshire Police’s Child Sexual Exploitation Unit launched an investigation resulting in Pearson’s arrest and charges of rape, sexual activity with a child, and sexual assault. Following a week-long trial, he was convicted and sentenced to six years in prison.

Detective Constable Crossley remarked on Pearson's deceitful behavior, noting: "Pearson lied to police and denied the allegations despite forensic evidence, forcing his victims through the ordeal of court proceedings. I commend the bravery of these young girls, who reported the abuse and faced their attacker in court. They have been supported and will continue to receive help to move forward."