The unrepentant child molester’s final cruelty after his exposure

An unrepentant child abuser who forced his victim to go to trial despite all the evidence against him has been sentenced to 21 years in prison.

Child molester Andrew Bate raped and sexually abused his victim over a period of several years. The 41-year-old’s crime finally came to light in January 2023 when the victim had the courage to report the case to Cheshire Police. Following the report, Bate was subsequently arrested by detectives from Warrington CID. During questioning, he denied all allegations made against him.

Despite his denials, he was found guilty of all counts, including rape, sexual assault, sexual activity with a child and sexual touching, following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court which concluded on Thursday 21 May. He appeared in court again on Friday 19 July, where he was sentenced to 21 years in prison plus a further five years suspended, having previously been found guilty of 16 sexual offences against a child.

In addition to his prison sentence, Bate was required to sign the sex offenders’ register and comply with a lifetime sexual assault prevention order.

After the verdict was handed down, Detective Constable Maurizio Lucchesi, who led the investigation, said: “Firstly, I would like to commend the victim for the courage he has shown throughout the investigation. Bate is clearly a sexual predator whose only interest is in finding his own sexual gratification. He showed no regard for the victim and refused to plead guilty to any of the charges against him despite being confronted with all the evidence against him.

“Instead, he forced his victim to relive the events in court, which must have been difficult for her. Thankfully, thanks to the victim’s courage and the evidence we gathered, the jury saw through his lies and he will now be held accountable for his actions. I hope that the verdict against Bates will provide the victim with some closure and allow him to move on with his life, knowing that he will never be able to do the same to other children.”

Detective Constable Lucchesi continued: “No one should have to experience what the victim went through and if anything can come from this case then I hope it will encourage other victims of sexual offences to come forward and report them to us. Cheshire Constabulary takes any allegation of sexual offences extremely seriously and every allegation is thoroughly investigated with the wishes and needs of the victim as our top priority.

“Victims should never be ashamed to talk about what has happened to them. They will receive the help and support they need from our specialist officers as well as other support organisations we work with and all victims of sexual offences have the right to anonymity.”

To report a sexual offence, call Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or visit https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/%20. In an emergency, always call 999. Information can also be given anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.