Man jailed for historical child sex abuse

A man has been jailed for 13 years for sexually abusing children in Cheshire in the 1980s.

Philip Rigby, previously known as Philip Benson, was sentenced to 13 years and 3 months in prison at Chester Crown Court on Monday.

Police commended Rigby's victims for their bravery and said he had been entrusted to look after and protect them but instead he "took that trust and used it to take advantage of them".

The 55-year-old, of River Street, Congleton, earlier pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault on a girl under 14 and five counts of buggery.

During his trial, the court heard Rigby sexually abused three children between November 1982 and November 1988.

Det Con Vicky Taylor, who led the investigation, said: "I would like to commend the three complainants who have shown such bravery in this case, despite having to relive what Rigby put them through.

"Their detailed testimony and cooperation with the investigation was crucial in securing the convictions in this case."

She added: "It is truly a testament to the strength, courage and determination of the complainants in this case that we have been able to bring Rigby to justice, more than 40 years since the abuse occurred.

"I hope that the conclusion of this case will provide them with some closure and help them with their recovery."

Read more Cheshire stories from the BBC and follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.