February 20, 2019 5.08 pm This story is over 61 months old

Cleethorpes man jailed for rape and assault

He assaulted and raped young girls
The trial took place at Hull Combined Court Centre. Photo: Herver Tanru/Google Street View

A 68-year-old man previously living in Cleethorpes has been jailed for 14 years after being found guilty of rape and indecent assault.

Alan Shepherd, formerly of Brereton Road in Cleethorpes, has been on trial at Hull Crown Court charged with multiple sexual offences against several victims.

On Tuesday, February 19 he was found guilty of 11 counts of incident assault and one count of rape. Police said he has “refused to accept responsibility for his crimes”.

The charges relate to three victims from Barnsley who cannot be named for legal reasons, girls who were under the age of 16 when the abuse took place.

Investigating officer at South Yorkshire Police DC Elinor Duke said: “Our investigation into Shepherd’s horrific offending began in 2016 when one of his victims – now an adult – bravely came forward and reported what had happened to her as a child.

“Her strength and courage is remarkable and I commend her for taking this brave step.

“Further victims came forward as our inquiry progressed and the scale of Shepherd’s offending became clear.

“He has refused to accept responsibility for his crimes, subjecting his victims to the ordeal of a court trial where they have had to recount for a jury their awful experiences.

“I am pleased he has been convicted and sent to prison. I only hope this result offers the victims some form of closure and that they are able to find the strength to move forward with their lives.”