Face of twisted paedophile found guilty of harrowing string of crimes over almost 40 years

This is the face of a vile paedophile behind a harrowing string of crimes spanning across almost 40 years. Brian Lines, from Leek, was today found guilty of 29 sexual offences at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.

The 84-year-old was convicted by a jury following a trial for crimes that took place in Staffordshire between 1970 and 2009. They were reported in August 2021, with Lines was arrested shortly afterwards.

He was charged in January 2023 following an investigation by the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team at Staffordshire Police. Officers have since praised the "tremendous courage" of the victims who came forward to report his offences.

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He was found guilty today (May 3) of the following offences:

• Three counts of the rape of a female under 16

• Three counts of the rape of a female over 16 years or over

• Attempted rape of a female under 16

• 16 counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 16 years

• Four counts of sexual assault

• Assault of a girl under 13 by touching

• Sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15.

DC Annie Blairs, of our Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team, said: “The victims have shown tremendous courage by reporting these offences which have had a significant impact on their lives. They have also shown great strength throughout the trial giving evidence.

“I would urge anyone who has been a victim of such crimes to come forward and report this to us. We will listen to you, and you and your families will be supported by specially-trained detectives and support workers.

“If you are or have been a victim or you are worried about something, and you don’t feel ready to talk to the police, please speak to someone you trust.”