Milton Keynes man sentenced to seven years for sexual offences against children

At Leeds Crown Court on Monday (October 17), Graham Dartnell, 58, of Dunvedin Place, Hodge Lea was sentenced after pleading not guilty to a string of offences.

Following a joint investigation with West Yorkshire Police and Lancashire Police, Thames Valley Police arrested 41-year-old Paul Bailey of Alconbury Crescent, Thornton Cleveleys also in connection with sexual offences against children.

Dartnell, from Milton Keynes, pleaded not guilty to one count of conspiracy to make indecent images, three counts of sexual assault of a female child under 13, one count of cause/incite a female child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

The offences took place between January 1, 2014 and December 30, 2015 in Belle Isle, Leeds.

Dartnell was arrested on December 30 last year and again on April 25, 2016 and charged on July 18.

Accomplice Paul Bailey was sentenced to a total of two years and six months imprisonment - he pleaded guilty at the same hearing to one count of conspiracy to commit a sexual act with a child and one count of possession/distribution of indecent images.

Investigating officer detective constable Katrina Walmsley, said: “This was a joint investigation between Thames Valley, West Yorkshire and Lancashire police which has resulted in two young children being safeguarded as a result of the tireless efforts of all officers involved.

“Special thanks to detective constable Gemma Hemsley of West Yorkshire Police for the determination she has shown in helping secure convictions against those involved in this investigation.”