Charles Chapman convicted of child abuse charges. The jury reached a verdict after a weeklong trial at York Crown Court.
Chapman had a first trial last year. He skipped bail, so it ended early. Police caught and arrested him later and kept him locked up. He waited for a second trial. His sentencing will happen this spring.
The prosecutor, Richard Butters, spoke to the jury. He said girls from different families suffered. They lived in different parts of North Yorkshire. Butters said the defendant harmed them greatly.
Chapman testified and denied the charges. He claimed one girl made up stories. He suggested witnesses might have worked together. Chapman denied targeting families with kids.
Someone asked if the complaints were “bad luck.” Chapman said it seemed that way. The court heard the girls describe the abuse. A mother denied knowing the other girl’s family.
The jury convicted Chapman on many charges. These included rape and sexual assault, inciting sexual activity, and indecent exposure.
Chapman lived on Sycamore Road, near Selby. He denied all charges. He showed no reaction to the verdicts at first. The jury returned the remaining verdicts later.
One