A Wakefield man has handed a 14-year sentence for sexually abusing two children.

Wakefield man sentenced to 14 years for sexual abuse of children

John Wayne Poxon, 57, of Coniston Crescent, was found guilty of 10 counts of indecent assault against a girl under 14.

The offences date back to the 1990s and began when the girls were aged just four and six.

Poxon subjected the children to degrading and humiliating sexual assaults that left them terrified of him.

For one of the girls, the abuse carried on for nearly five years.

Poxon was found guilty by jury in October and sentenced at York Crown Court on 28 November 2022.

The 14-year sentence comprises 13 years' imprisonment plus an extension of one year.

If you are a victim of abuse, please do not suffer in silence. You can report it through any of the following methods:

• Please contact the police on 101.
• If you are in immediate danger, always dial 999 for an emergency response
• Victims who would prefer not to go direct to the police and are not in immediate danger, can contact Bridge House, North Yorkshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), on 0330 223 0362, email sarc@nhs.netor go to bridgehousesarc.org/
• You can also contact Supporting Victims direct at supportingvictims.org or call 01609 643100
• NSPCC Helplines: * Help for adults concerned about a child – call 0808 800 5000 * Help for children and young people – call Childline on 0800 1111 * Go to nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse

Get help if you are concerned about your own thoughts towards children 

If you are concerned about your own thoughts, feelings and behaviour towards children, you can get help and support from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation. Find out more about their Stop It Now campaign here Stop It Now! UK and Ireland | Preventing child sexual abuse

North Yorkshire Police, News