Man jailed after raping and sexually assaulting two boys in Ilkeston
A man has been jailed after sexually assaulting two boys in Ilkeston.
An Ilkeston man has been jailed after sexually assaulting two boys in the town.
Anthony Lanchester, 20, targeted the first boy on 15 October last year when he followed him into Wash Meadows Recreation Ground, also known as Johnny's Park.
It is here Lanchester sexually assaulted and raped him.
It was reported to police on 27 November and Lanchester was arrested on 2 December.
Whilst on bail, Lanchester went on to sexually assault a second boy, attacking him on Beauvale Drive, Cotmanhay, on 15 April this year.
He was arrested again and charged with rape and three counts of sexual assault.
Lanchester, of Stringer Close, Ilkeston, denied all the charges, but was found guilty of three of the four charges following a trial at Nottingham Crown Court.
He was found not guilty of one count of sexual assault.
Detective Constable Natalie Fletcher, officer in the case, said: “I have been blown away by the bravery of the two victims in this case.
“They both had the courage to speak up initially to report what Lanchester had done to them and were required to recall it again to provide video statements as evidence.
“They then had to relive the incidents at trial, as Lanchester refused to own up to what he had done.
“Sadly, we know there can be societal stigma attached to cases where boys are victims of sexual assault and, despite this, both boys spoke up and allowed us to investigate.
“In doing so, they have helped us along the way to securing a conviction against Lanchester.
“Lanchester is a predator, who showed no remorse, and reoffended while on bail.
“The victims and their families are overjoyed that justice has been served by the courts and that he is now behind bars.
“Neither boy will ever be able to forget what he did to them, but they can now begin to look to the future.
“I am immensely proud of both victims and would also like to give a nod to the various children who bravely gave evidence as witnesses at trial.”
Lanchester has been sentenced to six years and six months in a young offender's institute and his name has been added to the sex offenders register for life.
He also remains subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order indefinitely. Both victims also have restraining orders for five years.