TWO men who were arrested in Devizes in June following a national appeal, have been jailed following a hearing at Reading Crown Court on Friday (31/01).
In June 2024, Thames Valley Police issued an appeal to find the two missing men and later revealed they were wanted in connection with sexual offences which took place in Newbury between 21st April and 13th June - reported by the victim, a teenage boy.
Image: Thames Valley Police
Adam Hastings and Reece Upton, went missing around 3pm on Thursday 13th June and were seen in Chippenham and then Neston areas.
On the 24th June, police confirmed the men had been found in Devizes by Wiltshire Special Ops. Armed Response found one of the men and PD Ash found the second one hiding under a bush nearby.
Adam Hastings, aged 28, of no fixed abode was jailed for nine years. In the same hearing, Reece Upton, aged 29, of no fixed abode, was jailed for four years.
They were both given Sexual Harm Prevention Orders.
Hastings and Upton pleaded guilty on 19th November last year, on the second day of their trial at Reading Crown Court.
Hastings pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order; Upton pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Cerys Sumpter said: “This was a complex investigation where Adam Hastings and Reece Upton actively evaded police and were not located for 11 days.
“They were wanted in connection with a number of sexual offences reported by the victim, a boy aged in his teens, which occurred between April and June last year.
“I am satisfied that Hastings and Upton have been given custodial sentences reflecting their crime; however, no punishment can ever compare to the pain and anguish the victim had to endure.
“I hope the conviction will bring them some closure on their ordeal.
“This case also demonstrates that Thames Valley Police take such matters with the utmost seriousness, tirelessly pursuing offenders and doing everything in their power to ensure justice is served.”
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