Offender convicted over non-recent child sex abuse

A convicted sex offender has been found guilty of non-recent child sex abuse.

Jonathan Mellor, 52, of May Place, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, was interviewed in 2018, after the now-adult victim came forward to report abuse he experienced as a child.

Mellor was already placed on the child sex offender register in 2000 following previous convictions of indecent assault on a male and indecency with a child.

He appeared at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on 18 October 2021 where he pleaded not guilty to a total of four charges of indecent assault of a male child and gross indecency with a male child.

The court heard how Mellor abused the victim for a number of years, causing him great distress, which impacted him into adulthood.

Following a five-day trial at the same court, Mellor was found guilty of all charges today (Friday 22 October).

He will be sentenced at the same court on Monday 15 November.

Speaking following Mellor’s conviction, Investigative Officer Janine Shropshire, of Staffordshire Police’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) team, said: “The victim showed great courage in coming forward to report the abuse he suffered as a child.

“I hope Mellor’s conviction brings the victim some comfort and helps him come to terms with his experience.

“The public should know that we take reports of child sexual abuse extremely seriously - whatever age you are when you report it, you will be listened to, you will be supported and we will work to achieve justice for you.”

If you have been affected by sexual abuse, contact Staffordshire Police on Facebook, Twitter, or call 101.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or call 999 in an emergency.