Flintshire man sentenced to over 23 years for rape of child and upskirting children

A Flintshire man has been jailed for the rape of a child as well as several sexual offences, including upskirting children.

Reuben Swansborough, 38, of the Saltney area, appeared before Mold Crown Court for sentence today, Wednesday, 26 March, having previously admitted 26 offences.

They included rape of a child, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual assault, taking and making indecent images of a child, voyeurism and possessing an extreme pornographic image.

Swansborough was jailed for a total of 18 years and ten months and will serve an additional five years on an extended license period.

He must register as a sex offender for life, he was handed an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, and his name will be placed on a register prohibiting him from working with children or vulnerable adults in the future.

A 10-year restraining order was also issued to protect one of the victims.

Swansborough came to the attention of police in April 2024 when he self-reported an incident.

An investigation was subsequently launched by police, and he was arrested for a number of sexual offences against a child, which he initially denied.

Enquiries of his digital devices later revealed a large collection of over 250,000 indecent images, in addition to indecent videos including upskirting offences against children.

Speaking following sentencing today, investigating officer Detective Constable Victoria Griffiths said: “Reuben Swansborough has shown no remorse for his crimes, which have had a devastating impact on all the victims involved, as well as their families.

“He subjected one of his victims to the most terrible sexual abuse, and I have no doubt he would have continued to offend had he not been stopped.

“Although today’s sentence will not take away the trauma caused, I hope it will provide some comfort to the victims, and the wider community, knowing this dangerous and manipulative man can bring no further harm to anybody else.

“I urge anyone who has experienced such behaviour to get in touch with us and not suffer in silence. You will be listened to and supported by police.”