Paedophile who repeatedly raped a young boy over a number of years.

Paedophile Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Repeated Rape of Young Boy

Mark Hutchinson-Schofield, 55, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 14 years for repeatedly raping a young boy over a number of years.

The offences came to light in July 2020 when the victim confided in a teacher, who alerted the police. Hutchinson-Schofield, of Lovell Park Hill, Leeds, was arrested but denied the offences in his police interview and called the victim a liar.

However, officers from Leeds District Safeguarding Unit, working with the Crown Prosecution Service, were able to secure his immediate arrest and remand in custody based on initial evidence, before the victim was able to give a full account.

Hutchinson-Schofield also pleaded guilty to offences related to breaching sex offender conditions at the start of the trial. The sentence was handed down at Leeds Crown Court this week.

Detective Inspector Mark Tester of Leeds District Safeguarding Unit said: "Hutchinson-Schofield was responsible for an appalling and sustained catalogue of abuse against this vulnerable child that has had a devastating traumatic effect on the victim's young life. He systematically sexually exploited the victim for his own gratification in circumstances that were a complete betrayal of trust."

Tester praised Detective Constable Nicki Vincent, who "supported the victim at every stage to comprehensively capture all the evidence that has helped to secure these convictions against Hutchinson-Schofield."

"The victim was able to give his evidence to the court under special measures that allowed his account to be video recorded in advance of the trial to reduce the impact of the court process on him," Tester stated. "We hope the significant sentence that Hutchinson-Schofield has now received will provide some reassurance to the victim and his family as well as to the wider community."

Leeds District Safeguarding Unit reiterated their commitment to "continue to do everything they can to secure convictions against predatory offenders like this to get justice for victims and protect others from harm."