Two men who evaded capture in Wiltshire after abusing a 15-year-old boy have been jailed for a total of 13 years.
Adam Hastings, 28, and Reece Upton, 29, were sentenced at Reading Crown Court on Friday, January 31.
Hastings was charged with five counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Meanwhile, Upton was charged with one count of sexual activity with a child.
The charges relate to incidents in Newbury between April 21 and June 13.
Hastings and Upton pleaded guilty on November 19, 2024 on the second day of their trial.
The pair evaded police for 11 days and following a manhunt in Devizes, they were arrested on Monday, June 24 with the help of a Wiltshire Police Dog, drone units and Neighbourhood Policing teams.
Hastings was jailed for nine years, while Upton was sentenced to four years.
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.”
After their arrest, an open letter was written to members of the public from Doug Downing, County Hub Commander for Wiltshire Police.
He said: "Last night’s arrest of two people wanted in connection with sexual offences followed an extensive search operation in the Devizes area over several days.
"In this instance, whilst we were able to draw on a wide range of assets including our dog and drone units, Neighbourhood Policing teams and technical staff, there is no doubt that support from our communities played a vital and significant role in this case - leading directly to the detention of the two suspects.
"The support, involvement and intelligence we have from the communities we serve plays such a vital role in helping us to Keep Wiltshire Safe.
"On behalf of Wiltshire Police, I would like to thank all members of the public who supported in this instance, meaning we were able to act swiftly to apprehend and arrest these offenders.
"I urge our communities to continue to provide community intelligence to us to help us to bring offenders to justice. Your support is truly invaluable.
"You can report a crime or submit intelligence to us on our website.
"You can also call 101 for non-urgent crimes or report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
"In an emergency always call 999."
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