Northampton man jailed for multiple child sex offences

A Northampton man has been jailed for almost six years after admitting a total of 17 sexual offences against a teenage girl.

Ben Joseph Refeea, aged 27, was arrested by Northamptonshire Police on August 27, 2023, after a report was received alleging that he had been in sexual contact with girl under the age of consent.

He went on to be charged with one count of rape of a girl aged 15, one count of being an adult meeting a girl under 16 following grooming, one count of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15, and one count of engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15.

Refeea, of Scarletwell Street, Northampton, appeared before Northampton Magistrates’ Court on August 29 where he was remanded in custody pending a trial at Northampton Crown Court.

Meanwhile the investigation by officers from SOLAR, the Force’s dedicated rape investigation team, continued and led to further offences being identified.

Refeea went on to be charged with a further 16 offences including multiple further counts of sexual activity with a child, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, taking indecent images of a child, possession of indecent images of a child, and attempted sexual communication with a child, in relation to online conversations he tried to have with other young people.

At a crown court hearing on January 15 this year, Refeea entered guilty pleas to 17 of the counts, including meeting a child following sexual grooming, taking and possessing indecent images of a child and 11 counts of sexual activity with a child.

On Wednesday, May 8, Refeea returned to the same court and was sentenced to five years and 10 months in prison, following a reduction in his sentence due to his guilty pleas.

He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and given a 10-year sexual harm prevention order which has 11 prohibitions aimed at preventing further offending.

These include Refeea being banned from any unsupervised contact with a girl under 16 without written approval from social services, from being in any home where a girl under 16 lives, and using any device capable of internet access without this being monitored. If he breaks any of the terms Refeea would face recall to prison.

Speaking afterwards, investigating officer Detective Constable Clare Starmer, of SOLAR, said: “Ben Refeea first met his victim on Snapchat, and despite knowing her age, pursued and groomed her, which quickly progressed to them meeting in person.

“Refeea went on to convince her that theirs was a legitimate relationship, taking sexual advantage of her repeatedly while also veering between love-bombing her and trying to control her.

“When she eventually decided to end things, Refeea became threatening towards her and her family, leaving her in genuine fear before she confided in a relative, who reported his abuse to us.

“Refeea is a sexual predator and manipulator who pursued a sexual relationship with a child for his own gratification, and I am glad to see him recognise his guilt and sentenced to prison.

“I very much hope this helps the victim survivor to continue to rebuild her life and move forward positively. She has been brave, candid and incredibly strong throughout this case and I wish her every success in the bright future that awaits her.

“Northamptonshire Police takes all forms of sexual abuse incredibly seriously. If you have been subjected to any form of assault or abuse, please come forward and report it to us. We will listen, we will believe you and support you, and do all we can to bring those responsible to account.” 

*This report and custody image have been published with the agreement of the victim survivor, who has lifetime anonymity.*