Ian Wagstaff, 35, of no fixed address, was jailed for 15 years and six months on 27 February 2026 after a jury found him guilty of sexually assaulting a young girl over a period of time. The case came to light after the victim, who was 10 years old at the time of the offences, made comments at school that prompted concerned staff to contact Lancashire Police. Wagstaff was convicted at Burnley Crown Court of three offences including the most serious category of sexual assault against a child and was handed an extended sentence alongside a 25-year restraining order.

Who Is Ian Wagstaff?

Ian Wagstaff was 35 years old at the time of sentencing and was listed as having no fixed address. He was known to the victim, which is a common feature of child sexual abuse cases in the UK — the majority of such cases involve a perpetrator known to the child rather than a stranger. Wagstaff denied the offences and put the victim through the ordeal of a trial, meaning she was required to give evidence. After hearing all the evidence, the jury unanimously convicted him.

How Did the Case Come to Light?

The investigation began after the young victim made comments at her school about what had been happening to her. Concerned school staff immediately contacted Lancashire Police, who launched a formal investigation. This case is a reminder of the vital role that education professionals can play in protecting vulnerable children — the girl’s disclosure at school set in motion the process that ultimately led to Wagstaff’s conviction. Lancashire Police praised the bravery of the victim in speaking out.

The Offences

The offences were committed against the victim when she was 10 years old. The court heard evidence about the nature and extent of what she had been subjected to. Wagstaff faced three counts relating to sexual offences against a child under 13, reflecting different types of sexual contact. The charges fell within the most serious category of child sexual abuse, and the prosecution presented evidence that demonstrated the offending clearly and beyond reasonable doubt.

The Trial and Verdict

Wagstaff stood trial at Burnley Crown Court in December 2025. He denied all the charges and the victim was required to give evidence. Following deliberations, the jury returned guilty verdicts on all three counts: one count of assaulting a girl under 13 by penetration, and two counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching. The verdict was a unanimous decision.

Lancashire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service both acknowledged the courage shown by the victim throughout the criminal justice process. Cases involving child victims are among the most difficult to prosecute, requiring victims to relive traumatic experiences in a formal legal setting.

The Sentence

On 27 February 2026, the judge at Burnley Crown Court sentenced Ian Wagstaff to 15 years and six months imprisonment, with an extended licence period of one year upon release. This extended licence means he will be subject to supervision in the community and strict conditions for a period after his release, and could be recalled to prison if those conditions are breached. He was also made subject of a 25-year restraining order, preventing him from contacting the victim. Wagstaff has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register, meaning he must register his details with police indefinitely.

For more information on the UK prison system and how it manages serious offenders, see our guides on UK prison information and the Parole Board UK. Families navigating the prison system for the first time may also find our guide on how to book a prison visit helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Ian Wagstaff in prison?

Ian Wagstaff is in prison because he was convicted of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl. A jury at Burnley Crown Court found him guilty of three counts of sexual offences against a child under 13. He was sentenced to 15 years and six months on 27 February 2026.

How was Ian Wagstaff caught?

The case came to light after the victim made comments at school about what had been done to her. School staff reported their concerns to Lancashire Police, who launched an investigation. Wagstaff was subsequently arrested, charged, and stood trial at Burnley Crown Court in December 2025, where a jury convicted him on all counts.

How long is Ian Wagstaff’s sentence?

Wagstaff was sentenced to 15 years and six months imprisonment with an extended one-year licence period. He has also been made subject of a 25-year restraining order and placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely. The extended licence means he will be supervised in the community following any eventual release.

What offences was Ian Wagstaff convicted of?

Wagstaff was convicted of three offences: one count of assaulting a girl under 13 by penetration, and two counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching. These are serious sexual offences in the highest category under English law, carrying significant minimum sentencing guidelines.

Which prison is Ian Wagstaff in?

The specific prison Ian Wagstaff has been assigned to has not been publicly disclosed. Sex offenders serving long sentences are typically held in category B or C establishments where accredited sex offender treatment programmes are available. You can use the prisoner location service to find where a specific individual is being held in the UK prison estate.