A Chatteris father, labelled as a “sexual predator”, is behind bars for Christmas after a jury found him guilty of nine sexual assaults on four female victims - two of which were 12 years old.

Cambs Times: Richard Maycroft was found guilty of 10 sexual assault chargesRichard Maycroft was found guilty of 10 sexual assault charges (Image: Archant)

Richard Maycroft was remanded in custody by a judge at Peterborough Crown Court following a trial and awaits sentencing on January 22.

The 42-year-old, of Huntingdon Road, was found guilty of two charges of indecent assault on a child, two charges of assaulting a child by touching, one charge of rape on a woman in her 20’s, three charges of sexual assault on a woman in her 20s and one on a woman in her 50’s.

The twice married father of two, who has been called a “serial dater”, is on singles site Plenty of Fish where he says he “loves kids and messing about”. Both the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and Cambridgeshire Police have since urged women to stay safe for themselves and their children when getting into new relationships.

A person close to the case, who asked to not be named, said: “There are big gaps during the time the child offences took place. One was 20 years ago and another about six years ago.

Cambs Times: Richard Maycroft was found guilty of 10 sexual assault chargesRichard Maycroft was found guilty of 10 sexual assault charges (Image: Archant)

“I don’t believe they are isolated incidents. If he has the urge to do this, then I fear there are other victims out there.

“That is why I wanted to tell the story in case there are other victims who need to come forward.

“He is a charming manipulator, very clever in his approach, a serial dater who had many affairs. When we saw his dating site profile it was both upsetting and horribly ironic.

“People need to be careful when getting into new relationships, not just on the internet but when meeting anybody new, please look out for yourself and your children.”

Cambs Times: Plenty of Fish profile for Richard MaycroftPlenty of Fish profile for Richard Maycroft (Image: Archant)

Maycroft worked for years at Haddenham firm Anson Packaging until leaving in June 2015.

He was first arrested on November 28, 2013, on suspicion of a number of sexual offences and 15 months later on February 16 this year he was charged.

His Plenty of Fish profile says that: “I would say I am kind and caring easy to get on with. Love kids and messing about.

“I am not in to one night stands and looking for the spark and willing to wait until I find it.

Cambs Times: Plenty of Fish profile for Richard MaycroftPlenty of Fish profile for Richard Maycroft (Image: Archant)

“I do keep fit I am a black belt in taekwondo. And I do like a game of golf.

“So if you like to get to know me messages me. But not in to messaging for long I think the best way to get to know someone is face to face and I am dyslexic As well but don’t let that put you off as I am no fool.”

POLICE

Police say Maycroft was a sexual predator and that it was the most upsetting case the DC in charge had worked on.

DC Paul Evans said: “Maycroft had no sexual boundaries and used charm and lies to worm his way out of being caught and to make the girls feel as if what he was doing was acceptable.

“For example tickling and touching private parts to make out it was a game.

“In the case of the two 12-year- old girls it has ruined their lives forever.

“He is a predator and has offending behaviour that shows he targets women with teenage friends or family, he has no sexual boundaries, and it is heart breaking.

“There are never any winners in sexual abuse cases but for the women to be believed it has been massive for them and we feel justice has been done.

“The whole force is geared towards safe guarding vulnerable people and those at risk of men like this; it is our job to protect people.

“This result shows the importance of having specially trained officers with the expertise to deal with these sorts of cases and we would urge anybody who has suffered, even if it was a long time ago, to please come forward and tell us.”

What you can do to stay safe

• Under Sarah’s Law anybody can call police to ask if their new partner has been brought in by police for violence or sexual offences. Even if they have only been questioned without charge the information can still be revealed

• When meeting a date for the first time never meet them at their home or your own

• Always meet at a public place like a cafe or bar

• Make sure your mobile is charged and GPS is switched on so you can be tracked

• Keep a friend informed of where you are meeting and if you decide to go back to a new person’s home text the address to a friend

• Do not leave your children in the care of a new partner until you are sure they are trustworthy

A spokesman for the Suzy Lamplugh Trust said

•When going on dates, especially first dates with contacts made online, you should always take care to meet them in a public place, to let someone know where you are going, whom you are meeting and when you are likely to be back.

• If you are drinking alcohol, be careful not to let it affect your judgment or your ability to take care of yourself, too.

• Always trust your instinct and don’t feel pressured and consider an exit strategy.

• Do not give out personal details, such as your name, address or phone number on the internet.

• Use the virus protection software to protect your computer and make sure it stays up to date.

• Choose a nickname to use in chat rooms and newsgroups. Never use your real name