Former care worker from Stafford found guilty of 11 child sexual assaults

A 37-year-old former care worker from Stafford has been convicted of 11 child sexual offences following a joint police investigation.

Thomas Beckerleg was found guilty by a jury on Tuesday 20 October of eight counts of abusing a position of trust involving sexual activity with a girl aged between 13 and 17, alongside three counts of sexual activity with a girl aged between 13 and 15.

The investigation began in 2023 when West Mercia Police arrested Beckerleg after a victim came forward to report his actions. Staffordshire Police subsequently launched an inquiry after a second victim reported that she had also been sexually assaulted.

Although Beckerleg denied all the charges, detectives from both forces worked together to compile the evidence that resulted in his conviction.

Police commend bravery of victims

Following the verdict, Detective Sergeant Bethan Otter, from Staffordshire Police’s public protection unit, commended the victims for speaking out.

Detective Sergeant Otter said: “I am pleased that we have been able to work alongside our colleagues at West Mercia Police to build all of the evidence needed to make sure Beckerleg answers to his crimes.

“I would like to commend the bravery of the victims in coming forward and telling us what happened to them and I hope this conviction offers them some form of closure.”

Beckerleg is scheduled to be sentenced at Stafford Crown Court on 14 January 2027.