Alistair Riggott sentenced for child sex offences

A man previously tracked down in Northern Portugal has been sentenced today, to a three years in prison, for numerous child sex offences.

53-year-old Alistair Riggott of Grosvenor Road, Skegness, was arrested in June by the Portuguese Judicial Police Fugitive Team in a joint operation with Lincolnshire Police International Unit and the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Riggott’s arrest followed a warrant issued by Boston Magistrates Court in October 2021 when he failed to appear at court. He was charged with numerous offences relating to child sex abuse including attempting to cause a child to watch / look at an image of sexual activity, attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity, attempting to engage a child in sexual communication and the making and possession of indecent images of children.

A wanted man appeal was issued and a meticulous investigation launched into ascertaining Riggott’s whereabouts. Information suggested Riggott had fled the UK to avoid the judicial process. The Lincolnshire Police International Unit established a foot print of Riggott in Portugal and then set to work on a joint fugitive investigation, utilising international policing tools with the NCA and Portuguese authorities. This led to the successful arrest of Riggott and his extradition back to the UK.

Following extradition, Riggott admitted the offences on August 9 when he appeared at Lincoln Crown Court. 

Detective Sgt Sam Ward said, “This is another dangerous offender facing a term in prison for what he has done. Ultimately, our work on this case means that the County is safer today and children are safeguarded as a result. Our Officers, colleagues in Portugal, and the NCA worked diligently to find Riggott and bring him back to the UK to face justice. It’s a powerful message that we will not give up the search for any suspect, wherever they may try to hide.”

Riggott was also ordered to keep to sex offender notification requirements indefinitely (previously known as the sex offenders register).  

If you have been affected

Available on our website is advice for parents, guardians and professionals about child abuse.

The freephone NSPCC helpline 0808 800 5000 is available for anyone to report or seek advice about recent or non-recent abuse. Calls can be made anonymously.

The Lucy Faithfull Foundation is a UK children’s charity dedicated to preventing child sexual abuse and runs a confidential helpline 0808 1000 900.