Paedophile with 'no remorse' jailed for seven years over historic child sex abuse
A 55-year-old man who groomed a 13-year-old girl by buying her cigarettes in exchange for sex has been sentenced to seven years in prison following a trial at Ipswich Crown Court.
Why it matters: Gary Grant's conviction concludes a case that began when his victim spotted him as a suggested friend on social media in 2021, triggering flashbacks of the abuse and prompting her to report him to police.
The details: Grant, formerly of Languard Road in Felixstowe and more recently of Quinton Road in Needham Market, was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday, 14 May.
A jury had previously found him guilty on 16 January, following a five-day trial, of:
- Four counts of buggery with a girl under 16 years
- Three counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 16 years
The court heard that the victim was 13 years old and Grant was in his mid-20s when the abuse started.
In addition to the prison sentence, Grant was handed a restraining order which lasts until further notice.
What they're saying: DC Ellie Evans-Eastman, the officer in charge of the case, said: "The offences were reported to police in 2021 after the victim's social media showed Grant as a suggested friend, and brought back flashbacks of what happened to her.
"Grant manipulated and groomed a young girl and has shown no remorse throughout the trial, whilst his behaviour and actions have had a lasting emotional and physical impact upon the victim.
"In her victim personal statement, which was read out in court, she described that she still has nightmares and will scream and lash out in her sleep. I commend her for taking the incredibly brave step of reporting Grant's crimes to police, and for her strength throughout the trial.
"I hope that the fact he has finally been brought to justice will bring her some peace."
The bottom line: Grant will spend the next seven years in prison for crimes committed decades ago, brought to light only because his victim found the courage to come forward after recognising him online.
If you or someone you know has been affected by rape or sexual assault, support is available through the Suffolk Survivor Pathway, a single access point for multi-agency support for victims of sexual violence. In an emergency, always call 999.
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