A ‘predatory paedophile’ who sexually abused a young girl in Greater Manchester for a decade – starting when she was just three-years-old – was jailed today.
Nicholas West, 57, of no fixed address, was convicted of 14 counts of indecent assault and sentenced to 12 years at Bolton Crown Court.
Detective Constable Phil Sharpe said the victim’s childhood was destroyed as a result of West’s ‘abhorrent’ actions.
“Some of her earliest recollections are of being abused by him and that is simply heartbreaking,” he added.
“He is a predatory paedophile who took advantage of a young and vulnerable girl but thanks to her bravery in coming forward he is now in prison where he belongs.”
The police also hope that the jailing of West will encourage other victims of sexual offences to come forward so criminals of this nature can feel the full force of justice.
“I hope this case might encourage anyone else who is currently suffering in silence to find the strength needed to contact the police and report sexual abuse,” DC Sharpe said.
“We have dedicated and specially trained officers on hand to listen to you and deal with your complaint sensitively.”
Anyone who has been affected or knows someone who has been affected by sexual abuse can call Greater Manchester Police on 101, or alternatively people can refer themselves to St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0161 276 6515.
St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault.
Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them either as a self-referral or via Greater Manchester Police.
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