A man who sexually abused a child and encouraged other people to do the same has been jailed.
Gary Lewis, from Runcorn, started to abuse the girl when she was just three-years-old. Over the next four years he subjected her to repeated sexual offences, including indecent exposure and rape.
The 57-year-old would force her to watch pornography and encouraged other people to sexually abuse her. The girl attempted to seek help at the time of the abuse, but Lewis denied any wrongdoing and claimed that the victim was lying.
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When all contact between Lewis and the victim stopped in 2003, the abuse finally came to an end. In April 2019, the victim contacted Cheshire Police to report the offences and Lewis was later charged with multiple offences
Lewis was found guilty of seven counts of child sexual abuse following an five-day re-trial at Chester Crown Court. The 57-year-old returned to Chester Crown Court on Friday, June 16 and he was jailed for 16 years.
In addition to his prison sentence, he has also been added to the Sex Offender Register for life.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Becky Needham, who led the investigation at Halton Public Protection Investigations, said: “Firstly, I would like to praise the victim for the incredible courage and bravery she has shown throughout this investigation.
“Lewis' abuse understandably has had a lasting impact on the victim. Throughout her childhood her mental health declined, and her education and behaviour at school were also affected.
“It has been a challenging investigation but thankfully, as a result of the courage shown by the victim, Lewis has now been held accountable for his actions. While she will never be able to forget the abuse she suffered, I do hope the fact that he is now behind bars where he belongs will provide her with some closure.
“I also hope that his conviction encourages other victims of sexual offences to come forward and report the offences. We treat all reports of sexual abuse extremely seriously, and any allegation will be thoroughly investigated, with the wishes and needs of the victim being our main priority.”
To report any sexual offence, call Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or report online. Information can also be given anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.
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