A 72-year-old man who made his victim’s childhood ‘an absolute misery’ has been jailed for child sex offences dating back to the 1980s.
Rodney Abbott, of Moor Lane in Myton-on-Swale, near York, was sentenced to 18 years and 8 months at York Crown Court today (18 July).
Abbot had been remanded in custody since 12 May, after pleading guilty to multiple child sex offences.
These included six offences of raping a girl under 16, six offences of indecent assault on a girl under 14, three offences of indecent assault on a girl under 16, and one offence of inciting a girl under 14 years to commit an act of gross indecency.
The victim was assaulted from the age of five and into her teens, describing her childhood as “a constant stream of sexual assaults”.
Abbot was also issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order until further order, a restraining order, and ordered to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Mike Cope, said:
“Mr Abbott took every opportunity to abuse the victim. She was young, helpless and without any means to escape the things that were done to her. Her childhood was miserable. It is impossible to imagine how scared and isolated she must have felt.
“In the time that I have spent with the victim, I have come to admire her for her bravery, she has had the courage to tell the police about the abuse she has suffered. She has somehow found the strength to carry on and create a good life for her and a loving home for her children.
“Nothing will take away the victim’s pain, but I hope that the sentencing can offer some sort of closure for her.
“I hope that this case shows survivors of abuse that the police are here for you, irrespective as to when that abuse occurred. It is never too late to tell us; we are here, and we will listen.
“We are committed to bringing those responsible for such horrific abuse to justice – don’t suffer in silence.”
Reporting rape and sexual abuse – no matter how long ago it happened:
- Make a report via NYP website or call 101 and speak to the Force Control Room.
- If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, always dial 999 for an emergency response.
- IDAS is an independent charity that supports victims of sexual violence and abuse regardless of whether you have reported it to the police.
- Anyone concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000. Adult victims of non-recent sexual abuse can also get in touch for support.
- Childline is available for young people on 0800 1111.
- Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). If you prefer not to go direct to the police and are not in immediate danger, can contact SARC on 0330 223 0362.
- You can also contact the Supporting Victims in North Yorkshire by calling 01609 643100.