‘Unrepentant’ sex offender jailed for abusing girl in Nottinghamshire
An ‘unrepentant’ sex offender has been jailed after a jury found him guilty of repeatedly sexually abusing a young girl.
Alan Copeland, 59, began abusing the girl nearly a decade ago and told her to keep what happened a secret.
After years of silence, she confided with her family what happened.
Nottinghamshire Police was informed, and Copeland, formerly of Third Avenue, Rainworth, was arrested and interviewed by specialist child abuse detectives.
According to Nottinghamshire Police, Copeland "angrily denied the allegations".
On Wednesday 5th September at Nottingham Crown Court, he was found guilty with three counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
It's after the jury heard video testimony from the girl, and were also made aware of two former convictions against Copeland which happened in the 1990s.
He was jailed for 6 years.
His name has also been added to the sex offenders' register.
Detective Constable Gemma Sidebottom, who led the investigation, called him an "unprecidented sex offender who thought he could abuse an innocent child with impunity".
She said: "He clearly hadn’t reckoned on the bravery and determination of his victim.
“As she grew older, she realised what had happened to her all those years ago was wrong and told someone about what had happened to her.
“That is a huge step for anyone to take – let alone for someone who is still a child – so I really am full of admiration for the dignity and resolve she has shown throughout this process.
“With no physical evidence to rely on, the success of this prosecution really came down to the meticulous details she provided in her evidence and her believability as a witness.
“Thanks to her, Copeland has been exposed as a danger to young girls and will now spend a considerable amount of time in prison."