Blackpool man jailed for over 20 years for sexually abusing a child
A Blackpool man has been sentenced to more than 20 years in prison for sexually abusing a child.
Christopher Harrison, 58, was jailed at Preston Crown Court on September 18.
Police had launched an investigation in January 2017 after the victim, 12, reported he had been raped by Harrison as a boy.
The victim alleged the abuse took place at an address in the Cleveleys area when he was four-years-old.
Following investigation Harrison was later arrested by detectives in April 2017. His mobile phone was seized and was found to contain a number of indecent images of children.
The 53-year-old was charged with rape and possession of indecent images in December 2017.
Harrison denied the offences at court but following a five-day trial in July was found guilty.
He was sentenced to 24 years in prison, given an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and will be on the sex offenders register for life.
Det Insp Alisa Wilson, of Lancashire Police, said:
“Harrison is a sexual predator who targeted his victim, exploiting their vulnerabilities for his own depraved ends.
“His actions against the victim, then four-years-old, were truly despicable.
“This has been an upsetting investigation with a child who has been left emotionally traumatised by the sexual abuse he has endured.
“Harrison’s denial of the offences prolonged the victim’s wait for justice. I must thank him for his bravery in reporting the offences and facing his abuser through the court process.
“This investigation highlights our commitment to preventing and detecting offences of rape and serious sexual assault. We want victims to feel confident that they will be treated with compassion and that we will do everything possible to trace those responsible and take action against them.
“I’d like to offer reassurance that any reports of sexual offences, new or old, will be dealt with sensitively, thoroughly and professionally, with the interests of the victims and their families being our priority."