Man jailed for multiple child sex offences in Norfolk

The victim was just 6-years-old when she was abused in Dereham

Author: Lynsey BagnallPublished 25th Nov 2024

A 37-year old man has today been jailed for 17 years for committing multiple sexual offences against a child.

Ashley Lamptey, of Watling Avenue, Edgeware, Middlesex appeared at Norwich Crown Court today (Monday 25 November) for sentencing. It followed a trial in the same court in April this year where he was convicted unanimously of two counts of rape of a girl under the age of 13, two counts of sexual assault of a girl under 13 by penetration and one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

The court heard how Lamptey targeted his victim between 2020-2021 when he was living in Dereham, with the first offence occurring when she was 6 years old. Lamptey was arrested when the victim told her mother what had been happening and following a complex investigation he was charged.

Today he was sentenced to 17 years in prison, as well as five years on extended licence. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and is subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

During sentencing Judge Katharine Moore described Lampety as a dangerous offender who posed a significant risk to members of the public and children and who had caused the victim severe psychological harm.

A personal statement read in court on behalf of the victim's mother detailed the impact the abuse has had on her daughter.

She said: "She has frequent meltdowns where she will scream and cry uncontrollably. She tells me she’s had enough, nobody loves her, and she doesn't want to be here anymore. This is difficult for any adult to see in a young child but it is truly heartbreaking for a mother. I have repeated nightmares nearly every night where I am trying race to my daughter before Ashley Lamptey can get to her and in every nightmare I fail then wake up. I feel like I am in my own prison."

Following sentencing, Detective Constable Carl Ritchie from Norfolk Constabulary's Child Protection Team said:

"This was a deeply disturbing case which has left the victim with physical trauma and significant mental health disorders which will no doubt affect her for the rest of her life".

"Ashley Lamptey carried out this abuse on a young child to satisfy his own appalling and twisted desires. Furthermore he forced her to endure a trial and has shown no remorse for his actions. While no sentence can ever erase the trauma suffered by the victim and her family, I hope knowing Lamptey will be in prison for a long time will give them a chance to start rebuilding their lives".

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