Man jailed for assaulting boy in Wisbech 30 years ago

He assaulted the boy on multiple occasions between 1993 and 1997

Author: Henry WinterPublished 11th Dec 2023

A newsagent who sexually assaulted a boy in Wisbech 30 years ago has been jailed.

John Lester, 71, was working at the newsagent when he assaulted the boy on multiple occasions between 1993 and 1997.

He befriended the boy by giving him gifts including sweets, fireworks and money, before sexually assaulting him.

On more than one occasion Lester assaulted the boy in his car, having driven to remote rural locations.

The victim reported what happened to police in 2019.

Lester, previously of Shrewsbury Avenue, Peterborough, refused to be interviewed about the offences, but later pleaded guilty to two counts of indecently assaulting a boy under 16.

On Friday (8/12) at Peterborough Crown Court he was jailed for six years.

Detective Sergeant Louis Scott said: “Lester groomed the victim in this case by giving him gifts and money, before sexually assaulting him.

“I’d like to commend the victim for his courage in reporting what happened to him. This case shows that time does not prevent us from bringing people to justice.

“I’d encourage anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence to seek help - irrespective of how long ago the assault took place.”

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