Man jailed for serious sexual assault of girl in North Yorkshire
The offences happened between 2002 and 2005.
A man's been jailed for the serious sexual assault of a girl in North Yorkshire.
The victim, a woman in her 30s, came forward to police in 2020 - the offences happened between 2002 and 2005.
50 year-old Nicholas Dalby, formerly of Thirsk, is currently serving a jail sentence for similar offences against another child. He was sentenced at York Crown Court.
Dalby was interviewed by North Yorkshire Police in prison, where he is currently serving a jail sentence for similar offences against another child.
In interview, Dalby denied committing any offences against the victim. But he was charged, and on 28 February 2022 he pleaded guilty to three charges of rape, four of indecent assault and one of indecency with a child.
At York Crown Court on 3 March 2022, he was sentenced to a total of eight years in prison, to be served after his current prison sentence, as well as a one-year extended licence, and a sexual harm prevention order.
Addressing Dalby directly in a harrowing victim personal statement provided to the court, the woman said: “You shaped me as a child and teenager, but you will not shape me as an adult.
“This is where my strength has come from: I will not allow you to harm another child and by me speaking up and telling the truth, this is the only way to protect other girls from harm.”
After the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Sarah Jobe, of Northallerton CID, said: “The victim in this case showed immense courage in coming forward, having had to endure these dreadful crimes at a young age. Dalby denied the offences throughout the investigation – putting her through further trauma – but her strength has ensured justice has now been done.
“I hope this conviction shows other victims that it is never too late to seek support for what has happened. By speaking to the police, or other organisations, you can access help and advice for yourself, and allow us to protect other people like you.”