Whitby man sentenced for sexually assaulting a six-year-old child

A Whitby man who committed sex offences against a six-year-old girl has today been given a suspended sentence.

Jay Neasham, 20, was convicted of sexually assaulting a child following an investigation by Scarborough CID.

The girl told police that Neasham threatened to hurt her if she told anyone what he’d done.

The offences took place several years ago when Neasham was under the age of 18.

He denied everything when detectives interviewed him and pleaded not-guilty when the case reached court, but he was found guilty following a trial.

Neasham, who is a tradesman, was sentenced to an 18-month suspended sentence by a judge at York Crown Court today for assault of a child by sexual touching.

He was also given a ten-year restraining order to prevent him making contact with the girl.

Detective Constable Rachael Hughes, who led the investigation by Scarborough CID, said:

“Throughout the police investigation and his court appearances, Neasham consistently denied what he’d done in an effort to save himself.

“Not only was this cowardly, it also caused even more trauma for the young girl he targeted, whose life has been transformed by his actions.

“However, she has been incredibly brave coming forward and I’d like to thank her for her courage. Without her bravery and her determination to do the right thing, Neasham may never have been put before the courts.

“I’d urge anyone who thinks they may have been the victim of childhood abuse or exploitation to follow her example, so they can receive support and explore the options open to them.”

Seeking further support, advice and ways of reporting child abuse:

Call North Yorkshire Police on 101 if you have been a victim of abuse.

If you are in immediate danger, always dial 999 for an emergency response.

NSPCC Helplines:

Anyone concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000. Adult victims of non-recent sexual abuse can also get in touch for support.

Childline is available for young people on 0800 1111 or at childline.org.uk

North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership – www.safeguardingchildren.co.uk

City of York Safeguarding Children Partnership (CYSCP) – www.saferchildrenyork.org.uk

Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)

Victims who would prefer not to go direct to the police and are not in immediate danger, can contact Bridge House, North Yorkshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), on 0330 223 0362, email bridgehouse.sarc@nhs.net or go to www.bridgehousesarc.org/

You can also contact the Supporting Victims Unit direct at www.supportingvictims.org or call 01609 643100.