North Yorkshire man jailed for multiple sex offences

Ian Neasham was sentenced to 28 years in jail

Author: Matt MaddrenPublished 5th Mar 2024

A North Yorkshire man has been jailed for 28 years - after being convicted of multiple sex offences.

Ian Neasham, aged 64, of Londonderry Village, North Yorkshire has been jailed for 28 years followed by a four-year extended licence.

He must serve at least two-thirds of his custodial term before being eligible for release.

He will also be placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.

Neasham’s abuse began in the 90s and spanned 11 years, with the youngest victim only 10-years-old when the attacks on her began.

His crimes were reported to police in November 2020 after one of the victims bravely confided in someone they trusted. Neasham was arrested shortly after.

It was after this point that two more victims found the courage to come forward, helping detectives to build the case against him.

Neasham was found guilty of 24 offences, following a trial at Teeside Crown Court.

He was acquitted of one charge.

Neasham during a police interview

One of the victims said in her victim impact statement:

“He took advantage of my innocence and the trust I felt for him. Being a child should have been the best years of my life, instead they were filled with abuse and anger.

Speaking for North Yorkshire Police after the sentencing, Detective Constable Gillian Gowling praised the victims' bravery and determination.

She said:

“I would like to personally thank each of the brave victims in this case.

“They have shown incredible courage and strength, not only coming forward to report what has happened to them but enduring the lengthy investigation and court case which I know has, at times, been extremely difficult for them.

“They have suffered in silence for many years, but I hope they can finally start to move forward and rebuild their lives knowing that Neasham is now rightfully behind bars where he belongs.

“I hope this sentence sends a strong message to victims that, no matter when the abuse happened to you, we will do everything we can to put offenders behind bars and support victims as much as we can.”

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