A 58-year-old man who pleaded guilty to multiple sexual offences against a young child has been jailed for nearly 11 years.
Anthony Jarrett, of Maple Close, Larkfield in Kent, was sentenced to four charges relating to various sexual assaults of a child under 13 when he appeared at Lincoln Crown Court on Friday, May 17.
The abuse, which took place over a three-year period in a town in south Lincolnshire, relates to a single victim.
Jarrett told his victim not to tell anyone, was overly friendly and nice to them, and insisted that if they revealed what was going on it would have a devastating effect on his life.
Thanks to the work of investigators and the bravery of the victim, Jarrett eventually went before court officials in a pre-trial preparation hearing on April 24 when he pleaded guilty to all charges.
The impact statement read out in court from the victim and their family spelt out the devastating impact Jarrett had on their lives.
Jarrett was placed on the sex offenders’ register, made subject to a sexual harm prevention order, and was given a restraining order against the victim.
A spokesman for Lincolnshire Police said: “Jarrett’s behaviour was despicable and vile and will not be tolerated in Lincolnshire.
“The victim in this investigation has been incredibly brave every step of the way, as has their family, and this sentence is a testament to the bravery they have shown throughout.
“We hope this sentence will bring them some form of closure and allow them to move on.
“If you’ve been the victim of rape or sexual assault or offence, please report it to us as soon as possible.
“Even if you’re not 100 per cent sure, we want to hear from you so that we can make sure you’re safe.
“If you’re not ready to talk to the police just yet, that’s OK.”
The force website has information about reporting offences and has links to a variety of organisations which can help and support victims.
