Ten years in prison for convicted child abuser in Charnwood

Craig Townsend began sexually abusing a young girl when she was just six years old.

Townsend had committed the offences over a number of years before his victim told police what was happening in 2018.

Appearing at Leicester Crown court, the 35 year old denied the charges.

He was eventually found guilty of three counts of sexual assault of a girl under 13 and one count of causing/inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

He was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment and will also serve an additional year on licence.

Detective Constable Matt Gibson, from Leicestershire police's force’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit, was the officer in the case.

He said, “The victim in this case was just six years old when Townsend began abusing her – she was an innocent child.

“He clearly saw her as a way to fulfil his own sexual gratification and, believing that she wouldn’t tell anyone or that her allegations wouldn’t be seen as truthful, took advantage and continued to do so for a number of years.

“But she showed courage to eventually speak out and I’m pleased that – despite denying anything had happened – he was convicted and is now serving a prison sentence for his actions.

“I hope today’s outcome allows the victim a degree of closure and she can move on with her life.”