Man sentenced following sexual assault

A man has been sentenced after pleading guilty to sexual assault by penetration of a child under 13.

The man, who can't be named to protect the anonymity of the child victim-survivor, appeared at Guildford Crown Court on Thursday, 14 January, where he was sentenced to 11 years in prison and a given lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

In December 2022, Surrey Police were contacted by the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) to pass on a report received from the child's grandmother.

A child had disclosed that she had been sexually assaulted by her father over a period of two years.

Throughout this period, the man would message the child daily and use code words for his actions.

He would also manipulate her with messages saying: ‘I do so much for you, I would feel really upset if you told anyone’.

On one occasion, he said that he only did what he did because the pair had 'such a good bond'.

When questioned about these messages, he responded 'no comment'.

Detective Constable Nicola Dell said: "The bravery and strength of the victim-survivor to share what they have been through is admirable. I hope they will find some closure and be able to gain strength to move forward.

"The man in this case should have been a trusted figure. Instead, he chose to use this trust to manipulate a child to suit his own deviancy.

“I’d really urge anyone who may be a victim of sexual abuse, or know someone who is a victim, to please reach out for help. We take reports of sexual abuse extremely seriously, and we are here to listen and support all victims.

"You're not to blame for what's happening. You're not alone."

For further information about reporting a rape or sexual offence, please click here: Rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences | Surrey Police