Locations
Sheridan Street, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2
Description
A 'manipulative and determined' paedophile who sexually abused girls in the 1990s has been brought to justice after his victims came forward years later to tell police what he had done.
Anthony Bamford, of Sheridan Street, off Leicester's Saffron Lane, appeared at Leicester Crown Court today and pleaded guilty to seven counts of rape, relating to two victims, and one charge of indecently assaulting a third victim.
The 63-year-old, known as Tony, was jailed for 23 years.
He will also will on the sex offenders register for the rest of his life.
The detective who led the investigation believes there may be other victims who have not made contact with the police.
The first allegation against Bamford was made to Leicestershire Police in 2017, and inquiries identified three victims, the force said.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Jamie Carr, of the force's child abuse investigation unit, said: Each of the women were just children when they were abused by Bamford, who was manipulative in his approach and determined not to be caught.
However, despite it being some years since he committed his horrific crimes, his victims have shown great courage in providing detailed information to police in order to bring him to justice.
I am glad that Bamford has pleaded guilty today so no further distress is caused by having to relive their experiences in court.
But I also believe there may be other victims of Bamford who have not contacted police about the abuse they suffered.
"I would encourage anyone who believes they were a victim to come forward, where they will be supported by specially-trained officers.
Bamford will also be subject to a sexual harm prevention order, which can be used to impove legally enforceable restrictions on his movements and behaviour, particularly if and when he is released from prison.