Locations
Windsor Terrace, Scotland Gate, Choppington, Northumberland, NE62
Description
A predator who stole a young girl’s childhood has been jailed for 22 years – thank to his victim’s bravery.
Martin Richards, who is HIV positive, subjected a schoolgirl to multiple rapes over a two-year period and was on Monday, brought to justice for his horrific actions.
The 50-year-old paedophile manipulated his victim into keeping quiet but was eventually caught out when she found the courage to confide in her mother, who immediately contacted police.
An investigation was launched by officers from Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding department and former prison officer Richards was arrested in March this year.
He was swiftly charged with a string of offences and remanded in custody, but, desperate to get the case dropped, sent a number of letters to the victim’s family.
Richards, of Windsor Terrace, Choppington, later appeared at Newcastle Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault on a child, causing a child to watch a sexual act and perverting the court of justice.
However, he denied rape, sexual assault and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity but was found guilty by a jury after standing trial.
On Monday, Richards appeared back at the same court where he was jailed for 22 years and must serve two thirds of his sentence behind bars.
He was also issued with an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, Restraining Order and must sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.