Record details
A 42-year-old man has been jailed for the rape and sexual abuse of a child more than 20 years ago. Karl Osborne committed multiple offences against the same victim in Tiverton in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Exeter Crown Court was told he groomed the child for abuse, offering cigarettes and cannabis, to satisfy his depraved sexual appetites.
The defendant, who now lives in Swindon, has been jailed for 11 years. The court heard a moving statement from the victim who spoke about the huge impact his behaviour had.
The statement said: "I tried to bury the memories of the abuse, the anxiety, shame and guilt. Year after year it ate away at me and has left me with massive trust issues. The psychological harm and distress overwhelmed me.
"I will never forget what he did to me. I hope one day I will not be burdened with the gravity and feelings of what he did to me."
Jenny Tellentire, defending, said Osborne had a 'challenging childhood' and struggled with ADHD. She said most of the offences happened when he was a teenager. "You can be an offender and still be vulnerable," she said. He is in a stable relationship and has committed no other similar offences.
Osborne was convicted after trial of nine offences, including rape, attempted rape and inciting a child to engage in sexual behaviour.
Judge Stephen Climie said the offending took place over a significant period of time. He told Osborne he would be put on the sex offender register and be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
