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A convicted paedophile who was already serving a prison sentence for raping a young girl has been jailed for the sexual assault of a toddler.
Christopher Proctor, who now goes by the name Daniel Travis, assaulted the girl when she was just two years old.
In 2021 the girl came forward and reported the matter to police.
At this time, Proctor, was already serving a sentence for the rape of a separate young girl for which he was handed a 12-year-jail-term in 2019.
Proctor, 49, was arrested and later charged with sexual assault by touching which he denied.
The case was sent to trial, and the victim was called to give evidence.
Only after she was cross-examined by his defence team did Proctor change his plea to admit the offence.
The girl, who read a victim impact statement in court, spoke movingly about the effect Proctor’s abuse has had on her life:
“What happened to me has had a huge impact on my life and is quite difficult to put into words…
“The impact on my mental health has been significant. I am constantly anxious and on edge, particularly around men and unfamiliar places. I struggle to trust people, even those close to me and I often feel isolated because of this.
“I experience frequent flashbacks and panic attacks from the trauma of what Christopher did to me…
“I used to self-harm to get rid of the feeling of his hands on my skin.
“I have lost my confidence and self-worth. Some days I have even thought it might be better if I am not here. But I will get through this…
“I would like the court to understand the seriousness of the harm that has been caused to me. Not only at the time of the offence, when I was little, but the lasting impact it has had on my wellbeing and future.
“… I want Christopher to remember one thing – he may have taken away my innocence, but he will never take away my future…
“I am no longer a victim. I’m a survivor…”
Proctor, of no fixed address, was sentenced on 7 January and handed a jail term of three years and nine months.
He was placed on the sex offenders register for life, handed a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a 10-year restraining order.
Detective Constable Ellen Buggins, officer in the case, said:
“The survivor in the case showed tenacity and patience throughout, despite the time taken for this to be heard in court.
“She showed immense courage and was commended by the judge for reading out her victim statement in court.
“Travis (AKA Proctor) is a dangerous individual whose offences were horrific.
“It is only right that the public are protected from him, and he will be kept a close eye on for life.”