Locations
Birkdale Road, Anstey, Leicestershire, LE7
Description
The man pictured is Jacob Atkinson and he is a sex offender.
During the 1980s he raped and indecently assaulted a child.
The catalogue of offences happened in Rossendale and started when she was just nine-year-old. The offences stopped when Atkinson left the area to go to university.
The offences only came to light four decades later when the victim first told her husband, then the Truth Project and then the police.
Atkinson, 55, of Birkdale Road, Anstey, Leicester, was questioned and later charged with a number of sexual offences against the victim.
Following a trial at Preston Crown Court in April, Atkinson was found guilty of rape, indecent assault and indecency with a child.
He returned to the same court today (30th January) where he was jailed for seven years, with the Judge taking into account Atkinson’s age and their sentencing powers at the time the offences were committed. Atkinson was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Dave Hindle, from our Major Crime Review Team, said:
“Atkinson targeted his vulnerable victim for his own sordid sexual interests.
“Once he got to his 50s he probably though he had gotten away with his detestable crimes. However, it’s thanks to the victim’s bravery in reporting these offences to us and then giving evidence in court that a light has been shone on who Atkinson truly is.
“While it’s not for me to comment on the sentence handed down to Atkinson, I am pleased that the victim finally has justice all these years on.”