[A] MAN who sexually abused a girl in the Lake District has been locked up for 45 months.
Christopher Noel Poole, 55, was sentenced today (FRI) for historical offending which, the victim later told police, had left her with the “constant feeling of being damaged goods”.
Carlisle Crown Court heard the girl was aged as young as 11 when Poole had abused her. A man of good character both before and since, he pleaded guilty to five indecent assault charges which reflected separate incidents.
The court was told his victim had spoken of being “tormented” for years by one particular crime, and had also suffered from anxiety and depression.
Jailing Poole, of Whinfield Road, Windermere, Judge James Adkin told him: “If any case illustrates how sexual abuse of children has a huge, long-term impact this is it.”
Poole must sign the sex offenders’ register for life and observe the terms of a sexual harm prevention order indefinitely. He will also be barred from working with children and vulnerable adults.
An NSPCC spokesperson said: “This case demonstrates that no matter how many years have passed, victims of child sexual abuse can come forward with the confidence they will be listened to.
“This awful crime can have a devastating and long-lasting impact, and it is vital that Poole’s victim receives all the support required to move forward with their life.”
Anyone with concerns about a child can call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 while children in need of support call Childline 24/7, free and confidentially on 0800 1111.
