A man has been jailed for 18 years after being convicted of rape and indecent assault against a young girl.
The offences took place in the 80s and early 90s, in the North Yorkshire area and elsewhere, when the victim was aged between 12 and 14 years old.
Ashleigh Pell, aged 66, of Pine Close, Skipton, was jailed for 18 years at Bradford Crown Court on 21 January 2018.
The victim is his daughter, Rebecca Pell, now aged 43, who first contacted North Yorkshire Police by email in 2017. Following the trial, she has bravely waived her right to anonymity.
While sentencing Pell, the judge commended Rebecca for her courage and strength in both reporting the matter to the police and giving her evidence in court.
The investigating officer, Detective Constable Nicky Wareham, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “I am immensely pleased with the outcome of this long and emotional investigation. It demonstrates that no matter how long ago this type of criminal offending took place, investigations of this kind can result in justice being served.
“I praise anyone who is able to come forward and report offences of this nature and would encourage others to do so in the knowledge that specialist support is available if required.”
If you are a victim of a sexual offence, it doesn’t matter when the abuse happened, whether it’s happening now or occurred decades ago. Even if it is not possible to put an offender before the courts, it’s important that you are offered the support and advice that is available.
Your information could also help to protect other victims and help the police form a wider picture of offending.
To report a sexual crime to the police call 101.
If you are in immediate danger, always call 999
