A paedophile who abused two children has been locked up for nearly two decades – thanks to the extreme bravery of his young victims.
Last week a court was told how Graham Lane horrifically abused his first victim for a period spanning several years.
The abuse came to light when she told her schoolgirl friend a ‘secret’ before that friend then confided in her mum.
They contacted the victim’s mum and she rang police immediately.
It was then that another young girl also told police how she too was abused by Lane.
Lane initially denied his guilt but changed his plea weeks before his trial was due to begin in November last year.
He also pleaded guilty to sexually abusing the second even younger child.
Last Friday (March 13) Lane, 58, of Gateshead, was jailed for 19 years at Newcastle Crown Court.
Following the case, the victim’s mother called the disclosures ‘devastating’ and says it has affected the entire family.
The officer in charge of the case, Detective Constable Nicola Askew, has today (Monday) praised the victims and their supporters.
She said: “Lane is a predatory paedophile who subjected not one, but two young girls to frequent and painful abuse.
“It took a lot of courage for his victim to speak out, first trusting her young friend and then, with her encouragement, telling adults, including her own mum, who then contacted police.
“I am full of praise for both the first victim and her supporting friend; they were both too young to fully understand the depths of the abuse but knew it was wrong and that a trusted adult and police are here to help.
“Praise must also go to the second victim who with her mother’s support was able to assist police also.
“I know no sentence will ever take away the pain and trauma of what has happened but I do hope that this 19 year sentence will provide some comfort to the family as they attempt to move forward with their lives.”
Lane was sentenced for a string of sexual assaults, including six counts of rape as well as counts of digital penetration, oral rape, masturbating in a child’s presence and inciting digital penetration.
He was also found to have indecent images of children, including of the girl and others from the internet.
