‘Monster’ who abused girl of six sent to jail

MAN DENIED THE

OFFENCES BUT WAS CONVICTED AFTER A TRIAL

A “MONSTER” who sexually molested a six-year-old girl has been jailed.

Craig Townsend, 35, pictured, committed the offences in Charnwood over a period of several years.

The victim reported the abuse to the police in 2018, and attended Leicester Crown Court to see him sentenced.

Townsend, formerly of Sileby, was convicted by a jury of three counts of sexually assaulting a girl under 13, and one of causing or inciting her to engage in sexual activity.

Esther Harrison, prosecuting, said one of the victim’s adult relatives made a personal impact statement on her behalf and described Townsend as a “monster” for targeting such a young child, and said his actions had violated the victim’s “body and mind”.

The complainant has had counselling and still suffers from anxiety and panic attacks.

Townsend denied the charges and still maintains his innocence, the court was told.

Sentencing, Judge Philip Head told him: “Your activities, designed by you, were a form of grooming.”

During the trial, the court heard how he had kissed the girl and the offences progressed to sexual contact.

Townsend had previous convictions for motoring, dishonesty and violence, last appearing in court in 2005, and had nothing on his record for sex offending, the jury was told.

Claire Fraser, mitigating before sentence, said: “He understands a significant custodial term will follow.”

Townsend was jailed for 10 years, and will also serve an additional year on licence.

After the sentencing, the officer in the case, Detective Constable Matt Gibson, from the force’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: “The victim was just six years old when Townsend began abusing her – she was an innocent child.

“He clearly saw her as a way to fulfil his own sexual gratification and, believing she wouldn’t tell anyone or that her allegations wouldn’t be seen as truthful, took advantage and continued to do so for a number of years.

“But she showed courage to eventually speak out and I’m pleased that – despite denying anything had happened – he was convicted and is now serving a prison sentence for his actions.

“I hope today’s outcome allows the victim a degree of closure and she can move on with her life.”