A DETECTIVE has told survivors of sexual assault "it’s never too late to seek justice" after a Colchester man was finally jailed 26 years after abusing a young girl.
Robert Jones, of King George Road, subjected his victim to two instances of sexual abuse in 1998 and 1999 when he was in his forties.
His victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, came forward to police in 2021 and officers arrested her abuser the same night as part of their investigation.
In 2022, Jones was formally charged with two offences of gross indecency with a child and indecent assault on a child, but he continued to deny the allegations.
After standing trial at Newcastle Crown Court, Jones, now 64, was jailed for three-and-a-half-years.
He was also given a life-long order to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and restraining order.
Detectives from Northumbria Police who investigated the case and brought Jones to justice have said victims will be believed and abusers will be jailed for their crimes.
Detective constable Andrea Nixon, who led the investigation for Northumbria Police, said: “The outcome of this case sends a clear message – it’s never too late to seek justice, and it is possible to hold your abuser to account years, even decades, after the crimes have been committed.
“It also should be taken as a clear warning to anyone who thinks they’ve gotten away with committing non-recent abuse – we can and will find you, and your crimes will be pursued regardless of how much time has passed.
“The victim in this case has lived their entire adult life battling with what they suffered as a child, but now her voice has been fully heard.”
She continued by saying anyone who is a victim of sexual abuse can still report what has happened by dialling 101.
She said: “Just because something has happened a long time ago, that doesn’t mean we can’t secure a conviction just as we have in this instance.
“Please report to us and give us the opportunity to support you through this process.”
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