January 2017

JAILED: Young girl rapist sent down for 10 years

A MAN guilty of raping and sexually assaulting a young girl, who only found the courage to confront her ordeal later in life, has been jailed for 10 years.

The victim recalled to police how she was raped and molested by Michael McGrath in the Accrington area, Burnley Crown Court was told.

But it was only when the woman was an adult that she felt able to contact the authorities and undergo a video interview with specially-trained detectives, the court was told.

McGrath, now 61, of Abbey Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to offences of rape, indecent assault and indecency with a child.

Jeremy Grout-Smith, prosecuting, said the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had confessed about the sexual abuse she endured to a former partner.

But she did not feel ready or able to report the matters to police at that time, which had frustrated him and caused serious tensions within their relationship, the court heard.

Mr Grout-Smith said McGrath had raped and encouraged the girl to take part in sexual acts.

The court heard the defendant had a criminal record for ‘acquisitive’ theft-style offences and minor violence, which dated back to 1979, but he had no recorded previous matters for sexual assaults.

Passing sentence, Judge Jonathan Gibson said the case amply demonstrated the ‘serious effects’ which cases of serious sexual abuse could have on victims in later life.

McGrath, upon his eventual release from custody, will be required to sign the sex offenders’ register for life, the judge ordered.

It will also mean that he will be barred from working with children indefinitely.