‘Depraved’ rapist who abused a young girl for years finally brought to justice

A “depraved” man who raped and sexually abused a young girl has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.

John Ryan, now 75, abused his young victim for several years, starting when she was six years old. Most of the crimes were committed in Blackpool.

Ryan, who previously lived in the seaside town but is originally from Tamworth in the West Midlands, denied charges of rape, penetrative assault, sexual assault and inducing/inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual conduct, but was found guilty following a trial.

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Lancashire Police said the total sentence imposed by Preston Crown Court for all the offences he was convicted of was almost 70 years, but as these sentences will be served concurrently, he will spend 20 years behind bars.

Det Insp Andrew Crook, of Lancashire’s child abuse investigation team, said: “First and foremost, I would like to commend Ryan’s victim for having the courage to speak out about what she went through. This must not have been easy and I greatly admire her bravery. John Ryan subjected this young girl to shocking abuse over a number of years to satisfy his own perverse sexual desires and I welcome these meaningful sentences which reflect the seriousness of his offending.”

“I hope that the court’s rulings will give others who may have suffered similar abuse the courage to come forward and report the matter to the police, knowing that we will investigate professionally and sensitively, regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred.”

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