Paul Boardman

A man from Ashton has been found guilty of 43 sexual offences against seven young boys.

Paul Boardman, 55, was sentenced to 22 years in jail following rape, attempted rape, buggery, indecency with a child, indecent assault and sexual activity with a child dating back more than 20 years.

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Boardman, formerly of Bray Street, will be on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Lancashire Police have described the crimes as “horrendous” after the sentencing at Manchester Crown Court.

42 of the offences took place between 1990 and 2001 when Boardman lived in the Tanterton area of Preston.

One more offence took place in March this year at an address in Ashton.

Detective Chief Inspector Sue Cawley, of Lancashire Police, said: “I am pleased with today’s sentence which reflects the gravity of Boardman’s horrendous crimes.

“This is a dangerous and prolific offender who has repeatedly targeted young boys and subjected them to horrendous abuse, showing no regard for their age or vulnerabilities.

“His crimes have left his victims scarred for life in terms of both the emotional and psychological effects he has caused and I would like to pay tribute to them for their bravery in coming forward and in giving evidence to this trial.

“I would also like to thank the Crown Prosecution Service and Prosecuting Counsel for bringing the case and for securing the convictions.

“We take all allegations of sexual abuse extremely seriously and we would encourage people with any information about sexual abuse or who has been a victim of sexual abuse to come forward and report their concerns confident in the knowledge it will be investigated appropriately and with sensitivity.”

Boardman pleaded guilty to attempting to pervert the course of justice. Another man Ryan Shenton, 24, of Hoghton Lane, Hoghton was convicted of the same offence following the trial. Two others, Marie Blythe, 31 and Natasha Hart, 21, both of Tennyson Mill Court, Preston admitted attempting to pervert the course of justice at an earlier hearing. This related to attempts to influence the case.