A Leyland man received 21 years in jail last week after sexually abusing a young girl over a ten-year period in the 70s and 80s.

Graham Gill, 68, denied the offences but was found guilty by a jury following a week-long trial at Preston Crown Court.

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He carried out horrific abuse on his victim, aged between six and 16 at the time, in the Leyland area.

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Gill is behind bars thanks to the bravery of the victim and the tenacity of the investigating Detective Constable.

Det Con Michelle Thompson of Lancashire Constabulary’s Child Protection Unit said: “Gill is an abhorrent offender who subjected his young victim to systematic and violent sexual abuse over a lengthy period.

“I would like to commend her for her courage in coming forward to report this horrific abuse and facing her abuser through the court process.

“I hope this conviction and sentence gives others who may have suffered similar abuse to come forward.”

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Gill, of Sandringham Avenue, Leyland, was sentenced on 14 January to 21 years and will serve two-thirds of the sentence before eligible for parole.

The jury unanimously found him guilty of 16 counts – ten of indecent assault, four of rape and two other sexual offences.

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Det Con Thompson said: “Lancashire Constabulary remains committed to investigating allegations of this nature, no matter how historic and no matter what the role, position and status of the alleged offender.

“We would encourage anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence to come forward, safe in the knowledge that they will be treated sensitively and professionally.”

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