Nottingham: Man jailed for rape and serious sexual offences

September 25, 2012, 8:49 am

A 33-year-old Nottingham man, who caused a young girl to ‘lose her childhood, has been jailed.

Following a trial at Nottingham Crown Court, Gareth Oldknow, of Willow Cottages in Aspley, was found guilty of 11 counts of serious sexual offences, including rape, on a minor.

He was sentenced last Friday (21 September) and received a 15-year concurrent jail term as follows: 15 years for two counts of rape of a child under 13 years, 10 years jail for assault by penetration of a child under 13 years, five years for seven counts of sexual activity with a child and 12 months for a further count of sexual activity with a child.

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Judge Andrew Hamilton said Oldknows actions had led to the loss of childhood for his young victim and went on to describe him as a significant danger to young girls.

Oldknow was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and handed an extended licence for five years  he was also given a life ban from working with children.

DC Debbie Wattley, of Nottinghamshire Polices Child Abuse Investigation Unit, led the investigation. She said: “The acts committed upon this child were truly horrific and had a devastating effect upon her. Despite this, she remained strong throughout a robust cross-examination by the defence and was key to securing this important conviction.

“Credit should go to her for her incredible courage.”

Detective Inspector Yvonne Dales, praised her colleague DC Wattley for her handling of the case.

She said: “DC Wattleys care and professionalism in dealing with the victim, and her preparation of the case papers was outstanding. She remained focused upon the task in what was often the face of adversity.”

She also acknowledged the Forces Digital Investigation Unit for their work in extracting vital evidence from a number of mobile phones in the case, as well as local child abuse advice agency Imara, who has supported the young victim and her family throughout the investigation, trial and post-sentencing.

DI Dales said: “Nottinghamshire Police is committed to preventing crimes against children and holding to account those who commit such appalling acts.

“By continuing to work with our partner agencies in Government and the community, we can ensure we are doing all we can to protect vulnerable children from harm.”

If you suspect a child is being abused, or you or someone you know is a victim of a sexual assault, call 999 in an emergency, otherwise contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.