Man jailed after giving child drugs and inflicting sexual offences on her
Antony Farren was sentenced after the offences in Rawtenstall
A man has been sentenced to 23 years after he gave a 15-year-old girl drugs and inflicted a series of sexual offences on her.
Preston Crown Court heard how 39-year-old Antony Farren told the girl while engaging in sexual activity with her: “It feels like I’m raping you, I need to stop.”
Farren was arrested in December 2024 following reports.
Whilst on bail with conditions not the contact the victim, he sent her a TikTok in an attempt to intimidate her.
He was found guilty of:
- two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child under 16
- four counts of other sexual offences
- one count of witness intimidation
Farren was sentenced to 15 years in immediate custody, with an eight-year extended licence period.
He's also on the Sex Offenders Register for life and was made the subject of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
"...I want to place on record my admiration for her."
DC Sarah Andrews from Lancashire police said: “Antony Farren is a dangerous and manipulative individual who targeted and groomed his vulnerable victim for his sordid sexual interests. He knew what he was doing was wrong but continued anyway.
"I welcome the sentence handed down to Farren which reflects the seriousness of his offending and the very real danger he poses to female children.
“While the headlines will be about Farren and his abhorrent crimes, I want to make sure the victim in this case is not overlooked.
"She has shown incredible bravery in firstly coming forward and then reliving her ordeal while giving evidence, and I want to place on record my admiration for her."