Man jailed for raping nine-year-old girl in Rossendale in 1980s
He's been sentenced to seven years in prison
A man has been jailed for seven years after raping and abusing a child in Rossendale during the 1980s.
Jacob Atkinson, who's now 55-years-old, was found guilty of rape, indecent assault and indecency with a child.
The offences came to light decades later when the victim first told her husband, then the Truth Project and then the police.
Preston Crown Court heard how Atkinson raped and assaulted the victim when she was nine-years-old.
“Atkinson targeted his vulnerable victim for his own sordid sexual interests", Dave Hindle, from Lancashire's Major Crime Review Team, said.
He continued, "Once he got to his 50s he probably though he had gotten away with his detestable crimes. However, it’s thanks to the victim’s bravery in reporting these offences to us and then giving evidence in court that a light has been shone on who Atkinson truly is."
Atkinson will also be on the Sex Offenders Register for life.