Judge commends victim's bravery in Blackpool sex abuse trial
Abuser sentenced to 18 years in Preston Crown Court
A judge has commended the courage of a sexual abuse victim after her abuser, Ben Slaney, was sentenced to 18 years in prison at Preston Crown Court.
Judge Michael Maher praised the victim, who was just six when the abuse began, for her remarkable maturity and strength throughout the trial process.
Slaney, 33, from Portland Road, Blackpool, denied the charges, claiming that his victim fabricated the allegations.
However, after a trial, the jury found him guilty of multiple offences, including sexual touching over a three-year period, sexual assault by penetration, and making category A and B images of children.
Slaney must serve at least 12 years in prison before parole consideration and has received a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a lifetime restraining order.
He will also be on the sex offenders register for life.
The victim, in a statement to the court, expressed pride in defending her rights and achieving justice, hoping her conviction inspires others to come forward.
She added: “I’ve endured a life of pain since the first time that man took advantage, of the little girl I once was.
“I stand proud of myself for defending what’s right as I know he will be on a register for the rest of his life because of his actions.
"I have helped achieve justice not only for myself, but also for potential others. I still find myself wondering how different my childhood could have been if I wasn’t forced to grow up so soon.
“I hope this conviction will give courage to any too scared yet to speak, or too young yet to understand.”
Det Con Lucy Cross, of Blackpool Police, said: “First and foremost I would like to praise the courage and tenacity of the victim in this case.
"She has shown incredible bravery firstly in speaking out about what happened to her and then in facing down Slaney when he accused her of lying and dragging her through a trial. I am in awe of her.
“Slaney is clearly a dangerous paedophile who has preyed on a vulnerable victim and who has shown no remorse for his actions.
"I welcome this sentence and I hope it gives others who may have suffered similar abuse the confidence to speak out in the knowledge that Lancashire police will listen, will investigate with professionalism and sensitivity and will aim to put offenders before the courts.”