Paedophile targeting boys in east Lancashire jailed for 24 years
Andrew Thomson targeted children as young as six-years-old
A paedophile targeting young children in east Lancashire has been jailed for 24 years.
Andrew Thomson, aged 53, and of Bawdlands in Clitheroe, was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to the charges before Burnley Crown Court on Friday (July 25th).
The court heard how Thomson had carried out serious sexual offences - including rape - against two young boys aged six and eight.
Thomson groomed his first two victims, attempting to rape them and sexually assault them, as well as making them watch him expose himself.
The incidents, which took place in Accrington, resulted in the victims being told not to tell anyone about the abuse, otherwise "it would be bad luck in life".
Officers arrested Thomson for the first two offences, but after news of the abuse came to light - another two victims came forward.
Meeting Thomson when he was in his early 20s, the victim - who was aged either 9 or 10 - had befriended Thomson, before he was sexually assaulted while sat on a tree stump.
A fourth victim was aged between 8 and 10 when he was lured into Thomson's home before he was sexually assaulted.
Appearing before the court, Thomson pleaded guilty to attempted rape of a child under 13, causing/inciting a boy under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.
Speaking on the case, Detective Constable Jason Taylor from Lancashire Police said: "homson has left a trail of destruction in his wake as a result of his abhorrent sexual conduct. This offending has spanned decades and has had a profound impact on all of his victims and their loved ones.
“I hope the outcome of this case encourages other victims to come forward, confident they will be believed, listened to and that we will do everything in our power to put their abuser before the courts.”