Lancaster paedophile jailed for 18 years for abusing young girl
He was convicted of multiple sexual offences
James Nisbet-Ronson, a 35-year-old from Sefton Drive in Lancaster, has been sentenced to 18 years and 9 months for the rape and sexual abuse of a young girl.
His crimes took place in the Morecambe area in the early 2000s over a 12-year period.
Among the offences, Nisbet-Ronson took photographs of the abuse.
He was convicted of multiple sexual offences, including rape of a child, causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and making indecent images of a child.
Nisbet-Ronson pleaded guilty to 11 charges and was sentenced at Preston Crown Court on Wednesday 6th May.
The victim, in a personal statement, expressed the enduring impact of the abuse.
“Although the abuse physically ended some years ago now, it continues to torment me psychologically, which has had a devastating impact on my mental wellbeing and overall quality of life,” she said.
“This impact still reaches into every part of my life, especially my ability to trust and form new relationships.
What happened to me stole a sense of safety that should never have been taken and rebuilding that foundation has been one of the hardest parts of my healing."
"It is important to me that he is held accountable accordingly, to ensure no other child is left unprotected, and so that the harm he caused is formally recognised and condemned."
Detective Sergeant Emma Johnson of Lancashire Police commented on the sentencing.
“James Nisbet-Ronson is a dangerous paedophile who deliberately targeted a vulnerable victim and subjected them to deeply distressing abuse," she said.
"The seriousness of his offending is reflected in the substantial custodial sentence handed down.
"I would like to pay tribute to the victim, who has demonstrated exceptional courage and bravery in reporting these offences and throughout the legal process.
While no sentence can undo the harm caused, we hope this outcome provides some measure of justice as they continue their recovery."
"Lancashire Constabulary remains committed to ensuring those responsible for sexual abuse are held accountable, regardless of when the offences took place.
We encourage anyone who has experienced a sexual offence to come forward, knowing they will be supported and treated with sensitivity and professionalism throughout.”
Victims of sexual offences can report crimes online or by calling 101, assured that they will be listened to and supported.