A CONVICTED sex offender has been jailed for five years after pleading guilty to an indecent assault on a young girl more than 20 years ago.

David Raymond May, 55, of York was handed the sentence after an investigation into the offence was prompted by the victim coming forward last year.

He had previously been found guilty for indecent assaults on a different seven-year-old girl between 2003 and 2004.

May, who initially denied the latest offence until the first day of trial on Wednesday, was known to the girl's family despite previously saying he had no knowledge of her.

The court heard how the incident happened when May's victim was six or seven at some point between 1996 and 1998.

May and the victim had been visiting a house in York, when he groomed her by offering money.

He then deliberately isolated her in another part of the house where he carried out the indecent assault.

May then tried to cover up the incident by saying to the girl it was "their secret" together.

Police said the victim reported the historic incident after 'bravely' coming forward in September 2018.

After the sentencing, Detective Constable Alastair Foy said: "This was a sickening sexual assault on a very young and vulnerable girl which had a massive and lasting impact on every aspect of her life.

“The court heard how she feels that she is ‘damaged goods’ as a result of the abuse she experienced by May.

"She is not damaged goods – she is a strong and resilient woman who has called out his perverted and pernicious behaviour.

"Through her courage, he has finally received justice."

“Hopefully, May’s conviction will help her move forward.

“North Yorkshire Police will investigate all reports of child sexual abuse.

"This case demonstrates that convictions may be obtained even where the incident took place decades ago.”

The 55-year-old's time in prison will be followed by an extended licence period for a further 12 months, as a result of his crime, he will not be automatically released after serving half his sentence.

Instead police said his case will be referred to the Parole Board who will decide whether he should be released or not.

He was made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order which will restrict his access to children after his release.

May will also remain on the sexual offenders’ register, which he was placed on following the indecent assaults between 2003 and 2004.

  • A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: "Contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 if you have been a victim of abuse.
  • "If you are in immediate danger, always dial 999 for an emergency response.
  • "Victims who would prefer not to go direct to the police and are not in immediate danger, can contact Bridge House, North Yorkshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), on 0330 223 0362, email bridgehouse.sarc@nhs.net or go to www.bridgehousesarc.org"