Four year prison sentence for man who sexually abused young girl when he was a teenager

Justice has finally caught up with Andrew Limon after he routinely sexually abused his victim during the early 90s.

His victim’s life has been blighted by the abuse she suffered as a child, Teesside Crown Court heard.

Limon was found guilty of eight charges, including indecent assault by penetration, after maintaining his innocence throughout his trial.

Judge Jonathan Carroll said: “The offences have had a profound impact upon her health throughout her life which she is only just starting to come to terms with.”

The 41-year-old, of Staindale Road, Stockton, carried out the abuse of the young girl over a three year period.

• Drunken birthday celebrations ended with threat to 'cut man's throat' and knife-point robbery in Boots​

Speaking about one of the indecent assaults, the judge added: “You did this in front of one of your few friends, no doubt out of bravado, you only stopped when they told you to stop doing it as she was only a bairn.”

Andrew Limon

The victim kept the abuse secret until she was an adult until she confided in the pastoral carer at her own child's school, the court heard.

In a victim impact statement, the woman told how she had turned to drugs in an attempt 'self-medicate' and dull the pain.

Speaking after the court case, Detective Sergeant Nicky Barker of Cleveland Police’s Children and Vulnerable Adult (CAVA) Team welcomed the sentence given to Limon.

They said: “This distressing case involved the systematic sexual abuse of a very young child who kept silent for many years about what happened to her. I can only imagine the torment this caused her.

“She showed extreme courage in disclosing what happened to her, and her determination and bravery throughout the judicial process is humbling.

“Andrew Limon consistently denied that any abuse took place, meaning the victim had to endure the stress of a trial.

“I welcome today’s sentence and hope it brings a degree of comfort to this lady.”