Specialist officers have praised a young victim for their bravery after a paedophile who committed a string of sexual offences against them was jailed.
A third party made a complaint on behalf of the victim about Lee Webster, 39, last summer, with enquiries revealing he had abused the youngster over a lengthy period of time beginning some years before.
Enquiries began, with detectives also putting safeguarding and support measures in place for the victim and family.
In June this year the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised 14 charges against Webster, of Middlesbrough, including sexual activity with a child and inciting a child to engage in sexual activities.
Webster appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court at the end of July where he pleaded guilty to all but one charge.
Today (Monday September 18) he was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment, a lifetime SHPO (sexual harm prevention order) and restraining order.
Webster will also be placed on the sex offenders’ register and be subject to stringent conditions and monitoring on his release.
Child Abuse and Vulnerable Adults (Cava) unit officer, Detective Sergeant Claire Baker, said: “The victim was extremely brave to report this and dealt with the circumstances and lengthy investigation extremely well.
"They are a real inspiration and I share the family’s immense pride in them. I hope today’s result will bring a degree of comfort and I wish them all well.”
Read next:
Stockton: Man arrested after attempted boiler burglary
18 businesses in North East fined for employing illegal workers
Middlesbrough man named and fined for not wearing seatbelt
Get more from The Northern Echo with a Premium Plus digital subscription from as little as only £1.50 a week. Click here.
Acting Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Waterfield added: “Webster carried out his despicable and systematic abuse over a long period of time, beginning around the initial lockdown period.
“As soon as we were made aware of his offending my specialist officers began their detailed enquiries while ensuring the victim and family were supported and kept updated.
“Today’s result should reassure anyone affected by such offending that we will do all we can to bring perpetrators before the court.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article