Man jailed for non-recent child sexual offences

A 55-year-old man has been jailed after being found guilty of seven non-recent child sexual offences.

Gary Grant, formerly of Languard Road, in Felixstowe, and more recently of Quinton Road, in Needham Market, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court (pictured above) on Thursday, May 14, where was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment.

On January 16, a jury had found him guilty of the following offences after a five-day trial:

• Four counts of buggery with a girl under 16 years; and
• Three counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 16 years.

The court heard that the victim was 13 years’ old and Grant was aged in his mid-20s when the abuse started.

It was described that he would buy the victim cigarettes, in exchange for sex.

In addition to his sentence, he was also handed a restraining order which lasts until further notice.

DC Ellie Evans-Eastman, who was the officer in charge of the case, said: “The offences were reported to police in 2021 after the victim’s social media showed Grant as a suggested friend, and brought back flashbacks of what happened to her.

“Grant manipulated and groomed a young girl and has shown no remorse throughout the trial, whilst his behaviour and actions have had a lasting emotional and physical impact upon the victim.

“In her victim personal statement, which was read out in court, she described that she still has nightmares and will scream and lash out in her sleep.

“I commend her for taking the incredibly brave step of reporting Grant’s crimes to police, and for her strength throughout the trial.

“I hope that the fact he has finally been brought to justice will bring her some peace.”