Wisbech man jailed for raping and sexually assaulting daughter over a decade

A father who repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted his daughter has been jailed for 24 years.

The man, who is in his 40s from Wisbech but cannot be named for legal reasons, began sexually assaulting the girl when she was about six years old.

The abuse continued for more than a decade and escalated to the point where she was regularly being raped, often when he returned home after drinking large amounts of alcohol at a local pub.

As the girl grew older the abuse continued and her father became increasingly controlling, including having access to her bank accounts.

In May 2019 the victim, who is now in her 20s, told a friend about the abuse who encouraged her to report it to the police.

The father was arrested and denied all of the allegations when he was interviewed.

As part of the investigation electronic devices were seized. Analysis of the data revealed nine indecent images or videos of children. Five were category A – the most severe.

He was charged with five counts of raping a girl aged between 13 and 15, eight of rape, six of sexual activity with a female family member aged between 13 and 17 and three of making indecent images of children.

In April he was found guilty of all charges following a trial at Cambridge Crown Court.

He was jailed at the same court yesterday (30 May).

He was also made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, restraining order and will remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life. Once released from prison he will spend a further five years on licence.

DC Fiona Bagshaw said: “This was an unbelievably horrific ordeal for the victim as she was subjected to unspeakable abuse for more than a decade.

“I’d like to commend her for her bravery in coming forward to report what happened, so this man could be brought to justice.

“If you’ve been a victim of abuse, please consider reporting it to us. It doesn’t matter how long ago it happened.”

For more information and support concerning sexual offences, or to make a report, visit Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s website.