A “CALCULATED predator” who sexually abused a young girl has been jailed for eight years.
John Ashley Dobson, 64, was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court this afternoon (FRI) for four crimes.
Dobson was convicted by a jury after a trial last month of two indecent assaults on a child of primary school age. Jurors were shown an interview the victim gave to police as an adult about incidents more than a quarter of a century ago.
“I just remember crying,” she told an officer of one occasion. “I wanted him to stop but he didn’t stop. He didn’t stop at all. He just kept telling me to be quiet.” Of another, she said: “He said I wasn’t allowed to say anything because I would get into trouble.”
Dobson had earlier been convicted, in January this year, of two modern day sexual offences involving two different children.
Referring to an impact statement provided by the oldest victim, Judge James Adkin told Dobson: “It makes for most affecting reading. It is full of raw emotion about the continued effect of the way you used her for sex when she was a little girl.”
Jailing Dobson, of Croft Close, Brough, near Kirkby Stephen, Judge Adkin said: “It seeks to me that it is inevitable that a substantial custodial sentence must be imposed in all the circumstances of this case.”
Dobson was given an extended one-year licence period and, after serving half the jail term, will only be released if a parole board deems him safe.
He must sign the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, and will be barred from working with children and vulnerable adults.
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Lauren Carruthers said: “This was a detailed and thorough investigation which involved recent offences and offences dating back more than 30 years.
“What the investigation and the subsequent court case has proven is that Dobson is a calculated predator who targeted young children.
“These types of investigations are difficult for all involved which is why I would like to highlight the courage shown by the victims who came forward and the witnesses who spoke out. Their efforts have resulted in a man who is a danger to children being convicted and sentenced.
“Finally I would like to assure anyone following this case who is aware of any such abuse going on today or having taken place in the past to report it to the police. You will be listened to, and the allegations will be thoroughly investigated.”