ALAN DACRE AND MICHAEL THOMPSON SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL ABUSE IN LANCASTER AND MORECAMBE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Lancaster and Morecambe, two men have been convicted and sentenced for a series of heinous sexual offenses involving a young girl. The court proceedings revealed a pattern of abuse that spanned over a year, with both offenders showing a blatant disregard for the innocence and safety of their victims.

Alan Dacre, aged 65 and residing at Westcliffe Caravan Park in Morecambe, was sentenced to 17 years in prison after being found guilty of repeatedly raping a 13-year-old girl. The court heard that Dacre’s abuse began when the girl was just 12 years old, during a disturbing game called “scaredy cat,” which involved the young girl touching him in a sexual manner. Over time, Dacre’s actions escalated, and he began forcing the girl to perform oral sex on him. Prosecutor Russell Davies described the situation, stating, “She was too scared to say no.”

According to the court, after approximately six months of this abuse, when the girl turned 13, Dacre started engaging in full sexual intercourse with her. The victim later confided that Dacre had told her he was infertile and that no one would believe her if she told anyone about the abuse, claiming she wouldn’t get pregnant. This manipulation was part of his effort to silence her and continue his predatory behavior.

The case took a more horrifying turn when Dacre, on one occasion, along with his co-defendant Michael Thompson, 46, of Olive Road, Lancaster, got drunk and both raped the young girl while a witness, presumably Thompson, stood by and watched. The court also heard that Dacre had sexually assaulted the girl’s sister, again using the “scaredy cat” game as a means of grooming her for abuse.

Allegations came to light after the girl reported the incidents at her school on October 8, 2008. Following her disclosure, Dacre was arrested, and subsequent investigations led to the arrest of Michael Thompson on January 19, 2009. Both men denied the charges of rape during the trial, which lasted two weeks at Preston Crown Court. However, the jury found them guilty of the offenses.

Judge Stuart Baker, presiding over the case, delivered a stern sentence to Dacre, emphasizing the severity of his crimes. He stated, “It escalated to the point where on many occasions you raped her. It culminated with the occasion on which you committed an offence of rape while encouraging and inviting your co-accused to do the same.”

After sentencing, Detective Constable Andy Williams of Lancashire Constabulary commented on the case, saying, “This was a serious case of rape and sexual touching involving two young girls, which is reflected in the sentences given.” The case highlights the disturbing reality of sexual abuse within communities and the importance of vigilance and reporting to protect vulnerable victims.