Man who sexually assaulted 10-year-old girl jailed for 11 years

MAN WHO SEXUALLY ASSAULTED 10-YEAR-OLD GIRL JAILED FOR 11 YEARS

Following his sentencing last week, Benjamin Cheyne has been sentenced to 11 years in prison after being found guilty of two counts of assault by penetration and two counts of sexual assault against a minor.

On October 7, at Salisbury Crown Court, Judge Barnett described the crimes committed between February 2019 and May 2020 as "an extremely serious offence." He stated, "Your selfish, totally unthinkable conduct, on the last two occasions while she was sleeping, caused unthinkable damage to her." During the court proceedings, the victim’s mother provided a statement revealing the profound impact on her daughter.

She explained that the young girl now has "deteriorating self-esteem and confidence," and added, "The impact is immediate and will affect her for the rest of her life." It was also reported that the now 11-year-old finds her own home triggering and suffers from night terrors, with her sleep difficulties affecting her learning.

She is worried about trusting people and forming relationships, fearing that Cheyne, a father of two, will come and take her away.

Judge Barnett emphasised that the actions have had "far-reaching consequences" on the victim’s happiness, development, relationships, and education, causing "enormous trauma." The court heard that Cheyne, 32, did not agree with the jury’s guilty verdict but respected it and intends to leave the area once his sentence is served.

After serving his 11-year sentence, Cheyne, of Pilgrims Way, will be on licence for a year.

Additionally, he will be subjected to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and restraining order.