CRAIG PRESTON SENTENCED IN OXFORD FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRLS

In a case that has shocked the community of Oxford, Craig Preston, a 30-year-old man residing on Bulan Road, was sentenced to a total of 13 and a half years in prison following a comprehensive trial that lasted eleven days in August at Oxford Crown Court.

Preston was convicted on multiple counts related to the sexual abuse of young girls, including two counts of rape of a child, which occurred between 2011 and December of the previous year. The jury also found him guilty of six indecent assaults and an attempted rape on another girl, crimes that took place when Preston was a teenager, spanning from 1998 to 2003.

The sentencing was delivered by Judge Zoe Smith after the jury's verdict, which confirmed Preston's guilt on all charges. The court heard that Preston’s actions had a profound impact on his victims, especially the older girl, who, during the trial, expressed feelings of guilt and shame. Prosecutor George Heimler highlighted her emotional state, stating, “She never trusted men. She thought because of the abuse it was her fault. She was surprised she was believed by people and taken seriously.”

Preston received ten years in prison for each of the rape counts, with the sentences to run concurrently. Additionally, he was sentenced to between one and two years for each of the indecent assaults, also to be served concurrently. The court further imposed a sentence of three and a half years for the attempted rape charge, bringing the total imprisonment period to 13 and a half years.

During the proceedings, Preston’s defense, led by Nadia Chbat, argued that some of the crimes occurred when Preston was himself a young teenager. She pleaded with the court to consider a less severe sentence, emphasizing Preston’s age and asking for a sentence that would allow him some hope for rehabilitation, stating, “He’s still 30 years of age and I ask your honour to consider a sentence that will give him some light at the end of the tunnel.”

In her sentencing remarks, Judge Zoe Smith noted that Preston had used the internet video calling service Skype to threaten the young girl, warning her that she would get into trouble if she talked about the abuse. As part of his punishment, Preston was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register and was subject to a sexual offences prevention order designed to prevent him from having contact with young girls in the future.