GERARD KING JAILNED IN CHESHIRE FOR HISTORIC ABUSE
A man named Gerard King, from Bury and previously residing in the Wilmslow area, has been sentenced to prison for sexual offences against a young girl in Cheshire during the 1990s.Chester Crown Court heard how King systematically abused the victim over a three-year period.
The victim had reported the offences to professional agencies multiple times in the past but felt she had never received adequate support to pursue the case.
It was only in 2020 that she decided to approach the police once again.
A detective constable from Cheshire Police described the experiences the victim endured as 'horrifying.' He explained, 'King put her through a truly horrifying ordeal, systematically abusing her over three years to satisfy his own sexual desires.
He also forced her to recall these painful events during a distressing trial.' Detective Constable Lee Ferris, who led the investigation, commended the victim’s bravery: 'Firstly, I would like to recognize the bravery and determination that the victim has shown throughout this investigation.
She had previously reported the offences on several occasions to numerous professional agencies, but had never built up the courage or received the necessary support to take the case further.' He added, 'When she came forward to police in 2020, we provided her with the support needed to share her story.
What King subjected her to was truly horrifying.
Further, he made her relive these traumatic events during the trial, which was extremely distressing.
Thanks to her courage, he is now facing the consequences.' King was found guilty of one count of child rape and seven counts of indecent assault on a girl under 14 after a five-day trial that concluded on April 25.
The 59-year-old appeared in court the following day, April 26, where he received a sentence of 15 years in prison plus one year on extended licence.
He was also ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely.
The sentence reflects the severity of his crimes, and authorities hope it encourages other victims to come forward.
As a representative from police stated, 'This case demonstrates our commitment to thoroughly investigate and prosecute historic sexual offences and ensure offenders are held accountable.'
