GRAHAM LILLEY SENTENCED TO 13 YEARS FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN ILKESTON

In a significant case that has brought justice to victims of childhood sexual abuse, Graham Lilley, a man from Ilkeston, was sentenced to 13 years in prison after being found guilty on multiple charges. The sentencing took place at Nottingham Crown Court, where the jury convicted Lilley of 11 separate offenses, including eight counts of indecent assault, two counts of rape, and one count of attempted rape.

These heinous crimes were committed against two young girls, one approximately six years old and the other around 12, during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The victims recounted that Lilley would abuse them at his residence located on Wyndale Drive in Ilkeston, where they would visit and be subjected to his predatory actions.

The 71-year-old offender’s conviction marks a significant moment for justice, especially considering the long passage of time since the offenses occurred. One of the victims expressed her relief and satisfaction with the sentence, stating, “I was really pleased with the sentence. I thought that 13 years was a long time, but I thought he should have got life because it’s a life sentence I’m serving.”

She also shared the emotional difficulty involved in coming forward, explaining, “Coming forward was a difficult thing to do. It was hard speaking to the police because then you have numerous interviews you have to do but they are people to help you through it.” The victim emphasized the importance of speaking out, encouraging others who may have experienced similar abuse to find the strength to report it, regardless of how much time has passed. “I think people should come forward if it has happened to them, whether it was recently or years ago. Just because it was a long time ago, these people will still be convicted; you just have to be strong.”