JOHN BEST SENTENCED IN ACCRINGTON FOR HISTORIC SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST GIRL
A dangerous sex offender, John Best, who groomed an 11-year-old girl over a period of three years dating back to the 1990s, has been sentenced to prison.Best appeared before Judge Graham Knowles at Preston's Sessions House on Thursday, having pleaded guilty to nine counts of indecent assault on a girl under 13.
The court heard how Best, now 55, groomed his young victim from the age of 11 by offering her sweets and cigarettes.
During an earlier hearing, prosecutor Peter Barr explained that the abuse 'progressed' over a year, starting with Best attempting to kiss the girl, and then inappropriately touching her — first over her clothes and later underneath.
Mr.
Barr stated: "The offending only came to light in May 2020, following an incident when Best had gone missing from his home.
When he was found, he was arrested and admitted his guilt." Best, of Church Street, Accrington, has a criminal record consisting of 20 convictions across 67 offences, including repeated instances of driving while disqualified, which led to multiple imprisonments.
However, he has no previous sexual offence convictions.
The court noted previous attempts to avoid immediate imprisonment had been unsuccessful.
A victim impact statement was read aloud, although her name cannot be disclosed for legal reasons.
She expressed the enduring effects of the abuse, stating: "I feel like I lost my childhood.
As I grew into an adult, I developed anger issues and find it difficult to trust anyone.
It's affected my relationships with family and friends and caused me severe mental health issues.
It's affected me my whole life, and I am still suffering now, all these years later." She added, "The police investigation was difficult, but he needs to be held responsible.
He took my childhood from me and he needs to be punished." In sentencing, Best was sentenced to 11 years in prison, with an additional 10 years on licence.
He was also placed on the sex offenders register for life and subject to a sexual harm prevention order until further notice.
Detective Constable Vicky Heys of Blackburn CID commented: "Best abused his young victim over several years to satisfy his twisted sexual desires, robbing her of her innocence.
This conviction and sentence represent justice for her, and I commend her bravery for coming forward and enduring the court process." She continued: "It must have taken extraordinary courage to do this, especially after so many years, and she has conducted herself with dignity throughout the investigation." Lancashire Constabulary reaffirmed its commitment to investigating all allegations of sexual offences, regardless of how historic, and encourages anyone who has been victimized to come forward, assured that they will be treated with sensitivity and professionalism.
