JOHN RAMSDEN SENTENCED IN ROTHERHAM FOR ABUSE OF SCHOOLGIRL OVER 25 YEARS AGO
In a case that has spanned decades, John Ramsden, aged 57 and residing on Ash Grove in Rawmarsh, Rotherham, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for the sexual abuse of a young girl more than 25 years ago.The heinous acts took place in the late 1980s, when the victim was between the ages of five and eight, and Ramsden was in his mid to late twenties at the time.
Ramsden was found guilty after a comprehensive week-long trial held at Sheffield Crown Court.
The court heard that he had engaged in multiple acts of inappropriate touching and sexual misconduct towards the girl.
Specifically, he was convicted of three counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape.
The evidence presented indicated that Ramsden had touched the girl inappropriately on more than one occasion, performed a sexual act on her, and on at least one occasion, attempted to rape her within his own bedroom.
Prosecutor Mrs.
Alison O’Shea highlighted the lasting impact of Ramsden’s actions, revealing that the victim continues to suffer from flashbacks.
These traumatic memories cause her physical symptoms such as dry mouth, increased heart rate, and heightened anxiety, demonstrating the deep psychological scars left by the abuse.
During the sentencing hearing, Mr.
Francis Edusei, representing Ramsden, described his client as a man of low intelligence who had attended a special school during his childhood.
Despite this, the judge, His Honour Jeremy Richardson, Recorder of Sheffield, condemned Ramsden’s conduct as “outrageous and cruel.” Judge Richardson emphasized the long-term suffering inflicted upon the victim, stating, “She [the victim] has had to live with your vile conduct towards her for many years.” He further remarked that she had endured all the adverse consequences one might expect from such a situation.
The judge concluded by asserting that Ramsden deserved every minute of the custodial sentence imposed upon him.
In addition to his prison term, Ramsden was subjected to an indefinite restraining order, prohibiting any contact with the victim.
Furthermore, he will remain on the sex offender’s register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his status.
It is noteworthy that Ramsden was acquitted by the jury on three other counts of indecent assault, but the convictions on the remaining charges were sufficient to warrant a lengthy prison sentence.
