JOHN RYAN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS IN PRISON IN PRESTON FOR ABUSE AGAINST YOUNG GIRL

John Ryan, a 75-year-old man from Preston, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for serious crimes against a young girl. The abuse began when the victim was just six years old. Described as a paedophile, Ryan engaged in disturbing acts of sexual violence, which he claimed were to satisfy his own 'depraved sexual desires.' Despite denying multiple charges, including rape, assault by penetration, and inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity, he was found guilty after a trial at Preston Crown Court.

Lancashire Police's Detective Inspector Andrew Crook commended the victim for her bravery in speaking out: 'I would like to commend Ryan’s victim for having the courage to speak up about what she has been through, that cannot have been easy, and I greatly admire her bravery.'

Ryan’s actions have had a profound and lasting impact on the victim. Authorities hope that the substantial sentence will serve as an encouragement for others who may have experienced similar abuse to come forward. Detective Inspector Crook emphasized the importance of reporting such crimes, saying, 'I hope the sentences handed down by the court give others who may have suffered similar abuse the courage to come forward and report it to police safe in the knowledge that we will investigate professionally and with sensitivity, regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred.'