ROYCE LISSETER SENTENCED IN GOOLE FOR ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL

In September 2005, a man from Goole was handed a lengthy prison sentence after admitting to a series of serious sexual offenses against a young girl. Royce Lisseter, aged 46 and residing at Townend Farm in Goole, appeared before Hull Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to two counts of rape and one count of indecent assault. The court heard that the abuse spanned over a period of seven years, during which Lisseter, a former electrical engineer, targeted a young girl living in the nearby Howden area.

Prosecutor Sharon Beattie detailed the disturbing timeline, revealing that Lisseter began grooming the girl when she was just five years old. The sexual assaults, including the rapes, took place in 2001. Beattie described the victim’s account, stating, “The complainant says he sexually abused her for years even before she knew what he was doing. She lived in fear of him.” The court was also informed that Lisseter had warned the girl to keep her silence about the abuse, exerting control and intimidation over her.

It was only in the current year that the girl confided in a family member about her ordeal, which led to the police being involved in April. Initially, Lisseter had pleaded not guilty to the charges and was scheduled for trial next week. However, he later changed his plea to guilty, avoiding a lengthy trial.

Judge Peter Jones addressed the court, emphasizing the severity of the case. He remarked, “There are a number of aggravating factors, you were persistent in the abuse, it was planned, you targeted and ruined that young child’s life. She feels her teenage years were taken away from her. It was a most terrifying and frightening experience that went on for a number of years.”

As a result, Lisseter was sentenced to nine years in prison for each of the two rape counts, and an additional five years for the indecent assault. The sentences are to be served concurrently, resulting in a total of nine years behind bars. Furthermore, he was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities following his release.