Man who molested girl sent to prison (From Bury Times)

Man who molested girl sent to prison

12:36pm Thursday 14th February 2013 in News

A BURY man who continually molested a young girl over a period of up to two years, has been jailed for three years.

A court was told that 33-year old Robert Lee had deliberately groomed and manipulated the youngster for his own sexual pleasure.

His victim, who was aged nine and ten when the offences took place some years ago, told police: “He ruined my life.”

Lee, of Walmersley Road, had only just finished a four year prison sentence for similar offences against another young girl, when he was arrested last September.

He pleaded guilty to 14 separate offences of indecent assault between 1994 and 1996.

He claimed, however, that at the time he had been a “naïve” 15 and 16-year-old.

Lisa Boocock, prosecuting at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court, said that the abuse began when Lee began indecently touching the youngster.

He flattered her by affectionately stroking her hair and telling her she was pretty and told her not to tell anyone of what went on between them.

As time went on however, he became more demanding and forceful, no longer showing her any care or consideration.

The court was told: “He would do exactly what he wanted.”

Lee’s more serious assaults went on for some six months, leading the girl to become obsessed with her own physical cleanliness, and feeling “dirty”.

The abuse finally stopped when the youngster reached breaking point, and told him if he touched her again she would kill him.

The court was told that she did not feel able to make a complaint to police until a year ago.

She has since had to undergo counselling and psychiatric treatment to help her deal with the experiences.

Andrew Nuttall. defending, said that Lee recognised the impact of his actions on the girl, and accepted that the responsibility was his, and his alone.

Judge Peter Lakin told him: “You groomed and manipulated her for your own sexual pleasure, and gave no thought whatsoever to the impact your behaviour was likely to have on her. It is only fortunate that she found the courage to stop you.”