Man jailed for sexually abusing teenage girl

A man who subjected a teenage girl to multiple sexual assaults nearly 20 years ago has been jailed.

Christopher North, now aged 58, was living in the Newark area when he repeatedly targeted the same girl.

North, who has previous convictions for offences including assault and false imprisonment, was reported to Nottinghamshire Police in May 2022 when his victim found the courage to come forward.

The woman, now an adult, gave a detailed account to police of multiple sexual assaults that took place at different locations.

When North was arrested and interviewed by officers, he denied any sexual activity with the girl and answered no comment to most of the questions put to him.

He maintained his innocence until he finally pleaded guilty to multiple counts of sexual activity with a child. 

Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court today (Friday), North, formerly of Bagshaw Street, Pleasley, was jailed for 11 years and will spend an additional four years on extended licence.

He was also added to the sex offenders’ register for life.

Detective Constable David Hikin, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“North is a calculating and predatory sex offender who has finally been exposed thanks to the determination and bravery of his victim.

“Unsurprisingly this abuse caused her significant trauma when she was a child and has had a very profound effect on her life in the years since.

“As the man who inflicted that harm on her begins a long and very richly deserved jail sentence, I want to pay tribute to her for the bravery and strength she has shown throughout this process.

“I hope today’s sentence provides her with at least some degree of comfort, and also serves to encourage other victims of non-recent abuse to come forward and tell us about what has happened to them.”