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21
Dec 2023
Harrogate paedophile jailed for 13 years for historic sex offences
A serial sex offender from Harrogate has been sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment for twice subjecting a young girl to indecent assault in Northallerton during the 1990s.
John William Marshall, 68, of Fairfax Avenue, was sentenced at York Crown Court yesterday after being found guilty of offences at a trial in August.
He has also been made subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.
A North Yorkshire Police media release today said the bravery of the victim ensured Marshall faced justice, despite the number of years that have passed.
The victim made contact with police in 2019 following publicity surrounding the conviction of Marshall for possession of more than 24,000 indecent images of children, for which he served a custodial sentence and made subject to a sexual harm prevention order. which was due to expire.
Marshall had previously been described publicly by a judge as a “dangerous paedophile”.
The court heard that Marshall had befriended the victim’s family, offering help with their newly acquired computer.
He was subsequently trusted to look after the girl when her parents went shopping.
It was during these times that Marshall sexually assaulted her.
The victim’s parents reported it to police and social services at the time, but no further criminal action was taken due to a series of complications.
Victim thought she would not be believed
Now an adult, the victim’s life had been overshadowed by the thought that she was not believed.
Adam Harland, cold case review manager at North Yorkshire Police, said:
Mr Harland added:
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