The bravery of five young victims of sexual assaults has been highlighted after their abuser was jailed for 26 years.
Daniel Pritchard, 44, of Langdale Road, Blackpool, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court on Monday after being convicted of 21 charges by a jury in October 2023.
The offences were committed against five girls aged between eight and 16. They all gave evidence at Pritchard’s trial and were supported throughout by their families, police officers and victim services.
Det Sgt Jamie Robinson of the Child Protection Team at Blackpool Police, said: “The children involved in what can only be described as an awful and disgusting chain of abuse, have shown such resilience and bravery throughout this investigation.
“They have remained consistent and true to themselves and should feel immensely empowered by their ability to speak out and find that strength.
“Pritchard was a controlling and manipulative man who targeted these children sensing their vulnerabilities and taking full advantage of it - abusing them at every opportunity that he had.”
A significant investigation was started in September 2021 after a report was made to officers.
Pritchard had befriended the families of the children and went on to commit the offences.
After a three-week trial, Pritchard was found guilty two charges of rape, 13 charges of sexual assault, five charges of sexual activity with a child and one charge of causing a child to engage in sexual activity. He had denied the offences.
Pritchard was given a 26-year prison sentence, with a two-year extended licence. He was made subject of a sexual harm prevention order for life.
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