Man given 20-year sentence for sexually assaulting two girls in East Lancashire

A man who sexually assaulted two young girls in East Lancashire has been given a 20-year sentence. 

Robert Crompton, 67, committed the offences in East Lancashire several years ago before going to live in Australia.

Lancashire Police officers investigating Crompton’s crimes, applied to the Australian authorities for his extradition.

Crompton was extradited to the UK in May last year and stood trial at Preston Crown Court in November.

One the girls was sexually assaulted by Crompton over a number years, the first time when she was only five.

In her victim impact statement read to the court, she wrote: “Being sexually abused at such a young age had a huge impact on me developmentally as a child.

“As an example, I struggled to form friendships with others my own age, and typically I would seek friendship and solace from older people.”

She continued: “What happened to me will remain with me for the rest of my life. He took away some of my childhood and I believe he stole my innocence.”

The second victim was 12 when Crompton sexually assaulted her.

She wrote in her victim impact statement: “The image of virtue that he shared throughout the trial that he was, is not the man who thankfully has been found guilty of such heinous and sickening crimes.

“He continues to manipulate others into believing he is innocent which in my opinion demonstrates a deep and pathological ability to deceive and continue to abuse others without regard to them.”

After an eight-day trial in November, Crompton was found guilty by a jury of 12 charges – including five offences of assaulting a girl under the age of 13 by penetration, assault by touching, inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, causing a girl under 13 to watch sexual activity, and sexual assault of a female.

Returning to the dock at Preston Crown Court last Friday (16th January) for sentence, the judge sentenced Crompton to 20 years – consisting of a 19-year prison sentence and an extended one-year licence period.

Det Con Cathryn Whitworth of Lancashire Police, said: “These were abhorrent offences committed by Crompton against two young victims.

“They showed great bravery by coming forward to report what Crompton had done, and then by reliving their experiences by giving evidence in court during the trial.

“Although Crompton lived in Australia by the time these offences came to light, we were determined that he should face justice.

“We presented a case for him to be extradited back to this country and after a lot of hard work, that happened in May last year.

“I welcome the lengthy custodial sentence imposed on Crompton, with it underlining the seriousness of his offending.”