A man has been given a nine-year sentence for sexually assaulting and attempting to rape a young girl.
Kyle Tyson was 17 when he committed the offences against the girl – someone he knew - at a wake following a funeral in Preston in May 2022.
His actions had a profound effect on his victim who was only 12 at the time.
In a Victim Personal Statement read to the court at Tyson’s sentencing hearing, the girl said: “I was a child who should have been able to enjoy life, focus on school and spend time with friends and feel safe within my own family.
“Instead, I was left carrying trauma that I was far too young to comprehend.
“The assault had a serious effect on my mental health. I developed severe anxiety, which became so overwhelming that I could not go to school.
“Eventually, I stopped going because I found it so difficult to cope.
“While other children my age were able to continue their education and enjoy their teenage years, I was struggling with the consequences of what had happened to me and at the time, I felt like I had no one to turn to. There was no one who could help, so I carried this burden myself for what seemed like forever.
“Having to report the abuse and go through the criminal justice process has been difficult.
“Speaking about what happened has forced me to relive some of the most painful experiences of my life. Knowing that I would have to give evidence and talk about this has caused me anxiety and distress.
“There have been times when I have felt overwhelmed by the process, but I knew it was important to tell the truth. I should never have been put in a position where I had to choose between staying silent and reliving my trauma in order to seek justice.”
Tyson, 20, formerly of Hillside Crescent, Chorley, was found guilty by a jury of attempted rape of a child under 13 and of sexual assault after a trial in June.
Appearing at Preston Crown Court Sessions House last Friday, he was given a nine-year sentence, comprising six years custody and three years on extended licence.
Tyson was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life and made subject of a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Det Con Nikki Houghton of Lancashire Police, said: “This was an horrendous and traumatic ordeal for the young victim.
“I hope that Kyle Tyson being convicted of these serious offences and given a significant custodial sentence brings her a sense of justice.
“If you have been the victim of a sexual offence, please report it. Lancashire Police will listen to you, support you and investigate in order to put offenders before the courts.”
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