Pervert jailed for 24 years after six sexual offences in Blackburn

A pervert has been jailed for 24 years after being found guilty of six sexual offences in Blackburn.

Robert Garrity, 67, of Brandy House Brow, was found guilty by a jury following a trial at Preston Crown Court on Friday, December 15.

Garrity was found guilty of three counts of sexual activity with a girl under 16, one count of rape of a girl under 16 and two counts of rape of a woman over 16. The two victims were both teenagers at the time the offences took place.

On Monday 8th April at Preston Crown Court, Judge Ian Unsworth handed Garrity the 24 year sentence and described him as a "highly determined sexual predator".

Det. Con. Lois Turner, of Lancashire Constabulary’s Child Protection Team, said: “First and Foremost, I want to praise, and thank Garrity’s victims for the incredible bravery and resilience they have shown throughout the trial, verdict and sentencing.

"Garrity’s actions were despicable, and I welcome the sentence handed down on him last week. Given his age, he will likely spend the rest of his life in prison.

"I hope that Garrity’s victims can now move forward and continue to rebuild their lives. They have shown incredible strength throughout this period, and I can only commend them for the bravery they have shown."

"We will not stand for these offences and I hope that this gives anybody who has been a victim of a sexual offence the courage to come forward. We will listen to you and we will work to bring you justice."