Almost daily we are met with more and more headlines concerning the issue of sexual abuse amongst children, even here in East Lancashire.

This week, the Lancashire Telegraph reported on a convicted paedophile from East Lancashire, who confessed to abducting, sexually assaulting and molesting an eight year old in Burnley. Somewhat worryingly, the Offender in question was placed on the Sex Offenders Register in November 2010 for making indecent images of children. Notably, the Defendant had previously served a 2 year prison sentence in 2013 for lying about their background as a sex offender, including providing a false name to babysit for two families.

The matter was heard before Judge Beverley Lunt at Burnley Crown Court, where the Defendant openly admitted to abducting a child between January 2012 and January 2013 and sexually assaulting the child over the same period. The Defendant, who previously resided in Blackburn, also admitted to breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, by being in the presence of a child aged under 16. Judge Lunt went on to comment and reassure the public: “be under no illusions, it is going to be a long sentence of imprisonment”.

Without doubt, the toughest task for victims of sexual abuse is coming forwards and reporting matters to those around them and to the Police. We find that in reality, when a conviction has been secured, there is a significantly higher chance of securing an award for compensation from the relevant Local Authority or the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. However, that is not to say that the absence of a conviction means that a claim for compensation is impossible.

Here at Farleys we have a specialist and dedicated team of solicitors who can advise and assist you on claims arising from abuse. We have a desirable record in successfully pursuing Criminal Injuries Compensation Claims as well as claims against individuals and establishments/local authorities, even when these claims are significantly out of time and statute barred. you have suffered in this way, please do not hesitate to contact our specialist team today.