Man jailed for sexually abusing girl two decades ago

A 74-year-old man has been jailed for sexually abusing a girl more than 20 years ago.

Leicestershire Police said Terrance Taylor carried out the offences in the mid-2000s and was arrested after his victim, who is now an adult, came forward to report it in 2024.

At Leicester Crown Court in August, he was found guilty of two counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by penetration and two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13.

At the same court on Thursday, Taylor, of Eyres Monsell, was sentenced to six years in prison.

The force said during police interview, Taylor denied ever having sexually abused the victim but could not explain to officers why she would make up such an allegation.

Det Con Katie Harris, from the child abuse investigation unit, said: "The victim in this case has shown a great amount of bravery in coming forward and re-living what happened both to officers and a jury during the trial.

"She's said she hopes this case will encourage other victims of sexual abuse - either now or in years gone by - to come forward.

"She echoes our message which is always that it's never too late to make a report and ensure those responsible for such awful crimes are brought to justice."

Taylor was also placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely and given an indefinite restraining order, which prohibits him from contacting the victim.

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