A pensioner has been sentenced to more than 20 years in prison for rape and indecent assault, in a case the judge described as ‘the most serious he has sat on in 30 years.’
John Peter Hallam, 65, will serve 22 years for the abuse which took place at an address in Aylesbury between 1979 and 1984.
Hallam of Black Butts Lane, Walney, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, was sentenced yesterday at Aylesbury Crown Court, after being found guilty of five counts of rape and three counts of indecent assault against a girl who was under 16 at the time.
Judge Sheridan, presiding said that it was the ‘most serious case he had sat on in 30 years’.
The victim first reported the sexual abuse to police in 1984, but she withdrew her complaint after being put under pressure by Hallam.
She re-contacted police in May 2012 and the case was re-investigated.
Investigator Rebecca Spaull of the child abuse investigation unit said: “The sexual abuse that this victim suffered as a young girl has had a significant impact on her adult life.
“She has been incredibly brave in reporting these offences to the police again and then giving evidence in court.
“She has shown tremendous courage during what has been a very traumatic time for her and I hope this sentence brings some closure.
“I would like to thank all the witnesses who have enabled Thames Valley Police and the Crown Prosecution Service to finally provide justice to the victim after 30 years.”
The Bucks Herald contacted Thames Valley Police to request a mugshot of Hallam, however a spokesman said they did not have one available.