A dangerous sex offender who groomed an 11-year-old-girl over a period of three years in incidents dating back to the 1990s has been jailed.

John Best appeared before Judge Graham Knowles at Preston's Sessions House on Thursday, after admitting nine counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 13.

The court heard how Best, now 55, had groomed his victim from the age of 11 by plying her with sweets and cigarettes.

At an earlier hearing, prosecutor, Peter Barr said the offending 'progressed' over 12 months, starting with Best attempting to kiss his victim, before inappropriately touching her, over the top of and then underneath her clothes.

Mr Barr told the court the offending only came to light in May 2020, following an incident whereby Best had gone missing from his home.

When he was found, he was arrested and admitted his guilt.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Best, of Church Street, Accrington, has 20 convictions from 67 offences, including a long period where he was driving while disqualified and went to prison time and time again, but no previous sexual offence convictions.

It was heard that the courts had also tried something other than immediate imprisonment but to no success.

In a personal statement, Best's victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said she had been affected by the incidents her entire adult life.

Her statement read: "I feel like I lost my childhood. As I grew into an adult I developed anger issues, and find it difficult trust anyone.

"It's affected my relationships with my family and friends and has caused me severe mental health issues.

"It's affected me my whole life and I am still suffering now, all these years later.

"I found the police investigation difficult but he needs to be held responsible.

"He took my childhood from me and he needs to be punished."

Best was given an extended sentence and jailed for 11 years and given 10 years on licence and placed on the sex offenders register for life.

He was also made subject to a sexual harm prevention order until further notice.

Detective Constable Vicky Heys, of Blackburn CID, said: “Best abused his young victim over a number of years to satisfy his own twisted sexual desires and has robbed her of her innocence.

“This conviction and sentence is justice for her and I commend her for her courage in coming forward and facing her abuser through the court process.

"It must have taken extraordinary bravery to do this, especially after so many years and she has behaved with dignity throughout this investigation.

“Lancashire Constabulary remains committed to investigating allegations of this nature, no matter how historic, and no matter what the role, position and status of the alleged offender, and we would encourage anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence to come forward safe in the knowledge that they will be treated sensitively and professionally.”