Preston man jailed for sexually abusing 14-year-old girl

lan Mitchell, was sentenced to six and a half years in prison for eight counts of sexual activity with a child.

Alan Mitchell, 22, of Nelson Crescent, Preston, appeared at Preston Crown Court on Thursday August 17 where he was sentenced to six and a half years in prison for eight counts of sexual activity with a child.

He was also made subject to a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order with conditions.

Mitchell had first met the 14-year-old victim in 2015 when he began spending time with her family. He told her to set up a secret Facebook page so that he could get in touch with her, and over the following months he encouraged her to have sex with him several times.

He threatened to burn down the victim’s home if she told anybody about their relationship.

His abuse came to light in December 2015, when the victim told her mother what had been happening.

DC Jane Gregson, of Preston Police, said: “Mitchell was in a position of trust with his victim’s family, which he exploited in the most awful way. Throughout police interviews he then lied and denied any wrongdoing, forcing the victim and her family to go through the further ordeal of a trial.

“Thankfully the jury saw through his lies and he is now facing a significant stretch behind bars.

“The victim has shown incredible courage throughout the investigation and subsequent trial and I hope the sentence gives her some closure, and that she is able to put this behind her and move forward.”