Their cases serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of sexual abuse on victims and the ongoing work of law enforcement and the justice system to protect communities and bring offenders to account.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of a sexual offence report it online via https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk/ or call 101.
1. Chris Wearing
Chris Wearing, 42, raped a young girl, 13, after pretending to be a 16-year-old boy online. Wearing, now of no fixed address but formerly of Howard Close, Accrington, was given 15 years immediate custody with a further eight years on extended licence after he was deemed to be a dangerous offender. | Lancashire Police
2. Robert Bilsborough
Robert Bilsborough downloaded almost 400 indecent images of children. Bilsborough, 35, of Kingsfold Drive, Penwortham, was sentenced to 58 weeks in prison. | Lancashire Police
3. Thomas Bates (L) and James Palmer (R)
Thomas Bates (L) and James Palmer (R) sexually abused a vulnerable 14-year-old girl over a month-long period. She was also subjected to a horrific assault when one of the men burnt her with a cigarette. Bates, 21, of Scale Hall Lane, Lancaster, was jailed for eight years and Palmer, 26, of Torrisholme Square, Morecambe, was jailed for three years. | Lancashire Police
4. Colin McGregor
Colin McGregor indecently assaulted a 10-year-old girl in Blackburn during the 1980s. McGregor, 58, now residing on Windermere Avenue in Fareham, was sentenced to 30 months in prison and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life. | Lancashire Police