A MAN who raped a teenage girl multiple times around three decades ago has been jailed for 14 years.

John Sydney Adam, of Fidler Street, Toll Bar was sent to jail at Liverpool Crown Court this morning (Friday).

Adam, 69, was sentenced after he was found guilty of the historic offences following a trial.

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He was convicted of three counts of rape and three counts of indecent assault in relation to one victim, a teenage girl. He was also convicted of another count of indecent assault on a girl under 10.

The offences took place in Newton-le-Willows, with one of the rapes happening in Grange Park.

All the offences took place around 30 years ago.

A jury found Adam guilty in a unanimous verdict following the trial after deliberating for around three hours.

Prosecuting, Nicola Daley said how the older victim had "kept the matters to herself" for around 30 years and has had a "long-standing mental health background".

Judge Recorder Jeremy Lasker said: "There can be absolutely no doubt that your decision to satisfy your own sexual gratification by abusing her when she was a teenager has had a significant and lasting effect upon her."

He said these are "obviously extremely serious offences" and in electing for a trial "there is no credit which you would have been entitled to receive had you admitted your guilt".

He added Adam was to be regarded as "an offender of particular concern", which adds one extra year of extended licence at the end of his custodial term.

St Helens Star:

Liverpool Crown Court

Adam, wearing a green top, remained silent in the dock as he was given the jail sentence.

He was given seven separate sentences for each of the counts he was convicted, to all be served concurrently.

Adam was given 14-year sentences each for the first two counts of rape and 10 years for the third.

He was sentenced to five years each for two of the indecent assault charges and two years for another.

He was also given a nine-month sentence for the indecent assault on the younger victim.

Defending, Keith Sutton said that Adam "hasn't been in any trouble" in the time since the offences and "no repeat of this incident at any stage despite his now advancing years."

He asked the judge to consider that Adam has numerous health issues including "COPD for the last 10 years, emphysema, angina, a heart attack" and has a "stent" inserted and also has "osteoporosis and reduced blood flow" and is on "a number of medications".

Reacting to the sentence, Detective Constable Emma O’Toole said: "Adam’s victims have shown immense courage in coming forward to report his appalling crimes and I want to commend them for the bravery shown throughout the investigation.

“Today’s sentencing goes to show that time should never be a barrier to obtaining justice. If you are suffering in silence, I want to let you know that there are specially trained officers at Merseyside Police ready to support and listen to you and if you can find the courage to come forward and speak to us, all reports will be investigated thoroughly.

“Adam prolonged his victims' suffering by denying the offences resulting in a trial, and I am pleased that he will now be put behind bars for a considerable amount of time.”

Anyone wishing to report a sexual offence can call officers in the force's specialist Unity team on 0151 777 1382 or call officers on 101. You can also contact DM @MerPolCC or contact @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Support for victims is also available through the registered charity the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre Cheshire and Merseyside, who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063 or Rape and Sexual Assault Merseyside (RASA) on 0151 558 1801.