Victims praised for helping put predatory paedophile and rapist behind bars
A detective has praised the bravery of the victims who came forward and have helped to bring a paedophile and rapist to justice.
Ross Jackson, 39, of Lowther Avenue in Chester-le-Street, was yesterday (January 5) sentenced to 23 years in jail after being found guilty of 24 separate offences including several rapes, seven counts of sexual assault by touching, and possession of extreme pornography.
Detective Constable Rachel Fletcher, of Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding department, led the complex investigation against Jackson.
Following his sentencing, she said: “Firstly, I would like to pay tribute to the victims in this case. They have shown huge courage by initially reporting the horrific abuse they were subjected to by Jackson to us.
“Thanks to their bravery, a dangerous offender has been rightly put behind bars for a significant period of time. I sincerely hope that Jackson’s sentencing will allow them and their families to begin to rebuild their lives after what must have been a traumatising period of time for them both.
“Jackson is a predatory paedophile who has caused untold damage to the lives of his victims.
“When we were first made aware of allegations of sexual offences by him, we swiftly began a thorough investigation in order to build a comprehensive file of evidence which allowed us to obtain a raft of charges.
“Despite pleading not guilty and going to trial, I am glad that the jury saw through his lies to convict him of these incredibly serious crimes.
“I also hope this case acts as a reminder to anyone who is a victim of sexual abuse that if you choose to come forward we will listen to you and you will be heard.”
Jackson will spend the rest of his life on the Sex Offenders’ Register and was made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and handed a restraining order which prevents him from contacting his victims.