DANGEROUS PAEDOPHILE ANTONY FARREN JAILED FOR 23 YEARS
A 'dangerous' paedophile drugged and assaulted a girl.Antony Farren was found guilty of two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child under 16; four counts of other sexual offences; and one count witness intimidation, following a trial at Preston Crown Court.
Farren, 39, formerly of Rawtenstall but now of no fixed address, has now been jailed for 23 years.
He gave his victim drugs before committing sexual offences against her.
He told her: "It feels like I'm raping you, I need to stop." After being arrested, Farren was bailed and ordered not to contact the girl.
He sent her a TikTok in an attempt to intimidate her.
Farren was sentenced to 15 years, with a further eight-year extended licence period.
A judge deemed him to be a dangerous offender.
Farren was also made subject of an indefinite sexual Harm Prevention Order and told to sign the sex offender register for life.
DC Sarah Andrews from the East RASSO Team said: “Antony Farren is a dangerous and manipulative individual who targeted and groomed his vulnerable victim for his sordid sexual interests.
He knew what he was doing was wrong but continued anyway.
I welcome the sentence handed down to Farren which reflects the seriousness of his offending and the very real danger he poses to female children.
While the headlines will be about Farren and his abhorrent crimes, I want to make sure the victim in this case is not overlooked.
She has shown incredible bravery in firstly coming forward and then reliving her ordeal while giving evidence, and I want to place of record my admiration for her.
Finally, I want to praise the investigation team in this case, and in particularly DC Daniel Healey.
As a result of their sensitive and professional approach, they were able to build a rapport with the victim, so she felt believed, supported and able to trust the police to deliver justice.
