NIGEL PAYNE SENTENCED IN CAMBRIDGE FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 8-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a case that has deeply shocked the community of Cambridge, Nigel Payne, aged 62, of Stansfield Road, was handed down a two-year prison sentence for heinous crimes involving a young girl. The offences, which took place between August 1 and August 29, 2010, involved Payne sexually assaulting an eight-year-old girl and engaging in sexual activity in her presence.

Payne’s conviction was secured following a trial held at Cambridge Crown Court in September of the previous year. However, the sentencing was postponed at that time due to Payne’s health issues. It was only recently that the court proceeded with the sentencing, after the defendant had recovered sufficiently to face the consequences of his actions.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Haworth addressed the court and the defendant, emphasizing the gravity of the crimes. He stated, “You were convicted by jury of sexual assault on an 8-year-old and engaged in sexual activity in her presence. This has obviously had a profound impact on her and her family. Your actions have affected her behaviour significantly. Such conduct cannot be dismissed or overlooked. You must be punished by the court.” The judge also acknowledged Payne’s health issues, noting that the delay in sentencing was due to his poor health, which has now improved.

The family of the young girl, who attended the court to witness the sentencing, expressed a mixture of relief and ongoing pain. The girl’s grandmother voiced her feelings, saying, “Two years is not long enough for what he has done to our family. Our little girl’s life has been completely disrupted, and she is now a very wary child. His sentence just doesn’t seem long enough, but we are glad it is over now.”

Additionally, the girl’s ex-husband spoke out about the impact of Payne’s actions. He said, “He deserves to go to prison for what he has done to my granddaughter. It was a sick thing to do. I am pleased with the outcome. We were told to expect 15 months, but this is a step in the right direction.” The man also highlighted the emotional and mental toll on the young girl, stating, “My granddaughter has been badly affected by her ordeal. She has lost a lot of confidence and is frightened when in the company of men. With the love and support of her mother and family, we will do everything we can to help her regain her strength and rebuild her life.”

In accordance with the court’s ruling, Payne received two concurrent sentences of two years each for the separate offences, ensuring that he will serve the full term for his crimes. The case has left a lasting impact on the community and underscores the importance of safeguarding children from such predatory behaviour.