PATRICK RYAN OF DUNSTABLE SENTENCED FOR DECADES-OLD SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON GIRL

In a case that has spanned several decades and involved a lengthy legal process, Patrick Ryan, a man in his seventies residing on Poynters Road in Dunstable, has been convicted and sentenced for serious sexual offenses committed against a young girl nearly twenty years ago.

According to court records, the abuse began when the victim was just 11 and 12 years old. Ryan, now 76, engaged in inappropriate conduct that included touching her in a sexual manner and repeatedly inviting her to sit on his lap under false pretenses. These incidents were reported to have occurred frequently over a period of approximately one year, from 1999 to 2000.

The victim, after enduring years of silence, made the decision to come forward and report the abuse to the police in 2017. Following her report, authorities swiftly acted, leading to Ryan's arrest. During police questioning, Ryan denied all allegations, maintaining his innocence despite the evidence against him.

His trial took place at Luton Crown Court, where he was found guilty of three counts of indecent assault on a child. The court's judgment was delivered recently, with Ryan receiving a six-year prison sentence. The sentence is to be served concurrently, meaning he will serve the full term for each count simultaneously. Additionally, Ryan will be subject to an extended license period of one year after his release and will be registered on the sex offenders’ register, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

Earlier in July 2019, Ryan was also found guilty of similar charges. The court confirmed that he had committed heinous acts against a girl under the age of 14, with the abuse occurring when she was between 11 and 12 years old. The repeated sexual touching over the course of a year was described as particularly egregious. Despite denying the allegations initially, Ryan faced the consequences of his actions in court, where he was convicted of three counts of indecent assault. His sentencing was scheduled for September 12, 2019, marking a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for his victims.