THOMAS RILEY FROM RIBBLETON SENTENCED FOR DECADES-OLD ABUSE IN PRESTON

In a case that spanned over four decades, Thomas Riley, a resident of Ribbleton, Preston, has been convicted and sentenced for the sexual abuse of a young girl that occurred more than 40 years ago. The incident, which took place in the early 1970s, was brought to light after a lengthy legal process culminating in a trial at Preston Crown Court.

Riley, now 67 years old, faced charges of four counts of indecent assault, all of which he denied throughout the proceedings. The charges stemmed from assaults that allegedly happened when the victim was just nine years old, with the earliest incident dating back to 1972. The victim, who is now a married woman, chose to remain anonymous for legal reasons and provided testimony during the trial, recounting the distressing events that took place at a property located in the Kirkham area.

During the court session, several members of the public, including those in the gallery, were visibly emotional, some breaking down in tears as the verdict was read and Riley was sentenced. The judge presiding over the case, Stuart Baker, allowed Riley, who suffers from serious health issues including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), to remain seated during the sentencing. Throughout the proceedings, Riley was observed leaning forward on his walking stick, shaking his head in apparent disbelief or remorse.

Judge Baker addressed Riley directly, stating, “You continue to deny the offences. You were found guilty of indecently assaulting the girl on several occasions in the 1970s when she was nine or ten, and at the time you were in your 20s. Some of the assaults involved kissing her in a manner she describes as passionate, and touching her. She did not want you to do what you did. She says that as a child, the impact was minor, but as she grew older, the effects became more profound, affecting her marital relationship with her husband.”

The judge further explained that at the time Riley committed these offences, the law would have permitted a maximum sentence of five years in prison. However, had these crimes been committed under current legislation, Riley could potentially face up to 14 years behind bars. The court ultimately sentenced Riley to nine months in prison for his actions, a sentence that drew emotional reactions from those present in the courtroom, highlighting the long-lasting impact of such crimes and the importance of justice being served, even after many years.