Predatory paedophile convicted for sustained sexual abuse of a 13-year-old girl

A Corby man who forced a young girl to testify against him in court has been found guilty on 12 counts of sexually assaulting a child and inciting them to engage in sexual activity with an adult.

Leicester Crown Court was told Daniel Haslam, of Highbrook, carried out the abuse on his 13-year-old victim in 2016-17, preying on her age and vulnerability to meet his own depraved sexual desires.

After forcing the case to a trial and making the victim take the stand to give evidence, yesterday, Thursday, February 18, a jury found the 26-year-old guilty on a unanimous verdict.

Haslam, who had shown no remorse during his trial, was sentenced to six years in jail and placed on the Sex Offender Register for life.

Lead investigator DC Paul Lilley, of Northamptonshire Police’s Child Protection Team, said: “Haslam is nothing short of a remorseless dangerous sexual deviant who sought to lie about and discredit the victim in this case. 

“His abuse was sustained and premeditated and had the victim not been as brave as she was in coming forward then it would have no doubt carried on for longer.

“He preyed upon her, sexually abusing her over and over again while trying to hide his tracks along the way.  I hope this brings closure for the victim who has handled herself impeccably throughout, and for that I would like to personally pay tribute to her bravery.”

He added: “Northamptonshire Police takes allegations of sexual assault very seriously and will always treat reports of this nature with the confidentiality and sensitivity they deserve. We will believe you.

“If you have been a victim of sexual assault, whether recent or non-recent, please come forward and call us on 101 or use our online reporting tool at www.northants.police.uk.”