Northampton man jailed for 14 years for non-recent child sexual abuse

A man who repeatedly sexually assaulted a girl more than 25 years ago has been jailed after the brave survivor revealed his abuse.

In July 2020, an adult woman made a report to Northamptonshire Police, alleging that Edward Cason, aged 61, had sexually abused her in the mid to late 1990s when she was child.

An investigation was launched by the Force’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) West, which revealed how Cason, who was then aged in his 30s and had a partner, had befriended the girl and made her believe they were in a genuine relationship, which she eventually broke off because of his possessive behaviour and disregard for her feelings.

Due to the offences occurring between 1995 and 1998, Cason was charged with multiple counts of indecent assault on a female under 16, under the Sexual Offences Act 1956.

Following a trial at Northampton Crown Court, on February 14 this year Cason, of Ringway, Northampton, was found guilty of all 12 counts.

On May 30, he returned to the same court where he was sentenced to a total of 14 years’ imprisonment, with a minimum term of nine years, made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and given a restraining order.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Alex Steele said: “I am so pleased for the survivor, whose bravery in reporting Edward Cason has resulted in him being recognised as a sexual predator and rightly jailed for a significant period.

“It took her many years to acknowledge that Cason’s behaviour was abuse, pure and simple, and that any guilt or shame lay squarely with him.

“Cason took advantage of a child, who was vulnerable through her age and family circumstances, and framed himself as a sympathetic shoulder to cry on, in order to repeatedly sexually abuse her.

“She has asked for this case to be publicised to show others who may have suffered non-recent sexual abuse that justice is possible, and I hope this outcome demonstrates that the passage of time is not a barrier to holding abusers to account.

“Throughout our investigation the survivor has shown true courage and determination, and I want to thank her for trusting us and working with us to secure this fantastic result. She deserves every future happiness.”

*This report and custody image have been released with the support of the survivor in this case, who has a legal right to lifelong anonymity.*

If you have been a victim of sexual abuse, whether recent or non-recent, please come forward by calling 101 or via the online reporting tool at www.northants.police.uk/RO.

Find advice and support, including steps you can take if you’re not yet ready to make a report to police, here.

You can also visit www.voicenorthants.org or call Voice on 0300 303 1965 for free, confidential support.