A manipulative predator who abused a girl from the age of six has been jailed for 17 years.
Ben Slaney, 33, abused the child over a three-year period while she was still in primary school. When the youngster plucked up the courage to report her abuser, Slaney claimed she was lying, forcing her to give evidence in court.
But the jury saw through his lies and found him guilty of seven sex offences at Preston Crown Court.
Judge Michael Maher, sentencing, said Slaney’s victim, who is now a teenager, showed ‘courage beyond her years’.
The girl said: “I have endured a life of pain since that man took advantage of the little girl I was.”
Judge Maher said Slaney’s internet history showed he had ‘a sordid sexual interest in children of both genders’.
The jury found Slaney guilty of three charges of sexual touching, covering multiple incidents over a three-year period; sexual assault by penetration and making category A and B images of children.
Judge Maher described Slaney as ‘a scheming and manipulative individual’ and said he was ‘a dangerous individual as defined by law.’ He said the crimes against the girl had a ‘severe psychological impact on her.’
“It is clear from the pre-sentence report you also deflect responsibility onto your victim”, he said. “You have no remorse for what you have done.”
He sentenced Slaney, of Portland Road, Blackpool, to 17 years with a year’s extended licence. The judge also said Slaney was ‘an offender of particular concern’ and it would be for the Parole Board to determine whether he is eligible for release after serving two thirds of the custodial term.
