Corby man, 44, found guilty of child rape as victim commended for her bravery

Nicholas Ford, previously of Clifton Square, Corby, started abusing the girl when she was 12-years-old, with the abuse continuing for two years.

On three occasions, Ford raped the girl and sexually assaulted her numerous times.

Several years later, she told her partner what had happened and with their support, reported what had happened to her to Northamptonshire Police.

Ford was arrested and despite denying the offences in his police interview, was charged with three counts of rape and six counts of sexual assault.

A five-day trial which ended at Northampton Crown Court this month (March 7) saw the jury convict Ford of all nine offences after just over three hours of deliberation.

He will return to the same court on April 30 to be sentenced.

Lead investigator Detective Constable Ivan Bentley said: “First of all I want to commend the victim in this case for her bravery.

“Reporting anything to the police can often feel quite intimidating but to report sexual abuse and then support the subsequent investigation takes an incredible amount of courage.

“Although nothing can take away what happened to her at Ford’s hands, I hope she feels some sense of justice as a result of his conviction.

“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. We will believe you.”

If you have been a victim of rape or sexual abuse, but are not yet ready to speak to the police, please visit www.nhft.nhs.uk/serenity or call Serenity on 01604 601713.

Serenity provides free, confidential 24/7 support.

You can also visit www.voicenorthants.org or call Voice on 0300 3031965.

Voice is a support service for anyone living in Northamptonshire, regardless of when, where or how crime happened to you.

Services are free, confidential and you don’t have to have reported anything to the police.