Man, 50, sentenced for committing historic sexual offences against young girl in Northamptonshire

A 50-year-old man was sentenced at Northampton Crown Courttoday, Thursday October 8, to ten years and eight months in prison after pleading guilty to a string of sex offences with a child.

Aidan Nicholas Platton, 50, of Cromer, Norfolk, was found guilty of a number of child sex offences dating back nearly 20 years.

The woman - who is now in her 20s - reported the incidents to the police in March 2019 and an investigation was launched.

She said that the reason she made the decision to report the incidents was because she “wanted to prevent this from happening to another child".

Platton was sentenced a total of ten years and eight months in prison for the offences and he will be on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Lead Investigator, DC Rachael Harris, said: “I am pleased that this case has concluded with a positive result and I hope it demonstrates the seriousness with which Northamptonshire Police treats reports of non-recent sexual offences.

“The bravery that this young woman has shown in coming forward to report what happened to her as a little girl cannot be put into words.

“She is an exceptionally inspirational person and I hope that the conclusion of this case can allow her to now begin to rebuild her life.

“Though no one can ever take away what happened to her as a little girl, her courage has ensured that Aidan Platton, a man who perhaps thought he had escaped justice, is now safely behind bars for a very long time.”

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

Victims of sexual assault, either recent or non-recent, are urged to come forward and get in touch with police by calling 101 or using the Northamptonshire Police's online reporting tool.