After creating a bogus social media profile to pursue a small child, a depraved Gateshead paedophile, Colin Routledge, repeatedly sexually attacked her.
Before showing his young victim horrendous harm, Colin Routledge employed several horrible ploys to draw closer.
Before perpetrating what police said to be “harrowing crimes,” the 78-year-old predator also gave the child money and gifts.
Years after Colin Routledge sexually assaulted her, her family denounced him to Northumbria police and his victim bravely came forward.
Police started an inquiry right away, caught Colin Routledge, and charged him with four counts of sexual assault.
Colin Routledge challenged the charges, but Newcastle Crown Court found him guilty following a trial.
On Friday, Colin Routledge, of Laburnum Gardens in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, was sentenced to nine years.
He has also received a restraining order and a sexual harm prevention order; he will be on the register of sex offenders for the rest of his life.
The victim’s relatives personally thanked the police for their work on the inquiry.
‘First and foremost, I would want to commend the victim and their family for their great bravery in taking the first step to come forward and report these horrible acts,’ PC Kevin Thompson of Northumbria Police said following Routledge’s sentence.
Their deeds were crucial in enabling us to get a conviction against this offender.
“We wish the result provides some sort of closure for them.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.