A man has finally been jailed after ‘continuing his life with no remorse’ for over three decades following the rape of a seven-year-old girl.
Leslie Winfindale was arrested and subsequently charged with rape of a female under 16 this year, after his victim- who has been granted lifelong anonymity- came forward to speak to officers.
She bravely reported her assault in 2022, as she could no longer handle that Winfindale had escaped prison time for assaulting her while she slept when she was just aged seven.
Upon his arrest, the 57-year-old ‘showed no willingness’ to acknowledge the crime he had comitted and also made his victim endure a trial at Sheffield Crown Court almost 40 years on from her traumatic ordeal.
Detective Constable Jack Mitchell said: “This crime occurred in the 1980s and for nearly 40 years he managed to escape justice.
“I am proud to state this is no longer the case and I welcome the 10-year sentence handed down to him.
“I would like to echo the comments made by the presiding judge regarding the victim. She has shown tremendous courage and fortitude throughout this process and remained strong to the very end.
“I am thankful to her family and friends who have shown unwavering support when it was needed most.”
The victim hopes that her courage may ‘provide motivation’ for other people who may have suffered or are continuing to suffer to come forward.
Winfindale, of Vale Road, Thrybergh, was found guilty following four hours and 13 minutes of deliberation from the jury, the court heard.
He has been sentenced to nine years imprisonment, an extended licence for one year, and he will be placed on the sex offenders’ register for the rest of his life.
