A PREDATOR who sexually assaulted a child over a four-year period, starting when they were as young as three, has been locked up.

Gary Lewis, of Maple Avenue in Runcorn, was found guilty of seven counts of child sexual abuse following an five-day re-trial at Chester Crown Court.

The 57-year-old returned to the Court today, Friday, where he was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

In addition to his prison sentence, he has also been added to the sex offender register for life.

During the trial the court heard how Lewis began abusing his victim when she was just three years old in the Runcorn area for his own sexual gratification.

Over the next four years, he subjected her to repeated sexual offences, including indecent exposure and rape.

He would force her to watch pornography and encouraged other people to sexually abuse her.

The victim contacted Cheshire Police to report the offences and Lewis was subsequently charged with multiple offences.

The sentencing was welcomed by DC Becky Needham, who led the investigation at Halton Public Protection Investigations.

She said: “Firstly, I would like to praise the victim for the incredible courage and bravery she has shown throughout this investigation.

“The actions of Lewis are truly abhorrent. He subjected a vulnerable young child to horrific abuse.

“His abuse understandably has had a lasting impact on the victim. Throughout her childhood her mental health declined, and her education and behaviour at school were also affected.

“It has been a challenging investigation, but thankfully, as a result of the courage shown by the victim, Lewis has now been held accountable for his actions.

“While she will never be able to forget the abuse she suffered, I do hope the fact that he is now behind bars where he belongs will provide her with some closure.

“I also hope that his conviction encourages other victims of sexual offences to come forward and report the offences.

“We treat all reports of sexual abuse extremely seriously, and any allegation will be thoroughly investigated, with the wishes and needs of the victim being our main priority.”

To report any sexual offence, call Cheshire Police on 101 or visit the force’s website.

Information can also be given anonymously, by calling Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.