A Northampton Paedophile, Martin Prior, convicted of sexually abusing young children has received a nine-year prison sentence, following the courageous testimonies of the survivors who disclosed his persistent assaults.
Martin Prior, 36 years old, perpetrated offences against minors in the mid to late 2000s; nevertheless, his actions were not revealed until 2020, when survivors reported his abuse to law enforcement during an unrelated inquiry.
Consequently, the Child Protection team of Northamptonshire Police initiated an investigation into Martin Prior, uncovering a minimum of three victims.
Martin Prior, of Crestline Court, Northampton, was charged with one count of raping a girl under 13, six counts of sexually assaulting a girl under 13 by touching, one count of sexual assault of a female, and one count of causing or inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity without penetration.
After a trial at Northampton Crown Court, on May 8, Martin Prior was acquitted of the accusations of rape and sexual assault against a female, but was convicted of the other seven offences.
On Friday, June 27, he returned to the same court where he received a total term of nine years in jail. Martin Prior must serve two-thirds of his sentence before he may be considered for parole.
Martin Prior was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, intended to avert future offences, and was indefinitely registered as a sex offender.
Speaking afterwards, investigating officer Detective Constable Laura Beeby said: “Martin Prior is a sexual predator, who as an adult deliberately targeted children for his own sexual gratification.
“All of these children were vulnerable due to their age, and the repeated abuse Martin Prior subjected them to has caused them significant and lasting harm and distress.
“Their courage in finally revealing Martin Prior’s abhorrent offending cannot be overstated, and it is thanks to their bravery that he has been proven to be an abuser and a liar.
“The only shame and guilt in a case like this lies with the offender, and I hope this outcome can provide some small comfort to the survivors as they continue to heal.”
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