Scott Sly of Hartlepool A paedophile has received a ten-year prison sentence after being found guilty of multiple historical child sexual crimes.
Scott Sly perpetrated rape and sexual assault against a school-aged girl multiple times in the Sunderland area over 20 years ago.
Years later, the courageous survivor disclosed the abuse to law enforcement.
The 32-year-old, Scott Sly, refuted the charges during an interview but was charged in January 2023.
In March of this year, Scott Sly, residing on Dent Street in Hartlepool, was adjudicated by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court, where he was convicted of all 10 charges, encompassing rape, indecent assault, and sexual assault.
On Friday, June 14, he was sentenced to ten years in prison at the same court.
He will remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for the duration of his life, and his victim will be safeguarded by a restraining order.
Talking about the abuse, the survivor has shared these words: “It is hard to put into words exactly what effect this abuse has had on me, but I will try.
“This has impacted on my life every day since the abuse – he has stolen my innocence.
“All I can do is think about the abuse; I do not have any happy days I think about like most children.
“As a result of this it has changed my attitude towards relationships with others and I struggle to build new relationships all because of him.”
In charge of the investigation was Detective Constable Nicholas Moses, of Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding Department.
He said: “I would like to express my complete respect to the survivor in this case who very bravely came forward to disclose the abuse she suffered at the hands of Sly.
“It’s not an easy thing to come forward and have to re-live the worst moments of your life but, thanks to her courage, Sly is now behind bars.
“I truly hope this sentence gives her some sense of justice and comfort – if that is at all possible.”
Det Con Moses added: “I also hope that this shows others who have suffered non-recent abuse that it’s never too late for justice.
“You will be listened to, supported, and we will do everything we can to ensure your abuser is put before a court.
“You’re not alone and you don’t deserve to suffer in silence while your abuser gets to go about their day-to-day life answering to no one. We are always here to begin the process if you’ll let us.”
Anyone who has experienced of any sexual abuse should contact police using the ‘Report’ pages on the Northumbria Police website or contact 101.
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.