Emily Verity successfully prosecutes case of devastating abuse

N was sentenced to 25 years for sexually abusing his step daughter when she was aged between 10 and 12, in a gross breach of trust. The trial judge paid tribute to the victim’s courage in describing how the abuse from her mother’s husband progressed until ultimately he raped her.

HHJ Zeidman QC, Recorder of Redbridge said it was hard to imagine how any young child could cope with the horror of such events, but a good indication was given when taking account of the fact that shortly after the rape she threw herself from an underground platform in front of a fast moving train. She survived this attempted suicide but has been left with life changing profound injuries, affecting every part of her body. She is paraplegic, needing constant care. She was in an extended coma initially. The victim had said “After keeping the verbal, physical and sexual abuse in my mind for a long time, I didn’t feel comfortable in my own skin. I had no motivation to do anything. I wanted to disappear and never come back.” She could vividly remember hitting the tracks.

She was afraid no one would believe her. Her mother did not believe her, successfully pressuring her into retracting the initial allegation to the police, and giving evidence for the defence that she found a pregnancy test at home on the day her daughter attempted suicide.

N was found to pose a high risk of serious harm and a high risk of offending if given the opportunity, and an extended sentence was imposed as well as a 20 year restraining order preventing N from contacting the victim. He will be subject to notification requirements for life.

Judge was moved by the victim’s evidence and formally commended the dedication and skill of the two investigating police officers.

Emily was instructed by Martin Edwards of Rasso London.