Pensioner jailed for 13 year abuse of two young girls

Buy photos » Arthur Leonard Neal is behind bars for sexually abusing two young girls - aged as young as four - over a 13 year period starting in 1971. (s)

A PENSIONER is behind bars after he was found guilty of sexually abusing two young girls - aged as young as four - between 1971 and 1984.

Arthur Leonard Neal was sentenced to 15 years in jail after a jury found him guilty of 14 counts of serious sexual abuse against his two young victims.

The 70-year-old, of Murrary Road, Rugby, was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life because of his abuse - which started over three decades ago and lasted for 13 years.

Judge Robert Orme condemned Neal for his behaviour and his abuse of trust, and he expressed his sympathy to the two victims and commended their bravery in giving evidence during the four day trial at Birmingham Crown Court.

The sentencing followed an investigation carried out by officers from Warwickshire Police's Child Protection Unit.

Speaking after Neal's conviction, PSI Pete Herring from the unit took the opportunity to urge other victims of sexual abuse to come forward.

"This conviction sends a clear message to both abusers and survivors of sexual abuse," he said.

"We would like to tell anyone who has ever sexually abused someone you will never be able to relax because the next knock on the door could always be the police.

"We would like to reassure survivors of sexual abuse that just because something happened a long time ago does not mean nothing can be done now.

"A lot of people who have suffered abuse in the past may feel that by speaking to the police or a counselling service this commits them to a course of action, whereas that is not the case and the decision is ultimately left to them.

"An experienced officer will talk to you, sit you down and tell you what the procedure is and then the decision is up to you.

"It is never too late to seek help and advice about what has happened to you."

PSI Herring added victims of sexual abuse or rape who do decide to pursue a prosecution can give evidence without having to see their abuser.

Victims are also given automatic anonymity, meaning the media are forbidden from revealing names or any other details that would identify them.

The police also provides a counselling service for victims, as do charities such as Rugby ROSA (Rape or Sexual Abuse).

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