Paedophile pensioner raped child victim over a four year period.

Child rapist 'likely to die in jail' after victim finds justice 35 years later

Barry Lake, 70, from Newton-le-Willows, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the historical rape and abuse of a child. Lake was found guilty of 10 counts of rape of a child and two charges of gross indecency with a child, offenses that occurred between 1986 and 1989.

The victim, who was abused over a four-year period, came forward to authorities in 2020, leading to a complex investigation by Dyfed-Powys Police.

Despite denying all charges, Lake was found guilty of all 12 counts. Investigating officer DC Claire Lewis said, "Lake denied all charges, putting his victim through the ordeal of a trial. As they have done throughout the investigation, they [the victim] showed great courage and dignity in the face of adversity to help us convict their abuser."

"This was a long and intensive investigation with a lot of work to achieve this outcome today," Lewis continued. "This sentence shows that it doesn't matter how long ago a victim has suffered sexual abuse, we as police are here to listen and take seriously any person who has suffered any form of sexual abuse, albeit a day or 35 years after. Please do not be scared to come forward, we are here to listen to you."

Lake will serve an additional year on licence upon his release. He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offender Register indefinitely and made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.