Series of rapes and sexual assaults on the then young girl.

Dean Martin Blackwell Jailed for 21 Years for Child Sex Offenses

Dean Martin Blackwell, 54, was sentenced to 21 years in prison at York Crown Court on Friday, September 27, for a series of rapes and sexual assaults on a young girl.

Blackwell, now of Stokesley, was also given an extended licence period of one year, placed on the Register of Sex Offenders for life, and made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Following a trial in July, Blackwell was found guilty of two counts of raping a child and four counts of sexual assault. The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is now an adult.

She reported the sexual abuse she had suffered as a child to the police in 2022, triggering an intensive investigation and ongoing support from specialist officers and partner agencies.

Detective Sergeant Beverley Garbutt, from Scarborough and Ryedale CID, said: "The level of trauma and pain the victim has endured throughout her young life is difficult to comprehend. She has shown immense bravery in seeking and securing justice. I hope the outcome at court provides additional strength to rebuild her life."

DS Garbutt added: "As for Blackwell, the sickening child abuse he committed all those years ago has finally caught up with him with this significant prison sentence. He has also been made subject to robust safeguarding measures to manage his behaviour for the rest of his days."