Dangerous Sex Offender Convicted, Encourages 40-Year-Old Victims to Come Forward

The conviction of Lee Vincent, 54, for online sexual grooming, prompted two victims of his past abuse, dating back 40 years, to come forward. Vincent was caught by a paedophile hunter group after engaging in sexually explicit conversations with what he believed to be a 12-year-old girl, but was in fact an adult decoy working for the group.

The paedophile hunter group's online confrontation with Vincent in March 2019 brought his actions to the attention of his past victims. Additionally, Vincent's prior conviction for indecent exposure in February 2019, further encouraged the victims to come forward.

One victim recounted that Vincent had raped and indecently assaulted her as a child, while the second victim described similar experiences of indecent assault at the age of 10.

In their victim impact statements, both women emphasized the profound impact the abuse had on their lives and expressed hope that this conviction would bring closure and prevent further harm caused by Vincent.

Vincent, from Thetford, pleaded guilty to rape, attempted rape, indecent assault, and attempting to incite a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity. He was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison and deemed a dangerous offender.

Judge Anthony Bate stated that Vincent posed a high risk of serious harm to young girls and highlighted his continued sexual preoccupation with them. The online offenses were committed while Vincent was on bail and community service for the indecent exposure offense.

Vincent was also placed on the sex offender register for life and subjected to a sexual harm prevention order. While his defense attorney stated he was deeply ashamed and struggling to come to terms with his actions, Vincent's past behavior demonstrates a persistent pattern of predatory actions.