Martin Fawcett, 55, was sentenced to six and a half years in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting a child under 13 years old.

This conviction brought an eight-month investigation to a close, providing some sense of closure for the victim while acknowledging that their journey ahead is likely long. The case required a significant collaborative effort involving various teams within Lincolnshire Police: response officers, detectives, crime scene investigators, forensic scientists, digital forensics experts, child communication specialists, and the Management of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offenders (MOSOVO) Team.

Working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service, these teams worked tirelessly to build a strong case for prosecution. The investigation began when a courageous family reached out to the police seeking justice for their child. In those initial crucial hours, officers worked alongside the family to gather vital evidence and ensure the swift arrest of the suspect, allowing for timely processing and interrogation.

The case was subsequently transferred to the Protecting Vulnerable People department, a specialized investigation unit focused on sexual offenses against children. A dedicated Officer in the Case was assigned to oversee the entire investigation. Detectives collaborated with response officers and crime scene investigators to meticulously gather evidence from the crime scene during what police call the "Golden Hour Enquiries." This crucial phase focuses on collecting as much evidence as possible within the first few hours of an investigation, when it is most readily available.

This involved a thorough search of the offense location, seizure of electronic devices, and collection of forensic evidence. Throughout the process, the full extent of the risk to the victim, family, suspect, and the public was carefully assessed, with strategies implemented to manage these risks effectively. Detectives worked closely with the family, the victim's school, and MOSOVO to ensure ongoing risk management, a practice that continued throughout the investigation, court proceedings, and sentencing.

The Neighbourhood Policing Team also played a vital role by monitoring potential tensions arising from the case and addressing concerns raised by local residents. Further investigative actions included reviewing and downloading digital devices with the assistance of the Police Online Investigation Team and Digital Forensics Unit, analyzing forensic evidence, conducting an additional interview with the suspect based on newly discovered information, and gathering statements from disclosure witnesses.

A Registered Intermediary, a child communication expert, was instrumental in conducting a video recorded interview with the young victim to ensure that their testimony presented in court was as comprehensive and impactful as possible.

Finally, once all evidence was meticulously gathered and analyzed, the Officer in Case compiled it for submission to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision. The case officer collaborated closely with the Officer in the Case, reviewing unused material and third-party information to ensure full disclosure, guaranteeing a fair trial for the suspect. Detective Brennan expressed his pride in leading the investigation and working alongside dedicated colleagues who consistently demonstrated a victim-centered and suspect-focused approach.

He emphasized the team's gratitude towards the victim's family for entrusting them with their pursuit of justice and expressed hope that this positive outcome would encourage other victims to come forward.