Man Jailed for Raping Child When She Was in Infant Classes

Reece McNair, now 28, has been sentenced to four years and nine months in prison for sexually abusing a young girl when he was 16 years old. The abuse occurred on multiple occasions while the victim was still in infant classes.

The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, kept the abuse secret for a decade before disclosing it to an NHS worker she was seeing for mental health support. McNair, of Bulkhead Drive, Fleetwood, was arrested and admitted to the abuse. He pleaded guilty to two counts of rape, attempted rape, and four counts of sexual assault.

The victim and her mother described the lasting impact of the abuse. The victim stated, "I don't remember a time when my body felt clean. I have had my childhood stolen from me. I can't remember good things from my childhood, only bad. He has truly torn my life apart and I will never be able to live a normal life again. I just want my brain to shut off and stop feeling things."

Her mother detailed the distress her daughter displayed, including missed educational opportunities due to trauma. She said, "No-one wants to believe they missed something as significant as their child being sexually abused. That cuts deep. Her struggles did not go unnoticed but unfortunately she felt unable to share what happened to her." The victim has developed a fear of men, including Father Christmas, male police officers, and teachers.

McNair expressed remorse in a letter to the court, stating, "I deserve to be punished and it will never happen again." The court heard he was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder after the offenses.

Judge Gioserano acknowledged the victim's suffering, saying, "She was but a child. It was not her fault, it was your fault. You took her childhood and no sentence, however long, can give her that back. It goes without saying that I am sentencing you as an adult for offences you committed when you were not yet an adult." He also considered McNair's mental health but emphasized that he knew his actions were wrong.