Lowestoft Man Jailed for Sexual Offenses Against Child

Timothy Neale, 55, of Montgomery Avenue, Lowestoft, has been sentenced to 19 years' imprisonment at Norwich Crown Court for a series of "traumatic and distressing" sexual offenses against a child.

Neale was found guilty after a two-week trial in April, during which he pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape, two counts of causing a child to watch a sexual act, one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, and one count of sexual assault on a child. These charges were originally brought against him in May 2020.

For two counts of rape, Neale received 19-year sentences each. He was also sentenced to 12 years for each of the remaining three rape charges, 12 months and nine months for the two counts of causing a child to watch a sexual act, 30 months for engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, and three years for the sexual assault on a child. All sentences will run concurrently.

DC Williams of Suffolk Police's Internet Child Abuse Investigations Team praised the victim's bravery. "It has been a long journey to reach this stage for the victim and their family," DC Williams said. "They have also shown incredible bravery in terms of reporting it to police and also providing evidence during the investigation, court hearings and trial which again shows their courage in securing this conviction."

DC Williams added, "This case demonstrates we are absolutely committed to pursuing perpetrators of non-recent incidents and supporting victims. We urge victims of any serious violent or sexual offence to come forward to the police, seek support from the agencies available, and we remain committed to supporting all victims who report sexual offenses."