78-year-old Paul Collier-Woods (previously known by the surname Heginbotham) of the Stockport area had systematically abused her throughout the 1970s and early '80s, beginning when she was only five years old. 

He was charged with nine counts of indecent assault of a child, one of committing indecency of a child, and three counts of rape.  

Collier-Woods pleaded to all counts except those of rape. He admitted to the abuse but claimed it only happened for six months, blaming it on medication he was taking at the time for a back injury.

A pharmacy professional advisor for the NHS could find no link between opiates leading to "the new generation of ideation", in this case sexual offences.

DS Kat Moriarty, a member of Stockport's Complex Safeguarding Team, said: "First of all, I want to thank the victim and her family, who have finally seen justice served after decades of pain and suffering they endured at the hands of Collier-Woods.

"Without their bravery and strength, he would never have been prosecuted for these abhorrent crimes.

"This truly appalling offending has impacted the victim throughout their life and I hope today's sentence goes some way to helping her rebuild her life. 

"Greater Manchester Police is committed to identifying and bringing perpetrators to court, regardless of passage of time.  

"If you are going to commit these crimes, then you can be sure that we will find you and deal with you. 

"For those who may have been victims of these offences and don't think they will be believed, or they think too much time has passed, then please know that we will listen to you, believe you, and investigate allegations that are reported to us."

A statement from Greater Manchester Police adds: "Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via 101 or through the Live Chat function on the website www.gmp.police.uk.

"Information can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers – on 0800 555 111.

"Remember – if something doesn't feel right, report it.

"If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available."

The police also provided some examples of places to find support, listed below if readers need it.  

• "Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515."
• "Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]." 
• "Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182."

Manchester Crown Court image by Stephen Richards, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic

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