Cumbria Police has stressed it is never too late to report a crime after a man was jailed for a string of indecent assaults dating back to the 1970s.

Andrew Blenkinsopp, admitted the offences, carried out in Carlisle against a single female victim, who was a girl at the time.

The 58-year-old, who has lived in Russia but appeared at the city’s crown court following work by detectives and prosecutors, was in his teens at the time the first crimes were committed.

He admitted 10 counts of indecent assault and was sentenced today to three years and seven months imprisonment.

Detective Constable Gabrielle Nicholson oversaw the case and said she hopes this conviction will encourage people to come forward no matter how long ago a crime was committed.

She said: “I hope this case sends a clear message to perpetrators that no matter how long time has passed, sexual abuse will not be tolerated by Cumbria Constabulary.

“We will do everything within our power to hold people who commit these crimes accountable for their actions.

“No matter how much time has passed, support is available in Cumbria for victims of sexual offences.

“The Constabulary works closely with trusted partner agencies to provide the appropriate support which is tailored to an individual’s circumstances.

“I would encourage anyone who has been victim to a sexual offence to contact police. Taking that first step to telling somebody what has happened to you is often the most difficult.

“But please know that if you do, you will be provided with information which will enable you to make choices on how you wish to move forward.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the bravery and courage of the victim for coming forward and reporting this.”

HOW DO I REPORT TO POLICE?

If you wish to report to police you can do so online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it.

You can also phone on 101.

Always phone 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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