Man jailed for sex abuse dating back 30 years

A "dangerous sexual predator" who preyed on girls as young as five 30 years ago has been jailed.

Ronald Pearson sexually abused five girls in the Ryedale area of North Yorkshire over two decades but the offences only came to light when one of the victims contacted police in 2022.

Police said four more victims were then identified and the 75-year-old was charged in September 2024.

Pearson, from Sheriff Hutton, was sentenced to 27 years in prison following a trial at York Crown Court.

North Yorkshire Police said the first victim to come forward in 2022 described how she was aged 15 when she was abused.

Three further victims were identified, all of whom were abused between the ages of five and 18.

Police said a fifth victim was also subjected to multiple rapes and sexual assaults when she was aged under 14.

In impact statements read out in court, one described how Pearson had groomed her in order to satisfy his "warped sexual desires".

She said: "I was young, innocent and had no reason not to trust him.

"The depth of the psychological impact that this has had on my life is simply inexpressible."

The victim went on to describe how the "shame and self-loathing" of the abuse had led her to self harm as a teenager.

"I have few positive memories of that time, only silent screams, concealed tears, and a deep desire to escape my life."

Pearson was found guilty of 24 sexual offences, including three counts of rape of a female under 16 and sexual assault on a female.

Det Con Kate Peet, of the Scarborough and Ryedale Safeguarding Investigation Team, praised the victims' bravery.

She said: "He [Pearson] denied the offences in police interview and at court, therefore creating additional trauma for the victims who had to recount extremely painful experiences from their younger lives before a judge and jury.

"He is proven to be a dangerous sexual predator who poses an extreme risk to girls."

As well as the jail term, Pearson will be placed on the sex offenders register for life and made the subject of an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.

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