'Dangerous paedophile' gave girl drugs before attacks

A "dangerous paedophile" who gave drugs to a teenage girl before carrying out a series of sex attacks on her has been jailed for 15 years.

Lancashire Police said during one of the sexual assaults Antony Farren, 39, formerly of Rawtenstall but now of no fixed address, told his 15-year-old victim: "It feels like I'm raping you, I need to stop."

Farren was arrested in December 2024 and, while on bail with conditions not to contact the victim, sent her a TikTok message in an attempt to intimidate her, police said.

He was found guilty at Preston Crown Court of two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child under 16, four counts of other sexual offences and one count of witness intimidation.

As well as his jail term, Farren was made subject of an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and told to sign the Sex Offenders' Register for life.

Det Con Sarah Andrews welcomed the sentence handed to Farren, who she said posed a "very real danger" to girls.

"Antony Farren is a dangerous and manipulative individual who targeted and groomed his vulnerable victim for his sordid sexual interests.

"He knew what he was doing was wrong but continued anyway."

She added: "While the headlines will be about Farren and his abhorrent crimes, I want to make sure the victim in this case is not overlooked.

"She has shown incredible bravery in firstly coming forward and then reliving her ordeal while giving evidence, and I want to place on record my admiration for her."

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