A CARLISLE pensioner who repeatedly raped a young girl has been warned that he faces an inevitable jail sentence.

Harold Nicholson, 71, showed no emotion as the jury at the city’s crown court delivered guilty verdicts to five of the six rape allegations that he faced.

The defendant, formerly of Borland Avenue, Botcherby, denied the rapes but he was convicted after a trial.

He committed all of the rapes over a 12 month period during the 1990s, when his victim was a child aged under 16.

After the verdicts were announced, one of the police officers involved in the case paid tribute to the victim’s bravery, saying that it is never too late to seek justice for such crimes.

The judge in the case, Recorder Ciaran Rankin, told Nicholson: “There can only be one outcome and that is custody. It’s a question of how long.” He told the pensioner that he must now sign the Sex Offenders’ Register.

This means that he must keep the police informed of where he is living. The judge adjourned sentence in the case until January 25, ordering background reports.

He urged the defendant to cooperate with the Probation Service but agreed that he would allow him bail so that he could be free during the festive period.

Commenting, Detective Constable Kerry Gibson, North Cumbria Crime and Safeguarding Team, said: “I would like to commend the victim’s bravery in coming forward and speaking to us in order to bring her abuser to justice years after the offences occurred.

“It is always understandably difficult and distressing for victims of rape to talk about what happened to them, but the courage this victim has shown has enabled us to provide justice.

“There is no doubt that Nicholson’s actions have had a profound impact on the victim’s life, but I hope she and her family feel able to try and move forward now that justice has been done.

“Anyone who has been sexually abused, regardless of when it took place, will always be treated with dignity and respect when they make a report to us. We will work together with partner agencies to ensure victims are supported as cases progresses and reach their conclusion.”

The conviction coincides with a Cumbria Police campaign raising awareness of support for victims of rape or sexual assault. For more information visit the Constabulary’s website; victims can also contact The Bridgeway for advice and support 0808 118 6432, or at info@thebridgeway.org.uk