Paedophile Raymond Harrison Jailed for Childhood Abuse
Raymond Harrison, 69, has been found guilty of abusing girls under 13 between 1979 and 1982, Carlisle Crown Court heard. Despite denying 12 charges, including four counts of rape, the jury convicted him.
Victims Speak Out: “Robbed of My Childhood”
One victim described Harrison as a “pathetic sick creature” who “robbed me of my childhood.” She revealed how he threatened her, insisting “nobody was to know because it had to be our secret.”
“He has robbed me of my childhood and ruined my adult life in so many ways. He has made me feel guilty for his actions while he continued his twisted and privileged double life. I am serving a continuous life sentence.”
The second victim called the trial “harrowing,” adding: “Being the victim of childhood abuse creates an injury that can’t be mended or forgotten about. It also brings an unaccountable guilt and feeling of deep shame.”
How Harrison Groomed and Abused His Victims
Prosecutor Kim Whittlestone told jurors Harrison, who lived on Penrith Road, groomed the girls by winning their trust with sweets and cigarettes.
“They liked him. They trusted him. He would buy them sweets and the odd cheeky cigarette. The prosecution case is quite simple: he did this so he could, when alone with them, sexually touch them and they wouldn’t complain.”
The charges include six counts of indecent assault, four counts of rape, and two counts of indecency with a child. Harrison was in his late 20s and early 30s at the time of the offences.
Judge Issues Lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order
During sentencing, Recorder Ciaran Rankin told Harrison, “It is quite clear on the evidence you groomed each of these girls independently and went on to sexually assault them in the way the jury determined you did.”
Harrison must sign the sex offenders register for life and comply with a sexual harm prevention order. He maintains his innocence, and an appeal is pending.
