Shock Jailing in Colne: Dylan Sherratt Locked Up
Dylan Sherratt, 23, has been sentenced to a brutal 16 years and 10 months behind bars. The Burnley Crown Court judge slammed him for grooming and raping a 12-year-old girl in Colne, Lancashire.
Twisted Grooming and Hideous Assaults
- Sherratt started messaging his victim in August 2023, shamelessly demanding intimate photos while fully aware of her age.
- He saved her contact as “mine” and bombarded her with explicit messages.
- CCTV caught him meeting the young girl in September, wearing a balaclava to hide his face.
- Two terrifying attacks followed – one in woodland, another behind a laundrette.
Quick Police Action and Court Fallout
The case blew open after a friend alerted a school safeguarding officer on 12 September 2023. Sherratt was arrested but stayed silent during police questioning.
Officers uncovered horrific messages showing his sick control and obsession. He even told the girl to lie about her age.
Faced with the evidence, Sherratt admitted to rape, sexual assault, sexual communication with a child, and making indecent images.
Judge Labels Sherratt “Dangerous” — Harsher Sentence Follows
Judge Daniel Prowse called Sherratt “dangerous” and sentenced him to 10 years in prison plus nearly 7 years extended licence. The monster must also follow an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and sign the sex offenders register for life.
“Since the incidents I struggle to control my emotions. I cry all the time… I often get flashbacks… I have nightmares twice a week.” – Victim’s emotional court statement
DC Sarah Jones from the East Child Protection Unit condemned Sherratt as a “dangerous and manipulative individual.” She praised the victim’s courage through the trauma.
