Paedophile who filmed abuse jailed for 13 years

Lee Rider's offending was described as "nothing short of horrific" by investigating officer Det Sgt Mark Williamson

A paedophile has been jailed for 13 years after sexually assaulting and recording the abuse of a girl.

Lee Rider, from Biggleswade in Bedfordshire, had "betrayed his victim's trust" during the persistent abuse in Cambridgeshire.

Rider abused his victim over five years, forcing her to perform sexual acts on him and sometimes filming his actions, telling the girl it would "help his mental health".

The 48-year-old, of Oak Crescent, admitted 12 offences including raping a child under 13, causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and making indecent images of children.

When interviewed twice by police, Rider denied the allegations and claimed the victim was lying.

The abuse was reported after the victim confided in someone she trusted and police were called in January 2023.

Cambridgeshire Police said the girl told them Rider would buy her things, which worried her as this meant she would need to do "something for him" in return.

During sentencing at Peterborough Crown Court, an indefinite restraining order was also imposed on him to prevent him from contacting the victim, alongside a sexual harm prevention order to monitor his behaviour.

Det Sgt Mark Williamson said Rider betrayed his victim's trust in "the worst possible way" describing the abuse as "nothing short of horrific".

"Something important to highlight is how the victim said she was fearful she wouldn’t be believed because she didn’t have any evidence to support what had happened to her," he said.

"However, by coming forward and explaining what happened, she provided key evidence which allowed us to bring Rider to justice."