Man jailed for 'wicked' sexual assaults on young girl

Alan Drake's victim said: “This man has robbed me of my childhood"

A man from Surrey has been jailed for 18 years for committing multiple sexual assaults against a nine-year-old girl.

The victim reported Alan Drake, 63, in May 2021 after she got a voice note of him admitting the historic offences that happened in 2009 and 2010, Surrey Police said.

Drake, of Green Lane in Sunbury-on-Thames, was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court after being found guilty at trial of 13 counts of sexual assault.

The victim said: “This man has robbed me of my childhood where I should have been happy and making childhood memories. I am determined that he shall not rob me of my future."

Drake was found not guilty of one charge of sexual assault.

The judge said Drake’s crimes were “wicked offences against someone defenceless".

Investigating officer Det Con Scarlett Watkins said she was "in awe" of the victim.

The officer added: “I would urge anyone else who has been subject to this type of abuse to take encouragement from this case and know that justice can be done.”

Sexual offence liaison officer Roberta Jeffries said: “The survivor’s bravery throughout has been admirable and must be commended."