Jailed rapist guilty of historical sex offences

Harold Nicholson has been jailed for a further 18 years

A rapist already serving a 20-year jail term has been handed another prison sentence for historical sexual abuse after a new victim came forward.

Harold Nicholson, 75, was found guilty of raping a young girl repeatedly in the 1990s, following a trial three years ago.

After that conviction another victim, who was abused between the 1990s and mid-2000s, came forward.

A jury found Nicholson guilty of four counts of rape, a charge of false imprisonment and one of making threats to kill. He was jailed for a further 18 years.

Cumbria Police said the victim died before the trial was held.

Nicholson, formerly of Holywell Crescent, Carlisle, once kept her imprisoned for up to two days in a room.

The trial at Preston Crown Court (heard in Burnley) heard during this time Nicholson raped her, wrapped a telephone cord round her neck and left her so afraid she had begged him to kill her to stop the ordeal.

'Dangerous man'

Det Con Kerry Gibson, who oversaw both cases, paid tribute to the victim of the latest case.

She said: "The victim was very brave but, sadly, she did not live to see these results of her courage and perseverance and witness him face a court for his crimes against her.

"However, I would still like to place on record my thanks to her and her family for their help in bringing a dangerous man to justice."

She added it was never too late for people to seek justice.