Paedophile ruined girl's life, court hears

Lee Merrison, 34, was jailed for five years and 10 months

A man has been jailed after a series of sex offences against a child.

Lee Merrison, 34, was found guilty at Lincoln Crown Court of sexual assault on a child aged under 13, engaging in sexual communication with a child and exposure.

The victim told the court how she suffered flashbacks and hallucinations as a result of the abuse.

Merrison, formerly of Long Sutton but now living in Wisbech in Cambridgeshire, was sentenced to five years and 10 months.

In an impact statement read to the court, the victim said the crimes had "ruined my life".

"I don't feel safe around men anymore," she added.

Passing sentence, Recorder Paul Mann KC said Merrison had initially developed an "obsession" with the OnlyFans website, which demonstrated his sexual interests.

Recorder Mann made it clear the impact on the victim and her mental health was "enormous".

"The defendant should understand the impact of his behaviour on others," he added.

Merrison was also made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, limiting his contact with girls and his use of the internet.

He must also register as a sex offender for life.

Four charges on which the jury failed to reach verdicts were left to lie on file.

Merrison was found guilty after a trial at Lincoln Crown Court

Lincolnshire Police said Merrison first targeted the girl in 2020 and the offences continued over the next three years.

Speaking after the sentencing, Det Con Helen Wood said: "Merrison groomed his victim under abhorrent circumstances taking unscrupulous advantage of her at a time of profound vulnerability.

"His actions were a stark betrayal of decency, manipulating a young person when they required protection most."

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