Pensioner 'bought silence' of child abuse victim

Michael Eckersely, 86, was jailed for 16 years

An 86-year-old man has been jailed for 16 years after being found guilty of 14 historic sexual offences against a child.

Michael Eckersley, from Warrington, was said to have lavished gifts on the child during his "campaign of abuse" which began in the 1980s in Wells, Somerset.

His victim, who cannot be named, said the abuse "broke him" and he had suffered "psychological damage".

After he was sentenced on 4 November, Avon and Somerset Police said Eckersley's crimes "represent a complete betrayal of trust and an appalling abuse of power".

The victim initially reported the abuse to another police force, before it was handed over to Avon and Somerset Police in 2021.

Eckersley, of Coldstream Close, was interviewed in December 2021, with officers adding the case was complex due to the passing of time.

Jurors unanimously found Eckersley guilty of all 14 offences he faced after a trial which ended on 4 September.

He was sentenced at Taunton Crown Court, sitting in Worle, on 4 November to a nine-year term for the lead offence of indecent assault against a child, and a further five years for seven other charges of indecent assault against a child.

He will also serve an additional two years in prison for six counts of indecency with a child.

'Angry and heartbroken'

During the trial, the jury heard Eckersley would "lavish" his victim with gifts, in an effort to "buy his acceptance and silence".

A victim statement, which was read in court on his behalf by prosecutor Virginia Cornwall, said: "Eckersley gave me presents and gifts, however, this all came at a sickening price - sexual favours.

"For six years the abuse broke me, I had no-one to confide in, so I carried the burden silently. I became withdrawn, occasionally self-harming, unable to understand the psychological damage that was being done to me.

"I am angry, heartbroken, and finally letting out tears that I have held inside for years. As a child, I was happy and adventurous, despite a rough start.

"The last four years have brought it all back and I have had to go through it all over as it still feels like it happened yesterday.

"I am angry for the boy I was and for the life I could have had."

Det Con Ben Train from Avon and Somerset Police said: "The crimes committed by Michael Eckersley represent a complete betrayal of trust and an appalling abuse of power against a young and vulnerable victim.

"These actions are deeply disturbing and will rightly shock and distress the community.

He also paid tribute to the victim, calling his bravery "exceptional", adding the sentence will never do "justice for the physical and emotional trauma" he caused the victim.