Dronfield: Man, 76, jailed for serious sexual assaults on young girl

Police said Roger Anderson refused to attend court for his sentencing

A Derbyshire man in his 70s who carried out numerous serious sexual assaults on a vulnerable child has been jailed for 14 years.

Roger Anderson, 76, from Dronfield Woodhouse, assaulted the girl on multiple occasions earlier this year.

He was jailed on 17 November after jurors found him guilty of all the charges against him.

Police said the judge described him as a "very dangerous man" during an eight-day trial at Derby Crown Court.

Anderson was found guilty on 10 counts of assaulting a child under 13 by touching and two counts of assault by penetration.

'Beyond comprehension'

He was was also sentenced for engaging in sexual communication with a child, as well as a charge of harassment without intent.

Derbyshire Police said he had harassed the victim's carer.

Anderson received a "special custodial sentence" due to the risk he poses to the public.

Det Con Jodi Wood, who led the investigation into his crimes, said: "The crimes that Roger Anderson committed are beyond comprehension.

"Not only did he force his victim through a trial in the face of overwhelming evidence, but he actively tried to blame her for the offences which he committed against her.

"The judge understood the risk that Anderson poses to the public and imposed a special custodial sentence due to the concern about his offending."