Neston: Child rapist Allen Cain jailed for 20 years

Allen David Cain, 29, showed no emotion in the dock at Chester Crown Court on Monday (June 3) when his sentence was passed.

His distraught victim – who cannot be identified for legal reasons – was joined by friends and family in the public gallery to watch him being sent down.

In a victim impact statement, read to the court by prosecutor Nicholas Williams, she said: “He took my childhood away from me. He ruined my life.”

The girl said she had been struggling with anxiety and depression and even tried to take her own life in the aftermath of the abuse.

“He is still haunting me now even though he’s in prison,” she wrote.

Cain, of Jonson Road, Neston, was said to have groomed her over a period of several years when he was in his mid-twenties before going on to abuse and rape her.

He pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual activity with a child but denied a further nine sexual offences including rape.

The complainant was then forced to give evidence about her ordeal during a trial, which eventually led to his conviction by a jury.

Anna Price, defending, stressed that although Cain had a number of previous convictions, including burglary and dangerous driving, none was for a sexual offence.

But she said there was little she could offer in mitigation as the defendant maintained his innocence on a number of the charges.

“He says he was effectively seduced by her,” said Judge Patrick Thompson. “This was his evidence to the jury.”

Sentencing, he told Cain: “You stole her childhood. You stole her innocence. Your behaviour was cruel and callous.

“When she wanted to speak out, you threatened to kill yourself, knowing that would tear her apart.

“ You gave no thought to her welfare or the effect this would have.

“I am satisfied you are a selfish, cruel and ruthless sexual predator. To suggest she led you on to commit these offences is preposterous. You are a coward.”

Cain was sentenced to 25 years in total - 20 in custody and five on extended licence.

He will be eligible for parole after serving at least two thirds of the custodial period.

He was made the subject of a restraining order and Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and must also sign on the sex offenders register for life.

Judge Patrick Thompson.

• After the hearing, Detective Constable Mel Beamish, who managed the case, said: “There are no winners in this case and the impact of Cain’s actions cannot be underestimated.

“Cain has shown no remorse throughout the investigation and subsequent trial. Instead he attempted to blame everyone but himself.

“Thankfully, the jury was able to see through his lies and he is now facing a significant prison sentence.

"I would like to thank the victim for the immense bravery she has shown in coming forward and for her co-operation throughout the investigation.

“I would also like to acknowledge the courage she showed by going to court and giving evidence against Cain, something he forced her to do by refusing to accept responsibility.

“By pleading not guilty to the rape offences he continued to show a blatant disregard for his victim.

“Whilst she will never be able to forget all that Cain has subjected her to, I hope that the custodial sentence he has been handed by the courts provides her with some closure and enables her to begin to move forward with her life.

“I also hope that this case and the sentence that Cain has received encourages other victims of sexual offences to come forward and report the offences to us.”

• To report any sexual offences call Cheshire Constabulary on 101. Information can also be passed anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.