Victim’s courage sees rapist jailed for offences 20 years ago

A man who raped and sexually assaulted a girl two decades ago has been jailed today.

Nicholas Dalby, 50, formerly of Thirsk, was sentenced at York Crown Court after pleading guilty on the day his trial was due to begin.

The victim, a woman now in her 30s, came forward to the police in 2020, detailing Dalby’s offences against her between 2002 and 2005.

She described being raped and sexually assaulted whilst alone with Dalby, an HGV driver, at his home address, in his static caravan and his wagon.

Dalby was interviewed by North Yorkshire Police in prison, where he is currently serving a jail sentence for similar offences against another child.

In interview, Dalby denied committing any offences against the victim. But he was charged, and on 28 February 2022 he pleaded guilty to three charges of rape, four of indecent assault and one of indecency with a child.

At York Crown Court on 3 March 2022, he was sentenced to a total of eight years in prison, to be served after his current prison sentence, as well as a one-year extended licence, and a sexual harm prevention order.

Addressing Dalby directly in a harrowing victim personal statement provided to the court, the woman said: “You shaped me as a child and teenager, but you will not shape me as an adult.

“This is where my strength has come from: I will not allow you to harm another child and by me speaking up and telling the truth, this is the only way to protect other girls from harm.”

After the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Sarah Jobe, of Northallerton CID, said: “The victim in this case showed immense courage in coming forward, having had to endure these dreadful crimes at a young age. Dalby denied the offences throughout the investigation – putting her through further trauma – but her strength has ensured justice has now been done.

“I hope this conviction shows other victims that it is never too late to seek support for what has happened. By speaking to the police, or other organisations, you can access help and advice for yourself, and allow us to protect other people like you.”

 

Seeking further support, advice and ways of reporting sexual abuse

Call North Yorkshire Police on 101 if you have been a victim of sexual abuse, no matter when it occurred. You can also make a report online at www.northyorkshire.police.uk.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, always dial 999 for an emergency response.

Victims who would prefer not to go directly to the police and are not in immediate danger can contact Bridge House, North Yorkshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), on 0330 223 0362, email [email protected], or go to www.bridgehousesarc.org.

You can also contact Supporting Victims in North Yorkshire at www.supportingvictims.org or call 01609 643100.