Man jailed for six years for non-recent sex offences against a child

Jordan Blenkinship (13/06/1992) of Livingstone Road, Blackpool was on Friday 20 December handed a six-year custodial sentence and a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order with strict restrictions after he was found guilty of a series of sexual offences against a young girl dating back to 2009.

At the time of the offences in 2009, the victim was four-years-old and Blenkenship was 17-years-old. It was heard in court that Blenkinship sexually assaulted the young girl over a two-year period.

Blenkinship’s offences came to light in 2010, after a disclosure from someone close to the victim stated that he had sexually assaulted the girl.

He was arrested in March 2010, but denied the offences while being interviewed by detectives.

The victim came forward and supported a police investigation to uncover Blenkinship’s offences in 2019 stating that she wanted to empower others who have gone through a similar experience and provide a message to other young people going through what she has that it is never too late to come forwards and get justice for the abuse she suffered in the past.

The victim conducted a video interview with police and told officers of the abuse she suffered at the hands of Blenkinship to assist in building a case to go to court.

In October 2019, Blenkinship was arrested and denied the offences again. But because of the evidence against him, officers were able to secure 10 separate charges for sexual offences against the girl.

Following a one-week trial at Manchester Crown Court, Blenkinship has now been found guilty of multiple counts of sexual assault and sexual assault by penetration of a girl aged under 13.

Detective Constable Callum Shackleton, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “Blenkinship has absolutely no remorse for the physical and mental trauma he has subjected the victim to, he is the worst kind of predator, and he is now behind bars and will no longer pose as a threat to children.

“His arrest and subsequent conviction is only the start of the healing process for the victim of his despicable crimes who I hope with the right support will be able to move forwards with her life.

“I would like to thank the girl who came forward and speaking to us, she is a survivor and has showed unwavering strength to come forward and work closely with us on this case.

“We are acutely aware that today’s sentencing does in no way make up for what Blenkinship has subjected her to, but we hope they can draw some comfort from the fact that he is now off the streets.

“We would encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault, regardless of how much time has passed or knows someone who has been a victim, to get in touch with us.”