Posted by 
A paedophile from Longridge will spend almost 20 years in prison after sexually abusing two young girls between 1995 and 2019.
Kenneth Booth assaulted the youngsters, who were just five and seven when the abuse started, at addresses in Chorley and Longridge.
A police investigation was launched when one of his victims came forward to report what had happened with her.
Read more: Gafoor chicken factory deal struck to avoid free-for-all but campaigners react with dismay
Booth, 66 and formerly of Towneley Road in Longridge, pleaded guilty in October to three charges of indecent assault on a girl, four charges of gross indecency on a girl under 14, assault by penetration on a girl under 13, causing or inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity (no penetration), two charges of assault by touching and a further charge of sexual assault on a female.
He appeared at Preston Crown Court on Monday (2 February) and was sentenced to a total of 18 years in prison with an extended licence of eight years.
Det Con Vicky Fass, of Lancashire Constabulary’s Child Protection Team, said: “First and foremost I would like to commend the victims in this case for having the courage to come forward and speak about what happened to them at the hands of Booth. That cannot have been easy, and I hope that this sentence gives them some sense that justice has been done.
“Booth is clearly a sexual predator with a propensity towards young girls, and this significant sentence will see him off the streets and away from children for a long time.
“I hope that this conviction and sentence may give others who have suffered similar abuse the confidence to come forward and report it in the knowledge we will investigate professionally and with sensitivity.”
Support Blog Preston: Keep our community reporting going and view the website without any adverts too. Sign up for a membership today.
Stay updated: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox. Help us report too, by contacting us if you see something we should be reporting on.
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines
