Man who abused young child in 1990 is jailed.

“Growing up, the victim-survivor suffered serious and lasting effects from the horrendous abuse she suffered decades before but she found the courage to come forward to report - and her support for the police investigation was unwavering.”

These were the words of CAVA Detective Constable Suzanne Higginson as Thomas Wadsworth, 54, was handed a six-year prison sentence for gross indecency with a child and indecent assault on a child.

Wadsworth was in his early 20s when he committed the sexual offences in 1990. 

The woman came forward to police in 2022 and detectives from CAVA (Child Abuse and Vulnerable Adults) made sure she was offered specialist support immediately as their enquiries got underway.

Despite the challenges and complexities of the investigation because of the length of time which had passed, officers were able last summer to secure charges against Wadsworth.

He was found guilty at Teesside Crown Court earlier this month, returning on Friday (20^th September) for sentencing.

DC Higginson commented further: “I hope the fact that Wadsworth was found guilty and will now spend many years in prison is of some comfort to this brave woman as she continues to process what she went through as a very young child.”

CAVA Detective Chief Inspector Matt Murphy King added: “Wadsworth probably believed he would never be held to account for his heinous actions all those years ago, but from the moment the victim-survivor reported what he had done we were determined to do everything possible to get justice for her.

“We will always listen to anyone who comes forward to report any kind of abuse and we will believe them.  Victim-survivors can also expect support from police or local expert agencies throughout our enquiries, during the court process and afterwards.”

You can report to Cleveland Police at any time via the 101 number.

You can also contact NSPCC | The UK children's charity | NSPCC if you have concerns for a child, or to report abuse.