A Blackpool man has been jailed for 15 years for raping a schoolgirl.
James Crawford Buchanan, 64, of Raikes Parade, Blackpool, was found guilty of seven specimen charges, including rape, attempted rape and sexual assault relating to a girl under 13, after a two-week trial at Preston Crown Court.
He was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment, ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life, given a lifetime Sex Offenders’ Prevention Order and banned for life from working with children
Unemployed Buchanan, originally from Glasgow, was convicted following a year-long investigation by officers from Lancashire Constabulary’s "Awaken" team.
Det Con Dave Higham, of the team, said: “I am very pleased with today’s sentence. This was a very lengthy and complex investigation and I hope that this sends out a strong message to anyone who commits such horrific offences on children that when they are caught they will be dealt with robustly by the police and the courts.
“I would like to commend the victim for their courage in coming forward and I hope that this sentence will be of some comfort to them and their family and give them the strength to move on with their lives.
“I would also thank the Awaken team’s social worker Sharon Hayes and Barnados and the school welfare officers involved ion this case.”
Awaken is a multi agency team covering the Blackpool area which aims to protect children who may be at risk of sexual exploitation.
Police officers and social workers on the team are responsible for jointly investigating cases and targeting suspected offenders.
Staff from health and education services supplement the team in an effort to impact upon the behaviour of young and potentially vulnerable people.
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