A SEXUAL predator has been jailed for 18 years for a catalogue of sexual offences including the rape of a ten-year-old girl.
Ian Dempster, 61, of HMP Doncaster, was convicted at Sheffield Crown Court of six counts of rape, four counts of sexual assault, two counts of exposure and one count of indecent assault against two victims. He had denied all the charges and was found guilty by a jury.
He was sentenced on Wednesday to 18 years and a further three years extended licence.
Dempster threatened his victims with violence and one of his victims - who he abused over an eight-year period - was told she would never see her loved ones again if she reported what happened.
He had been living in the Dearne Valley when some of the offences were committed.
Investigating officer DC Emma Shipley said: “Both of this victims lived in fear and suffered horrific abuse at the hands of this sexual predator who preyed on young, innocent girls for his own sexual gratification.
“Dempster has shown no remorse, continuing to deny all of the charges against him and therefore forcing the two women to relieve their experiences again in court.
“I cannot praise their strength and courage throughout the trial and the entire investigation enough. The sentence is testament to them, in their bravery in coming forward and determination to see him convicted and behind bars. They are remarkable women.
“I’m incredibly pleased that Dempster will be behind bars for the next two decades and hope that the result goes some way in helping the victims continue moving forward with their lives.”
The offences date back to between 1998 and 2009 and took place at locations across South Yorkshire and Scotland.
The allegations came to light in January 2016 when the women came forward to police. Officers travelled to Edinburgh Prison to interview Dempster, who at the time was serving a sentence for previous sexual offences. He was charged in April 2016.
Three charges against a third victim were dismissed in court due to lack of evidence.
