A serial child abuser has been jailed for life for repeatedly raping an 11-year-old girl 20 years ago.
John Lyon has been described by police as “a dangerous sexual predator who will always pose a significant risk to children”.
The 50-year-old was already serving jail time for sexual offences against children, when a further victim came forward to reports a string of incidents to police last January.
The woman was just 11 years old at the time Lyon began abusing her in 2001.
Detectives began investigating the historic offences from some 20 years ago, collating witness statements and gathering evidence against Lyon, while the woman was supported by specially trained officers.
Lyon pleaded guilty to four counts of rape and seven counts of indecent assault at Wood Green Crown Court on June 9.
At the same court on Friday, he was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 15 years.
He had already been jailed for 12 years in 2013, and another 11 years in 2021 for sexual offences against other children.
Detective Constable Andri Andreou, who led the most recent investigation, said: “There is no doubt John Lyon is a dangerous sexual predator who will always pose a significant risk to children.
“The safest option for all is that he spends years of his life in prison.
“The trauma he has caused this victim is so significant that some 20 years on she is still dealing with the aftermath of his actions and the damage he has caused.“I do not propose Lyon’s sentencing will take away that trauma, but I hope it goes someway to helping her, knowing she was listened to, believed and that she has had some justice.
“I can only thank her for her strength and bravery. I know sharing the details of her trauma were particularly difficult for her and I am grateful she felt able to be so open with me and trusted me with this crucial part of her healing journey.”
