THIS is the face of a ‘predator’ who was jailed after being convicted of multiple historic sexual offences in Cumbria.

Harold Wharton was convicted after a trial of six counts of indecent assault on an underage girl in the 1980s. 

The 73-year-old was also convicted of two counts of inciting the same victim to commit an act of gross indecency.

The court heard the abuse began while the defendant was living in Dalton.

Reading her victim impact statement to Preston Crown court on February 23, the victim whose anonymity has been protected for legal reasons, said: “I believe he is a monster with no remorse. I hope he does not see the light of day again.

In mitigation, his barrister Nick Lane said: “There is not a great deal that can be said in terms of the facts of the offending or in personal mitigation.

“In my submission, the test has not been met to consider this defendant as being a dangerous individual. He has not committed any other offence in over 30 years.

“It is inevitable he will spend a significant period of his later years in custody.”

Wharton, of Ripley Avenue in North Shields, had previously served a five-year prison sentence for rape and indecent assault in 1990 against a different victim, the court heard.

Sentencing Wharton to ten years imprisonment, His Honour Judge Darren Preston said: “You are a predator. A wicked individual who preys on children for your own perverted sexual desires.

“Your victim has had to live with the psychological impact you caused her. She was brave to stand in front of you to make sure you understand the damage you caused. You are a man with no shame and have never shown any remorse.

“There is absolutely no mitigation whatsoever in this case.”

“I have no doubt you pose a risk to children but there is no evidence to suggest you are a significant risk of serious harm to the public as there is no evidence you have committed any similar offences in over 30 years. I am just persuaded to avoid an extended sentence and a finding of you being dangerous.”

Wharton was also made the subject of a restraining order until further order and notification requirements for life.