A MAN has been jailed for 18 years after being convicted of the rape and indecent assault of his own daughter.

The offences took place in the 80s and early 90s, in the North Yorkshire area and elsewhere, when the victim was aged between 12 and 14-years-old.

Ashleigh Pell, aged 66, of Pine Close, Skipton, was jailed for 18-years at Bradford Crown Court on Monday.

The victim is his daughter, Rebecca Pell, now aged 43, who first contacted North Yorkshire Police by email in 2017.

Following the trial, she has waived her right to anonymity.

While sentencing Pell, the judge commended his daughter for her courage and strength in both reporting the matter to the police and giving her evidence in court.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Nicky Wareham, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “I am immensely pleased with the outcome of this long and emotional investigation. It demonstrates that no matter how long ago this type of criminal offending took place, investigations of this kind can result in justice being served.

“I praise anyone who is able to come forward and report offences of this nature and would encourage others to do so in the knowledge that specialist support is available if required.”

  • To report a sexual crime to the police call 101 or if you prefer not to go direct to the police and you are not in immediate danger, you can contact a sexual assault referral centre (SARC) in your area. Bridge House, North Yorkshire’s SARC can be contacted on 01904-669339.