Police praise rape victim’s courage as Clive Hartley jailed

And North Yorkshire Police sent out a message to any other victims of abuse, saying: “It is never too late to tell us – we are here, and we will listen.”

As reported by The Press, Clive Michael Hartley was today (Friday, May 1) jailed for crimes he committed decades ago.

The child he raped didn’t tell police what had happened to her until  2024 – and then had to wait for two years to give evidence against him.

Today Hartley, 68, of Troutsbeck, Rawcliffe, is starting 14 years in jail.

Detective Constable Ebony Wonnacott of York and Selby CID praised the survivor’s bravery in coming forward and encouraged other survivors to get in touch.

She  said: “This has been a long journey for the victim in order to secure her deserved justice.

“I commend the victim’s courage in sharing what happened and her resilience in seeing out justice, despite the long and difficult process to get here.”

Det Con Wonnacott said: “I hope this case shows other survivors of abuse that the police are here for you, regardless of when the abuse took place.

“It is never too late to tell us – we are here, and we will listen.

“We are committed to bringing those responsible for such horrific abuse to justice – please don’t suffer in silence.”

Victims of rape and sexual abuse in North Yorkshire can contact police through the police website or by calling 101.

In an emergency, always call 999.

Support services are also available, including the North Yorkshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre, which can be reached on 0330 223 0362 or via acerhousesarc.co.uk.