Hull: Predator who made victim’s childhood “a misery” jailed for 16 years

A serial sexual predator has been jailed for 16 years after being found guilty of a string of offences at Grimsby Crown Court on Friday 14 January 2022.

Jamie Sayer (33) of Albert Avenue, Hull, denied nine offences, including four charges of rape and three of engaging in sexual activity with a child. However, a jury found Sayer guilty of all offences.

The court heard how Sayer had preyed on his young victim for a period of five years and had used a “powerful threat” to keep his victim quiet for years.

DC Amy Nicholas, from our Protecting Vulnerable People unit, led the investigation: “I would like to applaud Jamie Sayer’s victim, who has been incredibly brave throughout this whole ordeal. I know how difficult it has been to come forward and to speak about what had happened, so the fact they did this is a testament to them and their strength.

“I understand that for victims of sexual abuse, no matter the outcome, something like this will always live with them. However, I do hope now the investigation has drawn to a close and Jamie Sayer is behind bars, they feel some sort of closure.

“This was a horrendous catalogue of abuse over a five-year period, when the victim should have been enjoying their childhood. However, Sayer subjected them to a campaign of abuse and used threats against the victim to ensure his terrible crimes wouldn’t come to light.

“Manipulation and threats are not uncommon with offences of this nature, so I would strongly appeal for any child who believes they are being manipulated into doing something they don’t want to, to speak with an adult or friend and report it to us.

“It is never the victim’s fault, and we will always take reports of this nature incredibly seriously to identify those that pose a danger to children. You will be listened to and we will continue to take action against offenders.

“We hugely appreciate the strength and courage of the victim in telling us about these offences and helping us throughout the course of the judicial process.”

About the abuse inflicted by Jamie Sayer, Judge Michael Fanning said the victim “didn’t know what you were making them do, but they soon concluded that it was something they didn’t want to do.

“You did it because you could. You made their childhood a misery.”

In addition to being jailed for 16 years, Sayer was given a sexual harm prevention order for life. He must register as a sex offender for life and was given an indefinite restraining order.

If you want to report offences to us, you can call us on 101, or always call 999 in an emergency