A CARLISLE pensioner given a 20-year jail term for repeatedly raping a girl has been given another 18 years after a jury convicted him of raping a second victim.

In 2021, Harold Nicholson, now 75, faced a Carlisle Crown Court trial, which concluded with a jury declaring him guilty of raping the victim repeatedly in the 1990s.

Following that case, a second victim bravely came forward, reporting that she too had been subjected to sexual abuse between the mid-1990s and mid-2000s, triggering a second investigation.

Nicholson again denied wrongdoing, but after hearing the evidence, a jury at Preston Crown Court convicted him - but tragically the victim did not live to see him brought to justice.

Nicholson, formerly of Holywell Crescent, Botcherby, Carlisle, was convicted of four counts of rape, a single charge of false imprisonment and a charge of making threats to kill. 

The victim's ordeal included being kept imprisoned in a room for two days in a room.

During this time Nicholson raped her, wrapped a telephone cord round her neck and left her so afraid she had begged him to kill her. The woman courageously came forward to tell police of her ordeal – but she died before the trial began.

Detective Constable Kerry Gibson oversaw both investigations.

Speaking after the sentencing today, she said: “Nicholson is an evil man. The public can be reassured he is already behind bars and people are safe from him – and now he faces even longer in jail.

“The victim was very brave but, sadly, she did not live to see these results of her courage and perseverance and witness him face a court for his crimes against her.

“However, I would still like to place on record my thanks to her and her family for their help in bringing a dangerous man to justice.”

DC Gibson added: “I’d like to remind people that it’s never too late to seek justice. 

“No matter how long ago, how old the perpetrator is or where they are now, Cumbria Police have specially trained officers who will investigate these matters thoroughly and with the sensitivity they require.”

If you have been affected by rape or sexual assault, you can contact The Bridgeway Sexual Assault Support Service’s helpline on 0808 118 6432.

If you wish to report to police you can do so online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it.

You can also phone on 101. Always phone 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.

Read more: How a Carlisle child rapist was brought to justice by his victim's courage