A sexual predator has been jailed after more than a decade of abuse.
Richard Krakowski (pictured) of Roman Road, Blackburn, was sent to prison for nine years and three months yesterday, after police were passed an SD card revealing evidence of years of his abhorrent behaviour.
Krakowski thought the SD card contained an innocent recording and passed it on to someone, who then reported it.
A report was made, and Krakowski (72) was arrested on suspicion of and later charged with eight counts of sexual assault and one count of voyeurism.
The offending, which happened between 2012 and 2024 included Karkowski sexually abusing his victim and filming it for his own sexual gratification. He also installed a secret camera in a bathroom, filming and photographing his victim.
Police recovered dozens of images and videos of Krakowski’s offending from the SD card.
He pleaded guilty on December 20 at Preston Crown Court and was sentenced at the same court yesterday. He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life and is subject to a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
The victim said: “I hope you will never be allowed to hurt anyone like this again. I am building my life again and I am getting stronger every day. You have not won.”
DC Beth Turner of East Vulnerability Investigation Unit said: “First and foremost, I want to praise the victim for the incredible strength and bravery she has shown throughout the investigation and court process. Her bravery has made sure that Krakowski cannot hurt or abuse anyone again.
“Krakowski is a sexual predator. He abused his victim for his own sexual gratification. He recorded the abuse to fulfil his own depraved sexual fantasies, leaving others to pick up the pieces of the destruction he caused. His behaviour can only be described as abhorrent.
“I welcome the custodial sentence handed down today. Criminal behaviour like Krakowski’s is not and never will be acceptable. I hope that this shows any victims of sexual abuse that we will listen to you, we will hear what you have to tell us, we will investigate, and we will do all we can to ensure the person responsible is brought to justice.”
