Ronald Short 82

Description

A man who repeatedly sexually abused a child between the years of 2005 and 2009 has now been sentenced to 18 years following a trial at Lincoln Crown Court.

Ronald Leslie Short (pictured below), aged 82, of St Leonards Avenue, Woodhall Spa, appeared at Lincoln Crown Court on Friday 8 August 2025, where he was found guilty by jury of eight counts of sexual abuse against a child. The offences include attempt rape, sexual assault of a child, causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and sexual assault by penetration.

Short appeared again at Lincoln Crown Court today (Friday 5 December) where he received his sentence. 

The investigating officer, Detective Constable Kyle Barlow, based within the Protecting Vulnerable Persons Unit, wanted to praise the strength, patience and bravery of the victim, throughout this long and complex investigation.

He said: 

“Although no outcome can take away the harm caused, we hope the knowledge that Ronald Short has been jailed will at least provide some comfort and aid the victim’s process of recovery.

“I would like to send a clear message to any perpetrators of sexual abuse: we will not tolerate this abhorrent behaviour and will bring you to justice.

“This sentence today shows the seriousness of this offending, and we will do everything we can to put perpetrators behind bars.”