Comic-Con Fan Tobias Neilson Jailed Over Decade for Child Sexual Abuse
Tobias Neilson, 38, was locked up for over ten years last week after being found guilty of sexually abusing three young girls, including one just five years old when the abuse began.
Reign of Terror Starting in Teenage Years
Preston Crown Court heard the Clitheroe man’s disturbing offences started when he was a teenager. Neilson, a comic-con fanatic from a strict Jehovah’s Witness family, targeted the girls through community events and celebrations.
He subjected his victims to horrific abuse including kissing, groping, forced oral sex in public toilets, and other indecent acts. One victim was forced to perform oral sex on him multiple times, bribed with promises of money and special games.
Judge Condemns Neilson’s Cruel Abuse
“Your offending began when you were only 13 and carried on through your teenage years into adulthood,” said Judge Beverley Lunt.
“You told one child not to tell anyone or her parents would be angry – a wicked thing to say to a child. This abuse caused clear harm and damage.”
Addressing the most serious abuse, Judge Lunt added: “This included oral rape and getting a child to masturbate you on multiple occasions.”
Years of Abuse and Online Dangers
Neilson’s crimes spanned years, with his victims aged between five and eleven. The court also heard how in 2014 he was caught trying to meet a supposed girl online — who was actually an undercover cop — and sent indecent images.
Despite arrests, Neilson continued sexualised conversations and distributing indecent pictures to minors as recently as 2020. His latest offending came to light when a victim’s mother discovered messages arranging a meeting for sex.
Harsh Sentence But Lasting Damage
Neilson was jailed for 10 years and 10 months, receiving credit for guilty pleas on various charges including child rape and indecent assault.
“You are not a man admitting youth or tragedy as excuses. Your interest in young girls remains,” Judge Lunt warned.
“No sentence can repair the damage to these three ladies’ lives. Hopefully, they can now move forward.”
