CRIME Man guilty of 17 counts of sex assault

BRENTWOOD - A Barnstead man has been convicted of 17 counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault, according Rockingham County Attorney Patricia Conway.

George Colbath, 64, will be sentenced in the near future for these crimes, according to a press release from Conway. Over a two-week trial, the prosecution introduced evidence that the defendant, known to his victim, began sexually abusing her at age 14. The defendant repeatedly sexually abused the victim over several years, by using threats against her and her animals.

These offenses occurred in several New Hampshire towns, Conway said. The Rockingham County Attorney's Office became initially involved in investigating crimes that occurred in Nottingham and then tried offenses that happened in Alton and Barnstead in Belknap County.

Assistant County Attorneys Annaliese Wolf and John Mara prosecuted this case for the state and ultimately brought Colbath to justice, Conway said. The prosecution called over 15 witnesses, including the victim. The jury deliberated less than one hour before convicting Colbath on all counts. Each charge carries a sentence of 10-30 years.

"The actions of this defendant are beyond reprehensible." said Conway. "This defendant took advantage of his position as a trusted adult and betrayed that trust in a most repulsive way. I applaud this courageous and heroic victim for her strength in reporting these horrific crimes."

Conway thanked Sgt. Jeannine Wood, now with Lincoln Police Department and Jason Tremblay from the Alton Police Department.

Rockingham County Victim Advocate Kate Winter also assisted with the case. The defendant was represented by Attorney Mark Sisti.