Predator jailed for nine years after raping girl.

Whitehaven Man Jailed for Child Rape

A WHITEHAVEN man has been jailed for nine years and put on the Sex Offender Register for life after a jury convicted him of child rape.

Gary Griffiths, 51, had previously admitted two sex offences against the same victim but denied three further allegations: raping the schoolgirl, attempting to rape her, and engaging in sexual activity with a child.

After a trial at Carlisle Crown Court, a jury delivered unanimous guilty verdicts for all three of the charges he denied.

Sentencing the defendant today, Recorder Neil Usher told Griffiths that he will be eligible for release after serving six years. The defendant, of Rudds Court, Whitehaven, showed no emotion as he was taken away to begin serving his sentence.

Before the trial got underway, the defendant had already pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and a count of sexual activity with a child. The victim was of primary school age.

After the case concluded, Detective Constable Gail Penman said "I would urge anyone who has been subject to offences of this nature to come forward. "