Ryan Sutton Jailed for Six Years After Raping 10-Year-Old Girl

A 24-year-old man has been jailed for six years after admitting to raping a 10-year-old child he groomed into believing they were in a relationship.

Ryan Sutton met the girl on Snapchat in March 2023, exchanging messages and images. Their communication progressed to texting, phone calls, and video chats, leading the girl to believe Sutton was her boyfriend and deeply in love with her.

On April 23, 2023, Sutton traveled from his Worcestershire home to meet the girl in Finedon. They were found together in woodland, prompting Sutton to flee the scene. He was arrested while attempting to leave the area by car.

A Child Abuse Investigation Unit (CAIU) at Northamptonshire Police launched an investigation due to concerns about potential sexual contact between Sutton and the girl. Condoms were found in his possession during arrest, but the victim did not initially disclose any abuse. It took nearly three months for her to bravely reveal to officers that Sutton had raped and sexually assaulted her. These disclosures were corroborated by forensic evidence.

Sutton faced charges including rape of a girl under 13, assault of a girl under 13 by touching and penetration, engaging in sexual communication with a child, and being an adult meeting a girl under 16 following grooming. On February 22, 2024, he pleaded guilty to all charges.

On December 19, 2024, Sutton was sentenced at Northampton Crown Court to six years in prison, with an additional year on extended licence. He was also subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will remain on the sex offenders' register indefinitely.