Predator who raped a teenage girl after she had been assaulted.

Predator Jailed for Raping Teenage Girl After Assault

Sol Barrett, 24, from Halley Close, Crawley, has been jailed for seven years and two months for rape and six months for three counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a child.

Barrett was convicted after he admitted to taking a teenage girl, who had been assaulted in a separate incident, back to his home and raping her. The victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, said she woke up at Barrett's address the next morning and did not know who he was.

The victim had sustained injuries from the previous night's assault on June 17, 2022, which were so serious that she had to attend hospital. Barrett, upon finding her, took her to his address where he committed the rape.

Six months later, the mother of another teenage girl, who also cannot be identified for legal reasons, reported concerns that her daughter was being groomed by Barrett on the social messaging app Snapchat. Barrett had lied about his age in messages exchanged on the platform, while the victim had informed him of her age.

Appearing in Lewes Crown Court on August 7, Barrett pleaded guilty to the charges. The sentences are consecutive and will be on licence for a total of 14 years. Barrett will also be a registered sex offender for life and was made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order for 15 years.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Ellen Jones said: "The victims in this case showed tremendous courage to come forward and report what had happened. They received support from specifically trained officers. Barrett is a predator who targeted young teenage girls, but thanks to the strength of the victims and from our thorough investigation he had no choice other than to plead guilty in the face of the evidence against him. This case demonstrates our determination to get justice for victims and ensure that a dangerous offender is behind bars."