Child rapist jailed for attacks on girl

A 36-year-old man who subjected a child to "serious sexual abuse" over six years has been jailed.

Joseph Hewitt, previously of Dee Walk in Daventry, Northamptonshire, admitted two counts of raping a girl under 13, one count of raping a teenage girl, and three counts of engaging in penetrative sex with a teenage girl.

At a sentencing hearing at Northampton Crown Court, he was sentenced to 18 years and six months in prison.

Det Con Kirstie Brooks, of Northamptonshire Police, said: "Joseph Hewitt subjected this young girl to serious sexual abuse over a number of years, causing harm that no child should ever have to endure."

Brooks welcomed the sentence, which she said reflected "the severity of his offending".

She added: "I would also like to thank the survivor in this case for her bravery in coming forward and supporting the investigation.

"Reporting offences of this nature can be incredibly difficult, and her courage has been instrumental in bringing Hewitt to justice."

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