CENTER PARCS RAPIST SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR CRUEL AND CYNICAL SEXUAL ATTACK
A rapist carried out a "cruel and cynical" sex attack on an underage girl at Center Parcs in Nottinghamshire.Nottingham Crown Court heard how the teenager’s family let Caden Crossley stay in their lodge after he had been kicked out of his own cabin by his partner following an argument.
The victim then woke in her bedroom to find him lying in her bed before he touched her sexually and raped her.
An investigation was launched and forensic evidence proved that the 29-year-old was responsible for sexually violating the teenager, referred to as Child E by the judge to protect her identity.
The judge, Michael Auty KC, sentenced Crossley to 12 years in prison and said: “You were turfed out of your own lodge and were effectively homeless, and Child E’s mother took you in out of kindness.
She did not have to and I imagine she blames herself every day.
She has nothing to blame herself for; kindness and virtue are rare.
You breached her trust in a cruel and cynical way in their lodge, which they trusted you in.
The judge noted troubling drawings made by Child E, indicating she was troubled.
He described her as a bright, intelligent, decent child whom Crossley chose to abuse, and stated: "The effect of what you did I have no doubt will live with her for the rest of her life and the only decent thing you did was plead guilty to spare her the indignity of reliving it in court." Prosecutor David Eager said the incidents happened in the summer of 2022 at Sherwood Forest, where the victim was staying with her family.
Crossley, formerly of Leeds and now of HMP Stocken, pleaded guilty to rape and sexual assault of a child.
Additionally, he was jailed last year for five years for firearms offences committed after the sex attacks.
The judge ordered Crossley to register as a sex offender for life and imposed a lifetime sexual harm prevention order.
His sentence includes eight years custody and a four-year extended licence for dangerousness, with eligibility for parole after six years.
Nottinghamshire Police Detective Constable Gemma Sidebottom highlighted the despicable nature of Crossley's actions, which had a significant impact on the victim and her family.
Despite DNA evidence, Crossley initially denied the offences, which added further trauma.
The police acknowledge the bravery of the victim in this case.
