2007: GIRL’S RAPE ORDEAL LASTED EIGHT YEARS
2007: A man has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for repeatedly assaulting a girl over an eight-year span.Mark Ian Hunt, aged 34 and residing on Regina Crescent in Leigh, was convicted of 20 counts of rape concerning a girl who was only 12 years old when the abuse began in 1998.
Additionally, Hunt was found guilty of one count of indecent assault.
The sentence was handed down at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday, during which the judge also prohibited him from working with or residing with anyone under 16 after his release and mandated that he register as a sex offender for life.
Hunt was detained in March last year after the victim reported the allegations, though he denied the accusations.
His conviction was supported by forensic evidence.
Detective Constable Joanne Kirkman commented: "This woman has demonstrated remarkable bravery by coming forward and sharing her experience with the police at such a young and vulnerable age.
Her courage may serve as an example to others who have faced similar crimes to report them, no matter how long ago they occurred." "We remain committed to investigating these cases thoroughly.
It is never too late to hold offenders accountable and prevent them from escaping justice, regardless of how much time has passed since the crimes."