EVIL MAN 'HIT YOUNG GIRL AS HE RAPED HER BECAUSE HE LIKED IT WHEN SHE CRIED'
Content Advisory: This story contains details that may be upsetting to some readers.A predator who repeatedly assaulted a young girl by drugging her with cannabis and threatening violence has been sentenced to prison.
Nathanial Serella, aged 37, was detained at his residence in Micklegate, Pontefract, where police discovered lingerie following his arrest, which was prompted by the victim’s mother reporting the abuse.
The girl had confided in her mother earlier that year about two other assaults.
During the proceedings at Leeds Crown Court, it was revealed that Serella would sexually assault the girl after providing her with cannabis, and he often used violence if she refused his advances.
Prosecutor Clare Walsh explained that Serella had previously admitted guilt to eight counts of rape and had expressed these pleas in magistrates' court.
She described how he would hit the girl in the face, and he supposedly took pleasure in her crying, despite knowing she disliked his actions.
The charges covered several incidents, as the court was told.
Ms.
Walsh recounted a specific incident where the girl refused to go with Serella; he then allegedly grabbed her by the neck and threatened to take her forcibly if she refused.
She also added that Serella handed her a cannabis joint and briefly placed his hand around her throat not tightly enough to block her breathing.
The girl told police that after one of the assaults, she acquiesced to his demands because he was physically bigger and stronger.
She also spoke about previous acts he had committed against her, expressing that he enjoyed her crying.
Serella was arrested in March at his home.
Police found sex toys, lingerie, and vouchers for sexual acts involving the victim during a search of his property.
He chose to remain silent during questioning.
The girl, in a statement, described how the abuse had become a routine part of her life and expressed uncertainty about how to react now that it has ceased.
During mitigation, solicitor James Littlehales acknowledged that a long prison sentence was inevitable and that rehabilitation efforts would be necessary.
He also mentioned that Serella had found his time in custody unpleasant and expected it to continue.
Judge Clark sentenced Serella to 18 years in prison, ordered an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, and mandated he register as a sex offender for life.
The judge noted that Serella showed limited understanding of the impact his actions had on the victim and indicated an attraction to younger women.
Serella will serve approximately 12 years before being eligible for parole.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Kimberley Casey from Wakefield’s Child Safeguarding Unit expressed satisfaction with the punishment.
She highlighted that Serella subjected the victim to a prolonged and horrifying ordeal and praised her bravery in reporting the abuse.
She encouraged anyone with information about child sexual abuse to come forward.
