Child rapist faces long jail term

A 19-year-old Luton man who raped a 13-year-old girl has been warned to expect a substantial custodial sentence.

Gavin McKendrick, of Ella Court, was convicted by a jury at Luton Crown Court of raping the girl, who was a virgin, after supplying her and her friend with cannabis.

The girl also claimed she was given an ecstasy tablet and did not remember being taken into McKendick's bedroom.

When she became aware she was semi-naked and he was having sex with her, said Charlotte O'Connor, prosecuting.

When he was arrested police found cannabis worth between £1,500 and £3,000 at his home and eight ecstasy tablets.

Supplied cannabis

Miss O'Connor said the girl came to know McKendrick when he supplied cannabis to friends.

He persuaded her and her friend to go to his flat and offered them a joint while he smoked cannabis.

In court McKendrick told the jury the girl had consented to sex.

Judge Ronald Moss adjourned sentence for reports to be prepared but warned McKendrick he inevitably faced a substantial custodial sentence.

McKendrick was convicted of rape, supplying two girls with cannabis and possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

He admitted to supplying cannabis to two men and possessing 1,211 grams of cannabis resin with intent to supply.

He also admitted possessing eight ecstasy tablets.