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12 Jan 07 14:14 |
A Cornish man who raped a three-year-old girl could spend the rest of his life behind bars.
James Dean, 20, of Torpoint, was found guilty of the rape of the three-year- old, and three sex charges relating to two girls aged seven and nine.
The trial at Plymouth Crown Court heard video evidence from the youngest victim, now aged five.
She was one of the youngest children yet to give evidence in a UK court and her family praised her courage.
Dean attacked the girls when their babysitter was out, the court heard.
During the trial the jury saw filmed interviews made by the three girls, who were all cross-examined by video link.
The youngest victim was so small she needed extra cushions to reach the height of the camera set up in a child welfare office near the court.
The girl's father said: "We are over the moon with the verdicts. He can rot in hell as far as we are concerned.
"I hope he is never released.
"I could not bear to stay in court when my little girl was giving evidence. It was too horrible to see her put through it all again."
Dean was found guilty of two counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, one count of raping a child under 13 and one count of sexual assault on a child under 13.
Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, ruled that Dean cannot apply for parole until he has served four years two months, although he could spend the rest of his life in jail because the judge imposed an indefinite sentence.
He said: "This was a very serious offence and I consider you to be an extremely dangerous young man.
"The sentence I impose means you will go to prison for an indefinite period which could be for the whole of your life.
"It will be until the Home Office considers you safe to be released."
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