James Osborne 44

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A REMORSELESS "sexual predator" has been jailed for 16 years for raping a young child in the Bradford district.

James Osborne, 42, was convicted by a jury after a trial at Bradford Crown Court of two charges of raping a child under 13.

After the case, detectives said Osborne is "known to have travelled around the UK" and they urged anyone with any further information about him to come forward.

Osborne was sentenced today on a video link to HMP Leeds where he was remanded in custody.

Prosecutor Gerald Hendron said the child now woke up in the middle of the night screaming, and had been particularly vulnerable because of their youth.

Derek Duffy, Osbornes barrister, said his client fundamentally disagreed with the evidence given in the trial and was appealing the conviction.

He had a limited capacity because of his placement on the autism spectrum and that would make his time in prison far more difficult for him.

Judge Ahmed Nadim said the offences involved a degree of planning.

Osborne, of The Pyghtles, Daventry, Northamptonshire, had harmed the child both physically and psychologically.

Judge Nadim noted that the defendant was assisted by an intermediary during the trial in November last year because he had autism. But there was no evidence as to how that contributed to his offending.

Because he had not owned up to what he had done he was not entitled to any credit for pleading guilty.

Osborne had shown no remorse or appreciation of the damage he had inflicted on his victim, Judge Nadim said.

Following the jurys guilty verdicts, the case was adjourned for the probation service to assess the level of dangerousness posed by Osborne.

Judge Nadim told him he must serve at least half of the 16-year custodial term behind bars before the Parole Board can consider his release.

He will then serve the balance on a licence with a 12-month extension period.

A Sexual Harm Prevention Order was made without limit of time and Osborne must also sign on the sex offender register for life.

After the case, Detective Constable Julia Coates, of Bradford Safeguarding Unit, said: I would first like to praise the bravery of this young child for coming forward and disclosing Osbornes offending.

The child was put through the daunting experience of a criminal trial and has showed so much courage and dignity throughout.

I would like to welcome the sentence that has been handed down to Osborne today for his horrendous crimes.

"He is a sexual predator and his actions and behaviour towards young children is disturbing.

"He is known to have travelled around the UK and I would urge anyone who has any further information about him to contact the police.

I would also encourage anyone who may have been a victim of any sexual offence to come forward and speak to the police.

"You will be listened to and supported by specially trained officers throughout and also be referred to further help and support if needed.

"We will do all we can to secure justice for any victim.