Description
A paedophile who systematically abused and raped his young victim over a period of three years has been jailed for 19 years.
Muhammed Irfan, 35, from Sparkhill, in Birmingham, was convicted of raping a child under the age of 13 after a five-day trial.
He was found guilty at Birmingham Crown Court on August 9 after his brave victim spoke to police.
Irfan had threatened the schoolgirl’s family and told them to make sure she didn’t speak about the abuse.
The jury was read a statement from the victim who talked about how the abuse had affected her childhood.
She said: “Throughout my childhood and in school, I was what I would describe as a naughty child.
“I would fight boys, be disruptive, answer teachers back and just not go to lessons. It is only now I am old enough to realise why I was like this.”
She added “I am so glad other people have believed what happened to me and the regular abuse I suffered. Although I am happy knowing he is going to prison, I still don’t know if I will ever be able to move on from what has happened to me.”
Detective Constable Tom Parkes, from the Public Protection Unit, said: “This young girl should have been enjoying her school years and preparing for adulthood. The abuse she suffered has clearly had a long-term traumatic effect and I hope this sentence helps to put her on the road to recovery.
“We work with specialist agencies who can offer support from the moment a crime is reported, through the investigation and trial process, and beyond. I commend her bravery in speaking out and wish her well for the future.”
Irfan was told he would serve 19 years with an extended licence period of one year when he was sentenced on September 18.
He will not be eligible to apply for parole for at least ten years and will remain on the Sex Offender Register for life.