Man raped girl in three-year period of abuse

Daniel Carter was also given a 20-year restraining order against three witnesses

A "depraved and gutless" man has been jailed for raping a girl during a three-year period of abuse, police have said.

Daniel Carter began his sexual offences against the victim in 2019 when she was aged nine, Cheshire Police said.

He was arrested after the victim revealed the abuse but Carter "refused to admit his guilt", Det Con Steph Darbyshire said.

The 28-year-old, from Macclesfield, was jailed for 13 years after he was convicted at Chester Crown Court of 10 counts of child sex offences, including rape of a child under 13, exposure and sexual assault.

'Horrific offences'

Det Con Darbyshire said the victim and her family had shown "courage and bravery" during the investigation.

"Carter is a depraved and gutless individual who subjected his victim to a prolonged period of sexual abuse," she said.

"Even when faced with all the evidence against him, he refused to admit his guilt."

She said his actions meant the victim's family had to "sit through a trial and listen to the horrific offences that he committed".

She added: "Thankfully, as a result of the statements provided by the victim and the evidence we gathered, the jury have seen through his lies and he is now being held accountable for his actions."

Carter was also given a 20-year sexual harm prevention order, a 20-year restraining order against three witnesses and he will be added to the sex offenders register.