'Manipulative' rapist controlled girl's life

Christopher Swift abused the girl and controlled aspects of her life, police said

A "controlling and manipulative sex offender" who groomed and repeatedly raped a girl has been jailed.

Christopher Swift not only abused the victim but also controlled aspects of her life - telling her what to wear to and directing her use of social media, police said.

The 36-year-old admitted four counts of raping a girl under 13, four sexual assaults and a further sexual offence.

Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday, Swift, of no fixed address, was sentenced to 17 years in prison.

Police said the case came to light when incriminating messages he had sent to his victim were discovered and passed to detectives in February of this year.

His victim was interviewed by officers and revealed a "significant history" of abuse.

At sentencing Swift was also added to the sex offenders register and was made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order which will tightly restrict his access to children once he is released.

Det Con Keeley Bringhurst said: "Swift is a controlling and manipulative sex offender who very deliberately targeted his victim over an extended period of time.

"He knew perfectly well that what he was doing was illegal and that his victim couldn't possibly consent to what happened to her.

"His behaviour was utterly inexcusable and has understandably had a profound impact on his victim and her family.

"As he begins a very lengthy jail sentence I would like to pay tribute to the girl at the centre of this case for the bravery and resilience she has shown during the legal process."