University student jailed for raping child

David Thorne, 22, admitted committing eight sexual offences against the girl

A university student has been jailed for 14 years after admitting repeatedly raping a child.

David Thorne, 22, pleaded guilty to eight sexual offences, including five rape charges involving a child aged under 13.

Lincoln Crown Court heard that Thorne, who is studying policing, travelled to Grantham in Lincolnshire to meet the girl.

Thorne had claimed the girl told him she was 17, but his evidence was dismissed by the court at a Newton Hearing – which seeks to determine the truth when two sides give conflicting evidence.

Giving evidence, the girl insisted she told Thorne her real age and said it was Thorne who claimed to be 17.

All the offences took place over three days in December 2023.

The court was told Thorne, an Army cadet leader, wore his uniform during one of his visits to see the girl.

Passing sentence, Judge Simon Hirst said he had "no hesitation" in accepting the victim's account of events.

In a victim impact statement read out in court, the girl said: "The crime made me angry and upset.

"I feel very sad, especially when I'm on my own."

Thorne, of New Crescent in Cherry Willingham, was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will have to serve an extended period of 12 months on licence when he is released from custody.

A restraining order will also prevent Thorne having further contact with his victim.

Thorne was jailed at Lincoln Crown Court

Det Con Victoria Oakes praised the girl for her bravery and courage.

"Thorne's actions are reprehensible and completely unacceptable in our society. His victim was clearly underage, and he knew that," she said.

"Instead, he chose to plead ignorance and I am glad that the judge dismissed his claims."

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