Man who raped girl, 13, at seaside hotel jailed
Matthew Tallentire was jailed for nine years
- Published
A man who raped a 13-year-old girl in a hotel after befriending her on a beach has been jailed.
Matthew Tallentire attacked the girl after she visited Blackpool in the summer of 2020, Lancashire Police said.
The 32-year-old was convicted of two offences of rape and one of attempted rape following a trial at Preston Crown Court.
Appearing for sentencing at the same court on Friday, Tallentire, formerly of Blackpool but now of no fixed address, was jailed for nine years.
Police said the girl had travelled to Blackpool with two adults, and Tallentire had befriended them on the resort's beach.
They all socialised together and went back to a hotel room where Tallentire attacked the girl.
Det Sgt Brittany Shaw, of Lancashire Police, said: “The girl showed incredible bravery in reporting to us what had happened to her.
“She showed bravery again when giving evidence at the trial.
“I welcome the lengthy sentence handed down by the judge."
Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, external, X, external and Instagram, external. You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk, external