A student of the university has been sentenced to 14 years in jail after he confessed to raping a child on numerous occasions.David Thorne, 22, has admitted to eight sexual offences, of which five are rape charges carrying out against a child under the age of 13.Lincoln Crown Court was told that Thorne, a student of policing, had travelled to Grantham in Lincolnshire to meet the girl.The girl had told Thorne she was 17, but this was rejected by the court during a Newton Hearing -used to establish the truth when there is conflicting evidence given by both sides.
Under cross-examination, the girl said she had insisted to Thorne that she was giving her real age and that Thorne had said she was 17.The entire offences were committed within a period of three days in December 2023.The court heard that Thorne, who was an Army cadet leader, had his uniform on when he came to visit the girl on one of their meetings.Sentencing, Judge Simon Hirst said he did not hesitate to believe the victim's version of what happened.The girl said in a victim impact statement read in court: "I was angry and upset because of the crime.This makes me very sad, most of all when I am alone.Thorne, of New Crescent, Cherry Willingham, was also made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be forced to spend an extra 12 months on licence once he leaves prison.Restraining order will also ensure Thorne does not have any future contact with his victim.
Det Con Victoria Oakes applauded the girl in her bravery and courage.What Thorne has done is despicable and is not at all acceptable in our society. She said, his victim was obviously underage, and he was aware of that.He opted to plead ignorant instead and I am happy the judge disregarded his arguments.