John Angeli, 60, was found unanimously guilty of 12 offences, including rape, assault by penetration, and sexual assault of a child under 13, at a trial at Luton Crown Court in December.
Furthermore, he pleaded guilty to four charges of rape, voyeurism, and possession of indecent pictures of a minor.
For several months, John Angeli had manipulated the girl in a Bedfordshire town by providing her with money, confections, and beverages to persuade her that they were in a relationship. He subsequently raped and sexually attacked her, recording some of the violence.
In court, Judge Allison Hunter told him: “You set about grooming her from the outset so that she believed she was having a loving relationship that you persuaded her was completely appropriate for her age.”
On Friday (January 3), John Angeli, of Steeplestone Close, London, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 14 years. He will be placed on licence for life and will be subject of an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and restraining order.
Detective Constable Bryony Ballin, from Bedfordshire Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People team, said: “Child sexual abuse is a most horrendous experience; it not only ruins a child’s young years but stays with them through into adulthood.
“We work hard to tackle all forms of abuse against children and would urge anyone who has concerns that a child is being sexually abused, or has been a victim themselves, no matter how long ago, to come forward.
“It’s never too late to report a crime. When you are ready, we are here.”
Reports of sexual assault, even if non-recent, can be made to the police online or by calling 101. Visit the When You Are Ready website to find out more, including a list of organisations that can help.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.