David Niblett, 42, has been jailed for 15 years for raping a girl under 13 and fleeing to Spain to avoid justice. The offences were committed between January 2014 and December 2015 when the victim was between six and eight years old, Sussex police said in a statement.
Victim's bravery leads to conviction
The girl, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, later confided to a family member about her abuse, who subsequently made the report to police. Niblett fled to Spain after becoming aware that the allegations had been brought to police attention in 2015. He evaded justice until he was arrested following the circulation of an Interpol Red Notice on 30 December 2025, and was subsequently extradited back to the UK.
The arrests and extradition involved joint working between Interpol, the National Crime Agency’s extradition team and Spanish Authorities.
Sentencing and court proceedings
Niblett, of Uxbridge Road, Uxbridge, appeared at Portsmouth Court on 15 June 2026 where he pled guilty to two counts of rape of a girl under the age of 13. At Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday, 14 August, Niblett was sentenced to a total of 15 years’ imprisonment and an extra year on licence. He was also made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
DC Jacob Parkin from the Public Protection Team in West Sussex said: “Niblett carried out heinous crimes that breached the trust of his victim.
“She showed tremendous bravery and courage throughout the investigation.
“We take all reports of rape and sexual assault seriously and encourage victims to report their experience to police.
“We were determined to get justice for the victim and ensure Niblett was held accountable for his actions.”
The girl has been supported by specially trained officers throughout the ordeal.
