David Niblett, 42, has been jailed for 15 years after raping a girl under 13 and fleeing to Spain for a decade. The offences occurred between January 2014 and December 2015, according to Sussex Police.
Offences came to light after victim confided in relative
The abuse came to light after the girl, who was between the ages of six and eight at the time, confided in a relative who then contacted Sussex Police. Niblett became aware that an allegation had been made and fled to Spain in December 2015.
He was arrested on December 30, 2015, after an Interpol Red Notice was issued. He was subsequently extradited back to the United Kingdom following a joint operation involving Interpol, the National Crime Agency, and the Spanish authorities.
Court appearance and sentencing
Niblett, of Uxbridge Road, Uxbridge, appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court on June 15, where he pleaded guilty to two counts of rape of a girl under the age of 13. He has been sentenced to 15 years in prison with an additional year on licence.
He will also be subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order. The girl's family are being supported by specially trained officers, police said.
Police comment on the case
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.”
