David Niblett, 42, has been jailed for 15 years for raping a girl under the age of 13 before fleeing to Spain. The offences occurred between January 2014 and December 2015, when the victim was aged between six and eight.
The girl, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was supported by specially trained officers throughout the investigation. The offences were reported to Sussex Police after the victim confided in a family member, who then contacted police.
Flight and Arrest
Niblett fled to Spain after becoming aware the allegations had been reported to police in 2015. He was arrested in Spain on December 30, 2025, after an Interpol Red Notice was circulated, and was later extradited to the UK. The arrest and extradition involved joint working between Interpol, the National Crime Agency's extradition team, and Spanish authorities.
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.
Sentence and Court Orders
Niblett was sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday to a total of 15 years in prison, followed by an additional 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.
