Wisbech 'monster' jailed for 20 years after being found guilty of 12 counts of rape of a child
A Wisbech man who raped a child 12 times has been jailed for 20 years.
Christopher Rudd, aged 34, of Fenland Road, Wisbech was sentenced at King's Lynn Crown Court on Monday (17 November) following a week-long trial in August where a jury found him guilty of 12 counts of raping a child, 2 counts of assault (ABH) and one of causing fear of violence.
The court heard how the offences came to light in January when the girl told her family what had been happening.
At the sentencing hearing Rudd was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment and a further four years on licence. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and indefinite retraining order.
As Recorder Rouse KC handed down the sentence in court he described Rudd as a "manipulative predator void of empathy" whose offending was "exceptional in its gravity".
In a statement read in court the victim said; "I have been hurting everyday, for as long as I can remember, and there's no way to stop the hurting, or to feel anything else.
"(Rudd) abused me in so many ways. No amount of healing will ever change that, and I'll never get my childhood back even if I tried.
"Despite all this, despite everything I've gone through and endured, I am in a better place now.
"I finally don't have to live in fear, and I finally have the freedom to truly be myself and figure out who I really am behind all the trauma. I'm finally free, and I have my whole future ahead of me".
In her statement the victim's mother referred to Rudd as a 'monster' and said "Since finding out what happened, I have asked myself over and over how to help my daughter recover from something no child should ever endure.
"I am doing everything I can to help my daughter heal. But healing is a long road - and I know I will be walking it with her for years to come".
Following sentencing Detective Constable Stuart Sansbury praised the victim for her bravery. He said: "From the outset of this investigation, the victim has demonstrated steadfast courage and it is testament to her that justice has been served.
"She has experienced a terrible amount of trauma and I truly hope today's result helps her begin a new chapter in her life, where she can be safe and thrive.
"I also hope that today’s sentence sends a clear message to others who harm, or seek to harm children and vulnerable people.
"Norfolk Constabulary takes reports of abuse extremely seriously and if this has happened to you or someone you know, then please come forward and report it to us, no matter when it happened. You will be given help and support by our dedicated teams."
To report a sexual offence, call 999 in an emergency. 101 is the non-emergency police number to report a crime or you can access help and support services at https://www.norfolk.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/rape-sexual-assault-support/.