Child rapist jailed thanks to 12-year-old girl's 'incredible bravery'

A child rapist who plied a 12-year-old girl with drugs and alcohol in a ‘horrific’ sex attack has been jailed.

Adam Batley raped the vulnerable girl while she was semi-conscious after she’d gone missing from her home.

Batley, who was 28 at the time, was found in the company of the girl and was arrested while an investigation was launched.

Police said the ‘incredibly brave’ girl made initial disclosures about her abuse to social workers, and was promptly reported to a dedicated child sexual exploitation team in Barnsley.

She then courageously told officers how Batley plied her with drugs and raped her while she was semi-conscious and under the influence of alcohol.

Batley was re-arrested and interviewed, but answered ‘no comment’ before denying rape, subjecting the girl to a court trial.

The 30-year-old, from Barnsley, was found guilty of one count of rape of a girl under the age of 13 on July 31, following a seven day trial at Sheffield Crown Court.

He appeared at the same court on Wednesday (August 19) and was handed a nine year sentence and an indefinite Restraining Order.

Detective Constable Alessio Godhard, from South Yorkshire Police, said: "No words can explain just how brave the girl was during this whole process, from her initial disclosure, through to the sentencing at court.

"Batley preyed on her vulnerabilities and used this to gain personal satisfaction.

"The girl in this case will continue to be supported by the BSAFE team and colleagues from social care.

"We take any report of sexual abuse seriously - you will be believed and listened to. Please report it to us so we can investigate and get these dangerous offenders behind bars."