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A MAN who groomed and raped an underage girl is beginning a 16-year prison sentence.
The behaviour of Darren Brearton, 43, who was convicted of rape and two counts of sexual assault by a jury after a trial, was said to have caused severe psychological damage to his Bradford victim.
In the years since the rape, she has suffered panic attacks and has had to take medication for depression and anxiety.
She also became withdrawn and isolated.
In a victim personal statement read to the court on her behalf by barrister Philip Standfast, she said: “You took something from me that I will never get back.”
Mum speaks out
Speaking after the judge's sentence, the victim's mother told the T&A: “We are still in shock, but at the same time we’re so relieved with the sentence after everything our daughter and our family have been through.
“It feels like some justice has finally been done.”
'Good character has well and truly gone'
Mr Standfast said there was evidence of severe psychological harm as well as clear grooming behaviour.
He described Brearton, of Senna Lane, Comberbach, Northwich in Cheshire, as an offender “of particular concern”.
Mitigating, Kevin Batch said Brearton did not accept the finding of the jury and contended his innocence.
He told the court: “Darren Brearton is a man of previous good character. That good character has well and truly gone.”
He said Brearton’s was not a case where dangerousness was applicable and that the necessary criteria for such a finding were not present.
Crimes have had 'significant' impact
Sentencing Brearton, Her Honour Judge Kirstie Watson said he had groomed his victim over a period of two years before his behaviour escalated and he sexually assaulted and then raped her.
She said: “The impact of your crimes has been significant on her.
“That small, scared child kept what you had done to her to herself.
“Your offending, and the rape in particular, has caused her to suffer severe psychological harm.”
Brearton jailed
She sentenced Brearton, who appeared via video link from HMP Leeds, to 16 years’ imprisonment plus a further 12 months on licence.
For the two sexual assaults he received four years on each count, to run concurrently.
Judge Watson also imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which will last until further order.