Declan Westwell, a paedophile, has been sentenced to over 10 years in prison for raping a youngster in Basingstoke.
Declan Westwell, 29, of no permanent residence, sexually assaulted a teenage girl, whom he did not know, in the Oakridge neighbourhood on Wednesday, May 8 of this year.
After a rapid inquiry, Declan Westwell was apprehended. He was then charged with the rape of a 13-year-old girl and placed in jail.
He refuted the allegation but was convicted after a trial at Winchester Crown Court last month.
Declan Westwell was sentenced to ten and a half years in prison at Winchester Crown Court today (20 December).
DC Thomas Bailey, from the Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “Declan Westwell used a false name and persona in order to coerce the girl – whom he had just met in a passing encounter. Despite knowing her age, he raped her, then warned her not to tell anyone what he had done.
“She later made a report to the police, and Declan Westwell was taken into custody. He denied the offence, but was ultimately found guilty by a jury, who were unanimous in their decision.
“The sentence passed today includes an extended licence period of four years, recognising the danger which Declan Westwell poses to the public. Once released, he will be on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
“I hope this sentence will reassure other victims that they will be listened to when reporting rape or serious sexual offences.
“If anything of this nature has happened to you, please come forward and speak to us. We take allegations of this nature extremely seriously and work hard to bring offenders to justice.”
Anyone who has any concerns about child abuse should contact us on 101, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
We recognise that not everyone has the confidence to speak to police, but there is support services available that can help you if you are a victim of abuse.
Anyone who has experienced abuse in childhood, or is concerned about a child, can contact the NSPCC helpline, confidentially, on 0808 800 5000. Alternatively, you can email help@nspcc.org.uk. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111.
As a survivor of sexual abuse, you’re entitled to support, whether you report the crime or not. You can access different types of support depending on how you’re feeling and what you decide to do next.
Read more here: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/rape-sexual-assault-support/
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.