Child rapist jailed for 17 years

Mark Whitehead, 29, of Hucknall Lane, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of rape of a child under thirteen. Credit: Nottinghamshire Police

A Nottingham man who admitted raping and sexually assaulting a young girl has been jailed for 17 years.

Mark Whitehead, 29, of Hucknall Lane, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of rape of a child under thirteen, sexual assault, and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under thirteen.

He was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court following his guilty plea at an earlier hearing in April.

In addition to the 16 years he will spend in custody he will spend a further year on licence following his release

Whitehead was arrested in August 2015 after a relative of the victim went to police and said the victim had confided in her about the incidents.

Investigating Officer DC Debbie Wattley said:

"Mark Whitehead manipulated and betrayed the trust of his young victim in the cruelest and vilest way possible.

"Initially, Whitehead denied the offences, until he was faced with irrefutable evidence which we presented to the court.

"A sentence of 17 years cannot begin to truly help repair the damage his actions will have done to the lives of the victim or her family.

"I’d like to pay tribute to the remarkable courage and bravery that his victim has shown throughout the course of the investigation."