Pervert who raped a four-year-old girl was today starting a 20 year sentence

A pervert who raped a four-year-old girl was today starting a 20 year sentence.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that Andrew Rampling repeatedly sexually abused the little girl before she confided in her mum what had been happening.

Jailing him for 17 years with a three year extended licence Judge Brian Cummings, QC said that him telling his innocent victim to keep it their secret and making her feel guilty was:

Shaven-haired 36-year-old Rampling, who was convicted after a trial at Liverpool Crown Court, still maintains his innocence and he sat in the dock repeatedly shaking his head, with his arms defiantly folded and his tongue poking out.

The jury heard that DNA evidence of his oral rape attack was found on the child’s Disney ‘Frozen’ top and when his phone was later seized and analysed it was found to have adult pornographic videos, which he had deleted, and he had made three internet searches for child pornography just nine days before the rape.

Judge Menary said:

Rampling, of Bolton Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield, will have to serve two thirds of the 17 year term before he can apply for parole. He was ordered to sign on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

He had been convicted of rape and three offences of sexual assault which the judge described as “perilously close to vaginal rape.”

The judge said that the victim, who now shows signs of insecurity and has nightmares, blames herself and her life has been damaged forever. During the trial Rampling described her and her mother as ‘liars’, which was an attempt “to save your own skin,” said Judge Menary.

Andrew Ford, prosecuting, told the court that the offences came to light after the child, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, told her mum that she had seen “cheeky ladies” on his phone.

When questioned further she revealed what had been happening to her and said he had told her it was their secret and if she told anyone he would go to prison and “eat maggots.”

The police were notified but Rampling, suspecting that his behaviour had come to light, vanished for 48 hours before being arrested.

The court heard that he has previous convictions but nothing similar.

Paul Becker, defending, said that Rampling still denies the offences.