Man jailed for 'horrific' rape of teenage girl in van as she walked to school in Hampshire

A 34-year-old man has been jailed for 11 years for the "horrific" rape of a 13-year-old girl who he winked at as she walked to school before he lured her into his van and attacked her.

Denis Kadena drove past the schoolgirl in Totton, Southampton, Hampshire, when he stopped and persuaded her to get into his vehicle on September 14.

He then sexually assaulted her before tricking her into the back of his van where he raped her.

Kadena, of Yorke Street, Southsea, Hampshire, was convicted of rape and sexual assault by a jury at Southampton Crown Court and sentenced to 11 years in prison with a four-year licence extension with a lifetime sexual harm prevention order.

A Hampshire police spokeswoman said: "The sentence comes after the girl reported that whilst she was making her way back to school ... an unknown man in a white van approached her and offered her a lift - which she accepted under false pretences offered by Kadena.

"Kadena had initially passed the girl, winked at her, before turning the van around to follow her.

"Whilst in the van, Kadena sexually assaulted her before driving her to a layby.

"He then told her that he needed help with something in the back of the van, where he raped her before dropping her off near her school."

Kadena was arrested on September 20 after a police officer spotted him driving in the area and recognised him from the description given by the victim.

Detective Inspector Claire Shawley said: "This was a horrific attack on a young girl who was making her way back to school.

"Understandably, this was a traumatic ordeal for her and I would like to commend her bravery and courage in helping us bring this dangerous man to justice. I hope this sentence brings her some comfort."

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