A man has today been jailed for more than 10 years after he raped a child in Basingstoke.

Declan Westwell, 29, of no fixed abode, raped the teenage girl – who was not known to him – in the Oakridge area on Wednesday 8 May this year.

Following a fast-paced investigation, Westwell was identified and arrested. He was subsequently charged with raping a girl aged 13, and remanded in custody.

He denied the offence but was found guilty following a trial at Winchester Crown Court last month.

Westwell was jailed for a total of ten and a half years 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 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 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/