Victim's courage sees rapist jailed for 16 years

A child rape victim has been praised by police for her courage after the perpetrator was jailed for 16 years.

For three years, Paul Dowsing, of Creswell Road, in Clowne, Derbyshire, raped the girl when she was a teenager.

Following a trial at Sheffield Crown Court in January, 61-year-old Dowsing was found guilty of six counts of rape, and was jailed at the same court on Friday.

After sentencing, South Yorkshire Police said Dowsing's victim showed "extraordinary courage" by helping to bring him to justice.

Investigating officer Simone Stacey, from the Rotherham Protecting Vulnerable People Team, said: "While I understand the sentencing does not erase the abuse the victim has suffered, I hope it brings some closure to this chapter of her life and enables her to move on.

"Coming forward to report such a traumatic crime takes immense strength, and throughout the entire investigation she has displayed resilience that commands deep respect.

"Her determination to speak the truth after such a prolonged period of abuse has been vital."

Dowsing was found guilty on 16 January following a five-day trial.

On his release, he will be subject to an indefinite restraining order, a 20-year sexual harm prevention order and will be on the sex offenders register for life.

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