Locations
West Haddon, Northamptonshire, NN6
Description
A 36-year-old man has been jailed for more than 18 years after he pleaded guilty to multiple child sex offences.
Joseph Hewitt, previously of West Haddon, appeared at Northampton Crown Court last month (June 26) where he admitted to two counts of raping a girl under 13, one count of raping a girl aged 13-15, and three counts of engaging in penetrative sex with a girl aged 13-15.
The offences were committed against a girl and took place over a period of six years when she was aged 10-16.
Following a report made, Hewitt was arrested and subsequently charged, and after admitting the offences at court, he was sentenced to 18 years and six months in prison.
Lead investigator - Detective Constable Kirstie Brooks, said:
"Joseph Hewitt subjected this young girl to serious sexual abuse over a number of years, causing harm that no child should ever have to endure.
“I welcome the significant custodial sentence handed down by the court, which reflects the severity of his offending and ensures he will spend a considerable period of time behind bars.
“I would also like to thank the survivor in this case for her bravery in coming forward and supporting the investigation. Reporting offences of this nature can be incredibly difficult, and her courage has been instrumental in bringing Hewitt to justice. I’d also like to thank retired officer Sharon Jephcott for her help in investigating this case.
“Northamptonshire Police is committed to protecting children and pursuing those who seek to exploit or abuse them. We will continue to work tirelessly to investigate reports of child sexual abuse and hold offenders accountable for their actions.”