A PAEDOPHILE has been jailed to 16 years in prison for raping a girl under the age of 13.

John Searle of Bay Road, Bracknell, was found guilty of one count of rape of a girl under 13, and two counts of sexual assault of a girl under 13.

Police said the 48-year-old sexually abused the victims over a two year period and were non-recent.

He will be made to sign the sex offenders register for life and made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

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Case investigator Carole Sessions of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: “I am satisfied that Searle will no longer pose a threat to others.

“I would like to pay tribute to the victim for coming forward and speaking out against her abuser and giving evidence that led to his conviction.

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“I hope that this case shows that time should be no barrier for offenders to be brought to justice when they sexually abuse others.

“If you have been a victim of sexual abuse please do report it. If you are in immediate danger please call 999, if you wish to make a report then you can call 101 or you can report online.

“There is further information and advice about sexual abuse on our website.”

He was convicted at Reading Crown Court on November 19 and sentenced the same day.