A SWINDON man has been sentenced to ten years in prison for raping a child at least 10 times.

John Liddiard, now 22, of Buttermere in Liden, was aged between 13 and 15 when the offences were committed between January 2007 and August 2009.

His victim in this case, a young girl who cannot be named for legal reasons, was between six and eight years old at the time.

In 2010, Liddiard was convicted of sexually assaulting two other girls of a similar age.

The trial started at Swindon Crown Court on Monday and the jury of seven women and five men retired to consider their decision yesterday afternoon.

They returned shortly before lunch today with a unanimous guilty verdict.

As Liddiard sat expressionless in the dock as the verdict was read out, there were celebratory outbursts from some of those in the public gallery.

Crown prosecutor Tessa Hingston read to the court from a statement given by the victim in which she recounted how the ordeal had led to her developing anxiety, having flashbacks, and ultimately self-harming to such an extent that she ended up in hospital.

Earlier this week, the court heard how giving evidence against Liddiard had felt like a weight being lifted from the victim’s shoulders.

Sentencing Liddiard, the judge in the case, Recorder Michael Vere-Hodge QC, said: “You, and others who hear or read about this case, must understand that rape is a very serious offence, it is about as serious as it gets in the criminal calendar.

“The reason for that is not only is it serious in its own nature, but the effect it has on the victim can be long lasting and severe.

“You and others must understand that rape has real effects on people way beyond the physical indignity of what you do to them."

Earlier this week, Liddiard attempted to deny having committed the assaults he was convicted for in 2010, saying he only pleaded guilty to take the easy way out.

On that issue, the judge said he had formed the view that “you are prepared to say whatever it takes to get out of the situation you are in,” before adding “I find you a thoroughly dishonest witness.”

Following the verdict, DC Rob Barratt, from Wiltshire Police, said: “The jury have had to listen to all the evidence and think about a lot of things which is reflected in how long it took them to deliberate.

“I am relieved that they have come to the decision they have – I know the victim and her family are very grateful.

“This isn’t just justice for the victim in this case, but also for the two victims of the offences in 2010.

“For those convictions to be brought back up and disputed, and for those victims to have to hear that, was an ordeal in itself.”

Liddiard will serve half of his 10-year sentence in prison before serving the rest on licence.

He will remain on the sex offenders’ register for the rest of his life.

An NSPCC spokesperson for the South West said: “Liddiard is a sexual predator who preyed on a vulnerable girl for his own sexual gratification. He had no regard for the effect his acts would have on his young victim.

“The law clearly states that the age of consent in the UK is 16 years old. Laws are there to protect children and combat potential abuse and exploitation."

“We would urge any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person to call our helpline for free, 24/7, on 0808 800 5000. Meanwhile, children can call ChildLine on 0800 1111.”